This former SEAL was on the board of the “Military Religious Freedom Foundation” which claims to be against “proselytizing” in the military by religious groups. I think our servicemen should be free from getting particular religions pushed on them through the chain of command and from religious-based hazing or other clearly improper conduct. However, I think activist groups like this, in practice, are actually hyper-sensitive and often very hostile to even pretty mild expressions of Christianity in the ranks (which is not to say there are not legitimate concerns once in awhile). A la the ACLU. That’s just my own personal observation and opinion, and it does nothing at all to take away from this American’s service and sacrifice. I only point it out because it would perhaps be consistent with a “liberal” mindset that apparently his mother shares.
Religion should absolutely be kept out of our military as it should be kept out of our government. Our founding fathers were very close in time to the terrible religious wars in England and Europe, and knew well the dangers. Especially when dealing with a potentially hostile religion, it is even more important to appear neutral. As to the observation that this former SEAL was part of a freedom from religion group reminds me once again of the tragic Tillman killing. It has been rumored that he was “fragged” because he was an Atheist. If religion in the military were not being an issue, his religious beliefs might not even have been known much less been the possible cause of his death. We must all remember our Constitutional right to “freedom of religion” also includes the option for “freedom from religion” which recent polls indicate is the option of 10% to 20% of Americans.