I have become accustomed to Armstrong Williams’ simplistic answers to all the current ills of American society. In many of his commentaries, he has stated that if we all simply attended church services and read a sacred text, we all would become “good.” I am not sure if this advice includes attending a Temple, Mosque or any other house of worship. I am also unsure if “goodness” is attainable through the study of the Quran, the Rig Veda, the Book of Mormon or any other tome. I am happy for him or anyone who finds comfort, fellowship and direction in life through the religion they have chosen to practice.
But the implication that those of us who choose not to participate in an organized religion are not good or moral is tiresome, offensive and wrong (“Armstrong Williams: Politics is a sideshow,” Oct. 4). I must also take issue with his statement that America’s goodness comes from its religious convictions and veneration of God. As America is not a theocracy, it does not espouse or dictate any specific religion or worship of any deity. It is the right of individual Americans to exercise any religious convictions they choose — or none. We are free to choose whether to venerate a god. This right and all of our other freedoms are best protected by our exercise of our most sacred right and duty, the right to vote.
While Williams may disparage voting as inconsequential, I prefer the advice of U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, as quoted in Heidi Stevens’ excellent commentary on abortion rights, published in the same issue of The Baltimore Sun as Mr. Williams’ piece. Senator Warnock, a Baptist pastor, has a saying: “A vote is a kind of prayer for the world we desire for ourselves and our children.” My desire is for a nation, if not a world, free of racism, bigotry, misogyny, xenophobia, homophobia, prevarication, hypocrisy and hatred.
It’s admittedly a lofty goal, but this election I will cast my vote for our movement away from these things that hold us all back. Please exercise your own right to both pray and vote as your conscience directs you.
— Kathleen Tremper, Catonsville
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