DEAR EDITOR:

Re: Kevin Foley guest column, "America is tolerant (unless you're a Muslim)," Sunday's MDJ

I am not writing to comment on Mr. Foley's view of the appropriateness of building a mosque near "Ground Zero." I feel it should be built elsewhere, but he is entitled to his views as a matter of free speech, and, of course, we should all strive to protect and support religious freedom for all faiths. Nor am I writing to defend Christianity, though Mr. Foley seems to feel it important to point out that he is an agnostic.

What I find unacceptable is Mr. Foley's conclusion that because Timothy McVeigh had read and was apparently obsessed by "The Turner Diaries," this somehow made McVeigh a "Christian terrorist." We all know that there are ample examples of horrific things being done in the name of religion, and, yes, Christianity is no exception, but to make the conclusion that McVeigh was a "Christian terrorist" and therefore, to be consistent, Christian memorials should not be permitted on the grounds of the Oklahoma City bombing is absurd.

Foley would have us conclude that it is somehow hypocritical to support Christian symbols at Oklahoma City while being opposed to a mosque near Ground Zero. This is not only offensive, but factually inaccurate. If you review the words of McVeigh, it is clear that he rejected Christianity and religion in general. The fact that he had been raised a Christian and later read and was, in part, motivated or inspired by "The Turner Diaries," does not mean that McVeigh acted as a Christian any more than having read "Mein Kampf" makes my actions that of a Nazi.

McVeigh's own words before his execution made it clear that not only was he not a Christian. He had little or no faith at all. If anything he claimed to be either an agnostic or a follower of "science." The fact is that McVeigh's act of hatred was neither motivated by nor carried out in the name of religion. Rather it was driven by a twisted and malevolent hatred of our government, a government he hoped to destroy.

I can tolerate anyone's views, but get the facts straight before using an inaccuracy as the basis for an opinion. By doing so, it makes me believe the agenda is more about animosity toward Christianity than it is about tolerance for Muslims or the location of the New York mosque.

Chuck Clay
Marietta