Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Winston-Salem Journal LTE TU 01/31/12

Newsworthy

A lawyer who steals people's money — not news. A lawyer who loses his license — not news. A lawyer who steals and then pays his victims back, while admitting he made a mistake, and takes full responsibility for his actions, now that is newsworthy ("Lawyer tapped funds, is disbarred," Jan. 24).

I wish Todd Peebles the best as he moves forward. When he gets his license back, he will be a better lawyer, since he is man enough to admit a mistake and correct it.

BOB DECKER

Winston-Salem

The court's refusal

On Jan. 18 the Journal ran an article reporting the Supreme Court's refusal to hear Forsyth County's appeal of the lower federal court rulings banning sectarian prayer at county council meetings ("Court action backs prayer ban"). In that article, the Rev. Steve Corts, a local Baptist minister, was quoted as saying that this "creates a chilling effect on religious speech in America."

Corts is right only insofar as it "creates a chilling effect" on governmental units promoting, directly or indirectly, any religion, which is banned by our Constitution and with good reason.

An example from our history may further inform Corts regarding the wisdom of our Founding Fathers. Roger Williams, a resident of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, was forced to leave the colony by the local religious authorities, who also controlled the Colonial government, because he insisted on practicing his religion, which was not the religion sanctioned by the colony. Roger Williams was a Baptist.

It is that sort of religious persecution by governments that has caused wars and suffering throughout history and which has no place in America, as our Founding Fathers came to realize when they wrote the Constitution.

The lower courts' actions and the Supreme Court's inaction (refusing to hear the case) were appropriate.

KENNETH R. OSTBERG

Winston-Salem

Missing a friend

Readers of The Readers' Forum will miss James Lassing, who died last Wednesday. He often contributed letters, and I would tease him that "it was a good letter but I don't agree with you." He'd chuckle, lean on his cane and proceed to tell me what and why he was supporting that particular view. It was fun to exchange thoughts with him because he never degraded anyone for not believing as he did, but was willing to listen to their side even though he considered them mistaken.

I don't think I ever changed his mind on anything. What I do know is that he will be missed by a lot of friends and family.

BETTY G. BEWLEY

Winston-Salem

Respect and friendship

As an alumnus of the Children's Home and current treasurer of the Children's Home Alumni Association, it was with great sadness that I learned of George Bryan's resignation as president and CEO. The home has lost a gentle giant with the know-how and the tenacity to achieve remarkable things for the love and betterment of the children.

He has come to know many alumni during his tenure there. A genuine respect and friendship has developed between many who have come to know George, and the feelings have been reciprocated.

One of the wonderful accomplishments and joint endeavors with the alumni is the creation of the Children's Home museum. It represents a timeless history with over a century of remarkable treasures. Much hard work, time and love has gone into the creation of a place where the Children's Home kids can come to remember times and places of the heart.

Even though times and the way we help the children have changed since my days at the home, the children have and should always be the top priority.

Paul Garber's recent front-page story was really an insult to the Children's Home and George Bryan ("Ex-police chief gets new role," Jan. 21). To diminish his many accomplishments by bringing up two instances of abuse, when he had no control over these things, smelled funny to me.

What George Bryan has put into place will continue to grow.

DENISE WELCH LIVENGOOD

Winston-Salem

Monday, January 30, 2012

Winston-Salem Journal LTE MO 01/30/12

Freedom of religion

This is in response to the Jan. 23 letter "Pressing their message": If I remember my American history correctly, this country was founded based on freedom of religion. Our forefathers wanted to be free to worship God without the government telling them how, where or when.

I am a professing Christian and absolutely proud to proclaim it. We in America are free to talk about our faith, more freely than in any other country, without fear of persecution. That is one of the many blessings we have, one that we should be thrilled to tell everyone about with each chance we have. Not only does being a Christian give us daily blessings too numerous to count, but it comes with a responsibility to share our faith in Jesus Christ with the entire world. So we should be ready and willing to shout it either on the World Wide Web, the newspaper, billboards or street corners.

The Bible teaches love and compassion for all our fellow men, not casting doubt or making anyone look or seem like a "second-class citizen." Jesus always walked and taught among the everyday people, to sick, the crippled, the criminals, showing them only love and forgiveness, teaching us that we are to do the same.

Yes, this country has been called a Christian nation, but are we really living up to the responsibility of what that really means? Living by God's Word and his example to us through Jesus Christ.

