Winston-Salem Journal LTE TH 02/23/12

A consistent bridge-builder

We are encouraged by the administration of Wake Forest University in its continued support of the Office of the Chaplain, and the work of Imam Khalid Griggs ("Imam says he's had warm reception at WFU," Feb. 13). It is the appropriate response in our pluralistic age.

For over 10 years, we have worked alongside Imam Griggs to make Winston-Salem a more just and compassionate community. We know that in a post-9/11 world it is imperative to be about the work of building bridges across our differences, including religious ones. Imam Griggs has been a consistent bridge-builder who has helped deepen the community's understanding of Islam, especially for those of us from other religious traditions. He has also been an unswerving voice for justice in our community.

We hope the university will stay on this path into the future, and refuse to give ear to those who call us to a false world built on fear and ignorance.

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THE REV. KELLY P. CARPENTER

Winston-Salem

This letter was written in consultation with 12 leaders on behalf of the CHANGE Clergy Caucus. — the editor

Not all there is

Another fabulous voice is silenced with the passing of Whitney Houston. And how many have we seen over the years, to mention Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson as examples? For those who love this kind of music, it is indeed a loss.

Acknowledging this, my question, and that for many others, is: What kind of legacy have these and others left for those who adored them? What example left for posterity?

I'm reminded of Peggy Lee's song of years ago: "Is That All There Is?" Life is made up of choices we make every day, whether as entertainers, sports figures, politicians, etc. With hope, these choices will encourage us to be better citizens, parents, children.

The answer to Lee's lyrics: No, this is not all there is. And for those of us who believe in a "hereafter" and put our trust in a higher power, there is the most important choice of all: try to live a life of honor and obedience to Him.

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BOB G. TANNEHILL

Winston-Salem

Barbecue threat

Could it be that our pork barbecue restaurants are in jeopardy?

I ask this because the writer of the letter "God's word" (Feb. 16) infers that the Rev. Ron Baity and his followers are opposed to same-sex marriage because it is counter to instructions contained in the Bible, which they claim is the word of God. Now, since this same Bible clearly forbids the eating of pork (Leviticus 11:7,8; Deuteronomy 14:7-9) it is possible that if these people prevail, the outlawing of eating pork could be next.

So those like me who enjoy a visit to Lexington should be thoughtful in how they vote.

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PAUL D. WHITSON

Advance

Finish the Thought

Last Saturday we asked readers to complete the sentence, "Rick Santorum can win the GOP presidential nomination if he ..."

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"… wins Michigan, sweeps caucuses in Alaska, Idaho and North Dakota, wins two of the big three on Super Tuesday, wins a big chunk of Texas' 155 delegates, gets a must win in California in June, gets a Gingrich dropout/endorsement somewhere along the way and then hopes Romney continues making gaffes as he most certainly will. Otherwise he could win at a brokered convention."

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KAM BENFIELD

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"… keeps stating there is no man-made global warming, contraception is a sin, evolution is a hoax and the Earth is flat."

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RUDY DIAMOND

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"... can win over a good portion of votes from Gingrich supporters, withstand or counterattack the onslaught of negative ads by pro-Romney super PACs and get under the skin of Romney during debates."

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BOON T. LEE

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"… can lie, cheat and steal better than his competition."

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LOUIS NEWTON

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"… all the voters have a low IQ."

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CATHERINE W. PITTS