Carter should inspire us to talk about religion

How amazing, and perhaps providential, that Jimmy Carter should die now and open the doors of the media to the option of talking about religion for a change.

How refreshing to be reliving and elevating the life story of a person who openly spoke of his faith and its importance in his life without once saying that others should do the same. Jimmy Carter represented the best of Christianity as a role model for a believer and as an inclusive religionist who would not use his faith as a means to a political end. Respected by a vast majority of the complex Southern population, he could champion the welfare of all people, not just those who thought or believed as he did.

Let’s get 60 Minutes, Fox News or Sunday Morning to talk about the role that religion has played in the division of our country over the last 20 years. Let’s talk about the ways that political parties recognized that they needed the evangelical vote in order to get elected, but never dreamed that they would take over the party.

Over the next couple of weeks, it will be so refreshing to hear the stories of a politician that everyone can look up to. The Reds and the Blues have so much more in common than they articulate in public places. We want the best for our children, we want to make the world a better place, we think that Washington is broken and has been for a long time.

Perhaps Jimmy Carter’s death at this time will inspire us to talk about these things … and, just perhaps, to spend more time on our knees.

— Barbara Wood Gray, Louisville

Longmont Council should appoint Levison to Ward 2

Sarah Levison is asking to assume the position of Ward 2 Council Person. I would like to encourage the Longmont Council to grant her this appointment. Sarah has been a resident of Longmont for almost three decades.

As a long-standing member of the community, she has been active in multiple civic groups and has served previously with distinction on the City Council.

Her many years of community involvement have given her the unique advantage of being familiar with the finer nuances of neighborhood affairs.

Her extensive resume would allow her to begin acting immediately as an effective Council member without having to undergo training and education in City codes and regulations.

Ward 2 residents are looking for a representative with a non-confrontational, professional tone.

While listening to Sarah’s recent presentation it became obvious she will be open-minded and deliberate when discussing issues with other City Council members. Since this is not a Ward 2 election, but an appointment by the City Council, I would encourage all Longmont residents to contact the City Council and recommend Sarah Levison who will easily prove to be a valuable asset to Longmont’s government.

— Norman C. Gee, Longmont