Charles Callahan, in his letter to the editor, rightly warns of the violence almost inherent in Islam. He then asks the question, "What other major religion murders the innocent to send a message?" The answer is: all of them. Mr. Callahan forgets about the Spanish Inquisition led by the Vatican, the Salem Witch Trials, the murders of obstetricians/gynecologists who perform reproductive health services for women by Christian groups, the Hinduism-inspired Tamil Tigers in Sri Lanka, and scores of other instances. What must be acknowledged is that any creed that elevates faith over reason, as all religions do, will inevitably lead to violence because without reason and logic there is no recourse for disagreements except force.

In reply to Matt from Butler's quote from John Hancock, I would like to add a caveat. It is not an issue whether or not the Founders were largely Christians, as most were, but whether they sought to use the force of government to support their personal religious views. The majority of the Founders did not seek any governmental involvement with religion and hence created a "godless" constitution, where the government's only role with respect to religion is to stay away from it.

I appreciate Gloria from Butler's support for my position on State Representative Daryl Metcalfe.