DEAR EDITOR:

I believe in God, but I am a political atheist. I do not believe in the red or blue, but I do believe in, die for, and bow at the altar of the red, white and blue, the banner that flies on the dome of the Temple of Democracy in Washington, D.C. That banner flies in most of the world capitals, every state capital and adorns the offices of all the “priests” working in that sacred temple of democracy, the Capitol of the United States of America. It is the Mecca, where millions from all over the globe, yearning to be free, make the pilgrimage and hope to reach, to touch and if lucky, to live under the shadows and protection of the red, white and blue.

The “priests,” whom we empower by our sacred vote, take a solemn oath of office, holding a holy Bible, that they will solemnly adhere to and protect the “Bible” of democracy, the Constitution of the United States. That they will honor their fiduciary responsibility to those who gave them the position and the power — the people. And, that their honesty and integrity, will never be compromised nor sold at any price.

The “priests,” who pledge allegiance, not to the red or blue, but to the red, white and blue. The “priests” who fully understand that founding fathers wisely created the red and blue, only for checks and balances, not for domination of one over another, in order to avoid tyranny of the majority, which could undermine the foundations of our democracy. Yes, members of the red and blue should disagree, debate, negotiate and compromise, keeping in mind that they are not enemies, but friends with common purpose: to meet their fiduciary responsibility and to arrive at the best solution or best results, not for the red or the blue, but for the red, white and blue. At the end, there will be no losers, only winners.

The Founding Fathers will look upon them from heaven after they realize the trusted “priests” working in the sacred temple of democracy have come close to achieving the vision and the mission of the founders — a perfect union.

I am grateful that I am a proud citizen of this beautiful republic that has given me the most powerful gift — the vote. The vote that should never be for sale at any price, but awarded only to those who demonstrate good character, wisdom, honesty and integrity and who will faithfully serve not only the red or only the blue — but the red, white and blue.

RASHID ABDU, M.D.

Canfield