Ms. Ritchey

Dear MRFF,
Also, maybe Ms. Ritchey should re-read the 1st Amendment. It’s
Freedom OF Religion…not FROM which is clearly your actual agenda.
The least your group could do is stand for what you don’t believe in
and be honest/forthcoming about your intentions. I don’t see that
happening for some reason though.

One more thing; Which religion is the government or the base endorsing
by having the menorah and the nativity scene? Humor me.

Hello,

I understand that the MRFF would like to remove the nativity scene
from Travis. I say “remove” because, if truth has any bearing, the
majority of those in support of this would rather it completely taken
down.

I just have a couple of questions; Is it not enough that all of the
signs for Christmas had to be changed to “Holiday”? I suppose not.
So, now it’s on to moving a nativity scene. Does it not strike you as
odd that the same people that want this moved, or in truth taken down,
will be enjoying their time off for the very reason that they find
offense over? Personally, I find it humorous and hypocritical.

Whatever happens just remember the true reason why you are getting off
work, enjoying time with your family and friends and the great
feelings that come along with all of this. That being this; Christ.

With Warmest Christmas Wishes,

(name withheld)
A Technical Sergeant stationed at Travis AFB

Lastly I find it amsuing as well that on your website you list
“messages from supporters” and the hiliarious “hatemail from detractors”.
This says more than you people are willing to admit…

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Dear (name withheld),

Contrary to popular reports, the Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF) is not a one man organization. When you send an email to [email protected] it goes to Mikey, the Board, the Advisory Board and the volunteers. Many of us are Christians. I am an ordained minister in the Assemblies of God and on the Advisory Board. The California Council of Churches/IMPACT with over 5,500 churches support us. There are many other Christian churches that support us. We also have many active and retired soldiers from all branches of the military on our Advisory Board and as volunteers. They include –

A Lt Col (Ret) 25 year veteran of the Air Force who served as an ICBM crewmember

A former Navy Seal

A Retired brigadier general

A Naval Academy graduate with a 36 year career in the United States Air Force, he also served a three-year assignment as Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the first to hold that position.

A former Chaplain in the United States Air Force

A retired U.S. Air Force Major General, recently Deputy Director, Center for Special Operations, U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida

A retired Air Force Brigadier General – a Master Navigator

A military aviator who possesses both Senior Command Air Force wings and aircraft carrier qualified Naval Aviator wings, in addition to having been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism in combat during Operation Desert Storm.

You wrote-

“Also, maybe Ms. Ritchey should re-read the 1st Amendment. It’s
Freedom OF Religion…not FROM which is clearly your actual agenda.”

Not freedom FROM religion? Really? And where does this exception say this in the First Amendment? Freedom from religion is implicit in the amendment. As a Christian minister I am tired of other Christians trying to read into the First Amendment that which is not there in order to fit something into their agenda. If anyone knows the proper place of religion under the Constitution in the military, it is the above mentioned honorable individuals.

You obviously have no idea where we stand. MRFF has been portrayed as anti-Christian which is the furthest thing from the truth. We currently have over 26,000 clients from all branches and ranks in the military and 96% of them are Christians. They have come to us because they are being harassed, beaten and advancements withheld because they are not the “right kind” of Christian. They are subjected to the worst kind of in-your-face religious proselytizing ever imaginable.

From reading your emails you have jumped to a lot of conclusions that are not based in fact.

Here are some facts-

The first amendment in the Constitution states;

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion (establishment clause), or prohibiting the free exercise thereof (free exercise clause).”

Our military cannot favor one religion over any others (Establishment Clause) and cannot stop our soldiers from practicing whatever religion they want or if they want to practice no religion (Free Exercise Clause).

Article VI of the Constitution states;

The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no Religious Test.

No person holding any job in the US government is to be judged on their religious affiliation or lack thereof.

The Commander is responsible for ensuring that soldiers and their families have the opportunity for the free exercise of religion. He does not get to endorse one religion over another.

The Chaplain is a special staff officer to the Commander and soldiers who want religious support.

Our military is SECULAR – not exclusively Christian. Anyone – regardless of their religious affiliation or non-belief in a higher deity – is able to join and fight for our freedoms under the Constitution – not the bible.

In September, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz issued a memo to commanders that told them to avoid mixing religion with their military roles.

They must refrain from appearing to officially endorse religion generally or any particular religion,” Schwartz wrote.”

http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2011/09/air-force-schwartz-warns-commanders-on-religious-programs-091611/

https://www.militaryreligiousfreedom.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/USAFA_memo.pdf

If any other religion was putting up a display on military bases, we would be fighting against them, too. We do not want the Nativity scene or the Menorah taken down but put back it its rightful place in front of the chapel.

We are doing nothing more than supporting Chief of Staff Gen. Schwartz’s position. If you have a problem with this I suggest you take it up with him.

I’m assuming when you wrote “With Warmest Christmas Wishes” that you are a Christian. If so, I find your response that you think the hate mail we receive as hilarious – despicable! The website is not privy to all of the hate mail MRFF receives so you have no idea as to the depth of the hatred and bigotry spewed by the people of our faith. Most, if not all, of the hate mail is from CHRISTIANS WHO WANT TO KILL US! KILL OTHER CHRISTIANS!

