“There can be a problem when the proposed site for the display of religious symbols is on the grounds of a county courthouse, or near some other municipal building (it cannot appear that the government is endorsing religion)...”
WRONG!
What part of “nor shall the free expression thereof be prohibited” is hard to understand?
Nothing in that clause says the people’s expressions of religious belief is disallowed on government grounds or buildings.
“Congress shall make no law establishing a state religion” simply means the gubbermint can’t establish a theocracy, or force the people to participate in it or believe it.
This has been settled long ago by SCOTUS.
The town where I live has a Nativity Scene-—donated by a local family, not purchased with tax dollars-—displayed every year IN THE COURTHOUSE SQUARE (near the statue of a confederate soldier, btw.)
We received, a few years ago, the standard threat letter from the atheists / communists, accusing the town of violating the Constitution.
Our town attorney replied by suggesting their attorney READ the Constitution, and also suggested the atheists go pound sand.
The atheists slithered off, to intimidate others more easily intimidated.
The Nativity is there in the Square now.
Re : Post #12
Excellent post - I LOVE happy endings, especially in matters such as these.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!