KATHY R. VANHOY

Winston-Salem

Feelings of anger

It seems to me that most people who achieve a sane and stable adulthood come to the realization that making decisions or engaging in actions based on feelings of anger will nearly always lead to negative and regrettable results. Often, the hotter the anger, the greater the remorse.

How is it then that many leading adherents of one of America's two principal political parties claim to be able to act positively in our country's best interest by provoking, encouraging, harnessing and ennobling a deep sense of anger against individuals who agree with the values and beliefs of the country's other party? Are they truly convinced that this manner of expressing their political argument will have real traction with the American people? Or do they hold such deep contempt for those whose views differ from their own that they truly believe a majority will support their immaturity, negativity and self-destructive message when Election Day comes?

Anger must be tempered by our leaders as well as ourselves or we will all regret what will surely follow.

PETER CONNOR

Clemmons

Knee-jerk reaction

Everyone is entitled to their opinion — but that doesn't mean that all opinions are equally valid or even of good quality. A prime example is the current stance some have against Planned Parenthood because it provides abortions (about 3 percent of its overall services). Considering that it provides birth control and education to women and that many women would seek illegal abortions if it were outlawed, there are actually fewer abortions with Planned Parenthood than there would be without it.

But anti-abortion proponents can't think that far. In their minds, Planned Parenthood equals abortion equals bad, and that's all they need to know — all they want to know.

I think there's no better way to run a democracy than the way we do: one person, one vote. I certainly don't think that voters should be disqualified by intellect — that would open our system to abuse. But I wish there were some way to ensure that all voters were educated and informed, with an understanding of both sides — or all sides — of every pertinent issue. Too many Americans make decisions about issues by knee-jerk reaction, and that's bad for America.

PAUL KIRBY

Winston-Salem

One detail

Regarding the debate about guns in city and county parks: Gun advocates will tell you that guns don't kill people. People kill people kill people. They leave out one detail: People with guns kill more people than people without guns.

If people are allowed to bring guns to parks, I will stop patronizing those parks.

RICHARD SIMMONS

Winston-Salem

Strongly committed

The misnamed National Organization for Marriage offered its congratulations to Newt Gingrich for his victory in South Carolina.

The group's president, Brian Brown, said, "It is now clear that the Republican Party will nominate a candidate who is strongly committed to preserving marriage as the union of one man and one woman."

Honestly, Jon Stewart couldn't make up something this funny.

SARAH G. FINCH

Winston-Salem

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Winston-Salem Journal LTE SU 01/29/12

Demand for oil

The writer of the Jan. 24 letter "Pipeline dreams" should wake up to the fact that the Keystone XL pipeline is a bomb that threatens us all. President Obama showed rare political courage in standing up to Big Oil, which lusts for record profits and cares little about America's health and well-being.

The Amalgamated Transit Union and the Transport Workers Union both oppose the pipeline. Their August 2011 statement: "We need jobs, but not ones based on increasing our reliance on Tar Sands oil. There is no shortage of water and sewage pipelines that need to be fixed or replaced, bridges and tunnels that are in need of emergency repair, transportation infrastructure that needs to be renewed and developed. Many jobs could also be created in energy conservation, upgrading the grid, maintaining and expanding public transportation — jobs that can help us reduce air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and improve energy efficiency."

This pipeline would not lessen U.S. dependence on foreign oil. Gulf Coast refiners plan on tax-free oil export to Europe and Latin America.

Reducing demand for oil is the best way to improve our energy security. New automobile fuel-efficiency standards, solar and wind power, and weatherization of buildings are cleaner and healthier alternatives that will generate better and longer-lasting jobs.

A rupture in the pipeline could cause a major oil spill in America's heartland, over the source of fresh drinking water for 2 million people. And we would end up paying for much of the cleanup.

GUS PRESCHLE

Clemmons

Business conducted

The writer of the Jan. 22 letter "Cordray's appointment" should check his facts.

It was during a "pro forma" session of Congress that the president's two-month payroll tax cut was actually passed, so there was and is business conducted during that time. I suggest he also check Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's use of the "pro forma" option during the Bush administration. Unlike President Obama, President Bush chose to honor the Senate's action.

As regards Cordray, the Dodd-Frank Bill, which authorized the Consumer Protection Agency, specifically requires that the director be confirmed by the Senate before he or she could assume his or her duties. So, once again, the president has chosen to ignore the law and the Congress.

