Religion requirement is politically shrewd
Regarding 'Requiring religion?' (Friday, Nov. 10, 2006):
Harvard's proposed changes would be politically shrewd. We could compare them to China's Communist Party's tactics for hanging onto power. In China very few people believe in Communism (which is, of course, atheistic) anymore, but the party keeps preaching it to save face while at the same time building large churches. Similarly, few scholars will be able to muster faith in Darwinism (which is likewise atheistic) much longer, but they keep preaching it even as they patronize religion.
Well, "let [truth] and falsehood grapple" — not so we can win politically, but so we can learn. According to the Bible, all one has to do is look and listen. And it just so happens that everywhere scientists look in nature — whether they look through a telescope or through a microscope or just take a walk in the woods — they discover rational, creative communication. Our textbooks are full of translations of that communication. That is to say, for example, that scientists managed to translate the process of photosynthesis into English and likewise with relativity, DNA, uncertainty, entropy, coalescence, etc.. But who is the rational, creative (literally!) Author of all that beautiful information? Of Jesus Christ the Bible says, "In the beginning was the Word." (John 1:1)
Matthew Connally Chaplain, Campus Crusade for Christ Pastor, Princeton Christian Church
This country owes Rumsfeld a thank you
Regarding 'Rumsfeld resigns' (Thursday, Nov. 9, 2006):
My compliments to The Daily Princetonian on a balanced and thorough article about my famous classmate, former Secretary Don Rumsfeld '54. While I did not know Don well during our undergraduate days, his career was a godsend the five years I was class secretary because when the basket went almost dry I could find out something new about him from the daily press.
I think this country owes him a thank you for being willing in 2001 to take on — again — this thankless responsibility to serve our country at his, and my, advanced age, regardless of how you feel about the Iraq War.
At one point Don, agreed to participate in the alumni forums in 2004, but as time went on this was becoming, I believe, a security nightmare for the University, and he very reluctantly backed out. Fortunately I had 10 other classmates talking about as many different subjects, but I would have loved to have him also.
Bud Boothe '54, Managing Editor The Daily Princetonian, 1954 Board
Adoption by same-sex couple benefits society
Regarding 'The public meaning of marriage' (Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2006):
Sherif Girgis '08's logic doesn't hold.
Let's assume, for the sake of argument, that a child develops best in a household with one mother and one father. As Girgis rightly states, many children don't grow up in this optimal household. The argument usually follows that if a same-sex couple would like to adopt an orphaned child, that would obviously be preferable to no one adopting that orphaned child. But Girgis is quick to dismiss this logic because, he says, thousands of married couples are waiting to adopt.
But Girgis knows, as well as anyone, that adoption is a complex process involving many legal hurtles and also unfortunately ends up leaving minority children adopted less frequently than white children. In other words, many remain in foster care, and they are disproportionately children of color. Having more eligible adoptive parents in the process increases the chances of any one child finding a loving home as quickly as possible and may serve to minimize this racial inequity. Thus, society has a vested interest in permitting and encouraging same-sex marriage and adoption.
Sara Viola '08
Thank you to all the volunteers — secular and Christian
Regarding 'After the Storm' (Thursday, Nov. 9, 2006):
God bless you, young lady. I am a graduate student at Ohio State, but I grew up about two miles south of where you worked on Ms. Bertha and Ms. Ernestine's house. The house I grew up in was flooded away as well and it has been a sad year for my family. Thanks to efforts like yours from volunteers secular and Christian, the good people down there can get back on their feet. You are always welcome back, hopefully under better circumstances next time.
John Broussard Ohio State University
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