Not the American people’s values

On July 11, Pat Buchanan submitted “Alone perhaps, but is Trump right?” I disagree with Mr. Buchanan, namely his discussion of religion to government. He discusses the Polish people’s defiance of Hitler and Stalin during WWII, stating, “What enabled the Poles to endure was an unshakable belief in and a willingness to fight for who they were...with the courage and will to preserve a nation built on the truths of their ancient tribe and Catholic traditions.”

In one sentence, Mr. Buchanan equates Christianity to being the bedrock of society and the basis of progress. This notion is in violation of the First Amendment. We have to support our government with a foundation of something better than the empires of yesteryear.

In his article, Mr. Buchanan refers to Trump’s speech in Poland. Trump makes a connection between religion and government, saying, “(On) June 2, 1979, and one million Poles gathered around Victory Square for their...first mass with their Polish Pope…(they) suddenly raised their voices in a single prayer ...sang three simple words: ‘We Want God.’” Trump goes onto ask several questions: “The fundamental question of our time is whether the West has the will to survive… (values, protection, preservation of civilization).” He answered his own question through EO 13769 (the “Muslim Ban”).

Well, Buchanan and Trump, I encourage you to read the Constitution and The New Colossus. Tethering religion to government and xenophobia may be among your values, but they are not the American people’s.

This story was originally published July 13, 2017 at 10:05 PM with the headline "Not the American people’s values."