"As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion,—as it has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion, or tranquility, of Mussulmen [Muslims],—and as the said States never entered into any war or act of hostility against any Mahometan [Muslim] nation, it is declared by the parties that no pretext arising from religious opinions shall ever produce an interruption of the harmony existing between the two countries." Article 11 of The Treaty of Tripoli as penned by President John Adams.
"By their actions, the Founding Fathers made clear that their primary concern was religious freedom, not the advancement of a state religion. Individuals, not the government, would define religious faith and practice in the United States. Thus the Founders ensured that in no official sense would America be a Christian Republic. Ten years after the Constitutional Convention ended its work, the country assured the world that the United States was a secular state, and that its negotiations would adhere to the rule of law, not the dictates of the Christian faith." - Frank Lambert, Professor of History at Purdue University
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_of_Tripoli#Article_11
If anything, I believe that this country needs to return to some real traditional values. Respect for all people, respect for Earth Mother, and Sky Father, respect for the waters that sustain us and the trees that provide us with fresh air, respect for the animals that provide our food, and above all else, honoring our elders. The indigenous tribes of this nation took care of their own, if they didn't the tribe as a whole could not survive. As long as those values are left forgotten, this land will continue to suffer, and so will the people that call it home.
Image obtained from http://kirbysattler.sattlerartprint.com/ All rights reserved by the original artist and used with the artist's permission.
jenzie
