Democratic and Liberal political analysis and commentary

Jeremy Hall joined the Army to fight against terrorism and for his country. He missed the part where you have to check the box that says, "I'm a Christian." That's because there isn't one. But when you get there, you'd better be one, or I guess you'll get crap for it.

Hall was in Afghanistan and held a meeting for fellow atheists, then was chastized when a superior officer threatened to bring charges against him.

Of course, the official military line is completely the opposite of what happens in the field:

No one with Fort Riley, the Army or Defense Department would comment about Hall or the lawsuit. Each issued statements saying that discrimination will not be tolerated regardless of race, religion or gender.

"The department respects [and supports by its policy] the rights of others to their own religious beliefs, including the right to hold no beliefs," said Eileen Lainez, a spokeswoman for the Department of Defense.

All three organizations said existing systems help soldiers "address and resolve any perceived unfair treatment."

Lt. Col. David Shurtleff, a Fort Riley chaplain, declined to discuss Hall's case but said chaplains accommodate all faiths as best they can. In most cases, religious issues can be worked out without jeopardizing military operations.

If we are fighting in Iraq and elsewhere for freedom, shouldn't that start with our own soldiers?