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                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, January 17, 1993                   TAG: 9301180354
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: C-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

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RELIGIOUS DIVERSITY IS A GOOD THING

FOR SOME time now I have been listening to and reading about Montgomery County's great controversy.

I have always felt that separation of church and state is correct. No one wants the government dictating what he or she can and cannot believe. Remember the whole bit with the Pilgrims and religious freedom?

I also feel that one of the greatest things about America is its diversity. It contains many different religions. It would be virtually impossible to have every religion represented on a school banner, calendar, menu, etc., unless it were written in itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny print.

Therefore, I suggest that Mongtomery County use "winter" and "spring" break. It is not infringing on anyone's religious freedoms or rights, and a person can still celebrate his or her religious festivities until the cows come home. BRIDGET PORTERFIELD DUBLIN

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