LETTERS
To the Editor:

Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, appears to have a better grasp of what is needed in Washington than our politicians. In a Time magazine interview, he said: "Today to be successful, one must be able to reach agreements. The ability to compromise is not a diplomatic politeness but rather taking into account and respecting your partner's legitimate interests." Unfortunately, Washington has lost its way and become a bitter, partisan town where the White House wrangles with Congress over provisions that would constitute less than 2% of federal spending. After reading Nathan Deal's Ninth District column last week, I'm convinced that he has been in Washington so long, as both a Democrat and a Republican, that he has lost his way as well. Rather than admit that the immigration issue is so complex that even the Republican Party cannot reach a solution and could not resolve the issue during their seven years of total power, in spite of trying, he blames the Democrats. I single out Deal, not because I think he is worse that the other politicians in Washington, but because we vote on him. In my opinion, we need to elect someone from the Ninth District that represents change, a breath of fresh air, a willingness to represent all of us, whether that person is a Democrat or a Republican. We need someone willing to reach across the aisle and seek to find some common ground between the parties rather than ostracize each other and contribute to the bitterness in the Capitol. Iowa sent a strong message of change - by both parties - in the nomination of Mike Huckabee and Barack Obama. They both are a breath of fresh air and we need to send somebody to Washington from the Ninth District that reflects the same sense of hope and change, and Nathan Deal isn't that person.

James S Fitzgerald

To the Editor:

I nearly choked as I read the social security column. It is insulting enough to be granted a measly 2.3% increase when everything we buy is up from 25% to 75%, not even counting gas.

I've worked hard for 57 years and still pay taxes although I'm finally retired - my ridiculous increase is $17.00 which amounts to $204 a year. I hope we are not stupid enough to consider what they like to call a fair tax! How could it be more unfair, wake up, everyone - get out and vote - we need help but that awful idea will take away any tiny increase we get even the average "of" 1079. I certainly would love to be considered in that average. Think carefully before you vote as we are already in a recession and it will get worse before it gets better but it will get better. It's up to us.

I hope some of you miss my "Travels with Louise" stories. I enjoyed my year of writing them for you. This is an interesting paper and another bright, young editor will appear, I'm sure. We need two papers especially with the amazing growth in this area - varied opinions are good for everyone and I for one depend on the Sentinel to find out what entertainment is available. It's nice to see what movies are showing and what music happenings we can attend.

Arkaqua resident

Louise Hughes

To the Editor:

In ecumenical fashion, Tom McKevitt (letters, Jan. 3) urged all those who "drifted away" from religion to return forthwith and thereby "find happiness and fulfillment." He failed, however, to explain how the mere act of so doing would answer the "prodigal's" questions and doubts that led to the break in the first place. Ah, yes! With faith, all will be made clear. "Faith," defined by Henry L. Mencken as being "an illogical belief in the occurrence of the improbable." As someone well into her eighties, whose religious "faith" was lost in her early teens, I have never been tempted to return; nor, will I ever be. Others will, no doubt, argue the point, but one can lead to moral and fulfilling life without religion and even find happiness in the process.

For all those who may have "drifted away" from religion, there are many more who maintain the facade of believer; to do otherwise would mean condemnation from family and friends. (What will people say!) We question whether a Catholic, a Mormon or a Jew should be president - God forbid a black! But, it is beyond the pale to even consider an agnostic or an atheist. After all, one must believe in some superior being, mustn't one? Never mind those political villains who loudly proclaim their religious affiliations and surround themselves with pious men of the cloth. Beneath their outward appearances and evil acts, they must surely be men of honor.

Besides those in the pews who show up for the rituals, fellowship, music and to keep up appearances (if not accepting the theology), there are those sad individuals behind the pulpit, who ceased to believe long, long ago, and yet go through the motions simply because they do not know what else to do with their lives. To leave the religious life would let down families and friends; how would they support their families when they are not trained to do anything else? Besides, there are perks that come with being a man of the cloth. They are trapped. Not for them Shakespeare's warning, "To thine ownself be true."

I must confess to having grimaced when reading Mr. McKevitt's rather blithe reference to the Jesuit mantra: "Once a Catholic, always a Catholic." Working in the admitting office of a Catholic hospital, I was instructed - when asking a patient's religious affiliation - to determine if he or she had been baptized by a Catholic priest, even if the patient had converted to another religion, since that meant they were still considered Catholic in the eyes of the Church; the conversion meant nothing. Those who grouse (and well they should) about the restrictions placed on all Americans by evangelical Protestant conservatives, should be remind of what it was like living in New York and New England when I was growing up and Roman Catholicism ruled everyone's way of life. The tide turned, but not necessarily for the better.

Sincerely, Ruth Elizabeth Ramsey