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This Speakout has not been edited.

By J.B. Adams

From what I’ve read and heard, I believe it’s fairly common knowledge the ACLU, along with it’s allies — the American Atheists and the Freedom From Religion — have a hatred of all things religious.

I’ve read where the ACLU (with the backing of said allies) is filing actions to have all religious symbols (specifically: crosses, at least for now) removed from our national war memorials and cemeteries.

I may also be mistaken, but if I remember my history lessons correctly, there is something in the Bill of Rights (Amendment 1), which gives every citizen of this country the right to believe, or not believe, whatever the individual’s choice.

Unlike the “state” religions of other countries (Iran is a good example) where the all citizens are required to believe, on pain of sanctions (including death) by their governments, there are no such laws in the U.S. You believe, that’s your business.

You don’t believe, that’s your business. That’s how it’s supposed to be, unless the ACLU and it’s allies get their way.

Should the bullying actions of these organizations succeed and laws be passed which would ban them, all religious symbols (including, but not limited to the Christian cross, Judaism’s Star of David, Islam’s Crescent Moon, Hinduism’s various deities, Native American prayers and symbols, etc.) would have to be removed from all war memorials and the headstones of those buried in our national cemeteries, who gave their lives so the ACLU, the American Atheists and the Freedom From Religion could have the right to hate religion and those who believe differently than they do.

All you have to do is read the ACLU, the American Atheists and the Freedom From Religion press releases to understand they won’t be content until every symbol of religion is removed from the outside of every venue and building (including churches, as a member of one of these groups might walk, or drive by and be offended at having to see it) across the country, along with any religious symbols in private cemeteries, as they too, are in full view of anyone passing by; nor will you be able to display any religious symbol on your house, vehicles, or person made from any material, or tattoo.

That cross or Star of David around your neck: take it off, or hide it; as it’s offensive to the ACLU, the American Atheists and the Freedom From Religion folks. That bald eagle tattoo on your forearm: cover it up as it could be construed as a symbol of a Native American religious belief. Your wife’s, or daughter’s Islamic burka; that’s gotta go. That sign of the fish on the bumper of your car, not a chance.

If you think me crazy, or believe I’m tilting at windmills, read some of what the ACLU actually says.

Need some examples? Try these:

a. “It still doesn’t mean a damn thing. Voters should have never voted [to save the Mt. Soledad cross] . It’s a waste of taxpayer money.” - ACLU attorney James McElroy after San Diego voters passed by a 3-1 margin a ballot initiative transferring the Mt. Soledad cross to federal land to protect it from the ACLU’s legal attacks.

b. “If they [individuals who offer public invocations] continue to break the law, I want to say, the handcuffs are gonna come.” - Michael Deanhardt, ACLU of South Carolina board member

c. “Their [individuals who pray publicly] refusal to comply ... should and must result in their removal from society.” - Joe Cook, Executive Director of the ACLU of Louisiana

Where does it end?

I recognize there are people in this country who attempt to force their religious beliefs on others and it’s everyone’s right to ignore them, as I do.

By what right do the ACLU, the American Atheists and the Freedom From Religion folks justify their efforts to force their “beliefs” on the rest of us?

J.B. Adams is a resident of Arvada.

READER COMMENTS

dear J.B. Adams, hi i am glad you wrote this ...

but before you get all excited i have to explain something to you...I am an atheist through and through and i am proud of that ...but you are putting all atheist in one category and if you proclaim any Christianity in your "soul" or follow your 10 commandments you would know you shall not judge any man before yourself...

i am not like the atheist you speak of , let me explain, I hate the ACLU with a passion mainly because of nambla ( i hate pedophiles ) i am a conservative as well , as i do hate G.W. i have always leaned towards the right due to the views are more for the hard working American people like me. i don't care what race, religion, creed, color, nationality people are, this is America and we have the right to believe or not to believe whatever we want, i just choose not too .... and as i am an Atheist i do not try and push my free thinking onto others, thats kinda rude i feel ,

religion is a personal issue for people and should be kept private. my opinion with religion and state and school and things of this nature are a little different, one i am not in school so i really don't care , if people want to pray in school let them that is their right as an American.

but i do really really agree with you on the whole aclu (all criminals love us) what a bunch of pricks
and the fact that there are people of all religions pushing their faith upon others, i guess you and i will have to just ignore them or beat them with hammers what ever is easier for us i guess ,

anyway i would like to speak with you more on the issue as i love a good discussion forum with out all the strange and stupidity floating through

have a nice day sir

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