Commandments make our life better

I would like to challenge thinking people regarding the Ten Commandments being displayed in public.

Aren't all laws based on someone's definition of right and wrong? For example, it is against the law to go through a red traffic light. The reason behind this law is to prevent people from getting hurt or possibly getting killed.

The purpose of the Ten Commandments is the same. God wants the very best for us, so he gave us these guidelines. Even if you don't worship God, your life will be better for abiding by these concepts. However, if you don't worship God you are more than likely to make unhealthy idols of other things or people that can be hurtful in the end. For instance, the career you adore can ruin other relationships, or the person you adore more than God can hurt you the most. That's why God asks us to put him first. However, there are organizations that don't want these truths about God known.

That's why say we must say phew to the ACLU.

BARBARA MC GILL

Oceanside

Update on letter needed

Re: Beth Green's letter of May 1. Since her letter received so much response, I think it would be kind of her to write again. I would like to hear that she has found a church home where she can learn about our Lord Jesus Christ and will be loved as she shares her love for Jesus. And I feel those who responded would like that too.

I hope she received inspiration from the many wonderful letters written in response to her letter. I also learned from them. I was surprised to read the minister is not to be paid. I don't think my pastor is aware of that.

Of course, if we lived strictly by the Old Testament, there are a lot of things we would not be doing, such as not eating pork, women not cutting their hair, women's heads to be covered, no women on the church board, no elders, no deacons, no ministers and no pants on women.

Please, Beth, let us hear from you.

SYLVIA BURNSIDE

Escondido

Same old song by evolutionists

Carey Carpenter (Faith & Values Letters, July 31) is getting a little boring repeating the same old song criticizing things he doesn't understand and spouting off about transitionals supposedly demonstrable of a common ancestor. His inability to argue facts results in him name-calling and is not productive.

Here, one more time, are some famous evolutionists, among them Charles Darwin, Stephen Gould, John G. Fleagle, Alec J. Kelso, David Raup, Boyce Rensberger, Niles Eldridge, Patricia G. Gensel, Henry N. Andrews, Neal Gillespie, R.D. Martin, Ernest Lutz, Dr. Colin Patterson, Stephen Stanley, Afred S. Romer, George Simpson, Barbara Stahl, James W. Valentine and Douglas H. Erwin, just to name a few, who have acknowledged there are no (or doubtful) transitional forms in the sense that Dr. Carpenter would have us believe for a common ancestor.

I can repeat this as often as Dr. Carpenter denies these people said it, but I have their references (from original sources), and anyone wanting those references can get them simply by asking at drforbing@hotmail.com.

Lastly, I never talked about the dinosaurs on the ark, nor gave a personal comment about archaeopteryx, which even evolutionists question, so get over that subterfuge.

IRVIN H. FORBING

Escondido

Many to thank for Holy Scriptures

My apologies to Mrs. D. Thomson (Faith & Values Letters, July 10) for not mentioning more fervently the other lung of the Catholic Church, our orthodox brothers who, with the other Jewish, gentile, Roman, Greek, Syrian, Spanish, etc., successors of the Apostles, gave us the holy and sacred Scripture and sacred traditions of our faith.

These same men who believed Jesus of Nazareth to be light from light, the incarnate one of the Trinity, gave us the sacraments, the definition of the Theotokos, the two natures of Jesus (Hoomousios), the canon of sacred Scripture - in short, what is orthodox in faith and morals and what is not (heresy and schism).

May the intercessory prayers of Sts. Ephrem the Syriac, John Chrysostom, Cyril of Jerusalem, Ignatius of Antioch, Clement of Rome, Augustine of Hippo, Peter and Paul, and the ever Virgin Mary intercede for us to the God of the living (Mark 12:27) through the lamb who was slain but lives (Revelation 5:11-14) that we may be one (John 17:1).

CONRAD J. DONARSKI

Oceanside

Facts will uncloud cloaked religiosity

While I detest lowering myself in answering the trash Mr. Irvin Forbing presents (Faith & Values Letters, July 31), I do feel a lesson in history and presentation of facts, not supposition, will uncloud his cloaked religiosity.

To begin with, the majority of our Founding Fathers who framed our Constitution were liberals and humanists.

