LETTER: Meaning of First Amendment's protections? Let the debate begin

I would like to respond to Mr. Neil Creighton’s letter titled “Allow Christians a role as citizens,” published on Feb. 18.

The object of my original letter was to point out that the United States of America was not founded on religion — not any religion.

The Founding Fathers did set up this country as a republic, but that does not mean we cannot have a democratic republic. I will defend, to the death, Mr. Creighton’s right to express his Christian morals and values anytime, especially when he votes.

Mr. Creighton asks me where in the Constitution does it say that government is to be protected from religion. The answer is in the First Amendment, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.” I would like to hear Mr. Creighton’s opinion of this part of the First Amendment. —Rodrik Brosten, Bigfork