PAULINE G. CHAPMAN

Winston-Salem

Not positive

"Beware of what you want, for you will surely get it." The behind-the-scenes maneuvering by Charlotte officials to make certain the "liberal hordes" do not overrun the city in August at the Democratic National Convention is interesting to watch ("Groups vow actions at convention," Jan. 19). Convention operatives appear to be clashing already with Charlotte police over proposed tightening of venue options, timing and conditions for public protest demonstrations. The "occupy everything but a brain" crowd, along with union activists, can easily cause a backfire of public support.

President Obama's acceptance speech is scheduled for Bank of America Stadium. The symbolism here is profound. My guess is that the overall impressions of most North Carolina citizens after this convention will not be positive and will probably hurt the significant efforts of Democrats to carry this state in the November elections.

PETER T. WILSON

Winston-Salem

Obstruction

About the recess appointment of Richard Cordray to run the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, I don't know whether the Senate should be considered to be in session or not. Frankly, both Republicans and Democrats have been hypocritical in the use of "pro forma" sessions, approving of them when it benefitted them to do so, disapproving when they were hindered by such sessions. A case can be made for both views.

But to me, the larger point is that the consumer bureau will help the American people, and the Republicans are obstructing it. It becomes more obvious every day that the Republicans are now in the pockets of rich, moneyed interests and against middle-class working people.

They're also against the president of the United States — whatever he does, even if it's implementing Republican policies. They're obsessed with obstructing him. It's really a national embarrassment.

Despite that, the president has accomplished much in his first term. Imagine how much more he could have accomplished for us if the Republicans had worked with him rather than against him.

WILLIAM B. PERRY

Winston-Salem

CORRESPONDENT OF THE WEEK

'Bothersome' Christians

This week I read the Jan. 23 letter "Pressing their message," from a woman who opined that Jesus taught his followers to (paraphrasing) "go out and bother people." I questioned that. I know from years of church-going that he definitely encouraged loving one's neighbor as oneself and giving as freely as one has received.

So I sought the opinions of my church friends to evaluate the statement. I called Nancy — she was at the Wee Care Shop at Catholic charities; I tried Judy, but it was her day to work at the Samaritan Inn; I called Matilda, but she was serving at the Shalom Project food pantry that morning; I couldn't reach Carol, as it was her day at KBR Hospice Home; I would have talked to my husband, Bob, about this, but he and his merry band of first-responders were still in Swan Quarter, repairing hurricane-damaged homes.

So after some serious thought, I deduced the writer must be correct in her evaluation about the pushy Christians — we're just all bothering people all day long. Fortunately, they smile and thank us for the help.

I sure do hope if my home and family are ever in need because of Mother Nature's fury, hard jobless times or abject poverty that a whole bunch of pushy followers of Jesus will descend on my life and help to make me whole again.

LINDA R. REDDICK

Pfafftown

Sum It Up

Are you satisfied with North Carolina's gun-control laws? Respond to letters@wsjournal.com and put "Sum It Up" in the subject header. Only signed

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Winston-Salem Journal LTE SA 01/28/12

Latest production

In Forsyth County's latest production of "Don Quixote," the county commissioners interchangeably play the lead role chasing the windmill of sectarian prayer before public meetings. The citizens of Forsyth County play the supporting role of Sancho Panza following blithely as their hero goes out on yet another fool's mission. The audience of religious zealots clap wildly throughout the performance, encouraging Señor Quixote on his fantasy quest.

Unfortunately, the critics played by the U.S. Supreme Court saw only the humor in the production and gave the performance two thumbs down. With that, the production came to an end, leaving us with a bill for $200,000 and a cast searching for more comedies to produce at taxpayer expense.

JOHN WIGODSKY

Winston-Salem

Legal consequence

In an article published in the Journal, "Action put off on guns-in-parks issue" (Jan. 23), Forsyth County Commissioner Bill Whiteheart admitted that he violates the county's concealed-weapons ordinance by keeping a gun locked in his vehicle while attending commissioners' meetings. Has he received a citation and been fined or whatever the legal consequence would be? Surely an elected official making such a reckless comment would be held accountable.

Whiteheart set an unacceptable example. Or is there a double standard, and elected officials get some kind of immunity? If true, there is yet another unacceptable standard.

