American freedoms are based on humanistic principles

Re: Values vote argument reveals bias, Nov. 24.

John Leo's column makes a valid point that individual values have been fought for and voted on in the past, particularly civil rights for African-Americans, women, disabled people and others.

But he is wrong in his history when he credits equality and many of our other American freedoms as due to "Christian principles."

These concepts were not mentioned or fostered in the Bible. Nor were they cultivated or promoted by most forms of Christianity through the ages. In fact, most Christian groups resisted them on the basis of their "Christian principles."

They largely came about through the humanistic principles developed during the Enlightenment which, in turn, led to the founding of a new secular nation that promoted freedom of religion (and nonreligion) for all its citizens, including a constraint against imposing the rites and practices of any one religion upon all the citizens unless a general agreement is established in the citizenry that any certain precept is seen to be an ethic that benefits our society and does not restrict the rights of minority citizens.

Although some Christians and churches have participated in our various civil rights movements, in abolition efforts and in antiwar protests, that does not make those "principles" Christian. Many atheists, secularists, humanists and members of other religious faiths also participated in these efforts to ensure that America remains a principled, free country. I don't think Leo would be comfortable in saying that these principles belong to any one of these other groups that participated in their development - groups that, in fact, often led the way.

Remember reason for border delays

Re: Gaza-to-Israel crossing: bring a book, Nov. 23.

Susan Taylor Martin's description of Palestinians crossing into Israel would seem to evoke pity. We hear about Sami, the engineer, the amorous European couple, families with small kids, all of whom must endure border crossings, hours of waiting, and what surely sounds like a dehumanizing entrance to the Israeli side, as checks are made for explosives. Only one sentence provided any context for the delays: "after several people died in suicide attacks . . ."

Let's provide some context. Let's ask the family of newlywed Avi Yazdi, 25, one of six killed at a Bat Mitzvah. He was only married four months, and I bet he and his wife must have looked just like that amorous European couple. But no more. Let's ask the father of Yael Ohana, 11-years-old, shot and killed by a terrorist in her home. We can't ask her mother, since she's dead too. My guess is they looked just like some of those families with kids.

Of course, the list goes on and on, about a thousand Israeli civilians killed by terrorists. The Gaza Strip, of course, is a stronghold of terrorist activity, with much of its population imbued with a mission to destroy Israel. It is a population that allows and celebrates its children being sent, strapped to bombs, to blow apart the bodies of as many Israelis as possible.

Perhaps one day, when we start seeing photos of Palestinians wailing on hearing the news of the death of a teenage suicide bomber (as some mothers surely must wail in sorrow), and stop seeing celebrations, when we stop seeing the hijacking of legitimate Palestinian aspirations by Hamas or Islamic Jihad, and when we start hearing loudly from those Palestinians hungering for peace in their homes and a peaceful coexistence with all their neighbors, then, perhaps, Susan Taylor Martin won't have to bring a book when she crosses the border.

A commendable contribution

Re: Lessons of Kabul, Nov. 25.

Bravo, St. Petersburg Times, for the well done profile of Bill Falzone's service in Afghanistan. I have read the paper regularly since moving to the area 18 months ago and have grumbled and ranted as the paper repeatedly profiled "down and outers" across our community.

I hope this is a beginning of a pattern of acknowledging many in our community. It takes determination and great sacrifice by individuals and their families to make mature decisions that better our community and world. Bill and his family stand as an example of what people of character can contribute and accomplish.

Thank you, Bill and your family, for your support in developing a free and democratic Afghanistan. As we support our brave civilian and military personnel with our thoughts and prayers, each of us should consider how we, too, can contribute.

Caution is called for

Re: Girl, 5, killed in hit-run crash near beach, Nov. 24.

Until that perfect day when no one speeds on Gulf Boulevard (as well as on our residential streets), and no one is out there driving when it is time to give up their driver's license, people need to remember to take the time to walk the extra few feet and cross the street at the cross walks.

What a terrible tragedy to happen. The Daddio family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Gulf Boulevard isn't tourist friendly

Three days before the tragic accident that recently occurred on Gulf Boulevard in St. Pete Beach, I was considering contacting someone about the speeding and careless driving on Gulf Boulevard. I knew it was inevitable that a fatal accident would occur. I often walk to the beach and am shocked at the speed at which people drive.

A half hour before the accident, I saw a couple of tourists crossing Gulf Boulevard and felt sorry that tourists had to put up with our traffic. It's too bad Gulf Boulevard isn't more tourist friendly. Speed limit signs are not very noticeable and crosswalks are few and far between. If something isn't done after this accident, I have no doubt another one will occur soon.

A meatless Thanksgiving

Re: Protecting poultry, editorial, Nov. 24.

Our family was so happy to see your editorial about the horrible treatment of birds raised for food. Our Thanksgiving is so much more pleasant since we stopped supporting this industry.

There are so many choices in food that do not include animal products. Most people would be absolutely amazed. I made a vegetarian meatloaf with sauteed mushrooms, onions, celery, walnuts, tofu, bread crumbs and herbs. I served it with mashed potatoes, roasted rosemary sweet potatoes, mushroom gravy, salad and dinner rolls.

The best part is that no one needs to take a nap after! Thank you for bringing this issue to light.

[Last modified November 29, 2004, 00:39:13]