Gen. Gould, don't let wrongheaded religious censors get you down.

Mikey Weinstein, founder of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, wants Lt. Gen. Mike Gould removed as superintendant of the U.S. Air Force Academy because he will host retired Marine 1st Lt. Clebe McClary to speak at a February prayer luncheon.

McClary, a legendary war hero, was critically wounded during his 19th reconnaissance mission in Vietnam. For selfless bravery, the president awarded McClary the Silver Star and the Bronze Star. He has three Purple Hearts. As one of the most sought-after motivational speakers in the country, he has addressed more than 7,500 audiences — some in auditoriums of 10,000 or more. Only retired Gen. Colin Powell, who had a scheduling conflict, was higher on Gould's invitation list.

McClary offends Weinstein, along with the American Civil Liberties Union, because he is Christian. Weinstein complains that Billy Graham respects him. He doesn't like that this retired Marine, living with permanent combat disabilities, calls himself a member of the "Lord's Army."

For McClary's religious beliefs, Weinstein and the ACLU want him effectively censored by punishing the person who invited him. They want prior restraint of a speech. They want to trample on academic freedom. They want Gen. Gould's head because he would dare invite a speaker who loves Jesus.

Yet somehow, Weinstein shows up in news articles as the leader of a "religious-rights group." Religious rights? Not for McClary. The ACLU continues to call itself a defender of civil liberties. No civil liberty could be more important than a person's right to speak on public property regardless of that individual's religious convictions.

The First Amendment protects the free exercise of religion. It also forbids laws that establish religion, which a speech cannot do. Besides, no one is required to attend the luncheon.

When Gould was identified as a likely contender for the academy appointment, Weinstein opposed him on the basis of his Christian beliefs. Gould flew to visit with Weinstein in New Mexico, and the two decided they were friends who should work together. Gould has made great strides to welcome all varieties of speakers. At times he has altered his schedule to attend to Weinstein. Gould encouraged and oversaw construction of a worship area for pagans. Weinstein was rightly irate when some nincompoop left a cross at the site. He called the act a "hate crime," and Gould worked aggressively to resolve it.

Despite Gould's efforts to help Weinstein's cause, it has become increasingly clear that Gould cannot win. Weinstein's fans — some of whom froth at the mouth if a Christian speaker steps foot on academy grounds — want the old Weinstein back. They don't want resolution; they want a blood sport.

Sometimes Weinstein's organization has legitimate points, which Gould addresses. Weinstein should be pleased with the progress the general has made toward creating a welcoming atmosphere for people of all religions.

Weinstein's gloves-off effort to get Gould canned raises suspicions. Is he trying to create an environment of tolerance, or one of division? If a hero the caliber of McClary should not speak, because of his faith, it's hard to see the academy as a place that tolerates freedom of speech, freedom of religion or academic freedom.

Those who claim to defend our inherent and constitutionally protected rights are acting as those who would oppress them.

Hypocrisy is not a strong enough word.

REPRINTED FROM THE COLORADO SPRINGS GAZETTE