Religous Displays

Well it is almost Thanksgiving and the "Separation of Church and State Police" are out in full force. I have a question and then perhaps a solution. My question is simply, "Are we a pluralistic Nation or not?"

It seems to me that the only people permitted to speak in the market place are those of the agnostic persuation or those of no faith persuasion at all. In today's world, especially in these United States, I am permitted to be as offensive and crass as I care to be - BUT - I am not permitted to display my faith in school or in the market place. It seems to me that there are those who are afraid of an honest discussion. Please prove me wrong.

Let me offer a suggestion; perhaps one that might be heretical in nature. In the town in which I live, there are Christians, Jews, Muslims, Native Americans and folks of Eastern Religions. There are also athiests and agnostics. I suppose we all vote and I suppose we all pay taxes.

So why not display our heritage of faith as well as those of our nationality? Why not a Manger Scene as well as Jewish Booths as well as a celebration of Id al-Adha or the Great Spirit or Buddha. It doesn't bother me for someone to say "Allah bless you" and it certainly brings joy to our merchants for Christmas Carols to be sung.

How offensive can it be to rejoice in the heritage that has brought us together? If we all have equal opportunity and we all speak of peace, what harm can there be to my knowing about Christians or Jews or Muslims or any other of the religions of this world? Where would this Nation be without the people of faith who have been willing to die for the right to express that faith? How sad that the Nation they have served so well now says "NO!"