Following precedent not good reason to accept something nobody likes

Following precedent not good reason to accept something nobody likes

People who try to improve community conditions are called liberals. Conservatives try to keep the status quo. The latter frequently invites the former to “leave it if you do not like it.” The fact that we do not live in caves means liberals have prospered.

My reaction to “Church and State” in its January issue (Americans for separation of church and state) which had an article titled “Alabama Approves Bible Literacy Text Without Knowing It” was an embarrassment. Oct. 11, the Alabama Board of Education approved “The Bible and its Influence,” one of 2,500 books considered for use in Alabama classrooms. Those favoring separation of church and state claim the book is tilted toward evangelical interpretation of the Bible, and fundamentalists claim it does not provide a literal view of the Bible. No one likes it.

So some members of the board say that since the book is controversial, they should have been warned that the book was in the list. Education Superintendent Dr. Joe Morton says the decision will stand because procedure was followed.

Why accept something nobody likes?

Following precedent is not a good reason.

Bill Blakney, Auburn

Obama is the bridge needed to heal numerous divisions in America
Although we moved to Iowa from Auburn several years ago, we follow the community through the Opelika-Auburn News online, and thought that the upcoming primary was a chance to reach out to our former neighbors and colleagues.

The Iowa Caucuses generated a lot of light and a bit of heat this year. Iowans take the responsibility that accompanies “being first in the nation” very seriously, and many Iowans saw every candidate, heard every stump speech, shook every hand that walked by. This gives one a tremendous opportunity to evaluate potential presidents on their wisdom, ability to connect, consistency, poise under pressure and character.

Little wonder then, that after careful consideration, Iowans were drawn to Sen. Barack Obama.

A man of integrity and energy, Obama has a lifetime of working for poor and marginalized Americans as evidence that he will get something done to heal our country. And while some may long for the ’90s, we need a president who looks to restore this country by moving us into the world as it is rather than the world as it was.

We need a candidate who is willing to own up to mistakes, reach across barriers and will value moral clarity over political expediency. We need, most desperately, a candidate who has the moral will, judgment, instinct and courage to say and do what is right from the beginning — not after the handlers approve it.

Obama will put people ahead of politics and self-interests. We believe he is the bridge needed to heal our divisions across political parties, class and racial differences and borders, to help America be what it can be. We hope he will have your vote on Feb. 5.

Deb Liddell and John Westefeld
Iowa City, Iowa