John Carlson (Opinion, Dec. 10) had some good ideas about having a policy in place by Gov. Gregoire to be explicit about what can be displayed on public property such as the Capitol Rotunda to celebrate the holidays.

According to his interpretation of the First Amendment, it merely prevents government from endorsing one kind of religious denomination over another.

Then allowing the Christmas tree or “holiday tree” and the Menorah would indicate that the administration is actually endorsing one kind of religious tradition over another.

If one needs to celebrate the holidays in the public arena such as the Capitol, then be inclusive of all cultural holiday celebrations during this season and give everyone a space to do so. Otherwise, it is a waste of the taxpayers’ funds to install expensive decorations and lightings during these challenging times when people have lost their jobs and need help to keep their homes warm and continue to make their payments towards their bills.

Farida Hakim

Bellevue