[PurpleMan]

Access is not the issue. Sponsorship is.

[VRWCmember]

Here is one more organization that participates:

http://www.stp-sf.org/

Access is not the issue. Sponsorship is.

The DoD is not "sponsoring" any of these organizations.

[VRWCmember]

America Supports You

• "America Supports You," a nationwide program launched by the Department of Defense, recognizes citizens' support for our military men and women and communicates that support to members of our Armed Forces at home and abroad.
• All across America, thousands of individual citizens, businesses, and groups - from local schools and establishments to nationally-known corporations and organizations - are hosting events and undertaking projects to support America's Armed Forces, especially in forward-deployed areas of the Global War on Terrorism.
• The support of the American people builds and sustains the morale of those fighting to defend freedom against the tyranny of terrorism, and communicates America's recognition and appreciation of their courage and commitment to our country.
• America Supports You spotlights what Americans are doing all across the land, encourages others to join the team, and allows all to tell their stories by giving voice and visibility to their efforts.
• The official launch of the America Supports You program commenced with kick-off events during November 2004. Subsequent events occured in various regions of the country to honor and recognize citizens' support for America's Armed Forces.
• All events and information will be highlighted on this America Supports You website that allows participants to register and be recognized, share their stories of support with the nation and the troops, and download program materials for distribution and dissemination. Military members can access the web and learn about America's support for their service.
• The America Supports You Dog Tag, emblazoned with the America Supports You logo, isthe official emblem of the program, and serves as a visible force multiplier in projecting the message that America supports our military men and women.
• More information on the program/how to register is at AmericaSupportsYou.mil.
• To learn more about the program's creator, Allison Barber.

americasupportsyou.mil is an official Department of Defense web site.

[AndyTheBear]

Access is not the issue. Sponsorship is.

I wasn't just making a case for access, but one for sponsorship as well.

Who pays for the Korans in Guantanamo? The tax payer. Is this a violation of the the First Amendment? Hardly.

"Sponsorship" of the Defense of our country includes tax payer support for the soldier's needs while they go to war. This may include, at the discretion of the executive and legislature, religious support. This is why the tax payer "sponsors" military chaplains (i.e. we pay their salaries).

The point of distinction should be if the religious support is unwanted by a given soldier. This is something that chaplains have a code of conduct to deal with. A similar principle ought to be followed in the distribution of religious material to be sure. But there is no First Amendment issue preventing the government paying for such material.