If the history and traditions of the United States of America teach us anything, it is that our veterans are one of our most sacred national treasures. America would have been but a fleeting notion in the minds of our Founding Fathers, had it not been for those who risked and all too often sacrificed their lives in the name of freedom. But thankfully, as God willing, America is a free nation thanks to its brave people.
But these days, devotional service to our country is largely on the backburner. While a recent article cited inadequate wages and medical care and poorly maintained base housing as the top reasons for young Americans to choose civilian life, perhaps our country’s upper echelons also: would need to consider. Over 70% of military personnel identify as religious. At a time when most branches of the military have barely met their recruitment goals, the government’s recent public disdain for service members of faith and religion is generally not to be ignored.
Rather than celebrating the diverse activism that has made America the greatest nation in the history of our nation, the current administration is embracing a narrowly focused political campaign that has consistently violated the U.S. constitutional and statutory rights of religious citizens. Passionate about advancing the cause. These days, the biggest billboard on this agenda is the Department of Veterans Affairs.
In September 2022, Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the VA suddenly illegally enforced a rule permitting hospital abortions for veterans, which failed to provide religious health care providers with the option of receiving consideration in performing such procedures. This is an unprecedented policy. But thankfully, through the efforts of First Liberty, Carter v. Veterans Affairsthe Religious Freedom Restoration Act and a religious consideration process currently exists for all VA providers nationwide to account for objections under Title VII.
Most recently, in April 2023, a Latin cross incorporating military branch emblems on display in the public waiting room of a veterans’ clinic in Austin, Texas, was criticized for violating the constitutional provisions of the First Amendment. Removed. however, American Legion v. American Humanist Society Clearly such a claim is a farce. In a 7-2 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that “plaintiffs alleging an unconstitutional religious establishment must prove that they were in fact compelled by acts of a government that shared the characteristics of the religious establishment as they were understood at the time of its establishment. No,” and the Bladensburg Cross is “constitutional, even if the cross has religious significance.
The VA seems to have no problem canceling religious symbolism, but many were left speechless in early June when the Pride flag was hoisted instead of the American flag at VA facilities and cemeteries. rice field. Violating the VA’s own flag hoisting policy, flags promoting politics are not allowed. Again, VA may be able to take a lesson from the Supreme Court, which said in a 2022 lawsuit: Kennedy vs Bremerton School District“Learning how to tolerate diverse expressive activities has always been part of learning how to live in a pluralistic society.”
The current administration has not received that message.
Instead, the executive branch uses every opportunity to make devout Americans, especially religious soldiers and veterans, aware of their place in the political hierarchy. Indeed, the administration has much to learn from Judge Kagan, he told the magazine. American Legion: “But I have a lot to admire in this opinion section, especially when the long-standing monuments, symbols, and practices show “respect and tolerance for different views, integrity to achieve inclusivity and non-discrimination.” The emphasis is on whether it reflects a “strong effort, and recognition of discrimination”. The important role religion plays in the lives of many Americans. Here, as elsewhere, the opinion demonstrates sensitivity and respect for the pluralism of this country and the values of neutrality and inclusiveness demanded by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. “
Perhaps young Americans are reluctant to respond to our country’s call. Perhaps it’s because we see with our own eyes how little religion is taken into consideration by our government in the concept of diversity, fairness, and inclusivity. Adequate salary, medical care, and well-maintained base housing are reasonable considerations in deciding whether to join the military, but how the executive branch demonstrates respect for religious freedom , must always be added to the list.
Daniel Runyon is Senior Counsel to the Military Practice Group of First Liberty Institute, a non-profit law firm dedicated to defending the religious liberty of all. For more information, visit FirstLiberty.org.
The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and do not reflect the official position of The Daily Caller.
