As a European living in the United States and working for freedom of religion and belief, I was astonished to read "European, Not Christian." Separating church and state does not equal "Christianophobia." As a result of this separation, America has a degree of religious freedom and diversity that is without parallel in human history. After centuries of religious conflict, Europe has finally embraced the surest guarantee of freedom and peace: the complete separation of religion and government.
MATT CHERRY
Executive Director
Institute for Humanist Studies
Albany, N.Y.
WHILE "European, Not Christian" worries about "secular fundamentalism" and turning away from religion in Europe, Fouad Ajami's "The Way Forward" in the same issue quotes terrorist Abu Musab Zarqawi as saying, "It is more important to safeguard our religion than to safeguard human life." In a recent radio broadcast, an atheist said that since atheists believe that life on Earth is the only one we have, it behooves us to make the world a better place. If secular fundamentalism leads in such a direction, more power to it.
JEAN J. LANG
Hudson, S.D.
Drug Ad Debate
I'd like to give you credit for writing "The Big Pill Pitch" [June 6]. In a country that prizes its free-market economy, I have no problem with drug companies advertising. But in a society whose citizens seem to believe what they hear on TV more than what they hear from other people, advertising medications cannot be a good thing. Your article said doctors are finding that their patients are self-diagnosing. While people should understand their bodies, they should consult their doctors first.
ERIC MCCLELLAND
Nashville
I am very grateful for drug ads. I had taken allergy medication for years that helped only somewhat. After seeing an ad on TV, I asked my doctor if I could try the drug, and he wrote a prescription. It's giving me much more relief. Without the advertisement, I'd still be taking the less effective drug.
KENNETH GRUBB
Bolingbrook, Ill.
Battle Plans
Donald Rumsfeld and the Pentagon are making plans for the next war and its aftermath ["When the Fighting Ends," May 30]. Do they have one in mind? They should be planning to end the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and then to find an alternative to war.
JEAN BRIGGS
Gambier, Ohio
The United States should form, train, and equip four divisions of three brigades each, specifically for peacekeeping and stability operations. With American officers and senior NCO s, the primary staffing should come from the areas of the world where these services would be needed: A Latino division recruited from Mexico, Central America, and South America. An Asian division recruited from South Asia, East Asia, and the Pacific Islands. An African division recruited from East, West, and Southern Africa. And an Islamic division recruited from Central Asia, Indonesia, and the Middle East. Each brigade would be provided with training in English and the required military occupational specialty. The soldiers would be equipped with light weapons and wheeled vehicles. Career completion should bring with it American citizenship.
BRUCE BIBEE
Rosemead, Calif.
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