Sensitivity programs just a jobs scheme
The paper reported that the NAACP wants more sensitivity programs.
Is this another jobs scheme? I thought the building of character had to do with being able to take criticism and endure name-calling.
The problem with sensitivity training is folks are made to be sensitive to the wrong foundation. The Ten Commandments is the basis of guilt and answers to a right conscience. By this guilt, one may see the need for the Savior, Jesus, who died to take away your guilt and cause you to quit sinning. Sensitivity training is oriented to false guilt and makes the tax dollar be the savior, backed up by some ACLU lawyer.
But I suspect it is just another jobs scheme, mostly for 42 USC 1988 lawyers.
JUNE GRIFFIN
Dayton, Tenn.
Church-state issues need to be balanced
In the separation of church-state cases that continue to be a staple of local government (such as the Sevier County Commission) and education litigation in East Tennessee, balancing competing interests is a delicate and imprecise matter.
Local government officials need to be attuned not only to majoritarian pushes (as is the case in Sevier County) but also individual constitutional protections.
The individual protections themselves require careful balancing because the first Amendment contains not only the “Establishment Clause,” but also both the “Free Exercise” and “Free Speech” clauses.
But “prayer is prayer,” so they claim. Not so! “Prayer is a private supplication to God,” wrote Gatlinburg’s Gail Canney. “Public or communal prayer is worship.”
Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters should have announced to all Sevier Countains that the courthouse is not a church, and that he’s not clergy. But, hey, this is an election year.
B.J. PASCHAL
Sevierville, Tenn.
Assistance comes from many people
On Tuesday afternoon, my car’s clutch went out in a subdivision off of East Brainerd Road. Many, many people both male and female — all ages — offered assistance. One lady lent me her cell phone and even came by a second time to check on me. One gentleman pushed my car to a safer location. You are all angels, and I thank you and may God bless each of you.
HELEN BLEDSOE
Collegedale