Mention in this thread of removal of religious icons in public places has sparked my interest to comment.

I see and understand how the Christians want their values and laws to be spread as far as possible. They believe they are righteous and valid and wish everyone to see "the light." I can also see a governmental point of view that separation of church and state is a viable method of governing a wide variety of people with fairness and democracy. Old Europe is an example of why many came seeking this country hundreds of years ago. Even though religious persecution and oppression was not at it’s height in human history, it was still stifling.

I can also see the point where a man or woman who came seeking justice at an establishment that is meant to be unbiased, as in a building housing components of our court system, could see some issues in feeling uncomfortable knowing that possibly personal beliefs could take precedence over law, and the court system become less equalized and balanced. That is an extreme viewpoint but this nation is also founded on the principle of equal justice for all.

Christian minority groups are constantly using the constitution and founding principles of the country to try and bring about change. I fail to understand why…

I mean do they think changing laws will only apply to Christians? How would they feel walking into a court room where the judge is wearing a big Star of David? And their case involved something like accidentally giving someone food poisoning? It may sound good praying while the Ten Commandments are removed from the lobby, but what if it stayed? And next week strict laws of Islam were unfurled and hung in large banners from the ceiling for all to see. They too are the laws of god and make the 10 commandments look tame. Those actions set precedence! And if you think that bothers you, what if your righteous son got confused and was caught stealing at Wall Mart and the prosecuting attorney had a big Crescent Moon setting on his desk while he stared at you with religious contempt? I think of these things everytime I see items like the 10 commandment monument come up. There are thousands of places that could be placed for the public to see, why a judicial building?

Personally I think gigantic Buddha would look cool in the fountain while greeting visitors with his flavor of wisdom, especially with some cool spotlights. Or some roaming cows on the lawn…