Officials’ sectarian prayers violate rights

The Constitution of the United States was written in 1789 in is the basis by which our government functions and our laws are derived.

One key component of this document is the Establishment clause located in the First Amendment. The amendment says, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion..” This clause serves as a limitation to our government to prohibit their interference with citizens’ religious beliefs.

Consequently, when our commissioners, while in the line of duty, allow for sectarian prayer to continue, they violate my rights as a constituent and the Constitution of the United States.

Despite what Josh Bergeron said in his article, words such as our Father and Christ are sectarian words. I’m Jewish and using these words runs contrary to my religious beliefs, thereby my religious tenets and constitutional rights are violated.

In the end, commissioners, your rights aren’t being violated; mine are. In the end, commissioners, you aren’t being oppressed as a minority; I am.

I am asking you to not only let the court’s decision stand, but take the next step to making Rowan County a more inclusive and fair place to live by beginning your meetings with a moment of silence, not a prayer. America was founded on the concept of equality. Let’s keep it that way.

— Emma Labovitz

Salisbury

People’s choice

I am a veteran who served in Korea during that war.  I volunteered and swore an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States. I was willing to give my life in defense of this Constitution, if necessary.

It begins with the preamble:

“We the people of the United States, In order to form a more perfect union, establish justice. Insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty for ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this constitution for the United States of America.”

This established a government by the people and for the people of the United States of America — all the people, the rich, the poor, Christians, Muslims, Jews, Catholics, Voodoo, Mormons. Buddhist or whatever. All these people pay taxes and have fought and died to preserve this Constitution.

Since the First Amendment prohibits the government from interceding in religion, the only question left is, are the Rowan County commissioners local government or not?

Since the people’s government is the custodian of the people’s property and was elected to represent and conduct the people’s business, the Supreme Court had the choice under the First Amendment to allow anyone in the name of religion to post any sign or symbol on public buildings and property or to allow none. This also applies to public meetings and public business.

I do not want to see hexes and voodoo or any other signs posted on our buildings. The people’s representatives cannot promote one religion over another.  Church and state must be separate.

The home and the church are the place for religion. We pay the elected representatives to conduct the people’s business, not to promote their religious beliefs at business meetings for all the people.

I am of the Christian faith.

—James P. Williams

Salisbury

  

Time for Hillary?

Years ago when Hillary Clinton was a senator in New York, someone asked her a light-hearted question about two New York sports teams and which one she liked best. Instead of giving a direct answer, she went on and on about the teams and how she liked them both. It was a frustrating reply, leaving me with the same feeling as if I had just asked my wife what she feels like for dinner and she says, “I don’t know. What do you feel like?”

Today Hillary is running to be president of the United States, yet her old habit of not wanting to answer questions remains. She’s even taken it further by declaring in advance at several gatherings topics she will not discuss (like Benghazi). This is an interesting strategy from someone who wishes to be president, our commander-in-chief, leader of the free world.

Maybe Hillary herself doesn’t even know where she stands on a few things yet. Perhaps she’s just taking the nation’s pulse, trying to figure which views will offend the fewest voters. I’m sure this is what they probably teach in Politics 101, but I doubt it’s taught in Leadership 101.

It’s 3 o’clock in the morning, and you have to call the president. Who do you want on the other end? If Hillary is there, I wonder if she’d even pick up. I suppose she would eventually, but not before checking her caller ID.

— Allan Gilmour

Salisbury

Thanks to Ketner

Salisbury Pride is very humbled by Mr. Ralph Ketner’s vocal support. Mr. Ketner’s invitation to join so many other brave supporters at the city council meeting was sent; however, it was never received. We would never exclude anyone who wants to stand in solidarity for Salisbury Pride in efforts to make Salisbury a city for ALL citizens.

Salisbury Pride is very excited to honor Mr. Ketner with an Ally Award on June 20. Hopefully, we will also hear a mayoral proclamation that day as well.

— Tamara Sheffield

Salisbury

Sheffield is president of Salisbury Pride.

Mayor is right

I  would like to encourage Mayor Woodson to continue  not issuing the Pride Day proclamation because, after all, “it is the right thing to do.” More importantly, God will honor your decision not to be influenced by others regardless of however influential they may or may not be in the community.

Sam L. Hoffman

Salisbury

Don’t be swayed

Mayor Woodson, don’t let the Stanbacks and Ralph Ketner with their wealth change your mind. I wonder if Mr. Ketner would have anything to say if he didn’t have a daughter who is lesbian. I understand he loves his daughter. But with his humble roots from Rimer Town, does he really approve?

— Jerry Murph

Kannapolis