SOUNDING OFF:Issue is not faith, but tolerance

The current batch of letters regarding atheism versus religion has it wrong. The problem lies with the complete intolerance of others, especially if they happen to believe something different than you.

We have become a nation of right-fighters and the opposite side is just all out wrong. Political machines have sadly pitted us against one another.

Instead, each of us could respect that we have different beliefs in faith or no faith at all. That is our personal right. A right that I will defend at any given time as an American.

My mantra is to go about each day as a good neighbor and a good citizen.

These actions have nothing to do with faith but good human decency.

I may leash up a dog that has gotten out. I will help a friend in a pinch. I will say hello to people as I take my walks. I will pick up trash on the beach. I will volunteer at the schools. I will enjoy my town and the people in it.

I have no idea what faith my neighbors ascribe to. I do know they are kind people who share the characteristics of humanity with me: joy, sadness, pain, loss, suffering, humor and love. That is our common bond.

Atheist, Catholic, Lutheran, Agnostic, Jewish, Buddhist or Christian matters not to me. As so well quoted by Dr. King, it is the “content of their character” that matters most.