Peace, school play, organ donors, gratitude, etc.

Jesus won the war on Christmas

Re “Christmas is not, repeat not, a target of warfare” (Viewpoints, Dec. 23): Thank you, Bruce Maiman, for being a voice of reason in all of your columns, but Tuesday’s on the faux war on Christmas was especially salient. If a war does exist, Christmas is winning, hands down.

I teach in Rocklin, where you live, and every morning I drive by three gigantic illuminated crosses that adorn the property of Destiny Christian Church. They serve as daily reminders that Christianity is the unofficial official religion of “’murica” and most assuredly of Rocklin. The war is over. Jesus won. Maranatha!

McClatchy High play was wonderful

I went to the production “Witness for the Prosecution” at McClatchy High School. It was wonderful. The young people who performed were extraordinary. The costumes, the accents, the lighting, the microphones, the sets were perfect. I was so impressed. We all have the opportunity to see our young people do great performances. Just $10 for a great evening.

The news reported in the media and in the newspapers is so often so negative about our young people. Here is something positive. Advertise high school productions in the Ticket section of the Bee. I’ll be going again.

Organ donors badly needed

Re “A breath of fresh air” (Sports, Dec. 19): Kudos to Matt Barrows for his article about Ty Vankilsdonk, the young boy who died of an asthma attack. I rarely read the sports sections (well, actually, never), but the title caught my attention. How sad that Ty didn’t live to read the letter from Colin Kaepernick, but perhaps this will instill others to donate organs. Organ donors are rare and so badly needed, especially for children.

Let’s hope something good comes out of this.

Grateful for local Muslim leader

Re “Cleric clashed with board as popularity, reach grew” (Page A1, Dec. 23): I am not a Muslim, but I am a member of the area community, and Imam Azeez is an important leader for us.

So often do non-Muslims call for leaders in the Islamic community to provide guidance for our young Muslims, to, in his words, “connect with young people who could come under the influence of radical Islamic groups.” He also opposes forced marriages, promotes interfaith community building and wants American Muslims to fully participate in our democracy.

He really is a leader for the whole country, not just Sacramento. As a teacher, I’m very grateful for my Muslim students’ hard work, intelligence and respect, and I want them to have this kind of leader in their lives.

Officer’s widow an example to all

Re “A reminder that police lives matter too” (Editorial, Dec. 23): The widow of Officer Wenjian Liu, in her statement to the press regarding the death of her husband, was gracious, generous and dignified. What an amazing strength of character to offer thanks to her family, her friends, the NYPD and the entire city of New York for their support, while herself struggling with her painful loss. I am in awe of her quiet dignity.

Joe Cocker made music accessible

Re “Joe Cocker, 70, gravel-voiced British rock star” (Obituaries, Dec. 23): After growing up in the ’50s and early ’60s listening mostly to rhythm-and-blues music, I heard The Beatles for the first time, and it sounded like meaningless garble. It was Joe Cocker doing songs like “With A Little Help from My Friends” that made their music accessible for guys like me. For that I am grateful. Thanks, Joe. Rest in peace.

Dangerous gestures

Re “Victim recalls scary ordeal” (Our Region, Dec. 24): The “victim” of the scary ordeal and the driver are lucky to be alive. People should realize that there are many mentally unstable, immature or criminal-prone drivers who won’t hesitate to hurt or kill another driver out of frustration or anger. Flipping off anyone is not only rude and immature, it is dangerous.

This story was originally published December 24, 2014 at 4:00 PM with the headline "Peace, school play, organ donors, gratitude, etc.."