Putting aside the issue of whether or not we should allow religious displays in public schools, I am troubled by the statement made by Carol Powell that the United States was "founded on Christian beliefs" ("If Hindus have day at school, why can't Christians," Oct. 16). This shows a clear lack of knowledge and understanding that many Americans who accept this statement as true seem to suffer from.

The Treaty of Tripoli, passed unanimously in 1797, clearly states, "The Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion."

The fallacy behind the "Christian nation" belief is that the principles that our country was founded on, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, are inherently Christian. Christianity does not have a monopoly on these values; they are found in many religions worldwide.

Perhaps instead of arguing about religious displays in public schools, we should be teaching the facts of our nation's founding as they are clearly set out in the Treaty of Tripoli.

Rosalyn Lederman

Carmel