The fact that guns, concealed or unconcealed, cannot be taken into courthouses and carried onto public-school grounds supports my position for stricter gun laws. If more people bearing arms in all venues make us safer, then why not have guns in courtrooms or on public-school grounds? That will probably be the next proposal of the current N.C. General Assembly.

Where does the audacity stop? In a truly civilized country, we would not even be having this conversation. Some of us are trying to maintain a civilization, and the task grows more difficult each day.

ANNE GRIFFIS WILSON

Winston-Salem

Pipeline nightmare

The writer of the letter "Pipeline dreams" (Jan. 24) should thank President Obama for quashing the development of the Keystone XL pipeline. This pipeline would have created some temporary blue-collar jobs but enabled millions of gallons of oil to flow from the Canadian tar sands across pristine countryside in the United States.

Our amber waves of grain turn black when pipelines spring leaks. Our purple mountains' majesties turn gray from the carbon monoxide produced from burning this fuel.

Encouraging the dirtiest, most polluting methods of oil-shale extraction in the world is not ethical. We can end our dependence on foreign oil by driving less and seeking out alternative and sustainable sources.

ANDREW L. BREWER

Winston-Salem

The candidate

I think I have a solution to this unemployment thing. No need for me to compete with others for the small pool of jobs. It was right before me, but I never saw it. All I have to do is say outlandish things and run for office!

For starters, I could propose building an electrified fence along the border to keep "the illegals" out, to gain a small following. I could continue by suggesting secession from the union to further grow my number of supporters. And when I decide to jump in the presidential race and I'm asked about foreign policy, I could simply respond by saying I don't need to know who the president of Ubeki-beki-beki-stan is.

When the Benjamins start to stack up, I can take a pilgrimage to Tiffany's and drop a cool half-million dollars on jewelry. I'll have to keep it hushed because I'll be busy convincing the public that I'm a struggling, hard-working American.

I already figured out that if the mainstream media asks me for solutions to fix unemployment, I can simply dance around the issue by spouting cute little catchphrases like "this administration is making things worse" or "this president has failed us all." (Notice that I never offered a solution.)

And when my bid for the Oval Office fails, I can settle down, write a book or two and go on a national speaking tour. So be on the lookout for me because I need your support (and your money, too).

MARTY PITTMAN

Winston-Salem

Finish the Thought

Briefly complete the sentence below and send it to us at letters@wsjournal.com. We'll print some of the results in a few days. Only signed entries, please, no anonymous ones.

"Gov. Bev Perdue decided not to seek re-election because …"

Friday, January 27, 2012

Winston-Salem Journal LTE FR 01/27/12

Disagreements

I'm a simple man who understands simple things. What I can't understand is why anyone who disagrees with the current administration in Washington, or disagrees with people who want our borders closed, or disagrees with policies that promote teaching about GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual and transsexual) issues in grade schools, is considered a racist or worse. What has happened to our country? Why do people have to be "shouted down" and have labels placed on them because they disagree with an opinion?

I disagree with the policies of this administration, but I am not a racist. I want our borders secure, but I am not a racist. I don't think children in elementary schools should be confronted with GLBT issues, but I am not a homophobe. I want a strong military in our country, and I want our outrageous national debt addressed by the administration and Congress, and spending reined in.

This country is fast falling apart. Sure, taxes will have to be raised, but spending must be reduced. But if I disagree with the current policies, the media and others place labels on me, and others like me.

At one time, I considered myself a patriot, but now I have to be careful what I say in public, as I will have labels placed on me by others who disagree with my thoughts. Our country cannot survive with this attitude. It's time for civil discourse. Where did it go?

HOWARD W. MOFFATT

Winston-Salem

Open season

I have read the local response to new concealed-weapon laws, both in the city and the county as well as the newspaper ("County should curb, not promote," Jan. 19). Most concealed-weapon holders abide by the laws. Also, most concealed-weapon holders do not go where they are not wanted.

For the criminals who want to do harm to those who go to the local parks, there will be no concealed-weapon holders there; open season has been declared.

If these regulations are enacted, who will feel safe in a city park knowing the only people who have concealed weapons there are the criminals?

ED WALL

Winston-Salem

The opposite game

When my kids were little, we used to play the "opposite game," in which we would say the opposite of what we really meant. As fun as it is for short periods of time, it's time for the Republicans to quit it.

