A story about the good in Islam, America
To the editor:
In response to your Saturday story, “9/11 hate crime victim’s dream fulfilled,” about the widow and children of a slain Pakistani immigrant becoming American citizens:
It was nice of you to publish this heartwarming story about the good side of Americans, especially in light of wide publicity given to a soldier who is accused of killing 16 innocent Afghan citizens and the anti-Muslim rhetoric of some newscasters and politicians. It makes me feel proud to be a citizen of this great country.
There was a time in this country when I prided myself to be a Muslim, but after 9/11, I had to be very careful about this. It is a welcome situation that Americans (most of them at least) are good-hearted. I hope there will be more knowledge about Islam, which is a religion of peace. The more Americans realize this and research it, the better.
The evil actions of a few Muslims should not reflect the really good side of this great religion, just like the actions of a few Christians (like Timothy McVeigh, or the Crusaders, or Irish people killing in name of religion) should not reflect the peaceful nature of Christianity.
I would like to draw attention to the great work of Aga Khan, a Muslim leader who is working for the good of all humanity, and his crusade to make people in Western countries aware of the good side of Islam.
SADROO LALANI
Las Vegas
High school musical
To the editor:
I saw “Guys and Dolls” at the Las Vegas Academy and thought it was outstanding. Your review in the March 6 issue of your newspaper gave it an average (C) grade for the reason that the viewer was always aware that it was high school students performing the adult roles.
Unless critic Anthony Del Valle is reviewing “Peter Pan” or “The Wizard of Oz,” couldn’t he submit the same critical review of every high school play?
I saw “Oklahoma!” at Bishop Gorman High School the previous weekend. The opening scene has a high school student with a gray wig in a grandmother role sitting on a front porch as a cowboy approached. They didn’t fool me. I knew from the outset that it was high school students in those roles, and not aging actors.
“Guys and Dolls” was beautifully performed: sound, costumes, scenery, fairly decent acting and pleasant singing.
I give your reviewer a C- for his review.
David Eason
Las Vegas
It’s constitutional
To the editor:
In his Sunday letter to the editor opposing voter ID laws, Joel Rector refers to the 15th Amendment and the 19th Amendment, stating that they guarantee the right to vote regardless of race, color or sex. Of course, he is right. However, requiring a person to provide proof that they are actually the person who has registered to vote — regardless of race, color or sex — does not violate either of these amendments.
You are required to be of age to vote and to register to vote before you can vote. How is this any more difficult than providing proof that you are the person who is of age and registered to vote? Seniors, college students and minorities seem to be able to buy food, shop and go to class. Why couldn’t they get an ID every five years or so? This is not an undue burden, especially when you consider that so many people have suffered extreme hardships, were maimed or died so that we could have the opportunity to vote.
Mr. Rector also claims that there is no evidence of voter fraud, so voter ID laws are not necessary. But why should we wait until there is proven voter fraud before we take steps to prevent it?
Tom Jones
Las Vegas
