Letter

I had a number of reasons for suspending my campaign for the District 1 seat on thePrince George's CountyBoard of Education. But high on that list is my regard for Zabrina Epps. After meeting her and talking with her at some length, I realized that we shared a similar vision for education, both the global, big-picture view of education, as well as what is needed at the local, classroom level. That includes a vision of a school system without barriers, infused with a culture of achievement and held to high standards of transparency and meaningful, two-way communication with families.

I found Patrick Sheridan's letter about heritage to be quite disconcerting and felt compelled to respond. In making the statement that African Americans by their very existence have a richer heritage than others is a racist statement. Are African Americans comprised of richer heritages than those born in the Middle East or Greece with thousands of years of civilization? Does the author feel that those of Gaelic or Celtic heritages did not suffer at the hands of Romans or Britain under their cruel and oppressive rule?

Thank you for writing this article supporting pro-life, and thank you Columbia Flier for publishing it. It makes me so sad to think that people feel the life in the embryo doesn't count, and that this innocent being has no choice. I truly believe abortion affects the individual committing this act much deeper than admitted. We need to promote and support better, more human solutions. Margie DeStefano Massachusetts

On Saturday, March 17, I was running along Route 216 in Highland. In a freak accident, a shard of broken beer bottle lodged itself in my right sole, and then proceeded to slice open my lower left leg when I took my next step. Luckily, good Samaritans heard my cries for help; several drivers also stopped to help me stanch the bleeding. Although furious at the careless litterbugs who caused my injury, my faith was restored by these caring neighbors, as well as by the Clarksville-based EMTs, who treated me with professionalism and humor.

Thank you for publishing "My word" by Maria Santo titled "Murder is not condoned by civilized societies; abortion should be illegal. "  Her article is a well-expressed argument of the biological facts  concerning conception and the terrible toll that abortion brings to the individual and our country.  There are life-affirming solutions to unplanned pregnancies which should be stressed to the mother.  She then will not have to live with...

A friend and I were discussing ArchbishopEdwin O'Brien's letter which was read in the churches of the Archdiocese a couple of weeks ago when we realized that we had both had the same reaction ("O'Brien's quixotic fight," Feb. 9). We had both considered walking out. The archbishop's letter was an over-the-top offensive attempt to demonize the federal government. These letters and messages were also sent out by many U.S. bishops. They are circling the wagons in a feeble attempt to portray a church under siege by an immoral government.

I live on 11800 Sweet Land Way in Columbia and lately have noticed that many of the stop sign posts around Little Patuxent Parkway loop/Bright Passage, etc., are either broken and laying on the ground or leaning and ready to fall. Not sure who is responsible for fixing them, but the authorities involved (should) know about this issue. Ali Sadeghi Columbia

I just finished reading the My Word segment in the Feb. 28 issue of the Columbia Flier. I don't think that I have ever seen the issue of abortion presented in such an elegant, thoughtful and straight forward manner. For many years, I have watched as medical technology has progressed in virtually every area including pre-natal and premature birth care. I wondered how pro-abortion advocates could possibly oppose the eventual reality of medical advances...

Since the Supreme Court has upheld the right of the so-called Reverend Fred Phelps to offend, annoy and abuse the feelings of Americans, there is nothing left to do except this: Let this letter be the last time that his name is printed or uttered on the air, online or in print until the Topeka papers publish his obituary. The only meaningful punishment to this tormenter of souls would be perfect silence. And the First Amendment doesn't prevent us from not saying what needs greatly to be left unsaid.

I read with interest Blaine Taylor's letter about the voter turnout in the primary in last week's edition of the Towson Times ("Dems take notice: GOP turnout shows support for that party's team," April 11) because I had a conversation with a gentleman who told me he hadn't voted since he was a Democrat — and the primary was only for Republicans. What we need to do is better educate the public so that more will vote and they won't just vote for familiar names. That way, maybe some new candidates like Blaine Taylor will be voted in, and maybe even some Republicans, so our state won't be so one-sided.