I must take issue with The Herald editorial (“Edmonds painting part of a diverse democracy,” Nov. 19) regarding the recent brouhaha over the painting donated to the city of Edmonds with alleged “religious overtones.” I, for one, am growing tired of our blind, unquestioning celebration of “diversity” as the fount of all things good about America. It has become a mantra of political correctness and, it seems to me, is without substantiation. What are these alleged benefits of diversity anyway? The editorial refers to “enjoying” the benefits of the diversity of the values of our “rich multiple heritages” if only we “acknowledge and celebrate them.” That sounds like psychobabble. Could somebody explain it, please? Values are fundamental. Our founding fathers did a pretty good job of choosing good ones. Are we to sacrifice them for a hodge-podge of obscure values?
The United States has welcomed diverse people for over 200 years. They have always practiced their customs (within their communities) as they chose. But in the larger community they became Americans. What made this a great country was not “celebrating” diversity but “achieving” unity.
Afghanistan has ethnic diversity in their tribes as do the Balkan countries. We will be like those countries if we continue to “celebrate” diversity as the highest ideal for the United States. That is why Mayor Gary Haakenson’s decision regarding this painting is not a reason to celebrate.
Edmonds
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