Editor, Times-Union: In a letter to the editor, Ms. Joyce A. Phaneuf of New Webster fusses over the meaning of the word "church," then wonders "Are atheists the only ones who can vote and hold office in our government?"
Ah, Ms. Phaneuf, that's hardly the case. The constitutions of six states (Arkansas, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Tennessee) specifically forbid them from holding office. Elsewhere this form of discrimination is practiced a bit more subtly. Across the United States, not one admitted atheist holds any sort of statewide or national office.
The likes of Albert Einstein, Studs Terkle, Steve Wozniak, Carl Sagan, Sinclair Lewis, Thomas Paine, Mark Twain, Thomas Edison, 93 percent of today's top scientists, plus 30 million of today's Americans would not have a chance of representing us.
Keith Taylor Chula Vista, Calif. via e-mail
Positive Identification
Editor, Times-Union: Friends, family and clients have been calling, joking and asking about a recent arrest published in your paper. This letter seems to be the easiest way to correct a misconception. There are THREE women named Barbara Kintzel in Kosciusko County. The one who recently appeared in your newspaper on Page 3 was NOT the same Barbara Kintzel who works for the Saemann Foundation and Coldwell Banker Hamilton. Although I do wish I were 36 again! Thank you for the opportunity to clear up confusion concerning this ongoing problem.
Barbara E. (Kerr) Kintzel Warsaw via e-mail
No Left Turn
Editor, Times-Union: During the last couple of days I have spent my lunch time across from the intersection of Canal Street and State Road 15 in the Penguin Point parking lot.
I have noticed that the no left turn sign at the Canal Street could be removed as the city's red pickup trucks don't seem to be able to read or they just ignore it and constantly turn north on 15.
This along with the speeding on 15 does create a hazardous situation and a wreck is inevitable.
