Bob Blean wrote:

I am a vet too (Vietnam, longer than the minimum required time).

Hi Bob,

You put your ass on the line for people you did not even know.
I greatly appreciate and respect your service. You are a hero.

There is no issue with non-controversial things, such as murder, theft,
etc -- everyone believes those are wrong, even without any religious
teaching. Legislating against them is just fine.

I keep thinking about your letter. All of the things you
list above can be traced back to someone's religious values.
Typically the ten commandments. Atheist's values float, so
they do not apply here.

Somewhere along the line, religious folks convinced you and
a lot of others to "share" their moral values. Bear in mind,
that when others disagree with us on these (the above you listed)
moral values and act out on them, we throw them in prison.
Talk about forcing one's values down others throats. (Too bad.)

I am also not trying to convert, by sword or otherwise,
you to my religion, I am trying to convince you in the arena
of ideas, that my "moral" belief is something that you
should share with me. Convince, not force. I want/need
you to join with me in fighting to protect those
who can not protect themselves (abortion). It is my
job to convince you of my point. As it is yours to
disagree with me to pull me over to your point of view.

The cramming my religion down your throat argument is a
distraction to keep us from hearing each other's words.

By the way, you write very well.
-T