Joseph Lieberman

Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman (“Lieberman and Religion Seem to Be an Easy Mix,” Aug. 28) falls into a dangerous trap when he asserts that the Constitution protects “freedom of religion, not freedom from religion.” He fails to recognize that official state-sponsored invocations of God across the country (as around the world) inevitably become linked to the particular faith of the local majority that asks for them, making others feel separated. He also ignores Jefferson’s teaching that freedom of religion means freedom of conscience--which may include the belief that our conscience itself is a gift from those who raised us and our own best instincts and intelligence, rather than from a higher power.

Whether you are a Jew in Connecticut, a Baptist in Utah or an agnostic in California, the Supreme Court has rightly set up the same wall under the 1st Amendment to protect you from having your public life dictated even in part by religious beliefs you do not share. We are entitled to know which candidates, if any, agree with that protection.

BARRY E. SHANLEY

Montrose

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The story quotes Lieberman as saying, “As a people, we need to reaffirm our faith and renew the dedication of our nation and ourselves to God and God’s purposes.” I would like to know which God Sen. Lieberman is referring to and how, as a nation, we will decide what this God’s purposes are.

LANNY SWERDLOW

Palm Springs

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Hmm. Let me see if I get this right. When George W. Bush talks about God, this is dangerous--he is imposing his beliefs on others. When Lieberman talks about God, this is good--he is showing his strength of character.

Maybe if I repeatedly chant these two ideas slowly I will begin my path to enlightenment and see the difference.

SUE PAROSKI

Santa Paula

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I was reading Stephen Bloom’s Aug. 24 commentary with no small interest, having suffered many indignities myself, until I came upon the phrase, “as Gore rides Lieberman’s coattails.” The truth is that Lieberman could be more of a liability to Al Gore than an asset. You only have to think carefully (regrettably) about the cruel attitudes of many Americans in our great country to draw such a conclusion.

Having said that, I think Gore has shown himself to be a great American in his selection of Lieberman, who is well qualified to be vice president, while Bloom presents himself as a self-indulgent, arrogant American.

HORACE B. JACKSON

Compton

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Ian Shapiro (“Pardon Me, but It’s Gore’s Issue,” Commentary, Aug. 28) need not lose too much sleep over Gore’s reluctance to jump on the opponent-bashing bandwagon. The more Bush attempts to defend his retro-policies, the more he ties the electoral noose around his neck. He’ll hang himself with his own rhetoric before the election is over.

Day by day, the American public sees more clearly through Bush’s veneer, and, despite his virtually bottomless money pit, the tide toward rational thinking is turning against him. Gore knows what he’s doing--there’s more sympathy for a murder victim than a suicide.

SUE WILLIAMS

La Palma