Case in point: The two leading presidential candidates of the party that claims ownership of Christian morals, family values and job creation are a thrice-married adulterer who was disciplined for ethics violations the last time he held office and a venture capitalist who has made millions by laying off workers. Lest anyone think that Newt Gingrich has an ounce of integrity, note how, in South Carolina, he twisted blame to the "liberal media" for his unprincipled behavior, as if the media forced him to bed a mistress while married. And Mitt Romney would like us to believe that corporate raiding, laying off workers and putting families on the street for the benefit of the 1 percent is the epitome of capitalism.

Let's be honest. The GOP really doesn't care about these values except when using them as criteria to evaluate non-Republicans. And, as Gingrich himself embodies, the more of these one violates, the more "conservative" one is. Which brings us back to the "opposite game."

It's all been a lot of fun … a hoot, really. But they should stop before someone actually believes what they say.

JAMES KEVIN BOKENO

Advance

Gets a pass

Why does Newt Gingrich get a pass from the family-values voters after his leaving two wives with serious health issues? His actions were very similar to those of John Edwards. Edwards, however, was forced to abandon his campaign.

Maybe their private lives are just that: private. But it does seem that there is a different standard for Gingrich. He just rails vehemently at the press for uncovering his skeletons and plows forward. Somehow that doesn't seem right. Or is it?

PATRICIA WILLIAMS

Lewisville

Sum It Up

The Sum It Up question from Sunday was: Are questions about a candidate's sexual morality fair game in presidential races?

* * * * *

The former first lady of South Carolina, Jenny Sanford, says it well, that a candidate's behavior reflects his character, which will be reflected in his policy. Candidates' sexual morality should not be treated casually. In the South Carolina GOP debate last Thursday, Newt Gingrich skillfully deflected the open-marriage question to the delight of the audience, but he could not wipe off the question from general voters' mind. It will dog him during the presidential race.

BOON T. LEE

Winston-Salem

* * * * *

I assume this topic refers to the Gingrich news of late. Why should such an event that happened so many years ago be important when what Bill Clinton did in the White House while he was "on the job," so to speak, meant nothing to the Democrats at the time? The double standard is hard to understand.

TONY GAGLIARDI

East Bend

* * * * *

Ask away, but obviously it doesn't matter. Clinton remained in office. Gingrich won big in South Carolina. Americans don't really care; if they think their guy can beat the hated opposition, that's all that matters. (Unless it's something out of the norm like texting pictures of your privates, maintaining a $4,500/per session hooker, flying off to Argentina to be with your mistress while telling your staff you're hiking on the Appalachian Trail, or anything involving small animals.)

KAM BENFIELD

Rural Hall

* * * * *

Yes, especially when in the candidate's past, he was hypocritically leading the efforts to impeach President Clinton for the same illicit sexual activity he himself was secretly enjoying.

RUDY DIAMOND

Lewisville

* * * * *

Yes, questions about a candidate's sexual morality are fair game in a presidential race. These questions were certainly applied to President Clinton while in office by Newt Gingrich while he was having his own sexual discretions. What's different now? Oh that's right, the liberal media!

SUZANNE A. CARROLL

Clemmons

* * * * *

I firmly believe that morality in any form is definitely fair game in a presidential race or in any other important race where public trust and ethics are of a concern.

LOUIS W. JONES

Winston-Salem

* * * * *

Yes. Now people want to change what is and what is not acceptable. President Obama or any Democrat would be run over, with certain people having a "holier-than-thou" attitude. I am so sick and tired of the double standards that the lawmakers continue to force down the American people's throats. When it's not something that benefits them, they change the rules. Shame, shame, shame.

DAPHNE S. TUCKER

Winston-Salem

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Winston-Salem Journal LTE TH 01/26/12

So happy

Thanks so much for the Jan. 20 Religion News Service column by Tom Ehrich ("Special treatment hurts church and state"). We were so happy to read his intelligent and thought-provoking words again. Please continue to feature his columns if at all possible.

JAMES AND CAROL HORTON

Mount Airy

The Top 10 list

Your top 10 issues for 2012 ("Here are our Top 10 issues for 2012," Jan. 22) were interesting. One of the interesting things was that at least five of them involved spending more taxpayer money, something the Journal recommends with great frequency. In fact, in the same issue, one editorial was supporting a .75-percentage-point sales tax increase for "education" ("Legislature must do it for education"). It would seem that if the legislature would use all the lottery money for education like it was supposed to instead of raking off a large part of it for the general fund, the state's education needs would be taken care of. In any event, it seems fiscally irresponsible, in the midst of a serious recession, to be continually pushing for spending money the state doesn't have.

