John Carlson seems to be missing the fundamental point of the atheists’ display at the capitol. (See: “Christmas chaos at the Capitol.”) Due to the separation of church and state clause of the First Amendment, if you allow one religion to have a display, you have to allow a display for any religion – be it Muslim, Hindu, Scientologist, or Flying Spaghetti Monster – or even a display for non-religion, such as the atheists.

If you allow one, but disallow another, that shows favoritism, which the amendment does not allow.

If Carlson wants a “Christmas display” at the capitol, what’s wrong with a decorated tree, or a snowman, or reindeer? Why an explicitly religious symbol, like the nativity? If he wants a nativity scene, why doesn’t he put it in his front yard, or in front of a church? Indeed, Gov. Gregoire could’ve avoided this mess – by, very simply, not allowing the menorah or nativity in the first place. The displays should be kept entirely secular. This is fair to everybody, and doesn’t discriminate.

Brent Bartlett

Bellevue