"Sit Down and be quiet"

Today I received the following e-mail from a family member. I felt my response was worth posting here.

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>> AGREE OR DELETE
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>> I whole heartedly agree AGREE OR DELETE
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>> I was asked to send this on if I agree or delete if I don't. What do you think about this?
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>> It is said that 86% of Americans believe in God. Therefore I have a very hard time understanding why there is such a >>mess about having "In God We Trust" on our money and having God in the Pledge of Allegiance. Why don't we just tell >>the 14% to Sit Down and be quiet! If you agree, pass this on, if not delete. . .
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I know I'm only supposed to respond to this if I agree--since apparently those who disagree with you are meant to "Sit Down and be quiet"--but I've always had a hard time keeping my opinions to myself.

First of all, I understand that the United States is a democracy (well, actually its a Democratic Republic, but that's neither here nor there) and as such the majority rules. But does this mean that those in the minority are supposed to "Sit Down and be quiet!" and let the majority do whatever it wants, even if they believe what the majority wants is morally/ethically wrong or not in the best interests of the country? I was under the impression that everyone in this country was allowed a voice, not just those in the supposed majority.

Second, the issue of having "In God We Trust" on our money and having "Under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance doesn't necessarily have anything to do with who believes in God. The first amendment to our Constitution reads "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances." There are those who feel that placing "In God We Trust" on our money and adding "Under God" to the pledge is far too close to establishing a state endorsed religion. Many of these people do believe in God, though on the whole they are members of minority religions who, along with atheists and agnostics, have the most to fear from a state established religion, since it would no doubt not be their religion that is endorsed. And history shows us that minority religions tend to be persecuted and/or turned into second class citizens under governments that have official state endorsed religions. But I guess that wouldn't bother you much since you want us all to "Sit Down and be quiet" anyway, right?


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Shalom!
John W. Leys