It is very easy to create lists of things that "must" be done without giving even the slightest hint as to how to do it or where the money is to come from. Apparently, just coming up with the list gives the Journal editorial staff sufficient intellectual satisfaction. However, the people upon whom the burden of implementing these things would fall have a much harder job. They have to determine what to do, how to do it, how to pay for it, how to make it happen and when to say no.

Perhaps this helps illustrate the difference between dreamers and doers.

HERBERT OSMON

Winston-Salem

Sitting in judgment

This spring the Supreme Court will hear arguments about the government-run health-care plan known as "Obamacare." Elena Kagan, the newest justice on the court, was formerly solicitor general, the chief lawyer in the Obama White House. As such, she had final say over all legal questions. It is obvious to me that she would have been very involved in the formulation of the health-care mandates.

On the court now, she would be sitting in judgment of her own work, so she must recuse herself. Federal law (28 U.S.C., Section 455) reads: "Any justice, judge or magistrate judge of the United States shall disqualify himself in any proceeding in which his partiality might reasonably be questioned" or "where he has served in government employment and in such capacity participated as counsel, adviser or material witness concerning the proceedings or expressed an opinion concerning the merits of the particular case in controversy."

Eric Segall, a law professor at Georgia State University, recently wrote in Slate Magazine: "Doing the right thing is easy when nothing important is at stake. Doing the right thing is much harder when there is a lot to lose. …[Elena Kagan] is poised to review the constitutionality of Obama's health care statute. … Kagan should recuse herself from hearing challenges to the act."

Surely Kagan will do the right thing.

GENEVIEVE KAJS

Pfafftown

Finish the Thought

Last Saturday we asked readers to complete: "Freedom of religion means ..."

* * * * *

"… that I have the freedom to not be a person of faith."

FRANK SCISM

"… I or any Christian can open or close our prayers in the name of Jesus; just as the Bible instructs (John 14:14). But the U.S. Supreme Court, by refusing to hear Forsyth County's appeal, let stand a 2-to-1 ruling by the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that found Forsyth County had endorsed Christianity with its prayer policy.

"How many times must the county commissioners state that the policy was open to all ? It would be my desire that everyone would truly read the U.S. Constitution and realize just what our Founding Fathers had in mind. Does anyone believe the Constitution anymore?"

REID JOYCE

* * * * *

"… a person can choose ancient Middle Eastern nomadic tribal beliefs and superstitions over 21st century reason."

BOB BURWELL

* * * * *

"… freedom for all religions, not just mine."

CYNTHIA GOUGH NANCE

* * * * *

"… the tolerance of different theological systems of belief. Don't think for one minute we have it in the United States. Consider: Would Tim Tebow be so popular if he were a flagrant Muslim?"

KAM BENFIELD

* * * * *

"… ending drug prohibition, a failed policy based on conservative religious dogma, not medical or social science."

JAMES S. CAMPBELL

* * * * *

"… freedom from religion."

WILLIAM SAMS

* * * * *

"… my religion cannot compel you, nor can your religion compel me."

DAVE DANNER SR.

* * * * *

"When I read Finish the Thought, the first thing that popped into my mind was the Gestalt Prayer by Philosopher Fritz Perls:

'I do my thing and you do your thing.

I am not in this world to live up to your expectations,

And you are not in this world to live up to mine.

You are you, and I am I, and if by chance we find each other,

it's beautiful.

If not, it can't be helped.' "

CATHERINE W. PITTS

* * * * *

"… freedom to choose a religion or not; freedom to openly worship and espouse your beliefs; freedom to communicate, without force, your beliefs to others."

RANDAL BLANKENSHIP

* * * * *

"… the right to worship or not worship as one pleases; and, freedom from having religious bigots' attempts to ram their religion down one's throat, whether by trying to use the public square for that purpose or through other devious attempts.

"Freedom of religion means that religious minorities have the right to practice what they believewithout the interference of bigots ."

CAROL BODENHEIMER

* * * * *

"... religious expression is no less valid in the public square than all other types of expression protected under the First Amendment. In the view of the Founders, there is no such thing as second-class religious expression."

DEB PHILLIPS

* * * * *

"… the followers of one religion or one section of a religion are free from the fear of discrimination, persecution, being stigmatized, or violent attack by another religion or another sect."

BOON T. LEE