The Readers' Forum: Sunday letters

Cordray's appointment

In the letter "Paying attention" (Jan. 16), the writer accused President Obama of acting like a tyrant because he made a recess appointment, naming Richard Cordray to head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, while Congress was still in session. I respectfully disagree with the writer's assertion.

The obstructionist Republicans in Congress never allowed an up-or-down vote on Cordray's appointment. And to ensure that Obama didn't make a recess appointment, they held sham "pro forma" sessions over the holidays in which members of the House and Senate gaveled in and within minutes or even seconds gaveled out. On Jan. 6, after the "pro-forma" session was gaveled in, Democratic Rep. James Clyburn attempted to call for the payroll tax cut conference committee to convene. Clyburn was told he was out of order, and the session was gaveled to a close.

So yes, the Republicans are allowed to make a claim that Congress was in session. But if Congress was really in session, how come no business ever took place during these holiday sessions? In actuality, Congress was recessed, and Obama was within his rights to make the appointment. If the Republicans want a legal battle, bring it on.

Recognizing Republican obstructionism, former Ohio Supreme Court Justice Andy Douglas, a Republican, said, "I haven't agreed with what they have been putting him [Cordray] through. If we really profess that we want the brightest and the best in public service, then he is that."

Consumers should applaud and not condemn Cordray's appointment.

RUDY DIAMOND

Lewisville

Important election

Americans live beyond their means — especially the government. America has become a reflection of a nanny state. I mean, why pay for what the government will provide for free? The politicians know this and provide more pork, more unneeded government jobs and welfare in exchange for votes.

Some Americans see this and decry it (tea party) — but the mainstream media and those on the gravy train provide cover for the Democrats to continue with the same ol' same ol'. Eventually the gravy train will be forced to come to a harsh stop, like Greece. Then the dark days of America will rise. Riots like never before will ensue.

Why? Because those who have depended on the free stuff will still want their free stuff. Politicians will ensue with class warfare. Riots will continue. Government will take more of the producers' money in the name of "fairness," thus killing growth, thus higher unemployment. Even still that will not solve the deficit beast. Riots will continue. The glory of America will fall. I foresee dark days are coming.

This is why this presidential election is so important. We need a "change" so that our children can have "hope."

MICHAEL SULLIVAN

Winston-Salem

Anniversary

On the anniversary today of Roe v. Wade and its dehumanizing, destructive effect on society's valuation of life in the womb, I hope to give voice to those little ones.

The gruesome nature of abortion is well documented, though some feign blindness to these biological and medical realities. Graphic descriptions of the process only inflame and invite virulent retorts. Instead, I'll remind readers that millions of our most vulnerable have been precluded from taking their first breath. Allowed to live, they might have become president or the researcher who discovered the cure for Alzheimers; a teacher who broadened the horizons of the next generation; a celebrated poet, composer or artist; a mother or father who raised honorable, wise and caring children; or a wonderful person anyone would love to have called friend.

Unquestionably, there are heartrending reasons for resorting to abortion, however this choice, which some have been taught to consider a right, is neither the only way nor a good way out of bad circumstances. Women seeking help can find encouragement, prenatal care, parenting classes, clothing and more at crisis pregnancy centers.

For those choosing not to raise the child, there is adoption (the genesis of my three grandchildren who are the joy of my heart. I am forever indebted to the selfless women brave enough to give them the gift of life).

There's a better way than what we've been led to believe. Life is a choice you'll never regret. The same cannot be said for abortion.

RUTH MAGERS

Lewisville

The prayer editorial

The Journal is a disgrace to its over 300,000 readers with the headline on its Jan. 18 lead editorial, "The prayer fight: Supreme Court rightly declines." The editorial writer either has his head in the sand or is foolish: "The wisdom of this world is foolishness to God," I Corinthians 3:19.

The editorial says that "in practice, the prayers were usually to Jesus, giving the strong impression that the county was endorsing Christianity." But you use the word "religion" in many of your articles on this issue. There is a big difference between religion and Christianity.

You also wrote, "Now that this issue is put to rest, maybe the commissioners can concentrate on practical matters — such as creating jobs." What Forsyth County needs more than anything is a city- and county-wide "Day of Prayer," because just as the old prophet Amos wrote: "Prepare to meet thy God, O Israel," Amos 4:12.

REID W. JOYCE JR.

Winston-Salem

Sum It Up

Are questions about a candidate's sexual morality fair game in presidential races?

Respond to letters@wsjournal.com and put "Sum It Up" in the subject header. Only signed entries, please, no anonymous ones. Briefer responses receive preference in print.