Radical Islam

Dear Editor,

Americans believe that their faith and religion are a personal choice.

The U.S. Constitution and laws protect our religious freedom.

People living in the shadow of radical Islam don't have the freedom to choose their religious faith. They are at the mercy of radical Islamic factions and are like seeds blown into the wind.

Although some Sunnis and Shiites say that they are not terrorists, they are at odds with the rest of the world.

Nearly every day, we read and hear about the killing and holding of innocent hostages as prisoners.

Our Judeo-Christian ethics are based on Exodus 20:13 of the Old Testament. It states "Thou shalt not kill."

Living in the 21st century is challenging. Sometimes we feel like David, the shepherd boy, who had to fight Goliath, the Philistine giant.

Europeans and persons from all over the world sought refuge in the United States of America. Our various cultures and traditions have been blended together into "one nation under God."

Experience has taught us that it takes a lot of patience and endurance to live each day of our lives. Our faith is tested.

Radical Islamic rebels in the countries of the Middle East are pushing us to the limits of our tolerance and patience.

Israel is caught in the middle of the dispute. Iraq, Iran, Yemen and Pakistan, as well as Lebanon have active terrorist groups.

Helen Ruth Arnold,

Trenton, Nebraska