Dear George,

The note from Greg Webb helps to focus on a serious issue facing America: what is the role of religion in a secular state?

LTG Boykin's problems did not start just recently, and the Bush Administration should have known full well his penchant for preaching in uniform and catering to the judgemental right. He'd already been warned about advertising in conservative churches of "guided tours" at Fort Bragg.

What seems to be happening in the Bush Administration is the coming into positions of power religious conservatives who see no harm in bringing their personal religious beliefs directly into the making of public policy. If Mr. Webb's assertions are to be believed, it is only we "liberals" who see something wrong with this.

If, then, it is "liberal" to be concerned with the mixing of church and state, I can assure Mr. Webb that there are very many liberals in the military. Soldiers swear an oath to the Constitution, not to a particular religious interpretation of that basic document.

Public service, including the military, is most effective when the best people are motivated to serve. That motivation may often be informed by religious teaching. In fact, much of this country's strength comes from its recognition that personal religious inspiration can lead to genuine leadership.

The important distinction, however, is that we may serve because of religious belief, but should not serve to further a particular dogma.

Our founding fathers understood this, but that insight has been lost on today's Republican Party.

Al Weed (electronic mail, October 26, 2003)