Sept. 11 terrorists on trial

As many folks have stated, President Obama's decision to bring the 9/11 terrorists to New York for trial ("9/11 defendant to go on trial in New York," Nov. 14) is like bringing the Japanese who attacked Pearl Harbor to Hawaii for trial in a civilian court. This is the most ludicrous thing Obama has done yet. And for Attorney General Eric Holder to suggest we can find "an impartial jury" in the very city that was attacked is beyond comprehension. In my opinion, only a jury of their peers would be considered "impartial," and if we find someone who is equal to the terrorists in abilities, qualifications and background, shouldn't they, too, be arrested?

Obama has no grasp of what terrorism is. One of the first things we saw in his administration of "change" was when his Homeland Security Secretary, Janet Napolitano, stated, "In my speech, although I did not use the word ‘terrorism,' I referred to ‘man-caused' disasters. That is perhaps only a nuance, but it demonstrates that we want to move away from the politics of fear toward a policy of being prepared for all risks that can occur."

We shouldn't fear terrorism? It seems to me that Rep. Virginia Foxx was on the right track, but I'll take it a step further. The Obama administration's lack of concern for terrorism is in fact more dangerous to the United States than the actual terrorists.

KEITH SPILLMAN

Yadkinville

Reasoned arguments

In the Nov. 16th letter "Outspoken," a writer lauds Rep. Virginia Foxx for her stand against health-care reform, citing the financial difficulties doctors will face if health-care reform includes a public option. On Nov. 5, the American Medical Association announced its support for the Democratic health-care-reform bill that has been passed by the House of Representatives. In the press releases, the AMA welcomed the public option. It is one insurance choice, not a government takeover of the entire health-care system.

If there were reasoned arguments against the health-care-reform bill, would Rep. Foxx have to resort to scare tactics? And if there are no real arguments, why is she against it?

DOROTHY MATHEWS

Rural Hall

Protect our freedoms

Having been involved in First Amendment prayer cases before, I'd say the recommendation made by a federal district court magistrate judge is overstated ("Eyes open for prayer ruling," Nov. 13). The recommendation is not favorable, nor is it the final order. The district judge may accept, reject, or modify the decision, receive further evidence, or recommit the matter to the magistrate judge with instructions. The recommendation makes no application on the merits of the recent Fourth Circuit case on the point, Turner v. Fredericksburg. The district judge or an appellate court will make the correction. No appellate circuit in the country has determined that sectarian references in legislative prayer are prohibited.

The problem is not separation of church and state, but separation of faith and action. Believers need to stand up and protect our First Amendment. The churches' silence is deafening. Forsyth County sends out 600 invitations a year to all faiths and denominations. Those who are not participating in the process should support those who do.

Participation at local Tea Parties is impressive. Our right to peaceful assembly and free speech is being scrutinized. Second Amendment gun rights are under attack. The freedom to pray according to one's faith is easily given up by politicians who are afraid of the ACLU. They will give up other freedoms just as easily.

Let's contact Commissioner David Plyler to let him know that we support standing up to the ACLU and to protect the First Amendment.

DWIGHT D. CORNELISON

THOMASVILLE CITY COUNCIL MEMBER, 1999-2007

Lexington

Why object?

Why would a Winston-Salem/Forsyth County school-board member, Buddy Collins, object to a criminal-records check for school teachers on the premise that it may offend those who "haven't done anything" ("School board OKs records-check money," Nov. 11)? If you "haven't done anything," it should be easy to sign a paper allowing it.

Criminal-records checks and drug tests should be done every year on all teachers and school-board members. Maybe we should start with his.

SCOTT CRAVER

Winston-Salem