Letters to the Editor

Costly tests

The state of South Carolina reports that it is considering the implementation of required annual vehicle exhaust emission tests for cars and trucks driven by South Carolina residents in certain areas.

What's wrong with this picture?

--The initial cost of such a program would be staggering to the state (the taxpayers).

--The day-to-day operational cost to the state (the taxpayers) would be staggering.

--The majority of today's vehicles have catalytic converters.

--Interstate vehicles would be excluded.

--Long lines and hot tempers would prevail.

--Auto emissions are not the primary source of ozone creation by far.

VERONICA KELHOFFER

Mary Ann Drive

Summerville

Back to the Bin

An old friend is back.

For all those who don't know it already, the Vegetable Bin is open for business again. A million thanks to the Leonard Family for bringing back something I truly missed.

MARGARET S. EIGNER

Greenhill Street

Charleston

Freedom of faith

In response to the June 21 letter titled "Can't force religion": I find it amazing that I now live in a "free" country where I'm maligned for wanting to freely express my Christian beliefs.

It seems that if one wishes to state a belief in no god, or a Hindu god, or a Wiccan god, a Muslim god, Darwinism, or cover their car with vulgar or pornographic stickers, that's fine, but we Jesus freaks are to say nothing about whom we believe in.

If you believe in Jesus as the resurrected Messiah, you're not given the same religious freedom others demand. The letter writer states that religious zealots are trying to force their religion on him.

By what, a license plate or a bumper sticker? I doubt any modern Christian has held a gun to his head, or anyone else's, to get them to pray in Jesus' name. A true disciple of Jesus Christ loves his neighbor as himself.

Perhaps he might want to try living in Pakistan, where if he dared to openly share his views against Mohammad or Allah in a newspaper he might risk serious harm. That's called being forced to believe, a far cry from my freedom of expression in a license plate.

What I give should be none of his concern, and if my $35 plate helps this beautiful state I live in, then it's a win-win investment for me.

I choose to love people no matter who they are or what they believe. That's what my Bible teaches me. Sometimes we may have to agree to disagree, but love never fails.

THE REV. CHRISTOPHER

McCORMICK

Mercy Heart Ministries

Bacons Bridge Road

Summerville

In gratitude

On June 27 I was involved in a serious auto accident on Rivers Avenue in which I suffered a severe injury and my car was badly damaged.

I had a passenger who is totally blind and has a cell phone. He called 911, and the North Charleston police immediately responded. My sincere thanks to the two officers who came to our rescue.

Also, I would like to express my gratitude to Father Joshua of Saint John Orthodox Church who took me to the Emergency Room. There are still good people out there who will help those in need.

DON GESTEFELD

Hyde Avenue

Charleston

Two solutions

Our state legislators need to get a backbone. Our republic has survived more than 200 years in peace and war because our government has been successful in warding off enemies from within our borders and outside our borders.

There are two areas where our legislators have failed miserably:

1) Cell phones. Look at our long history of successes. None required the use of cell phones, especially while driving a buggy pulled by horses or in the vehicles we now use pulled by hundreds of horses (horsepower). Many states have already outlawed the use of cell phones while driving.

Every day we see people distracted by the use of cell phones while driving. There is no doubt using cell phones while driving causes accidents. The next time you see a "soccer mom" in a van with a load of children while talking on her cell phone, think of the dire consequences which could result. Our state Legislature couldn't be bothered even to stop text messaging while driving. South Carolina is last in too many areas. Let's not be the last in this one.

2) There's a simple way to handle illegal non-citizens: Put them on a bus and send them to Washington, D.C. It is the federal government's responsibility to guard our borders. If D.C. was overflowing with illegals, the problem would disappear quickly.

MARTIN H. RODIN

N. Moss Oak Lane

Charleston

'Step down now'

Every morning I read The Post and Courier from cover to cover, but I'm sorry to say that I always shun your editorials. Long ago I determined that, for me, they are both spineless and too conservative.

Well, I broke my rule recently because of my interest in the Ravenel/McGinley dust-up. Boy, was I ever surprised and disgusted to find my impressions confirmed. How in the world can you fail to see that the implications of Mr. Ravenel's rant, on so many levels, are as intolerable as they are shocking? They clearly demonstrate that the man must step down now.

I only hope that, at 81, he retains the good sense and dignity to know that this is the ethical and gentlemanly thing to do. I would hate to see his hard-earned reputation further tarnished by being forced off the board.

I still get a thrill every time I drive over his namesake bridge. Its beauty and simplicity are stunning; its seeming weightlessness a marvel. If I were writing directly to Mr. Ravenel, I'd implore him not to ruin the bridge experience for us. I'd beg him to understand that more than an apology is called for. He should feel proud to fully retire and rest happily on his laurels.

CAROL OROPALLO

Ashley Avenue

Charleston