Here's a philosophical question on this Easter Sunday for the religious, for atheists, agnostics and non-theists. I'll let you decide if the question is totally frivolous and goofy, or if it highlights another example of people not considering the full implications of their arguments and actions.

So – atop the Statehouse, we have a statue of Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture. Does the fact that a pagan goddess is enshrined above our seat of government constitute a breach of the church/state divide? (And before you say "well, nobody actually practices a religion revering Ceres anymore” – Ceres being the Roman name for the goddess Demeter – think again)

Is it grandfathered because it's art? Does it not count because its pagan?

Or alternatively, does the presence of a pagan goddess atop the golden dome innoculate us from questions over things like Christmas trees or other religious symbology at the statehouse (or on state property across Vermont)? The 1st amendment, after all, directs the state not to recognize an establishment of religion. Does a pagan statue provide something officials can always point to if a complaint is raised as to say "how can we be establishing x religion as official – we have a pagan goddess on our dome, for heaven's sake!"?

Don't worry. I'm not suggesting a netroots uprising. Just some socratic fun on this Easter morning…