Hmm. This piece is part one of a few more posts that will follow. A lot comes to mind.

News of this event so infuriated me I offer only an initial, visceral, soulful … SOULFUL … response to the ideas that seem to have been supported in this gathering.

America 250: One nation under God.

By the reporting, this was a largely Christian-focused event; more pointedly, it was a fundamentalist Christian event; apparently there was one rabbi from the Jewish faith; but no Hindus, and no Muslims, and no Buddhists,… Etc.

One nation under God in the manner of this event, Christian-focused, Christian supreme?

I REJECT THIS SUPPOSITION.

THIS IS A NATION OF IMMIGRANTS AND ALL FAITHS.

THIS IS A NATION THAT RESPECTS AND SHOULD NURTURE ALL FAITHS;

INCLUDING THE DECISION NOT TO HAVE ANY PARTICULAR RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION.

Sorry, the all caps is a bit Trumpy; but this central point is of great import.

And I am a Christian by the way.

The idea that anyone wants to hijack the principles that this country was founded on…

I flatly reject any exclusivism, any particular bias as to who belongs here, who should be here.

We want everyone. All faiths, colors, people.

That…THAT…is my country.

America 250.

In God We Trust.

Respect. Equality. Justice. Tolerance. Freedom. These are America’s founding principles. Under God (if you choose to believe so).