Shawn Childers professes not to understand the fuss over the “In God We Trust” license plates (Letters, “Atheists and Agnostics: Lighten Up,” April 25-May 2). He states that there is no constitutional protection against statements that may offend you. Of course, that is not the issue.

The issue is whether or not the state of Indiana can subsidize this message relative to all other specialty plates, by failing to charge the usual $15 administrative fee (note that this is not the additional $25 that goes to the supported organization). According to Mr. Childers, “If you don’t wish [to get one of the plates], then you don’t have to … It’s that simple.” Obviously, it’s not that simple, or it wouldn’t be in court with a good chance of winning. It’s about protecting a Constitution explicitly designed to provide a level playing field for all forms of expression, regardless of how popular (or unpopular) they are.

Bob Harris
Indianapolis