Re “Church/State violation is alleged,” Jan. 25: It may be a vain hope, but some employees of the National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base could use some counseling on what diversity really means when they are ready to go to court over a charity’s religious affiliation. Must Catholic Charities become Anonymous Charities? Do we really care who is motivated to help the less fortunate? Shouldn’t NASIC employees welcome anyone who wants to help?
Mikey Weinstein may have a wonderful second career as boss of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation and he probably believes that he represents “victims” of religious intolerance. Thus, he is empowered to enforce his view that religion has no place in the military. Or probably anywhere in local, state or federal governments. This is diversity? This is tolerance?
His view is a symptom of the times, one that barred women who believe in the right to life (capitalized or not) from the march in Washington. There was a recent presidential election that was in part a reaction to this intolerance. Note that everyone in the wedding business — florists, bakers, photographers — have been told they must endorse the redefinition of marriage or face hostility, or worse. Note that the federal government required the Little Sisters of the Poor to, in effect, endorse abortion. And so on. As Ian Tuttle wrote in National Review some time back, “Progressives have chosen an ideology of total warfare.”
So Weinstein's strafing mission should be shot down with a barrage of civility, understanding and respect for others and more than a little education in what the country's founders — imperfect as all of us remain today — had in mind. WILLIAM H. WILD, OAKWOOD
Abortion debate is about civilization
Re “Additional thoughts on abortion debate,” Jan. 9: Life and death, right and wrong, that’s what abortion is. It’s a human civilization issue that we must deal with.
We scientifically know that human life starts at conception when the egg and sperm unite and begin cell multiplication. This whole process is by God’s design to successfully propagate the human species.
All of our foundational laws come from the Bible. These laws give us civilization, which enables mankind to live together peacefully and productively. Government has the job of enforcing these laws to protect the people. If all people loved God and obeyed Him, we would not need government. Government is not bad when it does its duties according to God’s word.
So if we refuse to value life from the time of conception on our own, then government has a responsibility to step in and protect these babies from people who make choices to end their lives. This is a life and death choice for the baby. Every child deserves life, not death, no matter the age or the circumstances.
Let's ask the question, "What would Jesus do?" It's time to turn from being a secular nation and seek to be "one nation under God." LOIS BRAVARD, SPRINGFIELD
In praise of a truly great American
We rightfully remember Jackie Robinson for his profound contribution in erasing racial inequality. Through athletics, whites could finally begin to find their way to righting previous wrongs.
Another name that shouldn’t be forgotten is the impact Sidney Poitier had through movies to achieve the same objective. Movies were still being made with minorities relegated to subservient positions when he became so instrumental in changing all that. You cannot underestimate the influence the character Mr. Tibbs had in the cultural evolution of America.
Mr. Poitier turns 90 this month being born in the same year Lucky Lindy flew to Paris, the Babe hit 60, the first talking movie was released and racial perceptions were quite different. He's at the top of my list of best actors ever anyway; but considering his impact on society and the dignified example he has set, he is truly a star among stars. DENNIS SINGLETON, DAYTON
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