I find it rather curious and somewhat perplexing that Rick Wingrove and his atheist cohorts who are turning the grounds of the Loudoun County Courthouse lawn into a circus of sorts, with their proclamations and displays in opposition of the Christmas holiday and the creche, are limiting themselves to only this venue and this particular holiday.

If these so-called defenders of First Amendment rights really feel so passionate about their plea for “separation of church and state,” and “freedom of speech” why not take their cause right into our nation’s Capital today, as the president pays homage to the strictly religious holiday Hanukkah with the lighting of the National Menorah on the public property known as the Ellipse?

I would think that the Loudoun Atheists and friends would feel even more intense over today’s ceremony, inasmuch as unlike Christmas, Hanukkah is not a National Holiday, but is solely a religious holiday which is celebrated by those of the Jewish faith.

And mind you, not only is the National Menorah sitting on government property, but in this case taxpayer monies will be used since the U.S. Marine Corps band performed during the ceremony.

So, I would like to challenge Mr. Wingrove and friends to take their righteous cause and their protestations into D.C. Show us, and all those who will be viewing this joyous event, just how much you value exercising your Constitutional rights .But personally, I think they will just remain focused with their publicity-seeking efforts on the local (Loudoun County) scene, and show us all what true hypocrites they really are.

I close with a sincere wish for a Merry Christmas and a Happy Hanukkah to all.

John Mileo

Lansdowne