The “religious right wing” in contemporary American politics claims a high moral ground in our society. Without castigating their spiritual values or their personal religious beliefs, one could conclude that the net effect of the religious right’s impact on the lives of our citizens is decidedly immoral.

How can it be said that this admittedly religious and “moral” segment of our society has an “immoral” impact on our lives? Let me enumerate the ways.

The religious right:

• Does not believe in and would choose to destroy the constitutional separation of church and state.

• Would choose to take action to establish a state religion.

• Acts to erode the personal and civil rights of those other than heterosexual to marriage, parental responsibilities, financial loans and mortgages, inheritance, etc.

• Would legislate away the personal rights to make medical decisions regarding the medical management of one’s own body.

• Would turn its back on the time-honored American tradition of welcoming the poor, hungry, unemployed and disadvantaged, which allowed immigrants to become employed, productive, taxpaying citizens of this great country.

Our moral values are addressed by our Constitution in the preservation of the above issues.

Therefore, we can conclude that the greatest danger facing the United States is not from terrorism, Iran, or China. It is from the religious right wing, which is extending its influence throughout the U. S. government with a healthy assist from the Bush administration.

Ronald K. Melendy, Hartford