MAILBAG: In Theorist’s words strike a nerve

Aside from the issue of whether President Obama deserved his Nobel Peace Prize or not, I find the Rev. Bryan Griem’s piece in the Oct. 17 In Theory, “Fixing one’s eyes on the peace prize,” to be so vain, I find it laughable that he considers himself a Christian.

Griem stated that he could support the Nobel vote “as long as this prize winner pursues war against the unborn, marriage and red-blooded Americanism . . . “ — I’d particularly like to know what he thinks “red-blooded Americanism” is, and why he thinks it’s best for our country. At the very least, by using such inflammatory rhetoric as “pursues war,” it suggests to me that Griem is sure he knows what’s best for this country, which is just about as vain as a normal citizen can get.

And back to “red-blooded Americanism.” Is that the kill ’em all attitude that allows for the executions of dozens of inmates every year? Is it the hypocrisy of the conservative Christian politician that sleeps with every lobbyist who bats an eye at him? Or is it the regressive idea that this country should be white, Christian, heterosexual and mistrustful of everyone but our closest ally?

I read the Faith section every week to keep up with the reactionaries in Southern California (not that all Griem’s column mates are). I’ve never felt compelled to write until reading his column because he struck a nerve with his last sentence.

And, no, I don’t think Obama has done enough to deserve the prize. Yet.

GREG THOMAS

Burbank

Projects are of no benefit to residents

I saw the column, “Street medians don’t fit on Olive Avenue,” in the Oct. 21 Burbank Leader. I’m pretty sure these median improvements are conceived for the benefit of the contractors who will get the job.

I believe Robert Phipps is correct. These projects don’t benefit the businesses or residents of Burbank. They may add a touch of green here and there, but I am sure that they are expensive to install, to water and maintain. I think the motivation is to keep some contractor busy at the expense of the residents and taxpayers. Street, sidewalk, park maintenance, etc. are better projects for taxpayer dollars.