Pushing religion unconstitutional

I can’t let this “National Day of Prayer” go by without speaking my piece.

What is the purpose of this recognition? No one is prevented from praying. I have no idea what the purpose is except to promote religion.

Congress enacted this recognition, making it a law. That flies in the face of the Constitution. Our forefathers had the foresight to understand that belief is personal and that all beliefs are to be respected in our nation. They tried to ensure with our Constitution that all religions and beliefs were accepted in our great nation.

I have no objection to religious groups gathering and collectively creating a national event to celebrate their respective religions, much like the Million Man March or the Tea Parties. I endorse such actions. I have no objection to governmental recognition of the contributions to our nation of specific groups of people.

However, I do not feel the government should be respecting the actual beliefs of a group of people, disregarding and disrespecting those who do not share that belief — especially when the U.S. Constitution explicitly forbids such actions. Our government was designed to and expected to represent all of us, not just the majority.

This governmental recognition is offensive to those who do not practice in faith and prayer to a “higher being.” When do the atheists receive their recognition with “National Godless Day?” I somehow think we will never see that happen.

Gregor Michels

Tulalip