To the Editor

Some of your readers may have had trouble following the story about the public hearing on Project Combined (Board approves economic incentives,” 14 January 2010).

It’s really very simple.

The 13th paragraph began with the Davidson County Economic Development Commission executive director denying the allegation by me quoted in the 12th paragraph.

The 14th paragraph ended with the Davidson County Economic Development Commission executive director conceding my point.

Bill Clinton taught us the importance of understanding the meaning of the word “is.”

Steve Googe has taught us the importance of understanding the meaning of the word “if.”

Barney W. Hill

Thomasville

To the editor

Recently Pat Robertson made the claim that God brought this terrible earthquake on the nation of Haiti as a result of a pack they made with the Devil some years earlier. No doubt many evangelicals believe that God also responded this way to the sin city of New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina landed with such great destruction a few years ago. While we never doubt that God is displeased with sin, and that all sin will one day be judged, it is a very debatable whether God uses hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes or any other natural catastrophes to punish people and nations. The Bible tells us that God is very patient with us (Romans 15:5) and that it is not His desire that any of us should experience death unless we have repented and are ready for Heaven (2 Peter 3:9). So-what about hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, blizzards, or even auto accidents, cancers or other diseases? God has chosen to let us live in a dangerous world in order to keep our immortality before us. Just like no atheists die in fox holes, so when we all experience pain and suffering it is a constant reminder that we will not live forever but will be somewhere forever. It is a reminder that Someone exists besides us. Pain and suffering on earth is a reminder that knowing Christ is the most important thing in the world, and that one day every Christian will live forever in Heaven where pain and suffering will be gone forever.

Rev. Sid Stewart

Trinity