Your Aug. 3 editorial has an interesting headline: “City monument isn’t endorsing a religion.” The many letters to the editor surrounding this lawsuit have been disturbing. I’m curious to know what you (or any of your readers) think of when they see a star of David and a cross? My first thoughts are of religious beliefs. Since both of these symbols are at the bottom of the Ten Commandments monument, which belongs to the City of Everett, I associate the municipal government with religion. This is very obviously a religious text and it’s very obviously on city property.

Does your headline miss this point? Putting a disclaimer, as you suggest, next to this lovely piece of art is not the solution. It belongs in front of a church or in a cemetery or someone’s private property. I agree with your final statement that “people should work toward a reasonable settlement before the courts get involved.” As a taxpayer, I don’t want my money going to lawsuits that are losers. I’m sure there’s a lovely place to put this thing where it can be appreciated by those who find these monuments soothing and inspirational. Your headline is flawed. Your opinion is flawed. And, they certainly don’t belong together.

Marysville