Matthew Peter's letter, "Religious influence reality of American political life," Jan. 26, included the statement, "Well, law and policies are set by the majority -- the ruling class, the people in charge. So the opinion of the ruling class or majority is the one that is "right."

I'm glad we cleared that up. Slavery was supported by the majority, as were Jim Crow Laws. That makes them "right"? Laws against interracial marriage were "right" according to the majority as few as 40 years ago.

Hanging people on suspicion of witchcraft was "right" according to the majority at one time. It's only been "right" for women to vote for less than 100 years. It is still not "right" for people who are atheists to hold elected positions in some states -- or at least the ruling class and the majority have outlawed it.

The concept of the majority determining what is "right" is very old and very dangerous. One is best served to remember that what is popular is not always "right" and what is "right" is not always popular.