Why does the right wing press chase stories on ACORN? Are they an organization powerful enough to threaten our democracy? If you watch Fox News you probably think so. I think its just an easy way to attack the president.
ACORN's stated purpose is to help poor people get homes, secure their constitutional prerogatives and otherwise help them find a voice. Not much chance of getting rich doing that; not much power either, so the best and the brightest are not easily recruited to the effort. Fodder for folks that are focused 24/7 on discrediting Obama.
By doing so, they fail to report on the senators that voted against the Franken Amendment. Recently passed by a 68-30 Senate vote, it saves Americans from having to give away constitutional protections against the most egregious of personal crimes, as was the case with Jamie Leigh Jones, the former Halliburton / KBR employee who was gang raped while working in Iraq.
How many times will the right-leaning press launch "investigative (?)" reports on ACORN, that consumed perhaps $50 million in federal funds over 10 years, and ignore stories about Halliburton / KBR, which consumed $6 billion in 2005 alone?
Which of these organizations has the most potential for abusing the public interest and deserves the most scrutiny?
DEAN RIDDICK
Durham
Age brings wisdom
Some folks have raised the question of Howard Clement's age as a reason for him not to seek reelection. In some countries, wisdom is associated with advanced maturity, but in our society that is greatly influenced by the corporate world, senior citizens are viewed by some as a liability to the "bottom line."
Being aware of his character, when he believes that he is no longer able to effectively represent his constituents and the interest of the City of Durham, then Councilman Clement will thank the citizens for giving him the opportunity to serve his beloved city and then he will graciously stand down.
He is a dedicated official and a gentleman.
CHARLES RECKTENWALD
Durham
Disputable assertion
We very much appreciated your coverage of last Sunday's Habitat for Humanity interfaith house dedication (Oct 23rd: "Faiths Join To Build a House"). However, we were disappointed by the article's beginning: " There are many factors that drive human beings apart. It's tragic that faith is one of the chief offenders."
This assertion is disputable. Faith in God does not automatically engender rivalry among people. Christianity, Islam and Judaism all affirm, at their very core, the universal values practiced embodied by Habitat for Humanity -- hospitality, social justice and direct service to the poor.
The particularism of our faiths does not prevent us from coming together to build a house for a deserving family in Durham; rather, our particular faiths command us to do so. Good will among people of faith is the norm. Contentiousness, even though it sometimes makes for a splashy headline, is the exception.
RABBI MICHAEL GOLDMAN
Rabbi for Jewish Life at Duke University
IMAM ABDULLAH ANTEPLI
Muslim Chaplain/Adjunct Faculty of Islamic Studies, Duke University
