When I began writing this column, I knew it would be challenging. Not from the standpoint of writing in general, but because of the disagreements I would receive.

But, it’s politics right? We are always going to disagree, but hopefully, some good can come from the discussions.

I do, however, dislike having to take up time and space explaining my previous week’s column. When someone says I’m not telling the truth or providing inaccurate information, I feel it is important for me to respond.

A person is only as good as his or her word, and I try to stand behind my actions whether spoken or written.

I understand separation of church and state. In many sectors, I support it. In fact, I don’t want religion and prayer placed in public schools because then we can’t prevent any and all religions from having their time in front of our children. This would lead to vast amounts of confusion. Therefore, we have the privilege of choosing our religions, our Sunday schools and churches. I do feel our children should always have the right to openly pray. If anyone chooses not to, their rights will be granted.

My article a few weeks ago talked about our nation’s need to stop trying to take God out of everything. I referenced the Constitution, Declaration of Independence and The Paris Peace Treaty all referencing God.

A letter to the editor as well as an email to me disagreed with my statements. I can handle disagreement, but I can’t handle it sounding like I’m being inaccurate or untruthful.

As written in The Journal of the American Revolution in February of 2016, “The Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution do not represent competing views of the existence of a Supreme being or its role in American political life. They are two sides of the same coin. When read together, The Declaration and Constitution tell us that the people’s rights are divine in origin, sacred and unalienable, while governments are human in origin, answerable to the people and dependent entirely on their content.”

In Article XII, The Constitution states “in the Year of our Lord,” when documenting the date. Does this imply a reference to God? My answer is yes and no, depending on what you wish to believe.

Anyone can argue either way, but one thing you can’t do, regardless of how much you try, is take away what I or anyone else chooses to believe.

The comment was made that The Paris Peace Treaty ended the war rather than being an event that started our country. I’ll avoid needless semantics, but the treaty ended the war; The Revolutionary War. The war we fought to gain independence. The treaty even set boundaries, trade agreements and other things that did indeed lead to the founding of our nation.

Lastly, an individual emailed me stating we are only taking God out of places it shouldn’t have been in the first place. If this is the case, then why are we trying to change the meaning of Christmas and replacing “Merry Christmas” with “Happy Holidays?” If you don’t want God to be in places it doesn’t belong, shouldn’t it make sense to leave God where He does belong? The meaning of Christmas can’t be changed just because the religious aspect disturbs you. To use a new decade term, “it is what it is.”

On a separate note, I had to go back to one of my first articles to make sure I didn’t mistakenly state that non-citizens could vote in national elections; turns out I did not. I attempted to clear that up in last week’s column, but would like to reiterate here only because the rebuttal I received clearly stated that I said non-citizens could vote in national elections when, in fact, I did not. Some quick research will show anyone certain districts allow non-citizen voting in local elections so no need for me to explain here.

Another quote this week from President Ronald Reagan, “America was founded by people who believe that God was their rock of safety. I recognize we must be cautious in claiming that God is on our side, but I think it’s all right to keep asking if we’re on His side.”

God Bless the United States of America.

Political enthusiast Will Collins is a Kentucky native who has called Winchester home for nearly the past 20 years. He can be emailed at wrcollins@gmail.com.