Readers Write: The economy isn't rosy yet, and Islam is a religion of peace not war
The economy isn鈥檛 rosy yet
Regarding the Jan. 9 online article 鈥淯nemployment down to 5.6 percent: Is 鈥榝ull employment鈥� finally getting close?鈥� (CSMonitor.com): The Federal Reserve, politicians, and news editors should truly experience this economy before trying to convince us of the rosy images of prosperity. It鈥檚 a question of integrity and accountability toward us marginally employed who bear the weight as the financial system comes back from teetering on the edge of oblivion because of some thoughtless decisions by those well insulated from poverty.
Since I now work four part-time jobs in an attempt to make my $600 monthly rent payment and put groceries on the table, I guess I am supposed to be convinced that prosperity is here.
We鈥檝e had enough thoughtless decisions made by those who do not suffer. A good start is to stop prolonging the delayed implementation of the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act, which was recently mandated and approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Let鈥檚 utilize our resources and get the economic momentum going again for everybody, not just the elite who build their wealth and portfolios of collectibles.
Craig Markowski
Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Islam: a religion of peace not war
In regard to the Jan. 7 online article 鈥淐harlie Hebdo attack roils an already on-edge France鈥� (CSMonitor.com): As a Muslim woman I find myself repeating the same mantra that Islam is a religion of peace and terrorists have hijacked my faith over and over again. How ironic that the killers justified their actions by claiming they were avenging the prophet Muhammad. Do they not know that the prophet was maligned and ridiculed by his opponents during his lifetime, and never did he punish or take revenge?
Muhammad was the epitome of tolerance and forbearance. The Quran calls on Muslims to emulate him. If the assailants thought they were following in his footsteps they are grossly mistaken. Have they no knowledge of the Quranic verse that states that killing of one is like killing the entire humanity (5:32)?
Shahina Bashir
Germantown, Md.
