This is in response to Rex Rhoades’ column published Nov. 7 in which he linked the “moral issues” and “traditional values” agenda of the Republican majority and recent victory to “jihadists” and “moral mullahs.”

Some letters in response have taken issue with his use of these terms, after all, to most Americans, whether from a red or blue state, the terms have negative meanings.

But if you really read his words, the comparisons ring true. The “moral majority” really is driven by issues that center on religion and sex (gay rights, abortion, sex education, creationism and stem cell research) and forcing their religious beliefs onto all Americans. Doesn’t that sound like the Taliban and moral mullahs?

Religion is their politics. I believe religious beliefs should not enter politics. Government should focus on the larger issues of our time as Mr. Rhoades pointed out (lack of affordable health care for many Americans, a huge national debt, declining funds for social service organizations, more terrorists, loss of life from a war in Iraq waged under false pretenses, lack of prisoner rights for many detainees in Cuba).

We can differ about our religious beliefs in this country, but no one has a right to politicize and legislate their beliefs on everyone. That was a world that our ancestors came to America to escape.

Wayne Millen, West Paris

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