Our founding fathers must be shaking their heads in bewilderment as they try to understand why intelligent people can't understand what "separation of church and state" means. For forty years or more, matters of personal conscience have become subjects for proposed or enacted legislation. Now we read that the Susan B. Komen organization has withdrawn support from Planned Parenthood because of a proposed probe by Republican Congressman Cliff Stearns, Fla concerning public money. This will result in thousands of low income women being denied the very examinations that might prevent this dread disease. Breast cancer strikes regardless of political persuasion or personal feelings regarding abortion. and abortion is only a small part of Planned Parenthood's contribution to women's health. Isn't it time to agree to disagree on subjects of personal conscience and remove religious opinion from legislative action?

Anne O'Connell

Chesterfield