OpinionJanuary 1, 2004

Oasis of ignorance

In response to a letter printed Dec. 22, submitted by Ted Movius, titled "Oasis of goodness":

I find it humorous that a letter which contains the line "for those who studied history" to be so historically clueless. While I realize that many Christians seem to think that this country was founded by them and for them, they are misguided in their ignorance and arrogance. This country was not "born based on commitment to God (of the Bible), based on biblical principles," as Mr. Movius seems to wrongly believe. It was founded on a basis of religious freedom and avoidance of persecution for people who wish to have diversified ideals. The founding fathers didn't want "God" to have anything to do with it.

Skeptical? Then read the following quotes, easily found with five minutes of research reading a history book or going online.

"The government of the United States is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion." -- George Washington

"I do not find in orthodox Christianity one redeeming feature." -- Thomas Jefferson

"It was the Universal opinion of the Century preceding the last, that Civil Government could not stand without the prop of a religious establishment; and that the Christian religion itself, would perish if not supported by the legal provision for its clergy. The experience of Virginia conspicuously corroborates the disproof of both opinions. The Civil Government, though bereft of everything like an associated hierarchy, possesses the requisite stability and performs its functions with complete success; whilst the number, the industry, and the morality of the priesthood, and the devotion of the people have been manifestly increased by the total separation of the church from the state." -- James Madison

Three of our country's most prominent founding fathers seem to disagree with your version of history, Mr. Movius. Perhaps more studying is needed.

Toby Kernan

Lewiston

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What day is that?

We really must protest the use of "Boxing Day" in the various headlines in the LMT concerning events of the 26th of December. This country has no tradition or even understanding of Boxing Day, which is a Canadian (and British) official day. It is absurd for your writers to introduce this term as shorthand for a bunch of Boiseans at the mall on the 26th.

Besides, if we were to import this Canadian holiday into the U.S., the FDA and other agencies would likely not be able to guarantee its safety.

Barb & Doug Garrott

Troy

Miracle tree

A friend asked me the other day if I had seen the holiday miracle in Washington, D.C., this year: The nation's Christmas tree, which came from Idaho, is the first tree cut from a national forest in over 30 years without an environmental lawsuit!

Lucky Brandt

Kooskia

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