March 19, 2003

Richmond Times-Dispatch
P.O. Box 85333 Richmond, VA 23293
Attn: Editor of the Editorial Page

Dear Sir,

I am writing this letter to make the ACLU and their ilk aware of a violation of the first amendment that they must take action against.

I was recently in the Midlothian Post Office (23112 – A Federal building) to mail my state tax forms. I couldn’t help but notice that the entire front counter area was decorated with green four-leaf clovers, pictures of leprechauns, and the words “Happy St. Patrick’s Day” spread throughout.

Should the use of the word ‘Saint’ be allowed on federal property? Saint implies religion and we know that cannot be allowed. “St.” Patrick, whose given name was Maewyn, was born in Wales about AD 385. He originally considered himself a pagan, but life experiences brought him around to Christianity at about age sixteen. He studied in a monastery under “St.” Germain, Bishop of Auxerre for twelve years. It was during this time that he determined that it was his calling to convert pagans to Christianity.

I could go on with this history lesson, but by now you understand that “St.” Patrick represents Christian mores and values. We all know that this sort of thing cannot be allowed for public consumption while displayed on federal property. I await the swift and ardent action of the ACLU and People for the American Way to rid our community of this affront to the Constitution.

Sincerely,

Floyd C. Bayne