Park Is for All
Agnes Herman’s commentary stating that any religious “stamp” in a public park is a violation of religious freedom and the separation of church and state is the epitome of convoluted thinking. The public park is for the total public to use. There is no difference between displaying the Jesus Nativity creche and artists displaying their wares. There is no difference between Buddhists dancing the bone dance and children throwing Frisbees.
To deny the park to the display of any religious symbol is the true violation of religious freedom and changes the state from a neutral to an antagonistic stance against religion. It is almost as alarming as not allowing the world’s religions to be studied and recognized in the public schools.
Come on, Agnes, let’s all jump in and use our public parks to celebrate the pluralism of our society. The alternative is to censor one another.
KENNETH VENN
San Diego
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