The words found in the Ten Commandments are words to live by and the world would be a far better place if all of us followed them. However, we are a nation of immigrants, from all walks of life and all religions. Our founders knew this and the First Amendment to our Constitution states “government shall not establish religion.”
Allowing any religious monument to be displayed on government property implies recognition of that religion and opens the door for displays of religious monuments from the many and diverse religious views found in this country. Are we prepared for words of wisdom and icons from other religions to spring up in our government offices and grounds? Our founders recognized and foresaw the problems associated with any acknowledgment of religion and amended our Constitution to maintain neutrality with regard to religious views. Because of the First Amendment, each of us can follow our own beliefs.
And yes, we are predominately a Christian nation, but our nation is diverse and we have no official religion. Our founders came here to escape that. Our churches and culture guide us. We don’t need to place monuments in our public places to get the message out.
Let’s not do it.
JAMES H. CASAD
Mukilteo
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