A judge in Pennsylvania has ruled that teaching intelligent design is unconstitutional because it is religion and not science. Darwin's theory of evolution, on the other hand, is science and should be taught.

Webster's definition of religion is “a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe.” Isn't that what Darwin's theory is? Simply what Darwin believed? It is still just a theory that has never been proven and constitutes a set of beliefs in a godless religion? Darwin's promoters are asking us to take it on faith that something came from nothing and we are only here because of some random happenstance.

It takes a bigger leap of faith to believe that we are only here accidentally for no reason than to believe that we were created and put on this earth for a particular purpose.

Claudia Bihl

Franklin Furnace

A ‘thank you' to those involved in Portsmouth Little Theatre production

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who made the 2005 production of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” a great success during our run on Dec. 2-4, at the Portsmouth Little Theatre.

It was a collective effort among all of the children in the cast and their parents who made everything fall into place.

Secondly, my gratitude is given to Randy Warman for lighting and sound, Terri Tolliver for all the special painting on the set, Mary Herrmann and Frank Homerosky for donating props for the set, and Angela Arthurs for her many hours at the theatre during the whole production, especially obtaining the large wooden cross, and help with costumes. I'd also like to thank Nancy Sparks, who helped with the choir robes, Kismet Bratchett for decorating the front lobby with all of the Christmas decoration, Barb Lindamood for being our stage manager and Elyse Waugh for assistance backstage and help with the curtain. Thanks also to Susan Foster, who is jack of all trades, along with her husband, Neal Foster, for helping me in every facet of the show from start to finish. Production assistant Julie Cooper was always there to lend a helping hand. Cinnamon Wellington helped arrange the pre-show coffee and cookies, graciously donated by Tim Horton's and Union Mills.

Pat Pekar and Beverly Bell sold tickets in the box office for the performances.

Also, a huge thank you to West Middle School for donating two sets of choir risers used in the production. Lastly, thank you Susan Reed for putting up with me on my first show as a director.

All of the children ages three to 16 enjoyed themselves, but even more important, they were able to tell a little bit of the true meaning of Christmas to everyone in the Portsmouth area. So thank you, Barbara Robinson, for writing a wonderful story that we all shared with our families during the Christmas season.

Greg Davis

Co-Director

“Best Christmas Pageant Ever”

South Webster

Teddy Roosevelt's message still rings true

Liberal or conservative, it's hard to disagree with this 1907 message.

Teddy Roosevelt said it right!

“In the first place we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the man's becoming in very fact an American, and nothing but an American. There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag, and this excludes the red flag, which symbolizes all wars against liberty and civilization, just as much as it excludes any foreign flag of a nation to which we are hostile. We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people.”

William Ralston

Munroe Falls