LETTER Saccone does not believe in separation of church, state
Our Founding Fathers knew the dangers of imposing a state religion, and wisely stated in the very first line of the First Amendment to the Constitution, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.”
This was so important to the founders of our great nation that they vested this right in the people before the right of free speech, press, or assembly. Thus, the concept of separation of church and state in America was born.
Obviously, this is not to say that religion does not have its place in society. In fact, the second clause of the First Amendment bars Congress from making any law “prohibiting the free exercise” of religion. This clause is important because it prevents the government from interfering with religious beliefs. Combined, these two clauses allow the people to practice religion freely, but they bar religion from entering our government. This separation is necessary for the good of both government and religion, as explained by President James Madison in 1822: “Religion and government will both exist in greater purity the less they are mixed together.”
Rick Saccone, the Republican candidate in the special election in the 18th Congressional District, does not believe in the separation of church in state. In his book, “God In Our Government,” he argues that our history is not secular, and argues against the separation of church and state.
When considering the candidates in the upcoming election, be mindful of whether your next congressman will uphold his oath to preserve and protect the U.S. Constitution.
Mike Proctor
Canonsburg