Words 'God,' 'Christianity' aren't in the Constitution

Re: Reihard Launders' letter (May 1, 2008): The Constitution of the United States is a secular document in which the words God and Christianity never appear.'The only instances where religion is specifically mentioned are in the First Amendment and Article VI.'As articulated by Thomas Jefferson, the intention of the 1st Amendment is to erect a 'wall of separation between church and state.”Article VI, stipulates that there shall be no religious tests for public office.'Contrary to Mr. Launder's assertion, the Constitution does prohibit the government from promoting any specific religion in public schools ' a prohibition that has been repeatedly upheld by the judiciary. ”'

The Treaty of Tripoli, approved by the Senate and enacted by President John Adams' signature in 1797, states unequivocally that the government of the U.S.A.' is ” not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion.”' Furthermore, Mr. Launders' George Washington quote is bogus. '(See http://www.religioustolerance.org/badquotes.htm) ”

If Mr. Launders wants to experience what it is like to live under the control of a theocratic regime, I suggest he move to Iran.'

Re Randy Hohf's 'letter (May 1, 2008): Before anyone wastes any money on the science-bashing flick recommended by Mr. Hohf, I suggest they check the reviews of 'Expelled' at the website rottentomatoes.com.'This Web site, which compiles the opinions of prominent movie critics from around the world, currently rates the movie at a pathetic 9%.'

Mr. Hohf gave 'Expelled' five stars.' If he is considering becoming a movie critic, I advise him to keep his day job.

JACK DeBAUN

Sandpoint