RELIGION/POLITICS -POKED TO THE BRINK:

Hi, this is the wife and my proverbial bear has been poked.

I'm feeling alienated in my own country these days. It all started with September 11th. While I take issue with many aspects of this country's response to the attack, (notably the ridiculous assertion that it was perpetrated out of JEALOUSY), the one that has recently resurfaced in my consciousness with the whole pledge of allegiance thing, is the apparent illusion that this is a Christian nation.

I was under the impression that among this great nation's core values is freedom from religious persecution. And I'm feeling religiously persecuted - big time. I don't believe in religion. As a matter of fact, I think it's one of the most outrageous affronts to humanity, intelligence, free will and personal responsibilty. I believe that religion very often cripples a person's (or society's) ability/willingness to construct their own belief structure based on their intelligence and experience. Religion gives people a non-logical and non-rational dogma to hide behind when they can't account for an event or a situation in their lives, or if they want to control other people's choices. Religion emphasizes the importance of the after-life, to the extreme detriment of our earth and communities in the here-and-now. Religion is what gave the 9/11 hijackers the courage to commit an unbelievable atrocity.

In spite of my fervent beliefs on this subject, I try to practice respect for people's religious beliefs and would never try to impose my beliefs on them, insult them by ignoring their existence, or ridicule them (well, at least to their face). All I ask is the same respect. I realize that the vast majority of people in this country believe in God in some fashion. However, there are a lot of us that don't. Religious belief should be private, not shoved down the throat of every school child and printed on the very currency that we all pass around. To the god-fearing majority, it may seem a small affront, but to those of us that fear ourselves (thank you very much), it's a daily affirmation of the fact that our beliefs do not count.

I believe in this country, and I believe in upholding the constitution. And the constitution has a provision for the separation of church and state. That is as it should be. If there is a legitimate argument for maintaining the status quo, I have yet to hear it. The only opposing viewpoints I have heard thus far to the court's ruling have been ultra-emotional, lazy, or just plain illogical. "That's just the way it's done." and "Changing our currency would be expensive." are no reasons to continue an unfair and unconstitutional practice.

Bravo, Mr. Newdow.