TO THE EDITOR:
That Pope John Paul II and George W. Bush are of the same point of view on the matter of same sex-marriage should come as no surprise. That either man has any interest in the subject lies in the responsibilities of their offices. For each man, his interest in the living arrangements of church member or citizen begins and ends with the protection and guidance of the younger members of the society.
It benefits the church that one man and one woman act as parents to the children their union has produced. It benefits the state that one man and one woman join in the procreation and parenting of future citizens. The state goes so far as to use its power to tax to encourage the parenting function, granting tax breaks to married people without children.
Conversely, the state has very little to gain from marriage between same-sex couples. Thus, the state has no reason to offer a favored tax position to such couples. For that matter, what other reason is there for same-sex couples to yearn for equal treatment? They already have all the recognition they could possibly want from civil society. .
Gene Wolters, Anderson Township
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Homosexuality not acceptable to God
I wish all Episcopalians, Presbyterians, and the other psuedo-Christian denominations would take the time to read Romans 1:24-32 and think about what God is saying to us. To me it clearly states that homosexual behavior is (according to God) indecent, perverted, sinful, shameful, unnatural, and finally, deserving of death.
Why any Christian church would be entertaining any thoughts of accepting this kind of behavior is beyond me. We do not make the rules. We do not have the authority to change God's rules. Homosexuality may be acceptable to the secular community, but it is clearly not acceptable to God.
Wesley Hille, West Chester
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Intelligence failures? Look to Cincinnati
Lately we have heard much about intelligence failures in our nation's capital. Unfortunately, no one can pinpoint these intelligence failures. Here in Cincinnati we are so very fortunate. We know exactly where to find our intelligence failures. We merely look to the mayor's office and City Council.
Sam Moore, Anderson Township
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Ohio leads nation in tree cities
Trees provide far more benefits than indicated in the article, ("Trees are nice but at what price?" Aug. 3).
In addition to increasing property values, instilling community pride, and establishing a sense of place, trees in urban areas: shade and cool our streets in summer, insulate us from the cold in winter, provide oxygen essential for all life, slow storm water runoff, prevent soil erosion, absorb noise, serve as wind breaks, and shield us from harmful ultraviolet rays. They also provide homes and a potential food source for wildlife and economically important pollinators like honeybees.
The American Forestry Association estimates that over a 50-year period an average tree will generate $31,250 worth of oxygen, provide $62,000 worth of air pollution control, and recycle $37,500 worth of water. That same tree provides the cooling equivalent of 10-room size air conditioners per day.
Ohioans should be proud that they lead the nation in the number of tree cities designated by the National Arbor Day Foundation. It makes good economic sense.
Jackie Belwood, California, Ky.
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Let constitutional extremists rule
As a person who believes in giving credit where credit is due, I say the letter writer ("Ideological extremism clouds court selection," Aug. 4) in the Enquirer deserves some credit. Unfortunately none of it is good. As a member of the ultra-conservative minority mentioned by the writer, I'm here to state that like every good liberal, he is nowhere near the truth of the matter. The facts are as follows.
The Republican Party is, and has been, fully under the control of liberal forces for many years now. This is evidenced by:
• The socialist policy budget-busting spending that continues to go and grow on in our tax-and-spend capital.
• The continued interventions into the territories and affairs of sovereign foreign nations in pursuit of the New World Order.
• And the ongoing attacks on the Constitution in the name of security against terrorism.
This list is by no means complete, but it makes the point. These acts and actions are not those of a Republican party controlled by ultra-conservatives.
Like the letter writer, I'm also disgusted; however, I'm disgusted with the extremism of the liberal left along with its associated lies and betrayal of the American people and their Constitution. Let the judiciary be filled with American constitutional extremists, and this could be a decent country again.
Matt Briedis, Withamsville
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Get UC basketball under better control
I recently read where someone called the arrest of UC basketball player Armein Kirkland another unfortunate incident. No. An unfortunate incident would be Jason Maxiell breaking his leg in a pick-up game.
Allegations of assaults are not unfortunate incidents. The pattern of these problems at UC has raised a question in my mind: Is it time for a new coach? I have been a Bob Huggins loyalist for years, and now wonder if perhaps he shouldn't be held accountable for the actions of his players? Someone should. The players are all allowed back on the team after these incidents.
Why? I am all for due process, but shouldn't there be some type of code of conduct agreement signed by players who come to UC? I have no problem with keeping a kid on the team if he got caught cutting class once, or smoking a joint (they are kids after all). But assault? I'm not here calling for Huggins' head, but there obviously needs to be some reevaluation in Clifton.
David Moore, Omaha, Formerly of Mason
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Just do what is best for Justin
I have followed the Justin Asente story since its inception. It amazes me how much difficulty the legal system is having in respect to making a logical in the best interest of the child decision.
I think our society needs a new definition of what a parent is. Giving birth to or providing sperm for the creation of a baby does not make one a parent. Being in a committed relationship (marriage), and providing a stable (financially and emotionally), loving home life are paramount to success in raising a child. Anything less and you are shortchanging that individual.
I realize sometimes divorce and death rob families of one of the above, but at least the effort was there initially to provide the very best. Justin's birth parents have demonstrated none of the above qualities, the Asentes, on the other hand, have consistently shown a remarkable resolve in maintaining a quality home life for these two little boys. The mere fact that the birth parents want only one child should turn the stomach of even the most hardened judge. When in doubt of best interests, here's a novel approach, ask Justin.
Sharon Disher, Anderson Township
