Last weekend I attended the 32nd Annual Convention of the “Freedom from Religion Foundation” in Seattle. It was attended by over 600 people from 35 states and British Columbia, and as far away as Hawaii and Rhode Island. (They had to turn away many more people as they could only accommodate a little over 600). The “non-believers” are the fastest growing group in the United States and already represent over 15 percent of the population (over 40 million people).

Indeed, Washington and Oregon have the highest percentage of none-believers in the country. Consequently, the “Freedom from Religion” movement is as important in American culture as any of the multitude of religions.

Yet the Whidbey News-Times only contains articles related to Christianity and does not represent Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, etc, or none-believers. I think it is fair if religious groups wish to advertise their services in your paper but it seems inappropriate for you to print articles favoring one religion over other beliefs when your paper allegedly is aimed at the entire population of the area. It would be better if you kept out of religion altogether and stick to the local news.

Dr. Thomas D. Smith

Oak Harbor