Religion, Politics and President Reagan (Vol. 50, Issue 2)

It is quite unfortunate that the President of the United States has decided to violate American constitutional law, both on paper and in spirit. As Ronald Reagan continues his attempt to incorporate religion into politics he threatens religious freedom in this country. The president has consistently violated the spirit of the Constitution by dragging issues such as abortion and school prayer into the political spectrum. He has, in addition violated both the spirit and the letter of the law by making school prayer an issue in his re-election campaign.

If the “separation of church and state” is to remain an unviolated maxim, religious issues must be removed from the political scene. If the president wishes to insure the survival of the religious American ethos he must reconsider the political effects of his policy. Incorporating religion and politics can only harm First Amendment rights. It is about time that Ronald Reagan decide to preside within the spirit of the constitution from which he receives his jurisdiction.