Tuesday, February 13, 2001
I can still hear the cries of horror and anguish from the ACLUnatics who fear President Bush has violated the alleged “separation of church and state” invisible line with his proposal to give some funding to charitable organizations that are basically concerned with providing services to those who need it most (“Bush Backs Funds for Religion-Backed Social Services,” Jan. 26; “Civil Liberties Groups Quickly Raise Objections,” Jan. 30).
The real beauty of the proposal is that the money will not be squandered on allegedly “new” programs in the inner city or elsewhere in which the first order of business for the recipients would be to appoint their favorite demagogue as chief executive officer at a salary of $300,000 a year, who in turn will appoint his brother-in-law as deputy assistant CEO at a salary of $200,000 a year, then hire his wife as his “administrative assistant” for $85,000 a year, his son-in-law as office manager for $75,000 a year, etc., etc.
The Bush funding will go to currently operational and successful operations of proven benefit to the community, organizations primarily staffed with volunteers whose prime qualifications include an unselfish desire to help others without any thought of being paid or reimbursed for their time, talent and energy.
President Bush, the compassionate conservative, has tapped into his constituency with the first of many innovations that will bring back decency and honor to the White House.
JACK O’NEIL
Sewickley