October 05, 2004

One Nation, Indivisible

Article VI, Clause 3: 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 shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.Unless, that is, you call Estes Park home.

I decided to send Ms. Lori Jeffrey-Clark an e-mail about the issue:

Is religious bigotry alive and well in Colorado?

Judging by the 9news story I just read, the answer - at least in terms of you, Ms. Jeffrey-Clark - is a resounding "yes."

I am curious to know if, during the elections for Estes Park Town Trustee, anyone asked the candidates:

"Do you believe in God, and, if so, do you believe He should be honored via the Pledge of Allegiance?"

I honestly can't say I know the answer, but based on past experience I am willing to venture that the answer is "no."

So, where do you find the grounds to state:

"You know we're all elected and we're all supposed to lay it out on the table, who and what we stand for..."

Did Mr. Habecker lie about who he was and what he believed? Did he lead anyone to think he was a Bible-thumping, atheist-hating zealot? You might have assumed such (religious people often assume all the world is Christian), but I doubt Mr. Habecker ever misled anyone.

Or did he simply do the right thing by seeking to contribute to his society, by aiming to make a difference, and by desiring to ensure that all people, regardless of faith or lack of it, were properly represented?

I see you have, by your record, served your country with honor, and for that I thank you; however I find it hypocritical to lambaste another Trustee for embracing the freedom of religion that you and your fellow servicemen and -women have long protected.

Further, I find your husband's statements that Mr. Habecker has no right to serve on the board to be an insult to everything these United States and her people stand for. He should be ashamed.

In closing, I would direct you to read, if you have not, the Constitution of the United States of America, Article VI, Clause 3, regarding religious tests for public office, and then tell me how what you are suggesting differs from a test of one's religion

Have a wonderful day, and I look forward to your response.