Capitol offense? No, it's freedom and diversity at work

These editorials appear in the Yakima Herald-Republic on Dec. 5, 2008

The holiday season has become the time for an annual debate over religious symbols on display in public places. This time there's a new twist in Olympia, where an atheist group has unveiled an anti-religion placard in the state capitol, joining a Christian Nativity scene and "holiday tree" on display during December.

None of the displays will threaten life as we know it. If anything, they are testimonials to a diverse society in which freedom of religion is more than "you're free to believe as I do." Rather, it is a constitutional guarantee that embraces not only all forms of religion, but the right to not believe in any religion at all.

Christians celebrate Christmas with Nativity scenes and decorated trees, firm in their belief that the birth of Christ is the "reason for the season." But the fact that a majority of people in this state and country are Christians does not lessen the rights of others to commemorate the holidays in their own ways.

Jews celebrate Hanukkah, lighting menorahs as they have for centuries. In 2006, a Jewish group sponsored a Capitol menorah, the candelabrum that marks Hanukkah. That prompted a request for a Capitol Nativity scene depicting the birth of Christ. The request was turned down, a lawsuit followed and the Nativity scene was installed in 2007 and again this year. No menorah is on display this year.

And let's not forget Kwanzaa, which is celebrated with a seven-candle display -- one black, three red and three green -- starting the day after Christmas to represent the seven days and principles of Kwanzaa, an African-American celebration.

Nonreligious folks may choose to celebrate the Winter Solstice. This year, The Freedom from Religion Foundation erected a sign, with the proper permission from state authorities, in the Capitol building, near the Nativity scene. It says in part: "Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens hearts and enslaves minds."

Outrageous? Not at all. We're reminded why in a joint statement issued by Gov. Chris Gregoire and Attorney General Rob McKenna:

The Legislative Building belongs to all citizens of Washington state, and houses the state Legislature, as well as the offices of several state-elected executives, including the governor. The U.S. Supreme Court has been consistent and clear that, under the Constitution's First Amendment, once government admits one religious display or viewpoint onto public property, it may not discriminate against the content of other displays, including the viewpoints of non-believers.

Gregoire and McKenna speak to the technical, legal aspect of the debate. But freedom of expression and religion imbedded in the First Amendment is a much more broadly inclusive principle that embraces a full range of beliefs.

We're a diverse country, that's for sure. It's a good thing that the Capitol building is big enough to hold a multitude of displays, because rather than a source of controversy they are a celebration of that diversity.

Here's an idea: fewer toys and less television

Parenting 101: You can't expect someone else to do your parenting for you.

The Boston-based Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood claims that about 1,400 of its members and supporters have contacted 24 leading toy companies and retailers to express concern about ads aimed at kids. Apparently, the idea is that if toy manufacturers don't market their wares, kids won't be hyped into wanting them and parents won't be shamed into having to tell their kids they can't afford everything they see on television.

We have a better idea: Pull your kids away from the TV and do something more constructive with the time. Read with them. Talk to them. Make sure the kids have reasonable expectations.

But don't blame the toymakers. They aren't the problem.

Sometimes a parent just has to say no -- and then explain why.

* Members of the Yakima Herald-Republic editorial board are Michael Shepard, Sarah Jenkins, Bill Lee and Karen Troianello.

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