Letters to the Editor

Thanks to The Inquirer for uncovering the Family Court building fiasco ("Castille's Family Court about-face," Sunday). Here is power and corruption in 2010 at its best. The millions of dollars that were already spent were basically being handed out with little if any regard for the origin of that money (taxpayers) or the beneficiaries (rich lawyers with the usual connections). Even Jeffrey B. Rotwitt's prior infraction in Haverford Township was obviously ignored by our state officials.

Rotwitt's cavalier attitude about the process seems to have been just dandy with our state's chief justice, Ronald D. Castille. In fact, the article on Sunday makes it crystal clear that Castille thinks we (the people of Pennsylvania) are complete bozos collectively. He either knew, or he didn't, what was happening. If he did, he should be ashamed of himself. If he didn't, then shame on us for having him in that position.

Either way, it is now about him, and while he could come clean, Sunday's article is proof that he has no intention of doing so.

Mr. Castille, please prove there is someone who will do the right thing and resign.

Dennis M. Fisher

Broomall

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In response to letters written recently about a Tony Auth cartoon, the cross, and the crucifix, I wish to point out that the crucifix became the major symbol of Christianity only after the Emperor Constantine's vision of the cross in the sky. Constantine then proceeded to wage war in the name of Christianity.

Until that time, symbols such as the lamb and fish were the more common symbols for the works and teachings of Jesus. I learned this from reading the National Book Award winner Constantine's Sword, written by former Catholic priest James Carroll.

Carroll is a well-informed Roman Catholic; his research is an eye-opener as to the brutality of Constantine's character and the violence sometimes encouraged by the image. Carroll often refers to it, by the way, as the cross. Anyone truly interested in the issue of the crucifix and cross should consult Carroll's work, even if one differs with some of his conclusions.

Susan Sommovilla

Elkins Park

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In defense of the right's use of inflammatory language, the author of the letter headlined "There is fringe on the left, as well" (Sunday) makes the bald statement: "The fact is President Obama and his administration have taken away much of our liberty and freedom." Yet the author provides no evidence, proof, or argument to support his supposed statement of fact. Might it be that the author can provide none?

That he has had his letter published indicates that his freedom of speech and expression has not been taken away. Has his freedom of religion? To assemble? To bear arms? To petition the government? To move about freely? To be tried by his peers? Has he been subject to unlawful search and seizure, discrimination on the basis of his race, color, or creed, held without benefit of counsel, denied habeas corpus? If the author cannot provide evidence or proof for his statement of fact, then it is a fallacy and an error in logic that falls on its face, little different from saying that Obama is a Nazi, a fascist, a racist, or even a socialist.

Ken Wissler

Roslyn

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Your series on "The deciders: The inner working of the Eagles" has to be the biggest fluff piece ever written by a large newspaper.

I have had trouble sleeping knowing that team owner Jeffrey Lurie is heartbroken because the TV show 24 will not be back next season.

As a season-ticket holder, here are the questions Lurie should have been asked:

1) Why no championships after 16 years under his stewardship? 2) After 11 years and last year's season-ending fiasco, why is Andy Reid still the coach? 3) Why is Michael Vick still on the team?

By the way, does Lurie prefer Triple Caramel Chunk or Cherry Garcia ice cream?

Joe Devlin

Delanco

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Once again, the Democrats put their tail between their legs and give in to the minority: no cap-and- trade bill, a blocked arms treaty with Russia, a useless clean-air bill, and a financial-reform bill with so many loopholes it's worthless.

If President Obama wants to keep control of the House and Senate, he'd better take the gloves off and start acting like a strong leader. He has the majority in both houses; start using it, and stop trying to come to terms with people whose only agenda is to bring you down.

I can't help wondering how things would be if Hillary Clinton had been elected president.

Mary Costello

Warminster

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Sarah Palin did not invent the word refudiate; she just used the word incorrectly.

To refudiate means to put last night's leftovers in the microwave and irradiate them.

Paul L. Newman

Merion