The elimination of the specific mention of God from the platform is unfortunate and could seem to be pandering to a skewed view of the separation of church and state. Both entities must be kept separate from an exclusivist viewpoint. Both can do that only with a sense of the divine, however understood, named, or claimed.

I find it interesting that God is included in our founding documents, on our coinage, in opening prayers. Why are we so afraid that we might offend or be offensive if we use religious language to underscore our desire to be good Americans?

I believe that fear is the motivating force. I also believe that fear is the opposite of faith.

We want to have faith in our country, our companion citizens, but we harbor fear that a sense of spirituality will be off-putting. I am not of the opinion that taking God off the platform means that we are godless people, just scared folks who don't want to lose a political race because we admit that we are spiritual individuals and embrace a sense of the divine, a sense that there is a power beyond our human capacities, a power who saves us from ourselves.

I suggest that we speak to the issue to re-inforce the core of our humanity, the spirit within us that impels us to be good, do good, and love the good in others.

Godless? No! Fearful of being wholly human and calling others to do the same. Yes.