Everyone can see religion in 'In God We Trust'

It seems to me those who can't recognize the intrusion of religion into government inherent behind "In God We Trust" are either too blinded by religious bias or they're not being intellectually honest in some other way.

I doubt anyone's really dumb enough not to recognize it (Mailbox, April 18).

There may as well be a large cross on the flag and everyone knows it.

Pretending otherwise isn't fooling anyone. This isn't rocket science.

Is trusting in a god a religious concept? Obviously.

Do Georgians really all trust in a god of some sort? Maybe so, under some painfully strained religious redefinition of reality.

So putting "In God We Trust" on the flag identifies Georgians as people who trust in a god of some kind.

Those of us who do not believe in a god of some sort (much less trust in it) are clearly not quite as welcome to identify ourselves as Georgians when the state adopts such a symbol.

It's completely unnecessary, counterproductive bullying. This is fine for those who want to use the state to impose their values on others.

It's not fine for those who understand ethics and the fundamental principles the U.S. Constitution is based on.

Byron Smith
Staff, Hull Science Library

Religion has place in U.S. government

A letter in the April 18 Mailbox tried to argue "this country is supposed to be free from formal religious associations." The Constitution clearly allows for the mixing of church and state when the two can peacefully coexist.

If you say I'm wrong, you need to explain to the Senate why its 99-0 vote in favor of the words "In God we trust" in our pledge is illegitimate.

You also need to get rid of that "In God We Trust" inscription on its chamber wall.

Most importantly, you will need to explain to the 90-plus percent of Americans who believe in God that He can't be a part of their government anymore because you feel offended.

America has always been a religious nation, and, God willing, it always will be.

I believe John Adams said it best: "Our Constitution was made only for a religious and moral people. It is wholly inadequate for the government of any other."

Jess Johnson
Freshman, Snellville
Political Science

Parties, hecklers don't need attention

I have been hearing stuff about some party called Llamarama. I think it's coming up this weekend.

I'm upset because that's all my friends are talking about, and then I opened up The Red & Black to find an article celebrating heckling at University Baseball games ("Hecklers bring life to baseball games," April 17).

I think The Red & Black should set a tone of seriousness and learning on the University campus, instead of one of partying and heckling.

I want to hear about debates and rallies, not about

parties with llamas and guys who invested a couple of bucks in a megaphone.

Charles McCarthy
Senior, Decatur
Studio Art

R&B movie critic wrong about comedy

I have some questions for Ryan Sieveking about his critique of "Anger Management" ("Sandler lacks ususal appeal," April 17).

How can you possibly trash "Tommy Boy"? Are you a complete moron or do you try to come across as one in your articles?

But your writing style was really good and I'm sure The R&B will have you using your great critiquing style to, well, I don't know, maybe you could trash the '27 Yankees for the sports section.

Nathan Stuck
Junior, Miami
International Business