Writer needs refreshed

on U.S. Constitution

I actually thought Janney Chandler was kidding when I began to read her letter.

Realizing she was serious, I urge her to research "religions in America" and also to refresh herself on the Constitution of the United States.

On the first, we are not a Christian nation but a nation made up of many religions, Christianity being one of them.

On the second, the separation of church and state is not anti-religion, but was carefully and deliberately made into law by our founding fathers as a foundation of our great country to ensure religious freedom for all.

While listening to debates and differing opinions, I think the basic premise is being lost. The point isn't that a candidate may be a Mormon but believes in Christianity or that a candidate really isn't a Muslim but actually a Christian.

The criteria to run for any publicly elected office isn't being a Christian but being an American.

As for teaching the Bible in public schools, unless the course includes all religions and is titled "comparative religions" it has no place in our public schools.

Lastly, I appreciate Publisher David Keyes' corrections to Ms. Chandler's letter but feel his apology was not necessary because being called a Muslim should not be considered hateful, and Ms. Chandler not only has the constitutional right to present her opinion, but it opens the door for healthy debate.

Barbara Russell

Bonners Ferry