Atheists’ views have
no rational foundation
Judith Sirota, in defending the atheists and free thinkers in her Oct. 14 letter to the editor, presents a strange position from which she expects us to be persuaded.
First, she attempts to argue rationally and logically, expecting others to comprehend her line of reasoning. Then she seizes upon the moral superiority of her arguments as she equates it with the evils of slavery, etc.
However, why should we accept any of this? Sirota cannot make any sense of this from her own worldview, but, in fact, she must smuggle all of this in from the very position she attempts to disprove.
To expect a universe that is rational, logical and comprehensible, there must be a sufficient source for these things. Atheism does not provide one. How can one talk of morality or rights if there is no moral law (or a moral lawgiver). If morality is just opinion, any other view is equally valid.
As letter writer Jim Wilson correctly pointed out the same day, we would have none of our freedoms and a whole different set of laws and Constitution without a Christian reference point for our system of government.
Ms. Sirota is welcome to her ideas, but she should make her arguments from her own starting point. When stolen from another worldview, the argument looks irrational and without foundation to support it.
TERRY BRIDGMAN
Grand Junction

Christianity wasn’t basis
for the U.S. Constitution
In response to Jim Wilson’s letter on Oct. 14, I have to say that he has made several wrong assertions.
While Patrick Henry may have been an avid Christian, that does not prove this nation was founded on Christianity. Thomas Jefferson often victoriously rebutted Mr. Henry’s rampant religious beliefs as they pertained to law, realizing that a country founded on religious freedom had no room in its government to promote any one belief over any other.
Indeed, the U.S. Constitution makes no mention of “God” or “Christianity” and its First Amendment clearly states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” This means all beliefs are equal in the eyes of our government. This is why governmental institutions, like schools, cannot promote one brand over another.
Even if George Washington needed “God and the Bible” to govern, that does not mean we all do. George Washington also owned slaves. Is that something we should all do as well?
While the majority of this country may believe in Christianity, that does not mean the founders of this country wanted to legislate religion. In fact, they wanted no part of the religious intolerance the first settlers of this nation fled from. Beware of majority rule. Previous majorities in this country believed that black men should be in chains and women should not vote.
While I will not deny that Christians do good deeds, Mr. Wilson’s assertions that the governmental corruption and immorality of our current culture are due to our “secular humanism” is insulting. Many self-described Christians have done horrible things, in government, private office or their own lives. In addition, many non-Christians have led peaceful, philanthropic lives.
It is not religion that will fix our problems. It is knowledge and freedom.
ANTHONY HUFF
Palisade

Better council oversight
needed on severance pay
Mike Wiggins put together a very informative article on city severance pay. Several well-worn phrases immediately come to mind.
How about the appearance of impropriety? Maybe quid pro quo is a better descriptor of what went on. Everyone knows you don’t get something for nothing. Something stinks down at City Hall.
Severance pay is often used to forestall a lawsuit, publicity, or other action. The city has never given department heads severance pay. Why now?
The City Council owes the taxpayers a full explanation about how and why Sheryl Trent and Bill Gardner were given big pay-offs after they resigned.
And while they are investigating, the council might investigate how the city attorney could write such a poor contract as to force the city to pay David Varley six months severance for six months work.
I sometimes wonder if the council understands it has an obligation to supervise the city attorney and the city manager, not take direction from them.
GENE KINSEY
Grand Junction

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