Opinion
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Things are tough
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Published: April 26, 2009
I know that things are tough and are going to get tougher in the tobacco business, but this is just too much:
Who is the sales genius who thought up the name "Camel Dip" ("Camel Dip to be test marketed," April 28)?
It sounds like something you would sell to the nomads who live in the African desert.
JAMES F. SCHWARZ
Winston-Salem
Not news
In reference to the complaints about the Journal not covering the Easter sunrise service in Old Salem, well, it's not news. The service has been going on for over 200 years and you have always had to use the year-before photo for same-day coverage. I guess it is typical of us Moravians that we think nothing should be changed.
Well, I am evidently not a typical Moravian and am not upset that you changed this year and had no coverage. The Journal is a newspaper. Now, if you want news, come to Bethania Moravian Church next Easter when we will celebrate our 250th sunrise service.
DENIS JACKSON
Pfafftown
Cut the budget
With the economic hardship in our state ("Perdue to take another $145 million," April 10), Gov. Bev. Perdue can cut the budget even more. She can eliminate her offices around the state. It was very indulgent for her to open a new office in Charlotte while having two offices in Asheville and one in New Bern, in addition to her official office in Raleigh.
In light of the school budget being cut, Perdue should close those offices and put the money back in the school system.
SUSAN A. WARREN
Winston-Salem
Understanding religious heritage
Our times call for fidelity to our religious affiliations, but they also require a meaningful ecumenical outreach to other creeds. This isn't for conversion, but for encounters to understand the religious heritage of other cultures.
In his ministry, Jesus championed social reconciliation within Israel. He also interacted with Samaritans and Romans. He used table fellowship to heal class division and personal alienation. He valued group and individual discourse to address the painful effects of prejudice, class oppression and military occupation. Forgiveness of trespasses of others was asked of all followers and emphasized in the Lord's Prayer. He challenged believers to love one another, including one's enemies.
Our situation is Iraq parallels Israel's predicament. We, too, aren't welcome in the area. We remain there only by force of arms. Fraternity provides a better quality of peace than firepower.
Monotheism is at a crossroad. This century calls for mutual respect among all observant believers. Organized religion could, thereby, constructively contribute to resolving cultural clashes. The great religions must develop a comprehensive program for cultural interaction to dispel fear of the unknown and the unfamiliar. They, thereby, become part of the solution rather than part of the problem.
Accommodation for theological difference is essential. Conflicting claims of moral correctness result in social schisms and violence. The greater good is establishing common ground for spiritual coexistence.
Monotheistic religions proclaim the fatherhood of God. Genuine reconciliation would begin to actualize the brotherhood of man.
JOSEPH J. CUTRI
Winston-Salem
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