Pastor Alford is right to oppose gambling

Pastor Alford is right to oppose gambling
EDITOR:
Although the majority of the local clergy are opposed to gambling coming into the Mahoning Valley, most of them are silent on the issue. One man has taken an unyielding stand against these proposals and has therefore been singled out as a target of the people who are in favor of legalizing gambling.
This man, Pastor Jay Alford, has devoted 28 years of his life to the city of Youngstown, despite the fact that his church lies outside the city limits. He has always had the best interests of the people in his heart; especially the disadvantaged and minority community of the city. His efforts have touched the lives of countless thousands of people in this area.
The Rev. Alford will not suffer any monetary loss at his bingo games since his church does not allow bingo. He is not concerned that his congregation will flock to the casinos and leave the tithes and offerings depleted. He has nothing to gain personally by fighting against the introduction of gambling into Youngstown. He is simply aware of the effect it has spiritually, morally and financially on a community. And none of it is positive.
It would seem that those in favor of gambling have a vested personal interest in its introduction here. As for their arguments that it would provide a higher quality of life through thousands of well paying jobs, just go up to Atlantic City and take a good look around. Just a few blocks away from the Boardwalk and the glitter of the casinos is some of the most abject poverty and run-down homes on the East Coast. The people who were disenfranchised prior to the introduction of the casinos are still disenfranchised.
Why would we want to open yet another window of opportunity for corruption to flourish?
DON WILLIAMS
Mineral Ridge
Nothing brave about suicidal murderers
EDITOR:
Recently Bill Maher, a popular TV talk show host, made a badly timed and incorrect comment regarding the September 11 terrorists and their "bravery." He said they were not cowards since they gave their lives for a cause. I believe Mr. Maher needs a lesson in distinguishing bravery from cowardliness.
Bravery is my father, now 87, who parachuted into enemy lines during World War II with thousands of other soldiers of the 82nd Airborne. Bravery was present when hundreds of police and fire workers risked, then gave their lives Sept. 11 in the hopes of rescuing others. Bravery is there as thousands of men and women proudly wear their uniforms and head into a treacherous land in order to prevent more terrorists attacks on innocent people in the future.
As far as Mr. Maher's distorted view of the terrorists' bravery, he needs to realize their selfishness, vengeance and absolute love of violence and destruction. Committing suicide and bringing thousands of innocent people from all over the globe with you, is the ultimate act of greed and hate.
No, Mr. Maher, the terrorists were not brave; they were cowards who ended the precious lives of young fathers, loving mothers, patriotic seniors, students, and innocent children whose memory will live on in our hearts forever.
JIM PETUCH
Boardman
People praying together, working together at last
EDITOR:
It's horrible when something like the events of September 11 had to happen to bring the country together as it has.
People are praying in church, school, etc. Nobody is complaining about the praying.
The politicians are working together like never in many a moon. It's not Democrat or Republican, it is us -- which hasn't been the case for a long time.
Maybe this will bring the country back to where it was many years ago. It is something to keep praying about.
EARL R. BAKER
Canfield