Travis displays (Letter of Support from Travis AFB)

Mr. Weinstein,

I just wanted to send you this e-mail asking for your help with our out here at Travis AFB. I am sure that you know about the Nativity scene that was out up by the Chaplain by now. I wanted to tell you how the scene was put up, and what it looked like from the perspective of someone on base.

When the Nativity was first put up, it was the only thing for a few days. Gradually the other invited squadrons put up Christmas cards along side it. For a while it was standing by itself. Also the Nativity scene is one of the few that are lit up at night, there are a few other Christmas cards that have lights, but the Nativity scene is the only one with three gigantic light illuminating it. Later, after several other Christmas cards were put up, the Menorah was added in what was seemingly an afterthought. The Nativity scene is defiantly taller and larger than the other cards, and although there are other displays along side it none of them are three dimensional. One is left to wonder why there are rules imposed on the squadrons cards, but not the plastic Jesus. Would a three dimensional fully lit, and larger display from another worldview be tolerated?

I understand that this issue is very emotionally charged. I just want to emphasize that I have no problem with
plastic Jesus when displayed properly. My wife is Christian and I currently have a nativity scene in my house displayed where everybody can see it. This is not the issue. The problem is the favoritism that is applied to the religious displays. Can’t the plastic Jesus be moved two blocks over to the chapel lawn!? Is it so hard to ask for the government to stay out of religion? Isn’t that what the founding fathers said when they stated that the government should not establish any state religion? Can’t people understand it is not the religion we have a problem with it is the favoritism!?

Afghanistan had a government that endorsed religion also. I wonder sometimes, how the religious people in this country would feel, if the base had instead put up a large three dimensional Buddha or Mohamed statue, and lit it up from three sides while all the other displays were limited.

Very respectfully yours,
(name withheld)