It is apparent that “Civics 101” was not part of Joshua Ashwood’s daily dose of brimstone and fire at his home school. Joshua stated in his Oct. 1 letter to the editor that “The public school system has been systematically removing all acknowledgement of God.”

Joshua, take a look at the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion; or prohibiting the free exercise thereof .”

The U.S. Supreme Court has interpreted this clause to mean that religion and government must stay separate for the benefit of both. The government holds no religious viewpoint and leaves all decisions about faith and religious practice to its citizens.

The U.S. Constitution was created by some of the most God-fearing individuals of the time.

The public school system is set up in a way where students are required to interact and socialize with other individuals from cultures that may have different beliefs and religions, thus preparing them for the real world and the many different people that live in it. Students are not only taught to think for themselves, but also taught to think outside of the box.

Joshua, the reason that you are appalled at the young people and society is that you know nothing about the real world. Due to your home schooling, I believe you were deprived of the opportunity to learn about the world as it existed outside of your home-school window. It has always been outside your window, but you were never allowed to look at it or experience it.

The ungodliness that you speak of is the same ungodliness that has existed since the beginning of time and it will continue to exist until the end of time.

So if the hypocrisy and ungodliness of our great American society is becoming too much for you to look at, just stop looking at it. Or as Merle Haggard would say, “If you don’t love it, leave it.”

Paul E. Evans

Muskogee