To the editor:

At a recent meeting of the Franklin County American Legion, much frustration was expressed concerning recent events throughout the world. This letter is written to convey some of those thoughts to those who are not members of the American Legion.

The Preamble to the Constitution of the American Legion begins, “For God and Country we associate ourselves together.” It appears many Americans have forgotten about God. Under pressure from left-wing progressives, who preach tolerance but have little themselves, we have become afraid to express our belief in God, or a higher power. The FBI and Homeland Security recently issued a warning to veterans to be cautious when posting on social media, for fear that ISIS/ISIL operatives may target them based on their status as veterans of the armed forces.

Our public schools live in fear, expending huge amounts of taxpayers’ dollars and extraordinary efforts to secure our schools, opening our schools to law enforcement in an effort to protect our children. In light of the violent incidents of late, it seems reasonable. Perhaps, if we hadn’t closed the school doors to God, much of this could have been avoided. How many parochial schools run by religious groups have experienced these atrocities?

How did we get to a place where people with religious beliefs are fearful? We arrived here because “the silent majority” has been too complacent. It is now time to speak up and shed the fear of being targeted by left-wing civil-liberty groups and terrorists. These are our civil liberties: the right to worship as we please. It is freedom OF religion, not freedom FROM religion.

I call on all Americans who share or belief in God to speak up, proudly and loudly. Join us in our assertion, “one nation under God.” Let God back into the public square and our public schools.

For God and Country,

Gregory B. Paye

Commander

Franklin County American Legion

Malone