As a humanist with 32 years of military service, active in three wars against socialism, communism and fascism, not to overlook the many humanists, homosexuals and liberals who gave their lives in those conflicts, Forbing's remarks are not only demeaning to their sacrifice, but a slanderous device in attempting to place their ideology as scapegoats for his ludicrous crusade.

His inclusion of the abortion issue as a humanist-inspired advent is still another of his religious bent, considering the majority of most religions, as does our laws, deem pro-choice as credible and valid.

As to his desire to curtail government, Forbing's intent is obvious, for the simple reason that our government is not inclined to his religious philosophies.

Were it so, we would live under the same oppression as those countries governed by minds such as Forbing.

TED SPIEGEL

Escondido

The folly of unbelief

Dr. Stephen Baird's Aug. 14 letter tried to show that the Bible is unreliable. Baird uses the argument that rabbits don't chew the cud. Since the Bible says that they do, the Bible is, therefore, unreliable.

Rabbits engage in a chewing action known as refraction. This process looks similar, to an observer, as chewing the cud. Leviticus 11:6 is what's known as observational language. Observational language is used all the time (e.g., the news man says that sunrise is at 5:45 a.m., but the sun doesn't actually rise).

So why has Baird chosen to pick on Jesus instead of, say, Dan Rather? It's because as a sinner under the wrath of God, he has an ax to grind. More important, Baird's argument assumes that reasoning inductively is valid. (Induction is a method of reasoning by which a general law is inferred from observed particular instances.) Baird's proof that all rabbits don't chew cud is based on inductive reasoning then (since he hasn't observed all rabbits).

But, as Hume and Russell have pointed out, all attempts to justify induction beg the question. Can Baird justify induction? If the good doctor cannot, then his argument rests on blind faith.

PAUL LOREN MANATA

Escondido

Why must all adhere to Christian values?

Seven years ago I stopped practicing Christianity. Yes, that's right, I left the faith of the majority. Why? you may ask. I was sick of the hypocrisy, of people telling me that by asking questions I was questioning all that was holy and that I should hold my tongue. Tell that to a 16-year-old and see what they do. What I did was I studied other religions and finally chose Wicca as a religion I wanted to practice, and I have been doing so for seven years now.

I don't think that any one religious group should have such control that they choose to alter the meaning of the word marriage.

Since I think broad-mindedly, and was raised that way, I was told that marriage was a union between two people who love each other. That is the true meaning of marriage: love between two people, regardless of sex. (In case anyone's wondering, my sexual orientation is heterosexual, but I have close friends who are gay.) If anyone tries to convince me that one religious text says that gay marriage is wrong, I'm going to shrug and say, "Not according to my religion."

Keep that in mind next time you use the Bible as your only reason why gay men and women shouldn't get married.

RAGNA COOK

Oceanside

Evolutionists are in the minority

Another evolutionary fraud that has been foisted upon us is the false claim that only religious fundamentalists question the theory of evolution.

Evolutionists are known to use derogatory terms against those who don't believe in evolution in an attempt to pressure people into accepting evolutionism and rejecting creationism. There seems to be an "emperor has no clothes" mentality among extreme evolutionists who think that everyone should believe and think as they do.

Well, I've got some disturbing news for those evolutionists: You are in the minority and you'd better find some clothes. Being in the minority doesn't necessarily mean that one's position is incorrect, but it does show in this case how far evolution's poll numbers have dropped in spite of Herculean efforts to prevent it. Nearly half the population believes in a literal creation and a comparatively young Earth.

Roughly 40 percent believe in some forms of evolution but also believe in a creator. Only about 10 percent accept evolution literally. It stands to reason that the majority of creationists include Christians, Jews, Muslims, Protestants, Catholics, Evangelicals, conservatives, liberals, as well as fundamentalists. Creationists are in very good company. Perhaps the evolutionists need a new emperor.

RICK KELLOGG

Wildomar

Let's see if I have this straight

Cecilia Bernat Langland tells me that because I didn't go to Catholic school I did not get instruction in how to recognize brainwashing, as she does. I have four grown children who did go to Catholic schools and I don't recall their report cards listing "brainwashing recognition."

I believe Cecilia does not understand the concept that is taught: that Jesus is one part of the triune - God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit - and is to be worshipped and adored the same as the other two parts.

