A Concerned Veteran

As a veteran, and a Christian, I am very concerned with your organizations understanding of what freedom really means. From what I have heard, and read, about your organizations activities lately, you do not stand for liberty and freedom, rather you simply want to push forward your secular philosophy.

My understand of “religious freedom”, falls in line with the Constitution…..specifically the 1st Amendment, which states “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” Your organizations activities, would deny the rights of others to worship as they choose. On the other hand, allowing others to freely exercise their Constitutionally protected rights, to worship how they choose, in no way violates your right, not too.

And the tired, old explanation, that by having a nativity scene, or using the phrase “So help me God”, does violate your rights, holds no water. First of all, just because you may find something offensive, doesn’t actually make it offensive. Secondly, if you don’t like what you are seeing, or hearing, you can simply remove yourself from the situation….it’s really that simple. If I am offended by something I see or hear on the television, I have the right to change the channel. However, once organizations such as yours, forces their will on the rest of us by having certain things that offend you banned, then we lose the right to choose.

The truth is, any and every person entering the military already has the option to decline uttering the phrase “so help me God” when they repeat their oath. So it appears that, you really could care less about “religious freedom”, you are only interested in pushing your secular agenda. I cringe at what this Country has become, especially when those of us that served it and defended freedom, no longer understand what freedom really is.

(name withheld)

Dear (name withheld),

First, I would like to thank for your service and your continued support and for the Constitution. Your concern for our organization is understandable as we are constantly misrepresented in the media. As you may know many of the media sources that report on us do not understand the Constitution or the implications made in military regulations.

Our intent with the nativity scene was not to discourage Christians from celebrating their holiday or to denigrate, insult, or degrade the religious beliefs of Christians. In fact of the 41 complaints lodged about the Nativity scene 39 of them were Christians – both enlisted and officer.

We never asked nor ordered anyone to remove entirely the nativity scene nor to prohibit the anyone from celebrating. As it stood nowhere near the chapel it was in violation because it took the appearance that the government was promoting one religion above all others. Government ground in the US Military is not an appropriate place to promote religion. We merely asked them to move the scene to the chapel where it would be Constitutionally compliant. We encourage all United States citizens and members of the military to worship however they choose in their homes, churches, or chapels.

The US Government, however, does not have the right to worship. It is not afforded the right to place Christianity above other religions. The members of the government may do so at an appointed place of worship.

Thank you for reaching out to us and have a happy holiday.

Very Respectfully,
Paul Loebe
Special Projects Manager
Military Religious Freedom Foundation
Chicago, IL

*Disclaimer: Although I am a Marine Sergeant my views do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense, U.S. Marine Corps, or any affiliated branches.*