That's what Sen. Pam Roach, R-Auburn, told Gov. Chris Gregoire in a letter.

Of course, that was before anyone knew the display by the Freedom from Religion Foundation had been swiped.

UPDATE: Brad Shannon, my colleague at The Olympian, reports that the display is on its way back to Olympia, thanks to the State Patrol.

Roach told me during a 10 a.m. hearing on how the Nov. 4 election went that she had to leave because she had to be in Seattle at a TV studio so she could tape a segment for Bill O'Reilly's show. It apparently will delve further into the anti-Christian nature of the display in the Legislative Building on the state Capitol Campus. It's a counterpoint to a nearby Christmas display

The TV show will be on at 5 p.m., or so I'm told.

I asked her if she was planning on being critical of the atheist display.

"No. I'm going to praise free speech and point out that with a half million square feet (of space in the building), I think it's possible to have them further apart," Roach said.

Here's what Roach sent to the governor:

Senator Pam Roach appears on “O’Reilly Factor” concerning rotunda display

State Senator Pam Roach (R) today delivered to Governor Gregoire a letter in response to the dispute on the rotunda display. On this issue she will be appearing on Fox News, Bill O’Reilly’s “The O’Reilly Factor” which will air this evening. The letter is attached.

[More:]

December 5, 2008

Governor Christine Gregoire
Legislative Building
PO Box 4002
Olympia, WA 98504-0002

Dear Governor Gregoire:

I am writing to you today to request on behalf of Christians and peoples of other religious beliefs who would wish to have their celebrations respected, that the nativity display in the Rotunda of the Capitol be allowed its place without interference of any obvious, purposeful distractions.

I strongly support the First Amendment and its protection of free speech. Legal displays should be allowed. But, if they demean other individuals because of their color, gender, or religious beliefs those displays should be either placed elsewhere or, in some cases, declared “hate speech” and moved outside of the people’s building. In any event, they should not be in near proximity to, or in preference to, any other symbolic display.

Free speech does have constraints. In the case of expressing religion or lack thereof, I think it is perfectly appropriate for individuals or organizations to exercise their first amendment rights. However, the legislature has recognized that there are certain times when speech is restrained. Legal restraint exists against yelling “fire” in a theater when none exists. We also recognize restrained free speech when it comes to proximity.

Last year the first bill you signed into law was designed to protect the rights of others against the hurtful and demeaning exercise of the First Amendment. That bill respected the rights of individuals to picket at a military funeral, but in respect of those who died and their families, we directed that those rights be practiced at a distance.

The exercising of the rights of atheists or others should be respected, but at the same time, the rights of others should also be respected. Just as we do not burn crosses on lawns, which is not allowed under free speech, and just as we do not picket the funerals of fallen warriors, we also do not wish to cause ire or sadness for those that have deep and abiding religious beliefs. Dissidents of religion should have the right to assemble and speak. But, as the people have directed through the legislature and by your signature…there is room enough to do so without disrupting solemn displays. For Christians, the nativity is solemn.

I believe this embarrassing situation can be avoided and our Constitutional freedoms remain intact.

I am hoping you will direct conflicting religious or non-religious symbols to be placed at a distance one from another. And also, that the Department of General Administration be asked to develop a plan for placement of future displays where free speech and freedom of religion can peacefully co-exist.


Sincerely,


Pam Roach
State Senator

(Photo courtesy of Alyssa Snyder.)