The U.S. Constitution clearly states "no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States."
The U.S. Air Force, which is charged to protect the Constitution, apparently believes they get to pick and choose which parts of that document they will defend--and the "no religious test" part didn't make their cut.
An airman, who identifies as an atheist, is currently serving at Creech Air Force Base in Nevada and wants to re-enlist. All military pledges end with "so help me God." The Army and Navy do not require enlistees to swear by God--the final four words are optional; but in the Air Force they are required. Either this airman signs a written pledge that includes "so help me God" or he will be forced to leave the service.
what eye thynk: Looking at this logically, the Air Force wants this young man to sign his name to words that have no significance for him, which would seem to make the pledge, not an active promise at all but a pointless piece of paper. In effect, his signature would be meaningless.
Bryan Fischer of the American Family Association had this to say: "There is no place in the United States military for those who do not believe in the Creator. A man who doesn't believe in the Creator...most certainly should not wear the uniform."
What?! Is this the United States or Iran? The United States is a country based on freedom; and that includes the freedom to believe--or not-- as you choose. Either you support the U,S. Constitution in total or you don't. You don't get to opt-out of the parts you don't like.
A few years ago, the Air Force was embroiled in a controversy over charges of religious intolerance after staff members complained that evangelical Christians were being permitted to exercise too much influence at the Academy. The Air Force answered the complaints by moving some personnel around and holding religion-sensitivity sessions for staff and cadets.
At the time, NPR correspondent Jeff Brady said, "Not everyone is convinced the Air Force can fix this problem on its own."
From his lips to God's ears.
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