Thomas has a good handle on theological dictatorships

Thomas has a good handleon theological dictatorships
EDITOR:
Cal Thomas finally wrote something I agree with. He pointed out that the Islamic fundamentalists who presume to speak for God are no better than fundamentalist Christians who presume to speak for God ... and vice versa.
In his column he refers to Thomas Jefferson's church-state moment, when he is to have said, "The God who gave us life gave us liberty at the same time."
Thomas could have continued to write that Jefferson rewrote the Bible with his own outlook that fit the budding Unitarian movement of the day, although he never formally affiliated with it.
Jefferson's treatment of the Bible was radical. The Old Testament was of no interest to Jefferson. He regarded Jesus as a reformer of a depraved religion. After his rewrite, he told correspondents that his discards were "so much absurdity, so much untruth, charlatanism and imposture. They reeked of things impossible, at superstition, fanaticisms and fabrications." He said the message that remained was "the most sublime and benevolent code of morals which was ever offered man."
The Declaration of Independence might have been Jefferson's greatest work, and the column on theological dictators might have been Cal Thomas'.
WILLIAM B. ROORBACK
Boardman
Blame elected officials formunicipal money problemsEDITOR:
There were several articles in the July 6 Vindicator discussing the financial difficulties of municipalities in our region. One article discussed contract provisions of municipal employees in the region, and it was particularly disappointing. It characterized certain provisions of contracts as "perks." Public employees will not grow wealthy from their positions, and they are not alone in receiving compensation in addition to their pay. Such provisions exist in public and private contracts in many different types of work. In addition, the contract provisions must be agreed upon by management in the collective bargaining process.
Financial difficulties of municipalities are not created by their employees and their contracts. These difficulties are created by a number of factors, including global financial conditions, national economic policy and the competence of local political leaders. The union members do not make the decisions concerning the direction local governments are going, the elected officials do. Perhaps the abilities of these elected officials should be questioned before the workers contracts are.
PAUL STEFANO
New Castle, Pa.
Take a gamble on reachinga dream for the Valley
EDITOR:
Imagine 500 acres along 422, right between Youngstown and New Castle, Pa. Imagine a large amount of jobs available to us -- you and me. Imagine a grandstand and a casino that would make our Valley proud. Imagine a 600-horse stable, condos, shopping and a hotel.
Imagine being popular for something good, something that makes us a destination that brings people here for memories. Imagine that this is our time to show our true colors. Let's not make the same mistake again.
Please embrace this courageous dream. Please take a gamble on our Valley. Your kids' future is in your control. Roll a seven.
PHILLIP J. EDEL
Girard