It Pays to Complain

Before

After

California Foundation member Matt Hughes complained in August when he encountered a huge "God Bless America" poster at the Lompoc Post Office. His letter pointed out that "Your customer service counter in Lompoc is visited by believers in various deities," as well as atheists. "All customers of the Lompoc Post Office should feel welcome while conducting business in your facility," Hughes wrote, adding that "God Bless America" is a religious expression, a prayer and a sectarian prayer, "since it only mentions a single deity."

Above, the photos tell the story. The poster was ordered removed, commanding the top of the fold headline in the Sept. 3 Lompoc Record. Congratulations, Matt!