Letters to the Editor

Education and Religion

“Education is the most powerful ally of humanism, and every American public school is a school of humanism.” These words were written in the 1930‘s by Charles Potter in his book entitled Humanism: A New Religion. Potter is the founder of the First Humanist Society of New York and one of the original signers of the first Humanist Manifesto in 1933.

John Dewey, recognized as the Father of modern education and also a signer of the 1933 Humanist Manifesto, said in his book A Common Faith, “Here [in Secular Humanism] are all the elements for a religious faith that shall not be confined to sect, class, or race.”

Dr. Paul Kurtz, philosopher and writer of the Humanist Manifesto 2000, said, “Humanism is a philosophical, religious, and moral point of view as old as human civilization itself.”

The 1961 Supreme Court decision Torcaso vs. Watkins contained the following wording: “Among the religions in this country which do not teach what would generally be considered a belief in the existence of God are Buddhism, Taoism, Ethical Culture, Secular Humanism and others.”

Finally, David Noebel, co-author of Countering Culture, asks the question, “If Secular Humanism is a religion, as claimed by the U.S. Supreme Court and countless humanists over the years, why then, is it allowed in the public schools where there is to be no established religion?” How would you answer that question?

Stephen Bradshaw 

Farmville

Recognition for Birth of Charlotte County

Charlotte County is currently experiencing an important anniversary which, sadly, seems to be going almost unnoticed.  March 4, 2015 was the 250th anniversary of the first court held here in Charlotte County; the birth of the county.

On November 10, 1764, the General Assembly passed an act to divide the extremely large county of Lunenburg into three distinct counties.  These counties would become Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, and our own Charlotte County, named for Charlotte of Mecklenburg, wife of George III, King of Great Britain and Ireland.  It was ordered “That from and after the first day of March” court would be held in Charlotte County on the first Monday of every month.  The first court session was held on Monday, March 4, 1765, and thus Charlotte County was born as a separate judicial and administrative entity.

Most places would be commemorating such an historic anniversary with proclamations and special events.  Here in Charlotte County, however, the widespread ignorance and lack of interest regarding this landmark date is disheartening.  More troubling, this county-wide apathy is evident not only in the absence of any official recognition or celebration of this anniversary, but in the lack of attendance at public hearings and board of supervisors meetings, low turn-out at election time, and poor support of many community events.  Everyone is busy in their private lives but we, as citizens of this county, have an obligation to think of more than just ourselves.  We have a duty to show up and be counted and not expect others to do it for us.  Charlotte County was founded by people who cared deeply about the futures of themselves, their families, and their neighbors; they did show up and were counted.  On this 250th birthday of our home county let’s all resolve to show up as well.  Keep informed on local issues, attend hearings and meetings and express your opinions, participate in local events, write a letter to the editor, vote.  Be an active member of this beautiful county we live in, not just a placeholder.  Your voice matters.  You matter.

I would be remiss if I did not note that there is one group that will be recognizing the 250th anniversary.  On Saturday, May 9, the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the founding of the county in conjunction with their 7th Annual Earth Day festival.  Supporting this event would be a great way of demonstrating that you care about Charlotte County and your neighbors.  Show up!

Kathy Liston

Charlotte County, Virginia