Readers React: Antonovich’s misguided mission to make L.A. County Christian

To the editor: I serve as a volunteer deputy commissioner of civil marriages in Los Angeles County. The podium before which the couple stands is graced with the county seal. (“Supervisor Antonovich, constituents can pick their own religious symbols,” editorial, Nov. 15)

If it is replaced with a seal with a cross, as Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich wishes, I will have to cover it up so that there is no mistaking that this is a civil, secular marriage ceremony. People come to us for that, not to see religious symbols in front of them just as they are getting married.

We have people from all over the world, from almost every imaginable faith/tradition, and from none, and a cross would be unacceptable to me, as the officiant, and to them.

Eric A. Gordon, Los Angeles

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To the editor: Your editorial inadvertently proves Antonovich’s point that The Times, by opposing the placement of a cross on the county seal, is “‘secular extremest’ [sic].” It does so by referring to his error and noting the correct spelling of the word “extremist.”

Bravo! Isn’t The Times so clever to catch that, and Antonovich such a rube?

Rather, any writer interested in getting to the heart of the matter would just let that misspelling pass. As it is, The Times comes across as inferring that its editorial board is more intelligent than

Antonovich, who apparently is Christian, and therefore its opinion is to be more highly valued.

Thus, The Times subtly makes Antonovich’s point: It has a secular bias.

Bill Cowell, Sunland

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To the editor: Simple research into the archives of the L.A. County Board of Supervisors reveals that the cross was put on the seal in 1957.

There had not been one on the original seal created in 1887, which was left untouched for 70 years until Supervisor Kenneth Hahn lobbied for it in conjunction with the anti-communist frenzy of the time. The cross was to be proof of our disdain for communism and that L.A. County was a “Christian county.”

Because L.A. County is home to many religious traditions as well as welcoming to those who choose not to be associated with any denomination, it is appropriate to leave the seal separate from any religious affiliation.

Cheryl Ortega, Los Angeles

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To the editor: Those who would conflate religion and state institutions are quick to cry victim as though they are under attack whenever someone opposes them.

As Thanksgiving approaches, it is worth remembering what caused that hardy bunch to get on boats nearly 400 years ago and sail across the Atlantic Ocean. The Pilgrims came to this continent precisely to escape the merging of church and state.

I believe it is the embodiment of conservatism to stick to this principle.

Douglas Hileman, Valley Glen

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