Religous Freedom

Dear MRFF,

Since our founding fathers build this country on religious freedom and Christine beliefs please show me where it is against the constitution to put up a nativity scene.
You people should mind your won business. Just because you do not like something there are those of us who approve. You say you don’t want to offend anyone.
Well I am offended by your actions. Please stick you head in the sand and mind your own business.

(name withheld)

Dear (name withheld),

I’m afraid you are mistaken about America being founded on Christian principles. In a treaty with Tripoli, signed at Tripoli on November 4, 1796, President John Adams authorized and signed it, including the following article:

Article 11:
As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion,—as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquility, of Mussulmen [Muslims],—and as the said States never entered into any war or act of hostility against any Mahometan [Mohammedan] nation, it is declared by the parties that no pretext arising from religious opinions shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries.

In addition, there are no other references to God or Jesus in the entire US Constitution.

The United States was founded as a secular nation in which all religions could flourish but none dominate.

To erect and display a Nativity Scene on a Military reservation that is not on chapel grounds or does not include displays of other religious belief is unconstitutional.

I refer to Supreme Court decision: Lemon Vs. Kurzman 1971, in which the court ruled that government, including Public Education and the Armed Forces, may not promote, recommend or proselytize one religion over another or religion over non religion.
It seems you are more interested in domination than cooperation.

Rick Baker
Capt. USAF (Ret)
MRFF Volunteer.