How gratifying it is to see America's youngsters exercising with such enthusiasm their constitutional right to free expression.
For those frustrated administrators and teachers who wish they could do more to rein in students when they use said rights to denigrate and shame their classmates,
I would like to point out that free speech is a gift we all enjoy. Anyone, for instance, may write a letter to a college admissions board if he feels a prospective candidate has demonstrated behavior of a noncollegiate nature.
Perhaps we all should be more mindful of the blessings and pitfalls of unfettered expression. Just because one can say something doesn't mean one should.
Brandon Crist
Torrance
Remotes have lots of buttons
Re “Ads too loud? Try ‘mute,’ ” Editorial, Dec. 16
Isn't it amazing how Republicans, when considering legislation requiring lower-volume television ads, tell us that "Americans' televisions still have volume control, and remote controls still have 'mute' buttons. Consumers do not need the government to come into their homes and operate their remote controls for them," but scream for tighter controls when "decency" issues are discussed?
Apparently Americans' television remotes don't have "channel change" buttons, or perhaps the Republicans think that when it comes to making sure children don't see exposed nipples, Americans do need the government to come into their homes and operate their remote controls.
Fortunately, the Republican Party is no longer bothered by its own hypocrisy.
Steve Hoffmann
Torrance
Atheists' place
Re “True nonbeliever,” Opinion, Dec. 12
In her interview with Patt Morrison, Atheists United director Bobbie Kirkhart states: "People who are very insecure in their own beliefs are frightened by other beliefs and want to stifle them."
There is much truth in her statement, but it applies to atheists too. Atheists have been attempting to stifle Christianity for decades and continue with too much success today.
Atheists and believers alike should have sufficient security in their own beliefs to respect the diversity of ideas, symbols and customs of everyone else.
Gerald Sozio
Los Angeles
I am a Christian humanist and evolutionist who just loves that Christian fish with Darwin written inside. I also enjoy very much the sign that says "Reason's Greetings."
I am in favor of reason in religion -- revising doctrines and practices, and rethinking ethical perspectives. The good Lord first put a brain and eyes in our heads before he gave us the Bible to read.
Think, Christians, think. Think how much God loved the world as to send his son to share human life with us at Christmas. God made the atheists too, to keep us thinking honestly about issues of ultimate concern.
Thank God for the goodness she put in the hearts of those who do not think as we do. Amen.
Bob Doud
Glendale
More telling than "you don't have to be godly to be good" is the quote attributed to physics Nobel laureate Steven Weinberg that, with or without religion, good people will do good and evil people will do evil -- but for good people to do evil, that takes religion.
Jeffrey S. Lee
Newport Beach
