Letters to the editor - Tuesday (2-21-2012)

Prayer complaint isn’t a war against anyone’s religion

First, I would like to make it clear that the ACLU is protecting the rights of the those who are the minority in this county. Those of us who are of different religions and non-belief are provided the same rights as Christians under the law. The First Amendment in the Bill Of Rights states that government cannot favor one religion. This is because our forefathers fled England, which favored a national religion. Our forefathers had enough insight to prevent this from happening here. Even then, they knew that the United States would become the melting pot of the world, and they wanted to protect the rights of everyone who came here fleeing injustice in their homelands. Our national motto became E Pluribus Unum; out of many one.

Second, I ask you to put yourself in our shoes. Show some empathy to your fellow man instead of all this hatred. How would you feel if you went to a government meeting and the only prayer was to Allah? Would you feel your rights as a Christian were trampled on? Would you sit idly? Or, would you fight for your rights?

This is not a war against religion. This is a war for the rights of all religions and for non-believers. The ACLU is not trying to take away your rights to practice Christianity or even to pray. It just doesn’t belong in government forums.

All of this anger could easily be rectified by a moment a silence. This allows people of different faiths to say their personal prayers or no prayer at all.

— Tammy L. Walser

Rockwell

A non-negotiable deal

Regarding the article “Prayers ‘in Jesus’ Name’ under fire from ACLU”:

As a resident and registered voter of Rowan County, I wish to state three points.

1. I will not kowtow to the whims of the ACLU as described in this story.

2. I will neither endorse, vote for nor otherwise support any Rowan County commissioner who kowtows to the whims of the ACLU as described in this story.

3. Individuals involved in the situation described in this story will be wise to take to heart and commit to memory that in the last days every knee shall bow and every tongue confess Jesus Christ as Lord (see Philippians 2:10,11).

That’s the deal. It’s non-negotiable.

— Carole Anne Hallyburton

Cleveland

The bus line blues

The Salisbury Transit System needs to take a look at creating a transfer point at the Salisbury Mall. The No. 3 bus stops at the VA Medical Center and goes back to town, and the No. 2 bus makes its way to Salisbury Mall and back to town. This also leaves Statesville Avenue between Jake and Innes a dead zone for riders unable to walk 1.41-plus miles to the nearest bus stop. If both could meet at the Salisbury Mall, with the No. 3 bus offering service to Statesville Boulevard, persons from west Salisbury and east Salisbury could lessen their travel times greatly. Another transportation item in question is, why is there no route on Innes Street? All of Innes Street is bypassed between Statesville Boulevard and Fulton Street.

— Randy Conklin

Salisbury

Wishing for a quick recovery

Regarding Sunday fire that destroyed the Rowan Animal Clinic:

My various pets have been clients of Dr. Rhod Lowe and his staff for nearly 30 years. One could search the entire world and never find a better family than the Lowe family.

My boy and Dr. Lowe’s sons, Nick and Greg, have been friends for many years.

My son Matthew, while in middle school and high school, worked for Rowan Animal Clinic for five years. It was Dr. Lowe who inspired my son to choose medicine as a career.

I hope, in the very near future, to be able to look to my right as I drive into town and see the new Rowan Animal Clinic under construction.

— Mike Cline

Salisbury

Thanks for aiding church

During the month of January, someone stole the heating unit from our church.

On Feb. 4 and 5, we held a fundraiser selling “Jerry’s Chicken,” trying to raise enough money to replace the stolen unit. A lot of surrounding pastors, churches, friends and neighbors heard about our fundraiser and came by to support us. During those two days, we sold more plates than ever before; we surpassed our goal.

So we just wanted to pause and say thank you to everyone for all of your love, support and prayers.

To Ronnie Campbell, to Rev. Randy Powell, pastor of South River UMC, and all of his members, on behalf of Rev. William Speas, pastor of Moores Chapel AME Zion Church of Cleveland, and its members, may God continue blessing you for going that extra mile.

— Doris Noble

Cleveland