Separation of church, state keeps people close to God

Editor,

In the Nov. 8 Daily Lobo, Ryan Taylor jumped from a thoughtful quote by George Washington to his own radical conclusion that divine intervention founded America. As if that were not enough, he went on to argue that Washington's quote went against the separation of church and state.

The interesting thing about a theocracy is that there must be a state religion, which automatically excludes and tramples down all independent religions and spiritual doctrines. America grew out of Christianity but continues to be built upon Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hindu, Wicca and many other faiths. A Christian government would tear down our right to freedom of religion.

"In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars (religion and morality) of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens," Taylor quoted Washington. "The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and cherish them."

Separation of church and state is not in any way opposed to this goal. It allows religions to stay pure and the government to stay in its place as a human institution.

In fact, while right-wing fundamentalists try to tear down other religions by using laws to impose their views on others, the patriotic American strives to stay true to Washington's urging to "respect and cherish" religion and morality. This means respecting the rights of other human beings to pursue life, liberty and happiness in their own ways, as long as they do not harm others by doing so. There must continue to be a separation of God and this country so that individuals can continue to be truly close to God.

Lesley Bell

UNM student