Mikey has had people on the roof of his home, his windows shot out, swastikas painted on his house and dead animals left on his porch. Is this what Christianity stands for? Is this what you support? If you do, then shame on you.

I suggest you get on your knees and pray to God that he forgives you for your snarky remark that is dripping with your own hatred and bigotry that was written to a Godly “chosen” Jewish man and a host of Christians.

Father, forgive him for he knows not what he does.

Pastor Joan

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Dear Pastor Joan,

http://prayinjesusname.org/mikeyquotes

This is gold!

It’s all about Jesus/Christians vs Jews. This is getting more entertaining the more I read.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_L._Weinstein

This is good stuff. So, he’s a Jewish guy who go harrassed a bit and now he’s out to get his lol. Got it!

Nothing like a bitter person trying to make sure others aren’t happy. I knew there was more to this and you were saying haha.

It makes sense now!!!

http://www.jewsonfirst.org/weinstein.aspx

This would explain why it was the nativity scene that caused the issue. It also answers the questions that you didn’t address and I can see why now.

The internet is a wonderful thing for exposing people and groups for what they truly are.

“In a letter to the base, the group writes that the religious symbols send “an unmistakable message to viewers that the Air Force endorses the beliefs and tenets of two monotheistic religions” and violates the Constitution’s freedom of religion clause.”

You couldn’t be more wrong and it’s painful to see actually. They don’t endorse any religion. I know because I’m stationed here unlike yourself. Matter of fact not one person where I work sees this either. It’s probably because it’s not true….

They do however support and understand this; That the majority of people celebrate Christmas. The nativity scene is a part of that. They did make sure that all of the “Christmas” signs says “Holiday” as NOT to endorse Christianity as you’re so ignorantly voicing.

I am curious now though; Is this group going to try to get rid of Christmas as a federal holiday? It would only make sense right? For some odd reason I don’t think you’ll push for that. I wonder why???

God Bless
(name withheld)

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/12/15/BA8C1MD1KS.DTL#ixzz1gibwyY1p

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Dear (name withheld),

You, sir, have missed the whole point. Gen. Schwartz told them not to do it and the base did it anyway. This borders on insubordination.

The military is SECULAR but you don’t want to hear that. You want to run roughshod over every other religion that our soldiers practice.

Mikey may be Jewish but he has a lot of Christians backing him….and the Constitution…and Gen. Schwartz.

Your constant emails and links aren’t telling me anything I don’t already know and do not bolster your stance, but I see it gives you great joy to believe in your tiny mind that it’s ok to harass a soldier because of his religion.

Maybe you should read his book and see that it wasn’t harassment. He was beaten several times and thrown down the stairs left for dead. And this still happens to those who are not Christians on military bases today.

And, you sir, are not privy to the emails we get from soldiers. You are not aware of the inner workings on bases that are deceptively practiced. You have not a clue.

So, you go right on believing what you want and take relish in other peoples misfortune. But please don’t do it as a Christian because Jesus NEVER treated anyone the way you are.

Pastor Joan

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Dear Pastor Joan,

Negative. You are missing the point. That being this; This group would love nothing more than to not see what they simply don’t want to. That’s it really. You want your cake (time off to spend with friends and family) and to eat it too (not see what you don’t want). That is nothing more than hypocrisy as I’m sure you’re aware.

So, what did Gen Schwartz say the past years when the nativity scene and menorah was setup? You should forward me the e-mail/correspondence that he sent out. I would love to read all of it.

I’m sure that Mikey has a lot of “Christians” backing. What does that mean exactly? That he should be able to “run roughshod” over those whose beliefs he doesn’t agree with? Here’s the truth; You know and support one side of a story. You do not know what Mikey might of said or how he acted. Researching Mikey a bit online makes me think that it was most likely this; He was being a bit of an ass/obnoxious. I’ll say that regardless he shouldn’t have been beat like that. Roughed up a bit maybe though depending on the circumstance. I don’t support nor do I think that he deserved it however it happened. This doesn’t give him a green-light to start an organization to take his bitterness our on those not involved.

I also love the fact that you bring up the Constitution. I signed up and am willing to lay down my life for it. You however want to use it in any way you see fit to benefit yourself. So, please let’s not get into that.

I note that you still haven’t given the numbers assigned to Travis. This makes me curious. Do you think that the views of 100-150 people outweigh those that are stationed here?

As you for talking the base being deceptive….pot meet kettle!

I’m quite sure that Jesus wouldn’t be making a stink out of a group of people setting up a nativity scene or menorah. I’m sure you know this.

Merry Christmas

(name withheld)

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Dear (name withheld)

Oh, good grief! Get off of your high horse. What you wrote here is utter nonsense.

If you want to know the correspondence between Gen. Schwartz and Travis AFB ask them yourself.

Are you kidding me? Asking isn’t getting and you will never have the private correspondence that the soldiers at Travis AFB send to MRFF.

You are a complete idiot to think you know all about Mikey and why he started MRFF. Your “research” doesn’t tell you anywhere near the truth about him. And its ok to rough him up a bit? Are you really that callous?

And don’t go speaking for Jesus. You don’t know what He thinks about all of this. Remember “My ways are not your ways nor my thoughts your thoughts.”

Merry Christmas

Joan