I have no doubt but that Joe Biden is one busy new president at the moment, and I tend to suspect that he may never actually READ the following (do they ever?), but considering the events of two weeks ago, Wednesday and our gang's concern regarding just who may have made up that mob, I found myself moved to write.

And so I did:

==============================

President Joseph Robinette Biden, Jr.
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC  20500-0001

Dear Mr. President:

I have a thought experiment for you to consider, couched in a handful of questions:

• How many Jewish people were involved in the insurrection of 6 January?
• How many Muslims participated?
• Were there any Hindus or Sikhs present?
• Perhaps a few atheists?

My point is this: that event was very likely formulated and executed predominantly by Christians, more specifically, Christian Nationalists.  These are people who are convinced beyond any unconvincing that the United States is a Christian Nation, blessed by their deity and dedicated to reflecting their beliefs and values.  You and I know this isn't the case, not even close, yet they are not only certain of this “reality” but are determined to see their belief realized.  This is weaponized religion, determined to overthrow our secular government and turn the US into a Christian theocracy.

Hyperbole?  Conspiracy theory?  I wish I could believe that, Mr. President, but I can’t.  The fact that there were more than a few “JESUS 2020” banners in their number, as well as a few large crosses  There's also the fact that they prayed aloud in the House chamber, giving “[t]hanks to our Heavenly Father ... for this opportunity to stand up for our God-given unalienable rights.”

While I personally do not hold to any form of god, I do recognize that religion is a part of our culture.  I also know that recent polls have repeatedly shown the numbers of the “nones” – those with no formal religious affiliation – are rising and the count of believers is dwindling.  Even with that, my suspicion is that religion in one form or another will always be with us.  All that said, while I have no problem living with the presence of religion, I have a severe problem with the brand of religious extremism which will not tolerate an atheist like me.

What I'm saying here is that Christian Nationalism is a danger to this country and must be confronted.  It can't be allowed to hide behind a presumed protection by the First Amendment, especially since its success would quickly vitiate that amendment, as well as any other part of the government that would stand between it and Christian dominance.  Rereading that last statement disturbed me, but I think we need to be disturbed about this.  Again, I have to say, this is not about a global sanction on religion, but serious attention and appropriate action at that segment of Christianity which seeks to redefine what America is in its own image.

I appreciate your hearing me out, Mr. President.  All good wishes for your time in office.

Sincerely,

Loren C. Miller, Jr.