Despite being named in several lawsuits filed against the Pentagon for allowing military chaplains to proselytize to soldiers fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the numerous letters he has received  from civil rights organizations and government watchdog groups since he was tapped as Defense Secretary two years ago, letters demanding that he launch investigations into widespread proselytizing, Gates has failed  to issue a response of any kind to these groups and has refused to take steps to address the matter. Meanwhile, soldiers continue to have fundamentalist Christianity shoved down their throats.

Secretary gates has given no indication that he will do anything about the clear systematic First Amendment violations.  As far as our rights are concerned, I don’t see the “change” that President-elect Obama continues to trump.  Obama is a Constitutional scholar; I’m sure he understands the First Amendment and that it protects all of us, not just the religious.  Furthermore, this is not simply a violation of nonreligious service members’ rights,  but a violation of the rights of all service members: Christian, Jew, Hindu, Muslim, atheist, etc.  No one should have to be a captive audience to religious proselytizing.

This is still a democracy (although the previous administration would make you think otherwise).  All is not lost.  Make sure Obama is aware of the bigotry and proselytizing in the armed forces.  Let him know that business as usual will not be acceptable.   Especially if you are in the military and have experienced this firsthand, definitely let Obama know your story.

change.gov

Don’t forget to read the rest of the article I quoted.  There is important background information.