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EDITOR: All my life and all your lives we've been told to respect all religions. Since when did we discover another god. Most all the world's people will tell you there is only one god; (theirs). Add up all these different peoples beliefs and we'll probably come up with a few million gods. If that be the case there would be some awful wars in the universe. Even the universe would not survive such a cataclysmic event.
But if we were to consider the real world we live in we would understand that there is a real battle in the unseen world. We would also than understand too that there is the unseen world. We would also then understand too that there is one real god and a god wanna be. This so called god wanna be is the only entity in creation that has ever tested the only real power of the universe and has lost. So, how many gods are left? You ought to be thankful that the god you live under is the only one, otherwise the human race would be pawns to powers with unknown intentions.
You should be thankful there is only one because history paints a morbid picture of holy wars with no consideration at all for the human person. Human sacrifice, torture and all kinds of immorality for the sake of the golden calf.
For generations we've been told to respect all religions. A religion must have a god behind it to respect it, the last time I looked I didn't notice that the god of the universe has only had to fight Satan to keep his position as supreme ruler since before time began, and that was no contest as Satan's powers are the powers he was given and in time will be taken away.
To say; respect all other religions, you cannot. It is an oxymoron. You cannot respect something that does not exist.
Vincent Calaman
Powell
The whole picture
EDITOR: I am writing in reference to the article that was in The Daily Review on Saturday, Jan. 30.
"Board looks at tackling pension fund cost increases." I am sure the pension fund for all school teachers is substantial. Don't know what they expect. The senior citizens didn't get a raise in our Social Security checks this year. What to expect in the future years? I am sure it will be nothing in comparison to what they are looking for. The tax increase of a home assessed at $25,000 would be $132.50 more in school taxes. If there were 3,000 homes that would be $397,500 per year. Plus a lot of them are assessed at more than this. Did you ever try to live on a little over $1,000 a month? Lights, water, fuel oil, propane, upkeep of car, gasoline, food, insurances, doctor visits and most of all medications. It doesn't leave much and sometimes nothing.
Is the school getting funds from gas leases and sales of property? This is what happens when people can't pay their taxes and have to move out of their homes and go on welfare. Don't only look at the future of the school pensions but of citizens on a limited income.
Please think about this and try to save in other areas so we don't have to suffer through this tax increase. This letter probably won't affect your thinking but thank you for listening and hope you consider my points of interest.
Joan Vanderpool
Monroeton
16 posted comments
From elementary school on through college, they inspired students to do their best. However, I had some poor teachers. Either they did not know the subject, or didn't care, or just could not figure out how to communicate, but it was dismal. Every student knew who they were, and the jokes that abounded about those classes. Yet, they received the same pay and the tenure, of the wonderful, dedicated, devoted educators. No Child Left Behind leaves the entire burden on the student. The student must show progress, but unless real learning, real education is taking place, the student does not really progress.
The NEA no longer focuses on educating our kids. The focus is pay and benefits, and little else, for its members. It is a major, powerful lobby. Until, we demand better, we will not get it.
This pension debacle is just the tip of the iceberg.
To quote President Obama, "the best antipoverty program is a world class education." Lets demand that for all our children.
That will make our teachers a bargain at any price.
Religion, at least in the U.S.A., is a personal choice. It is not be dictated by the government. On that we can agree. What one personally believes, or how one relates to other faiths is private. It is a recent phenomenon that religion and politics has become so intertwined, and I believe it is because some politicians use it to incite fear. I have never been impressed with fear mongers. I doubt I ever will. This is "chicken-little politics."
I remember when our pastors prayed God would bless our leaders, whoever they were at the time, with wisdom and courage. Now we have ministers praying for failure, and destruction, of a certain politician or political party.
Pogo, a cartoon character, commented, "We have met the enemy, and it is us." Funny or true? You decide.
Perhaps, now the NEA and PSEA will see they have come too many times to the well.
We don't ask for abject poverty, we just ask for some shared sacrifice.
I am glad you love your job, and have a passion to teach. All should enter the field with the same desire. Sadly, it has become the good paycheck, and little more, to so many of our "educators."
I speak with fellow Christians, and some of the ideas put forth, make me cringe. How can you call yourself a Christian when you would destroy a people, deny children food and shelter, use vile names because of their race or ethnic origin, condemn for the partner they choose, knowing God has created us all in his image?
How do you do that, and still claim to be following Christ.
I do not think Jesus would have condemned any people.
In the United States, the constitution, provides for freedom of religion, and thus from religion. The wise founders knew an official, state religion would lead to zealotry, and that would begin the end of our democratic experiment. When we allow the religious zealots to dictate government policy, based on the narrow scope of their particular religion, we are on that slippery slope.
Thomas Jefferson deliberately chose the term creator, when writing, "all men (humankind) are created equal, and endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights....."
Truly, ours is and should remain a secular society, with room for all people and all faiths. That is part, a large part, of our strength.
Today religious zealots will push propaganda that says our nation is a Christian nation. In fact, based on the Constitution we are, indeed, a secular society.
There is no contradiction, nor is it an oxymoron, to use the term religious freedom.
Whatever your religion, or faith, or lack thereof, it is equal in the eyes of the government.
Separation of church and state is worthy, noble, and just.
Thus it is written, and thus it should be upheld.
People, parents of their students, have lost jobs. They are teaching students who depend on the free breakfast and lunch programs for subsistence. It is almost as if teachers live in an alternate universe, where money for wages and pensions flows from a magical river. Long holiday breaks, every weekend off, 3 months of summer vacation, plus personal days, "vacation" days, sick time, (which can accrue indefinitely), health insurance, which often includes eye and dental, etc. They get to drive nice cars, live in nice houses, and have no real fear of losing their jobs due to the magic fairy,Tenure.
They never work nights. They complain of having to take home work, such as grading papers and tests. As if no profession, requires being on call or carrying home work.
The many I speak to complain about the kids and the parents, as if these individuals are preventing them from doing their jobs.
When in fact, these people are their job.
We are taught to respect teachers, but when we are faced with the every growing neediness of this group, the respect grows ever harder to come by.
I believe the change in the law can only come when the NEA and PSEA recognize that the well is running dry, and negotiate in good faith.
Very few entry level jobs start at the level, and with the benefits, of the teachers. Some one said, it is only about $30,000 plus benefits for a new teacher. Well, how many other professions begin at $30,000 and benefits? Very few. And very few teachers remain at that level for long.
I have a neighbor who is in her 30's, attending college full time, raising two children, and works a part-time job. So, their lives might be better. Because her husband passed away from cancer, she recieves survivors benefits from Social Security.
Social Security determined that they overpaid her $130 in 2009, therefore they are holding her entire $700 check next month. Of course, she is appealing this. But tell me teachers, do you realize the conditions the parents of your students are living with?
Our seniors did not get an increase in social security for 2010.
My IRA is worth 1/4 it value from a few years ago. It fell steadily from 2001 on. Actually, it grew by $100 last month.
If you tea-baggers want a cause, that many could get behind, take on this. This truly is taxation without representation. Your federal tax dollars went down last year, the same can not, ever can be said, for your school taxes.