Debate should stay robust on forum pages...

Debate should stay

robust on forum pages

Regarding Daily Pilot Editor Tony Dodero’s column, “A debate, just

not the one he envisioned,” Dec. 26, I hope you don’t stop printing

letters about religion in the opinion column just because it creates

controversy.

By writing a letter on a religious topic, I try to articulate my

worldview for others to consider.

I hope I would be able to “sway” readers’ thinking and to cause

them to examine their own core beliefs.

We shouldn’t hesitate to engage those who disagree with us just

because the subject is religion.

We should be able to defend our beliefs, and the opinion page is

an excellent forum for engagement as long as letter writers are

respectful and attacks are forbidden.

I believe each round of letters on a religious issue stimulates

your readers’ critical thinking “muscles” and brings understanding

even if there is no agreement.

This is especially true when it concerns our young people and the

values we revere in the Newport-Mesa community.

Our young people praying at the end of their championship game may

be offensive to some, yet the Free Exercise Clause of the 1st

Amendment permits student-initiated and student-led prayer.

Critics will haul out the “separation of church and state”

argument, which is not in the Constitution, just to intimidate.

Perhaps critics hope the next time the kids have a chance to pray

in public, they won’t do it.

I think these young people are smart and know their rights.

In fact, their turning to God in their disappointment and defeat

shows maturity.

Not a few of us have prayed for our young people -- that their

faith will stay strong and God will use them to make a difference in

our public schools.

The photo that originally ran in the sports page, “Lancers humble

Sailors,” Dec. 12, is fresh evidence that our young people are not

afraid to demonstrate their faith in God.

WENDY LEECE

Costa Mesa

One term is best for

Costa Mesa mayor

Regarding the question of how long a term should be for Costa Mesa

mayors, I believe since the mayor is selected from among the equally

elected City Council members, a one-year term is how it should

remain.

It’s not an elected mayor; it’s an elected city council member

serving as mayor.

And for one person to decide he thinks it’s better, that’s not

democracy -- that’s dictatorship.

If they want to change this, they should present it to the public

and vote on it like a referendum, I believe.

SHARON BOUDREAU

Costa Mesa

Young newsletter editor

admired for patriotism

Regarding the Dec. 23 Pilot story, “Teen prints ‘right’ stuff,’

about Andrew Clark, the 15-year-old Newport Harbor student who prints

a Republican newsletter and has gubernatorial aspirations.

I feel he is to be admired for his patriotism and his

entrepreneurism.

It seems he can hardly wait until he turns 18 and becomes an

inspiration and leader to other youth by joining the Army and doing

his duty to his country, serving in Iraq.

It will be interesting to see if he follows through in three years

and practices what he preaches.

GRACE DEUTSCH

Newport Beach