Therefore, Catholics honor Jesus way above any priest, as any priest will tell you. That's why it is called "Christ-ianity." Amen.

ELAINE RENFRO

Vista

Soul bound to Christ Jesus

This letter is in response to Ata Agah's daughter's question about God having more children (Faith & Values Letters, Aug. 21). The fact of the matter is, he does.

Whom? you might ask. Me, you and anyone who accepts his son's salvation by faith shall be adopted by the father and made one of his children. The Bible talks of this in Romans 8:23 and again in Ephesians 1:5 Thank goodness for the savior Jesus the Christ, to him be the glory. And adoption is just as good as being begotten because you are still entitled to the inheritance.

Also Agah's daughter is seeking more of him and it is his responsibility to help her find more. He should read to her about the works of Jesus Christ, as well as the books of Acts.

I think she will find it fascinating as well as empowering, even at this young age.

DANIEL ELIJAH FLORES

Vista

First Spanish spoken was from Spain

Ruben G. Fierro wrote in his Aug. 22 Community Forum, "How do you say 'San Diego' in English" an incorrect and bigoted history of the American Southwest.

My sadness with Mr. Fierro is that as an immigrant, legal or not, he never stated that he appreciated what his parents did for him by leaving a corrupt, Third World poverty nation to get a free education, employment and wealth in such a great country as America.

Fierro misrepresented the history to fit an agenda. First, the Spanish first spoken in North America came from Spain, a European country. And if not for luck Mr. Fierro could have been speaking French had history been different. Mr. Fierro's big complaint is that not everyone speaks Spanish and that all Spanish-speaking people are perceived as freeloaders. I speak Spanish; it is necessary for my job.

My entertainment in Mexico and here is when Spanish-speaking people try to rip me off or say racist things about me in Spanish, thinking I do not understand. I confront them in Spanish. The look on their face is terrific. What fun! My suggestion to Mr. Fierro is to help stop illegal immigration and lighten up. Only you can determine what you think people think of you. Please be a proud American.

LARRY BARRY

Oceanside

Illegal aliens threaten our safety, economy

Do any of my fellow citizens share in the realization that the overwhelming presence here of illegal aliens is so very detrimental to the safety and economy of North County? The negative impact on our economy is on so many levels: the jobs they fill deprive our needy unemployed; the money earned is sent to Mexico as much as possible rather than supporting the economy from whence it came; they pay no income tax. Take a seat in traffic court any day and you will see that for every legal citizen, there are dozens of illegals here driving repeatedly without a license, without registration, without insurance and, often, with DUIs to boot.

Those of you reaching for your pens to cry racism, don't bother: I married a Mexican-American, who was the greatest love of my life. And many of my closest friends are Mexican-American.

All of my grandparents were immigrants. They came here via Ellis Island and worked hard to achieve the dream of middle-class prosperity in the mainstream (not the prosperity of today's standards, merely relative freedom from strife). They survived the Depression. Both groups lived respectable lives, worked hard, worshipped God, cherished children and, consequently, thrived within the system. It's not about race. It's about supporting the system that enables us to thrive.

AVA BIANCA

San Marcos

We must ensure that businesses hire legal aliens

Little known to the public is the fact that several years ago Congress made it necessary for the INS or Border Patrol to call two weeks in advance of a visit to a business to check if the employees are legal residents. The forces for amnesty, driver's licenses, welfare, medical care and education for the illegal all play on our sympathies in the name of higher profits.

They tell us that if the illegals have driver's licenses they can get insurance. But how many actually will? They tell us that because businesses exploit the illegals we should make them legal, and if they are legal the businesses will have to stop exploiting them. But if there are no penalties for hiring illegals, why wouldn't the businesses just fire those with amnesty and hire more illegals? The reality is that the employers must be held accountable for the welfare of those that they hire, and they must be prosecuted for hiring illegals.

At the last amnesty we had 3 million illegals in the country, now we have 9 million. After the next one that all our politicians are pushing for, Democrat and Republican, we're likely to have 20 million.

If there are no jobs the illegals will go home. We as individuals and the good citizen business owners must hold the line and ensure that everyone involved with our expenditures is legal or there will be no end to the morass.

