[counterpunch]

I don't really consider it to be standing up for myself, but rather standing up for the principles that America was founded on.

It always pains me to see a Republican or Constitutional conservative echo the words of the reknowned bigot, Robert Byrd.

“I, for one, am not going to stand for this country’s being ruled by a bunch of atheists. If they don’t like it, let them leave.”
-Robert Byrd, June 26, 2002, Congressional record

[risk]

Agreed. I think some Christians feel so oppressed by the anti-religious sentiment in our society that they blame all who don't share their exact beliefs for their suffering. This isn't true, and it's very good to remind them of that on a regular basis. I think the idea that western freedoms are guaranteed by Christian values is very strong on the American right. But I don't think it's enough. People have to value their lives in the here and now as well. They need to be the kinds of people who refuse to put off their problems for God to solve. That takes a certain kind of a Christian, and likewise, it's perhaps even more rare among other creeds (or the lack thereof).

On the other hand, I also have the conviction that America needs non-Christians to stand up for morality and strong values today. The anti-Christian anti-Americans need to know that they are not just opposed by the devout. They are opposed by anyone who cares about the future of this country. They are opposed by anyone who believes in religious freedom. The left thinks everyone who opposes same sex marriage is akin to a racist and by definition must be a fundamentalist Christian. They're so wrong, but they have the world all figured out and there's no way to talk to them.