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Remember back in the day, in the 1960s, during the Vietnam War? At the same time as thousands of American men were fighting for our flag and dying by the thousands – no matter if you were a supporter of the war, or opponent – the fact was that Muhammad Ali, the world heavyweight boxing champ, was deferred from service in the U.S. Army due to his “Muslim religious beliefs.”

Now, in the year 2015, a Cleburne County clerk in Arkansas is being jailed and persecuted because her religious beliefs prevent her from issuing marriage licenses to gay couples. Where is the balanced justice in this country? Are the liberal “three dollar bills” allowed to be given special treatment?

Doesn’t our U.S. Constitution say, “one nation under God?” I respect the law of the land, and also separation of church and state. But, if a draft dodger can use the excuse to stay out of the military because of religious rights, why can’t an honest person with God-fearing convictions abstain from making the same objection in this case?

The only statement I believe fits this cruel situation is: “Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Not my quote, but the quote of Jesus Christ, the judge of a higher court.

John C. Cordora

Luzerne