&letterheadShut up and vote

TO THE EDITOR: First of all, I would like to say kudos to the editorial staff for publishing Ms. Provost's Liberal Manifesto on April Fool's Day, and secondly I have to give a big BRAVO BRAVO BRAVO to Mr. Oliver Barie for his Conservative Manifesto, published on April 25.

What a brilliant and correct piece of literature you wrote, Mr. Barie. I loved it. I believe it was Toby Keith (as well as the fans, or should I say ex-fans), who said of the Dixie Chicks, "Just shut up and sing." The moral of the story being: Where is the Dixie Chicks' career now? It might do the liberals well to "Just shut up and vote." BRAVO again, Mr. Barie, for your great and well-written letter.

Carolyn LaCombe

Rouses Point

&letterheadReligion, government

TO THE EDITOR: I am just curious, isn't it heresy for religion to use other means, such as government, to impose its will? I hear so much of separation of church and state, but what about religion using its own means to lay a clear moral and ethical path for society? No matter how much Christians, Jews, Muslims love God, government has let them exist and has sacrificed much for them, ie, no taxes.

Exclaiming the most important issues of the Bible, morals and ethics, isn't religion's use of government leading down a dark and dirty path? I am a pro-choice, personally pro-life citizen of the U.S.A. Why don't all the protesters in front of the abortion clinics start an orphanage? Wouldn't that be a more productive use of their time? They do love children and babies, don't they? Give choices? To me they look like a bunch of fools standing around doing nothing.

In my life, I have been to the Vatican and Israel's most holy sites. I have seen the most important places of three religions. These sites, whether they be the birthplace of Jesus or buildings built as man's love of God, demonstrate what man can do given the strength. Be productive not destructive.

Also regarding the Conservative Manifesto, and the Liberal Manifesto, I believe in the U.S.A. manifesto's, Bill of Rights, U.S.A. Constitution, Declaration of Independence.

I have no desire to separate myself from my fellow American just because he/she has different beliefs. Discerning views is what makes this country great. Compromise is good.

Stuart Friedman

Plattsburgh