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Dear Editor:

Mr. John Williams reads and comprehends poorly if he thinks that my Letter To The Editor published on Dec. 20, 2009, (from which he speciously quoted the last clause out of context in his letter published Feb. 3, 2010) reflects a lack of understanding of the pre-Christian origins of the Christmas tree. Indeed my third sentence said, “Doesn't the City's attorney realize that the evergreen tree is an ancient religious symbol that commemorates the winter solstice and has been used to honor the gods, Bacchus, Saturn, Woden, Adonia and many, many others throughout history?”

Perhaps Mr. Williams is laboring under the misapprehension that the Constitutional prohibition against recognizing religion is restricted to the Christian religion. If it's unconstitutional to have a public rite following the Christian religious custom of reading the Bible, then it is equally unconstitutional to have a public rite following the Pagan religious custom of decorating an evergreen tree.

It would also, therefore, be unconstitutional for public schools to teach any literature, music or other art subjects by using works that were inspired by any religion, Christian or otherwise. (e.g. There'd be no performing of Beethoven's “Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring” or anything from Wagner's blatantly Pagan “Ring” cycle by public school orchestras.). Liberal art and fine art education in public schools would have to end. I suggest that Mr. Williams read twice and write once.

Robert Effler
351 Vernie Lee Road
Friendsville, TN 37737