JFK’s wisdom on religion and politics; Secure Communities in California; the rights and protections of marriage

Religion and politics

Re “Old-time religion, today’s politics,” Opinion, June 11

Tim Rutten has it exactly right about dangerous religious litmus tests for office, just the way John F. Kennedy warned the nation 50 years ago. Kennedy wisely advised the conservative Christian leaders in Houston in 1960 that we all should “believe in an America where the separation of church and state is absolute.”

It is far from that today, thanks to opportunistic religious fundamentalist politicians like Rick Perry, Sarah Palin and Rick Santorum. Our nation is on a dangerous precipice, becoming similar to the theocracies we love to hate.

Joseph Bonino

Glendale

In praying for this nation, I, as a conservative evangelical Protestant, agree with Texas Gov. Rick Perry and his group that we must pray based on our core beliefs. If this means that we disagree with other religions, so be it.

Separate from that is the group’s opinion as to whether a person with a different set of core beliefs can be endorsed for president. Rutten fails to address this question.

Moreover, Rutten does not address what the group’s opinion is regarding whether someone who is a member of the group but it is flawed can be endorsed. For example, candidate Michele Bachmann’s statement that the founders ended slavery was not only incorrect, it was racist.

Charles Hewitt

West Covina

While I would think one smarmy Texas governor as president would be more than enough, one has to admire Perry’s candor.

To my knowledge, he’s the only Republican aspirant to state aloud, in saying America’s hope “lies in heaven and we will find it on our knees,” the GOP’s clear objective of bringing the American people to their knees.

Charlie G. Dodson

Long Beach

It would be wonderful, I think, if politicians nationwide dropped to their knees in prayer and all heard Jesus’ words, “Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back” (Luke 6:30).

But that sentiment runs quite counter to the current line of conservative thinking, best expressed as, “Ask not the rich for anything. Let the poor suffer in silence” (Gecko 1:1).

Jon Williams

Goleta

Crime and illegal immigration

Re “Insecure communities,” Editorial, June 15

It is my belief that Californians voted for Proposition 187 out of sheer frustration that our government was ineffective at stopping illegal immigration. Now, years later, with the poor quality of life in Los Angeles, our current “leadership” does not want to enforce a perfectly logical and necessary way to rid our communities of criminals for fear that people won’t report crime.

If the government were doing its job and if Secure Communities were being implemented, there would be less crime to report. Committing any crime after coming here illegally adds insult to injury. Does any crime not reduce the quality of life for all of us and cost us millions, wasting our precious resources which could be used for other things?

In New York they started prosecuting people for low-level crimes because they knew such acts led to more crimes, and sharply reduced their crime rate. What is wrong with our leadership?

Judy Winick

Los Angeles

California must participate in Secure Communities, a helpful step to curb illegal immigration, to reduce the impact of millions of illegal workers and students on our government budgets.

Those who wish to help foreign nationals who are here illegally should urge billionaires in developing nations, such as Mexican citizen Carlos Slim Helu, the world’s richest person, to work with their local leaders to slow population growth, educate their citizens and improve life for their own people.

American immigration advocates must realize that the U.S. is no longer the prosperous nation we once were.

Yeh Ling-Ling

Orinda, Calif.

The writer is executive director of the Alliance for a Sustainable USA.

Marriage rights

Re “Ruling adds support for gay rights,” June 15

It’s encouraging to see the nation’s largest federal bankruptcy court rip the constitutionality out of the Defense of Marriage Act and extend benefits to legally wed same-sex couples.

Gay marriage is not on the fringe: It’s our parents and grandparents, our siblings, friends and neighbors.

From joint income tax returns to Social Security survivor payments to immigration sponsorship rights to joint bankruptcy filings, the protections of marriage are designed to help two people who love each other enough to stand up in front of those they cherish and say that nothing will come between them.

These aren’t just family rights and family values; they’re human rights and human values, and the law should reflect that.

David C. Bohnett

Los Angeles

Iraq billions

Re “Where is the $6.6 billion?,” June 13

This article creates a misleading impression with regard to the Department of Defense’s handling of the Development Fund for Iraq and implies a mishandling of these funds. The article omits two key facts.

First, U.S. taxpayer dollars were not involved in any way. By repeatedly discussing U.S. activities, the article leads readers to conclude that U.S. funds were involved.

Second, the $6.6 billion was turned over to Iraqi officials in June 2004. Since then the Department of Defense has had no control over the funds; nor do we have access to records about use of the funds.

I regret that the Los Angeles Times chose to publish an article, especially one containing assertions that could affect relations between nations.

Robert F. Hale

Arlington, Va.

The writer is chief financial officer of the Department of Defense.

Economy first?

Re “Obama’s no Teddy Roosevelt,” Editorial, June 11

Although your editorial on the importance of wilderness and wildlife protection is well intentioned, the nation’s current economic woes are going to trump environmental concerns.

The Times is correct in assuming that under most circumstances, voters would be more than willing to support conservation issues. But with an uncertain economic recovery, that’s not where the focus is going to be in 2012. Whether that’s right or wrong just may depend on one’s employment status.

Rodney K. Boswell

Thousand Oaks

Disney pricing

Re “Disney theme park prices rise,” Business, June 14

Disneyland: It’s where they slip you a “Mickey” for 80 bucks of hard-earned cash, returning the favor by testing your patience in endless lines for overpriced food, drink, worthless tourist pacifiers and mediocre rides.

Disneyland is not the “happiest place on Earth.” That’s located at the corporate offices in Burbank.

In reality it’s just another business fleecing the manipulated masses with effective personability, raising prices even when people can ill afford it, while smiling, cartoonish, pretending to give a hoot.

Michael E. White

Burbank

Memory lane

Re “Angels Flight is grounded again,” June 11

Your article brought back fond memories from 1935 of walking from Central Jr. High on Hill Street, picking up my newspapers in front of the beautiful old fire station on 2nd and Hill streets. I would then go to 3rd and Hill, where I walked up 200-plus steps to the top of Bunker Hill.

In front of the Angels Flight station I’d collect coins from a newspaper rack then take the train back downhill. I would watch the trains and listen to the wonderful muted sounds of the colorful little cars moving up and down the steep hill, passing each other on the downhill trip.

Byron Dillon

Downey