Reviewing the FBI’s FOIA response regarding Madalyn Murray O’Hair, I find myself constantly marveling at the letters sent to her and to the federal government about her.
Here is an alarmed letter sent to J. Edgar Hoover.
Sir:
I have read your books, best of all was “Masters of Deceit”
I am writing this letter in regard to a Madalyn Murray O’Hair who was instrumental in getting prayer removed from public schools and now wants prayer banned from outer space. What I want to know is where does she get all her power to do these things? Who is she? What does she do for a living? Can’t she be stopped?
As you stated in your book, Communism is more than an economic, political, social, or philosophical doctrine. It is a way of life; a false, materialistic “religion.” It would strip man of his belief in God.
So she is trying to strip man of his belief, by having it banned. I would like to know how she can have so much say so. What can we do to fight back on her kind? I have two girls in school, I need not tell you more as your know the school situation. I have prayed many times for our wonderful country and I want to help in any way to preserve it.
Thank you for your time and hope you will write in regard to my letter.
Just so’s your know, this is among the most literate of the letters.
What most consistently startles me about these letters, I suppose, is the ignorance they reveal about so many Americans’ understanding of the operation of their own country and the meaning of its First Amendment. Granted, you shouldn’t expect much of people who believe in talking snakes, but I still am struck by the ignorance and indignation from time to time.