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I was in town Monday and noted two items in The Dispatch: one was a letter that mentioned the "Welsh columnist" and the other was Richard Garcia's column.

I regard myself as religious, attend church fairly regularly and call myself a Christian although I am sure there are some who would not. I would have no problem if a Christian God was brought back into schools and government but there are many who would object vehemently and for good reason.

This country was indeed founded on Christian beliefs but only because it just so happened that the writers of the Constitution were Christians and could just as easily have been Jewish, Muslim or Welsh Druid. Pastor Garcia claims we are drifting into godlessness but I don't think we aren't any worse now than we have been throughout our history, especially when you look at the way we have treated our minorities whether the be American Indians, African Americans, Irish, Italians ... etc., etc. With present day media, the reporting of all society's ills has intensified to such a lever that it makes them look worse than they are.

I admire and respect the faith and commitment of Pastor Garcia and his followers and it is possible that, if everyone brought into these believes, the country would be a safer place to live and raise our children. But Christianity has always been a difficult sell to the masses and even with a great Christian revival in this country, where would still leave a great number of people who have their own beliefs and would choose not to be part of the main group.

What would the become of the others? Would they feel ostracized and left out and how would they be treated by the rest? The presence of "God in a society has never stopped people mistreated each other before and it usually makes the situation worse since both sides claim that their god is on their side. Look at the current situation in Northern Ireland, the Middle East and at the countless religious wars that have occurred throughout the centuries.

I abhor the rising tide of pornography, violence and associated immoral behavior as much as he does, but the First Amendment and worship of the might dollar will continue to fuel this until the ground rules are changed.

In their hearts, I am sure the perpetrators in Littleton somehow felt their actions were justified as the resented being left out of the "in crowd" because they did not conform to the "correct" image. Based on the outpouring of Christian love and sympathy there, Litteton is as God fearing a community as you would find anywhere, yet the tragedy still happened.

I do not believe that bringing a Christina God back into schools and government is going to solve anything. In all likelihood, it would make matters worse by making more people.e feel left out. The reality is that we have evolved into a multi-faceted society and need a creed that would appeal to all; however, I do not know of one that exists.

Meanwhile we should follow the religion of our own choice which should include love of country and family, respect for the law and love and respect of all our fellow human beings.

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