DAVID K. PATTERSON

Ramona

Criminal insanity of Davis must end

Never in the history of this state have we seen and been subjected to such a loathsome, corrupt, irresponsible and unethical governor as Gray Davis and his corrupt cronies. The same can be said for Cruz Bustamante, who is but a "Mini Me" version of Davis. These bureaucratic criminals are ruining our state.

What exactly do we have under this bureaucratic dictator? We have the worst schools in the nation (partially because they are overrun with illegal immigrants), and this after we spend $55 billion on education per year. We have a state deficit of over $40 billion (a few years ago we had a $10 billion surplus). This is greater than all the deficits of all the other states combined.

We have the highest gasoline, electricity, DMV, state taxes, workers' compensation and housing costs in the nation. Crime in many areas is at an all-time high (our prisons are over 25 percent illegals). Two police were recently murdered by Mexican illegal immigrants. Businesses and middle- and upper-income people are leaving the state in record numbers.

Desperate for votes, Davis the Panderer is now going to further jeopardize your safety by giving driver's licenses to illegals. This list goes on and on.

This insanity must stop. Vote Davis and his criminal cronies out of office.

GARY WALKER

Escondido

Democrats have only themselves to blame

Bob Frazier's Aug. 15 response ("GOP has only itself to blame for Davis") to Murel Fisk's claim that voters are not responsible for today's circus in California is totally off base. Mr. Frazier thinks it's the Republican Party's fault for selecting Bill Simon. I guess he forgets that Davis spent millions to defeat Richard Riordan in the Republican primary so that he could run against the novice Bill Simon.

No, it wasn't the "big-money right-wingers in the Republican Party" that selected Simon. It was big-money Democrat Davis who torpedoed Riordan. Even then, Davis barely eked out a win against the unprepared Simon. Davis likes to talk about the Republican conspiracy, yet he shrugs off the fact that he was spending money to skew the Republican primary.

Sorry, Bob, it's not the voters' fault that Davis lied to them. It's not the voters' fault that Davis subverted the Republican primary. It is the voters' fault that they believed him after he was shown to be a liar.

However, the voters are rectifying their mistake. The next governor? I'll give you a little hint. It won't be a Democrat. The Democrats have only themselves to blame for Davis. How's that for spin?

DANIEL J. PRINZING

Encinitas

'Duke' represents the military, not the citizens

Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham should come out of the closet and put on his uniform. He should admit he represents the military establishment. The welfare of the citizens of San Diego County is secondary to the interests of his cohorts at the officers club. His opposition to the use of a military base for the new airport, which is crucial for the future economic growth of the county, is another example of where Rep. Cunningham's loyalties are placed.

DENIS COUNIHAN

Oceanside

Bush, Cheney give us your vision for Iraq

I am one who wanted Saddam Hussein out, without creating chaos, destruction and without innocent lives being lost in Iraq. If it took a tribunal or even 15 multinational-assassination crews over five years to put an end to his regime, the people and infrastructures of Iraq would be better for it. The U.S. and Britain would have saved billions of dollars better spent throughout the world. Many lives of our armed forces would not have been sacrificed. Of course, it's possible a number of unpublished assassination attempts may have been attempted.

Still, I can't help but believe the attack on Iraq perpetrated by America and Britain was imperialistic. Our leaders appear to want Iraq's oil, Hussein's gold and an establishment in the Middle East, all the while looking like they're making the world safe from terrorists. A little war, easily won, to pump up investments in arms, military forces and businesses providing militia and public works secures a windfall for our leaders, politically and financially. Please, Bush, Cheney and even Blair, your transparency is showing. Tell us your true vision for Iraq. The one you gave us is not credible.

GLORIA D. BOLDREY

Escondido

U.N. should help in rebuilding Iraq

The United States should transition the job of rebuilding Iraq to the United Nations. The United States has brought an end to the Hussein regime and its threat to world peace. Yes, we did underestimate the post-battle problems, but the achievement is great and our troops did not sacrifice in vain.

The United States will still carry on its task of curtailing terrorist attacks and will assist the United Nations as a member nation. Certainly the United Nations' role is to preserve the peace and tranquillity among nations. The restructuring burden on the United States is tremendous and should be assumed by nations worldwide.

