Ron Reagan, Jr. announces that he's an "unabashed atheist" and "unafraid of burning in hell," but also erroneously states that the Founding Fathers (of the USA) were supportive of "freedom FROM religion" (emphasis added). Sorry Mr. Reagan, but the Founding Fathers actually actually supported "freedom OF religion." THAT is what is protected by the US Constitution, specifically the Bill of Rights and other founding documents.
From the Bill of Rights:
Amendment One: 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.John Adams, our second president:
1788 - A Defence of the Constitutions of Government of the United States of America: The experiment is made, and has completely succeeded: it can no longer be called in question, whether authority in magistrates, and obedience of citizens, can be grounded on reason, morality, and the Christian religion, without the monkery of priests, or the knavery of politicians.
1798 - Address to the militia of Massachusetts: We have no government armed in power capable of contending in human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate for the government of any other.
Benjamin Franklin, Constitutional Convention Delegate and signer of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence:
1787 - Address at the Constitutional Convention: I have lived, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth -- that God Governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?
Alexander Hamilton, first US Secretary of the Treasury,
1802 - Letter to James Bayard: In my opinion, the present constitution is the standard to which we are to cling.... Let an association be formed to be denominated 'The Christian Constitutional Society,' its object to be first: The support of the Christian religion. Second: The support of the United States.
Patrick Henry, Member of First Continental Congress; Governor of Virginia,
Letter to Archibald Blair: The great pillars of all government...[are] virtue, morality, and religion. This is the armor, my friend, and this alone, that renders us invincible.
George Washington, First President of the United States, Commander of the Revolutionary Army,
1796 - Farewell Address: Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.
In short, completely contrary to what Mr. Reagan, Jr. attests to! The Founding Fathers were quite fond of supporting religion! What they not support was a state established religion and there are some out of context quotes which people like Ron Reagan, Jr. like to cite, but in context the Fathers are saying there was to be no "Church of State" as in the European model. The American experiment was founded upon laws which protect religion, specifically Christian religion, and officially opposes ANY restriction of the free exercise thereof. If the people wish to assemble, even on "public" ground, and recognize God - the First Amendment absolutely protects that RIGHT. What Mr. Reagan, Jr. supports is the creation of laws which are in direct opposition to the Bill of Rights. Does Mr. Reagan, Jr. believe that the majority of Americans are so stupid they would just accept him at his word? Sorry "Little Ronny," but you're only fooling the foolish and those who want your paradigm to be true.
I would not be so proud to announce your lack of fear of burning in Hell, while you may not believe in it - that does not change the reality of it. May God have mercy on your soul and give you the grace to see the folly of your ways.
Scott Windsor<<<
