Summum rights
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Re “Say no to Summum,” editorial, Nov. 15
The Bush Supreme Court has held that one of several sectarian versions of a biblical Ten Commandments can be displayed on public property if magically secularized by the aura of surrounding historical monuments. The subterfuge ostensibly sidesteps the 1st Amendment prohibition against government establishment of religion.
Summum’s “Seven Aphorisms” are derived from the same biblical story and thus equally historical, and they convey a less sectarian moral message.
The original intent of the free-speech clause of the 1st Amendment requires equal protection for both the most popular and reasonable alternative views. A consistent Supreme Court must rule in favor of Summum. Pleasant Grove City then has the discretion to provide space for both monuments, or neither.
George Tucker
Redondo Beach
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