ROBERT SHEARD

Oceanside

In all fairness to the disabled

I am an avid movie fan. I would love to frequent the new Signature Theater now under construction in Escondido. The fact that I am in a wheelchair may hinder me from using and enjoying entertainment right in my hometown. In new movie theaters, most people are provided with comfortable stadium-style seating. These theaters have made space available to wheelchair users in the very front few rows. They believed that satisfies the Americans With Disabilities Act.

When someone in a wheelchair goes to the movies with a friend, relative or date, things often get awkward. Saying that sitting so close to the screen will blur their eyes and that it will give them a headache and a sore neck, the disabled person's companion often chooses to sit elsewhere.

I now watch my movies at the Pacific Carmel Ranch and the Ultra Star Galaxy 6 Cinema in Bonsall. What will all of us in wheelchairs do as these older, more considerate theaters are replaced?

The disabled are fighting back. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Aug. 14 ruled that six Oregon movie theaters violated the Americans With Disabilities Act. Finally, someone is speaking out and fighting back. I hope the city of Escondido and the builders of the Signature Theater will hear me. It is still early enough in construction of this theater that better seating for wheelchair occupants could and should be provided.

LOIS MOUSSALLY

Escondido

Iraq and democracy

If we really believe in democracy we should show it by initiating a plebiscite in Iraq with the following content:

Please choose one of the following actions:

1. I agree that the allied forces should stay in Iraq and help to rebuild Iraq and I pledge to support these efforts fully.

2. I wish that the allied forces leave immediately, and I understand that in this case no further assistance will be given to Iraq militarily or economically.

The outcome of the plebiscite should decide our actions in Iraq. If they do not want our help, let's get out and cut our sacrifices and expenses and admit that we made a mistake.

ANN BRADLEY

Oceanside

'Spring Fling' brought joy to all who attended

Guess what. Amid all the stress of living in California, with our ongoing political comedy, record-breaking heat and wallet-draining gas rip-off - a light was shining extremely bright in Escondido this past Aug. 23 with the outstanding, top-caliber family entertainment, the Interfaith "Spring Fling Wing Ding" held in Grape Day Park. North County Times was also part of this wonderful event, an all-out effort to raise funds for our area's homeless and needy.

All of the various groups that performed were greatly enjoyed by the crowd. What a musical treat for all who attended. Everyone who attended this event - at the park, the concert, the gala - enjoyed all the music, special activities, dancing, and best of all, were part of making life a little better for many of our local citizens.

Thank you all, Mr. Mac Farland of Interfaith Community Services, Tim Day of the Folk Heritage, North County Times Charities Fund, all the musicians, volunteers and the Lindon Root Dickerson Foundation, which made the concerts in the park free - giving to the people the joy of live music.

Yes, we Californians are facing stress big time. But activities such as the "Spring Fling Wing Ding" sure brought a bright light and happy heart to all who attended.

LOUISE COOK

Oceanside

Who profits from book?

When I noticed an ad for a book about the Iraq war, by the two reporters you sent to Iraq, being sold for $29.95, I looked for what benefit cause this might be supporting.

Finding none, I called your offices and spoke with a polite young lady who informed me there was none, other than apparently the two authors. I was shocked. I asked were they not paid to do their job there. She said yes, but not a whole lot. I said, I would bet they were paid better than most of the troops that are there.

I asked that my indignation be passed on to the authors, much as I did appreciate their work there but regretted that they had to resort to war profiteering. Ernie Pyle, killed by a Japanese bullet in 1944, might be turning in his grave about now.

JOHN ANDERSON

San Marcos

Kudos to the sports department

I love it! I opened the Sports section twice last week and saw quality, in-depth coverage of female athletes.

First on the inside page, a large black-and-white photo and accompanying story about the Aztec volleyball player. Then, on Aug. 27, color photos and stories on the front page of and about Shannon MacMillan and Allyson Felix. Outstanding!

I must also give Steve Scholfield his props for his continued and unwavering support of keeping Title IX as it is. Thank you.

Keep this trend going, right down to the high school level, and we may soon have girls in elementary school scouring the sports pages for news about their role models. That would be wonderful.

ARLEEN

HAMMERSCHMIDT

Oceanside