This letter is in response to John Bice's column "Ten Commandments statue has no place in public domain" (SN 9/26).

I would just like to comment briefly on his rather passionate defense of the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling.

First off, Bice is certainly correct that religious "zealots," as he calls them, are certainly going to extremes when they start condemning others for agreeing with the court's ruling. However, there is a flip side to that coin.

There is also no justice done by those overly sensitive atheists or opposing religious fanatics who feel the need to cry bloody murder when something as harmless and as morally symbolic as the Ten Commandments is placed in a public building.

Not that I disagree with the ruling, for it does have constitutional legitimacy; however, it is a shame when a few people get so bent out of shape, not because they disagree so much with the moral implications of the tablets but because they are associated with Christianity and Judaism.

To comment on Bice's statement that the Ten Commandments have no place in the courts, because our laws don't reflect their doctrine, well shame on you, Bice.

Maybe those commandments aren't found in our written law, but they most certainly are excellent moral codes that we should all strive to live up to (aside from the first four).

Our courts encouraging positive moral behavior does nothing but push this nation in a more positive direction. And like it or not, this country was founded, to a certain extent, on Christian morals and principles.

Just look at our currency, the Pledge of Allegiance and the fact that in the beginning of this country's history the Bible was used regularly in the classroom (and was still until relatively recently).

I think both sides need to simply put things in perspective. The religious fanatics preaching fire and brimstone need to cool off and practice a bit more tolerance and understanding, and the overly sensitive whiners need to find something better to moan about besides two stone tablets. I would suggest focusing on issues a bit more important, such as AIDS in Africa or even the California recall race.

Brian LaVictoire
political theory and
constitutional democracy junior