NO THEOCRACY

This is a response to the Sept. 29 letter about things, primarily the
lottery, that should be illegal because they are sins. The author seems to
forget one thing: We live in a democratic republic, not a theocracy.

Many times throughout history people were governed by religion, most
recently in both Iran and Afghanistan. In those countries, there is no
gambling, no drinking, no secular music, no drugs and no personal freedom.

Some will say, "But that's Islam, and we don't believe that way." So I
point out Massachusetts in the 17th century. It was an independent colony
governed by Puritan laws. It was also not a free society.

The author mentions a letter writer from Albany who calls for the
legalization of some drugs.

Maybe Albany has a point. As late as the 1930s in this country one could
buy most drugs legally that are now outlawed, yet there was no need for a
"War on Drugs." How interesting.

In the 1920s, alcohol sales were outlawed and there was rampant crime. When
the ban was repealed, the bulk of the crime ceased.

Laws should exist to protect the rights and property of citizens, not to
enforce religious doctrines. That is something guaranteed to us by our
Constitution.

A lottery or Sunday alcohol sales do not mean a person has to participate.
If you do not feel it is right to play the lottery, buy alcohol on Sunday,
or see naked people on film, then don't. I do not like to hear political
pundits on radio and TV, so I do not listen to them. However, I do not
advocate a law banning the practice because I know others want to hear
them. If we are a free country, then let's be a free country.

Bobby Jackson

Phenix City