Letters to the Editor

by the Readers

Right Makes Right

(Re: "A Friend to the End: Rick Santorum's Questionable Defense of Trent Lott," J.J. Balaban, Jan. 2, 2003)

I am a Christian and I like Trent Lott because several years ago he had the guts to defy the politically correct crowd and say "I believe homosexuality is sin." Senator Lott had the courage to agree publicly with the Bible and the apostle Paul, who look at homosexual activity as a gross perversion and a punishment for a lack of a thankful spirit to God.

As conservatives have often been ignorant of the nuances of socialism and communism, liberals are ignorant of the differences within the "religious right." Doing justice to the Christian right requires first a reading of the Bible and then a study of the Protestant Reformation, both in Europe and America. There are Calvinist (Presbyterian) people in the "religious right," plus Baptists, Pentecostals, Roman Catholics and others. And there is some prejudice between the denominations. If you saw the movie A River Runs Through It, you may recall the father/preacher character saying "Methodists are Baptists who can read."

So old Trent is a Baptist from Mississippi. And Bob Jones University is Baptist, too. We Presbyterians, and many Baptists as well, would say that Bob Jones University trivializes the Word of God by adding their own traditions to it, such as a prohibition of interracial dating, when the Bible records that Moses himself "married a Cushite woman." But Trent has been very busy these past years with responsibilities in the Senate and procuring federal money for Mississippi, and he probably has not made time to pay attention to these theological matters.

Not only Santorum but also Arlen Specter went on talk radio and defended Mr. Lott. And Specter is not even Christian. So I tend to think Trent Lott is a decent person with integrity, who had the courage to stand against the prevailing bias of the media.

Finally, if you want to apply Biblical principles consistently -- as my denomination, the Reformed Presbyterians, do -- you note that the Constitution makes no reference to the Bible or Jesus Christ. This omission is a defect if the goal is to build a Christian republic. And so, for years, the members of my denomination did not vote; they called their stand "political dissent." When one does not vote oneself, segregation at the voting booth is not the main concern. Theological people look at the world differently than liberal people.

Thomas M. Muldoon
Philadelphia

Aiding and Abetting

(Re: "Torture By Hire," Bruce Schimmel, Jan. 2, 2003)

When you quote Amnesty International on abuses of international law by Israel and the United States, you are hardly quoting objective observers. Amnesty International is a virulent accuser of Israel and now the United States.

The U.S., the West and Israel are in a war of survival against Islamist terrorists. If "aggressive questioning" by Israel prevents the murder of one Israeli infant, or the "aggressive questioning" of one Islamist terrorist prevents one airline hijacking in the U.S. or another World Trade Center massacre, then it is justified.

Lenin once said of fellow travelers during the 1930s that they were "useful idiots." You and other "progressives" are the useful idiots of the terrorists. Your concern for "abuses" of those who consider murder of innocents justified by their cause would make the Geneva Convention and international law into suicide pacts.

Daniel Elliott Lubeck
Jenkintown, Pa.

Sheer Poetry

This year's winning poem in the City Paper Writing Contest ("The Anxious Poem," by John Shea) is one of the most moving, imaginative pieces of writing I've ever had the privilege of reading. As a perennial entrant (and consistent loser) in this annual competition, I am frequently disappointed by entries that win; I guess one could always chalk this up to sour grapes. Mr. Shea's poem, however, is so impressive with its breathless, edgy nerviness and brilliant use of language, that there can be no room for dispute in my opinion. Thanks to City Paper and Gil Ott (the judge) for acknowledging and honoring such a major talent.

Vernon Waring
Philadelphia