Handled correctly, Bible classes OK

Not only was the Freedom from Religion Foundation’s timing bad, but they also underestimated their strategy. All this does is pack the house with church folks, who out-shouted the meeting.

While I am a non-Christian and would normally agree with the FFRF, these issues are best addressed during the political “off season.”

This is only going to hurt their cause, for a few reasons. First, these Bible classes are not required, they not funded by the taxpayers and parental consent is required.

Secondly, as long as school officials are not forcing students to take Bible — or Koran, Torah or any other religious course — they are within their rights to express their religious freedoms, as stated in the First Amendment.

Thirdly, it works both ways. While Christians enjoy an overwhelming majority, they are not allowed to exclude other faiths. The Bill of Rights protects all faiths and the “free expression thereof.”

The First Amendment doesn’t recognize a “state” church because the framers of the Constitution knew religion won’t limit itself so that the rights of the individual can be secure.

As long as other faiths are allowed to have their classes and freely express their faith, or are able to freely express no faith, and as long as no tax dollars are used, no officials are forcing students to participate, and there is no discrimination, persecution or harassment, there shouldn’t be a problem.

Lastly, this is an issue that the citizens of Rowan County can and should handle without outside influences. Even as a non-religious person, I am not offended by the board’s decision to keep the classes. I have the right to be non-religious, and others have the right to be religious. As long as it meets the criteria I have mentioned, I have no problem with people expressing their religious freedoms.

— Butch Young

Rockwell

Proven success

I have known Bill Rogers for over 20 years – both personally and professionally. I have had the pleasure of sitting with Bill on several boards, one of which he served as president for two years.

During that time, I gained a significant respect for him and his manner of leadership. His calm demeanor bodes well for resolving issues in thoughtful and deliberate ways.

Bill has an innate ability to listen, consider and then speak. Surely, managing a law practice that handles domestic cases would take the patience of Job and a unique personality to negotiate favorable outcomes for all concerned. Bill possesses these qualities.

He has worked diligently to obtain the skills and professionalism that will be invaluable as a Superior Court judge. He has proven himself successful.

His passion for correctness, with an extraordinary measure of integrity, will allow him to equitably resolve matters before the court. Either party who would present before Bill would find him to be an honest, fair and equitable practitioner.

I hope Cabarrus voters will join me in supporting Bill Rogers for Superior Court judge.

— Dennis Yates

Concord