The Readers' Forum: Saturday letters

The public square

In the recent battle over government-sponsored prayer in city and county council meetings, the advocates of such prayer have referred to "the public square," saying that they have the same rights to speak there as anyone else.

They are correct, in as far as that goes, but government-sponsored prayer is different from individuals speaking in the public square.

The public square would be the forum used by citizens in their individual or group capacity. It means that anyone can stand before the commissioners and the public and say, "As a Christian, I believe we should set aside more money for the poor," or, "My faith teaches me to be compassionate." They have the right to do that, and no one would ever stop them.

But there's a difference between that and our government leaders allowing and endorsing sectarian prayer as part of the government program. Doing so leads to the government advocating religion. In the case of Christianity, it would reinforce the myth that this is a "Christian nation" that gives preference to Christians over other citizens.

But asking government to play fair doesn't disqualify any citizen from participating in the public square. Prayer advocates still have the same rights as anyone else, which in this case is the right to keep government from advocating a religion not of their choosing.

PHIL RONALD TURNER

Winston-Salem

Painful memories

The debate over the statue of the Confederate soldier at the old courthouse ("Fate of Rebel statue unclear," Feb. 1) is interesting as well as frustrating. I know that the Civil War evokes painful memories, but it is part of our history.

Leave the statue. It is an opportunity to engage in conversation about history. It is wrong to expect people to be ashamed of their families. Most of the Confederate soldiers didn't own slaves, and while racism was rampant, Northern liberals are hypocrites to honor their racist ancestors who served in the largely racist Union army while disparaging Confederates. Racism was and is a national problem, not a Southern one.

JIM WILD

Rural Hall

Partisan differences

Patriotism is not one's opposition to other countries but devotion to one's own country. Something that the United States of America lacks is patriotism and support. Regardless of partisan differences, support is needed for the political figure in office for progress to occur. In America's current situation, many bills are proposed only to be shot down by the opposing political party.

In President Obama's State of the Union Address, the ideas set forth by President Obama were thought through and potentially beneficial to the welfare of the United States, yet obvious opposition could be observed and was well displayed by Republican Speaker of the House John Boehner. This opposition was not due to the components of the proposed ideas, but because of partisan differences and disapproval. If the two parties could set aside the benefits of having a Republican or Democrat in office and set their eyes on improving the current economic and foreign policies, then imagine the possibilities of progress and the achievements this wonderful country could accomplish. All it takes is a splash of patriotism and a little bit of support.

MATTHEW SMITH

Lewisville

Improving orchestra

Congratulations to the Winston-Salem Symphony for the success of its new marketing strategy ("Symphony sales hitting high notes," Jan. 31) — but this is just part of the picture, albeit a tangible one.

As important as retention of subscribers is the clear improvement of the orchestra in recent years. Maestro Robert Moody and his musical crew (include also staff and board) are obviously doing the right things musically; for the most part, new hires are better than the musicians they replace and add positively to the sound of the ensemble.

Maestro Moody also tries to balance the musical appetites of the conservative (and wealthy) patrons with works that appeal to the younger "plugged-in" listener in his choice of programs. Recent programs (like the Cello-bration in January) have been among the orchestra's best.

Now, could we hear more from the Triad's superb composers?

PETER PERRET

Clemmons

Perret is the former musical director of the Winston-Salem Symphony. — the editor

Finish the Thought

Briefly complete the sentence below and send it to us at letters@wsjournal.com. We'll print some of the results in a few days. Only signed entries, please, no anonymous ones.

"The Confederate statue in front of the old courthouse in downtown Winston-Salem should be …"