Columnist Distorts Jefferson’s Concepts
Dear Editor,
Thomas Jefferson’s concepts have now been grossly distorted to support arguments that religion represents a pressing and ongoing danger to the democratic state. For Mr. Quick , God has become “public enemy number one!”
When Mr. Quick talks about “separation of church and state” what he really means is “extinction of church and adulation of state”.
Stephen Dorcich, San Martin
Recognizing the Positive
Dear Editor,
As negative corporate relations seem to be those that are most regularly brought to the public’s attention, one can easily become jaded by all of the bad press. Positive corporate efforts frequently go unrecognized. Having witnessed first hand the compassion of many local corporations this holiday season, I thought that it would be fitting to raise awareness of their contributions right here in our community.
For the past few years, I have been an active volunteer for Community Solutions’ Holiday Giving Program. Community Solutions’ is our largest local human service agency. Each year, its Holiday Giving Program provides food and gifts to over 160 families in need. Due to the agency’s staff and resource limitations, this program is coordinated and run by volunteers and is solely supported by the compassion of individual donors, community groups, and… local corporations.
Among the local corporations that so generously gave this holiday season where Alien Technology, Anritsu Company, ComUnity Lending, Container Consulting Service, Dividend Homes, Hospira, Kaiser Permanente, South Valley National Bank, Trader Joe’s, Wal-Mart, and the Wyndham Hotel in San Jose. Their contributions ranged from time, money, and in-kind donations to corporate adoption of numerous families, providing personalized gifts, food, and grocery/gift cards.
They didn’t ask for recognition. They did ask what they could do to help. At a time when the media highlights self-serving corporations amidst controversy and scandal, it was refreshing to witness so much goodwill and benevolence among their local counterparts.
I would like to extend a special thank you to Richard Oliver and Mary Beth Long, both of who played a significant part in making the Holiday Giving Program possible. Also, I would like to thank all of the individuals and community groups who gave so generously of their time and resources for the sake of others this holiday season. Though you are too numerous to list here, you know who you are; we hope you know what a difference you make in the lives of so many others.
The Holiday Giving Program has become a community effort, and every component, be it the individuals, community groups, or corporations, has become essential to its success. I’m proud to have been able to bear witness to our community coming together for the common good of its residents.
Pat Mills, Community Solutions
The Golden Quill is awarded occasionally for a well-written letter.
