Allow sharing of symbols

Isn’t it sad that people who have deeply held beliefs about matters of ultimate concern are unable to reasonably and respectfully display the symbols of those beliefs on public property? Jews should be able to set a menorah out for the full season of its use at the Statehouse lawn, just as other religions should be permitted to share their faiths in the public arena. It is no violation of the U.S. Constitution to allow all religions public space for reasonable periods of time related to that faith. So why this discrimination?

Could it be that doing so would then allow Christians the right to share “Christmas trees” instead of the bland civic “holiday trees”? What are we afraid of in allowing people of all and no faiths to share their symbols with us for reasonable time frames?

To the Jews of Vermont: blessings on your homes this season of Hanukkah lights.

The Rev. Ralph W. Howe

Barre