Examine the origins
It's time we begin to hear complaints against nativity scenes, "Silent Night" being sung in schools, even "Christmas" trees or vacation -- any instance of religion entering our public life.

In the State Dining Room at the White House, the fireplace mantle contains a prayer by President John Adams that President Roosevelt had carved into the stone fireplace below a portrait of Abraham Lincoln.

"Praise be to God" is inscribed on the cornerstone of the Washington Monument and "Preserve me, God for in thee do I put my trust," is inscribed in a window of the U.S. Capitol's chapel.

An image of the Ten Commandments is engraved in bronze on the entrance floor of the National Archives. The Lincoln Memorial quotes Lincoln: "He who made the world still governs it."

In the House chamber is the inscription, "In God We Trust."

A book by Newt Gingrich, "Rediscovering God in America," gives these and many other examples of the beliefs of our country's founders and leaders. Those who want to ignore it are free to, but why try to stop everyone else?

JOYCE PAHLKE
Southeast Portland