Atheists have an oath problem
Behold, the great discovery that the state Constitution forbids atheists to hold office. Where things once were established as normal, these New Lights now make their shocking discoveries for the purpose of rendering them controversial. Thus, the New Lights have a field to tear up whatever is standing. Forbidding atheists in office is because they are unable to take an oath, seeing one has to swear by one greater than one’s self, a propensity anathema to atheists since they hold themselves to be gods. Such fools are unqualified to rule over others. In addition, we need the blessing of the God of our fathers if we are to survive, which is why atheists shouldn’t hold office. Much of the Constitution added since 1939 needs to deleted, including those things that load the U.S. taxpayer with schools, freebies and jobs for the aforesaid New Lights.
June Griffin, Dayton, Tenn.
U.S. Israeli lobby influences policy
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to Congress had two purposes — to enhance his upcoming re-election chances and to embarrass President Obama. By all accepted standards of protocol, a foreign official should speak to Congress only by invitation from the State Department, not the House speaker. Israel has as many as 400 nuclear warheads and the wherewithal to deliver them. Considering the short distances involved, even a hiccup by Iran could result in that country’s immediate incineration. Israel knows that, we know that and, most importantly, Iran knows that. Anyone concerned about America’s role in the Middle East should investigate the high-pressure Israeli lobby with the innocuous sounding name of American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). This organization influences every U. S. policy decision involving Israel or the Middle East. As a foreign organization, AIPAC is barred from contributing directly to U.S. political candidates. But this powerful, well-funded Washington lobby pressures individual American Jewish donors, who probably give as generously to American political candidates as any group.
George B. Reed Jr., Rossville, Ga.
Neither Corker nor 47 senators right
While many words have synonymous terms, each term may convey a slightly different meaning to the point that two synonymous terms may not be interchangeable. This is the truth about Norm Coleman’s commentary (Feb. 23). The letter sent by the 47 senators to Iran was a huge mistake. Norm’s assertion that the president should negotiate without “restraint” is wrong and should be without “hindrance” or “interference.” Interference is what the Logan Act is about. Sen. Corker is crafting a bill that would give Congress the right to advise the president on negotiations with Iran. Nonsense! Is Corker’s ignorance overpowering or is it just plain theatrics? The Supreme Court ruled in United States v. Curtiss-Wright: “He (president) makes treaties with the advice and consent of the Senate; but he alone negotiates.” Corker should know the Senate will have its say on any issue that becomes a treaty issue. If Corker has any advice, then give Obama a call or go up and see him. He should know the president’s phone number or where he lives. Or does Corker think the law doesn’t apply to him?
David Bean, Chatsworth, Ga.