ORGANIZED LABOR

‘Right to work’ means lower living standards

In response to “UAW seeks toehold at Chattanooga VW plant” (April 2, ajc.com), workers in states with right-to-work laws like Georgia have a consistently lower quality of life than in other states — lower wages, higher poverty, less access to health care and poorer education for children, according to data from the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Census Bureau.

Why should Georgia officials sell a lower the standard of living for workers and their families? Our state should focus on strengthening our economy and making sure it works for all state residents. We need to create more good jobs. We need to stop giving tax dollars to companies that ship work overseas. We need to close unfair corporate tax loopholes and stop employer fraud that deprives workers of rights and allows corporations to cheat on their taxes. We applaud a company like VW, like so many others in the state of Georgia, which are open to agreements with their labor force.

CHARLIE FLEMMING, PRESIDENT, GEORGIA AFL-CIO

RELIGION

Pope Francis’ actions only follow Scripture

I read with dismay, but not surprise, the reactions of the traditionalists to the humble actions of Pope Francis (“Pope shakes traditionalists,” News, March 30). They have apparently forgotten Jesus’ saying, “I am among you as one who serves,” Luke 22:27.

JOHN TITUS, STONE MOUNTAIN

GAY MARRIAGE

Don’t impose religious views in legal matters

I think it is great that the author of “Bible is quite clear on matrimonial matters” (“Readers write,” Opinion, March 28) gives his or her interpretation of the biblical standard of marriage. However, one can find lots of things in the Bible justifying things like polygamy, slavery and eye gouging, too. Not only has the world changed since then, but it is understandable that communications over the words of Jesus Christ perhaps could be confused over 20 centuries.

However, the biggest point is that this nation is not a theocracy. People are free to have their own religious beliefs, and not to have another’s imposed by governmental fiat. This includes the legal definition of marriage. If a religion wants to have a certain view of it theologically, that’s fine. However, that shouldn’t be imposed on everyone.

As a tolerant and open-minded Christian, I do not see how giving two men or two women the right to marry either prevented me from marrying a woman, or threatens either the civil or religious rights of anyone. Leave those who want to be in a same-sex marriage alone. It doesn’t hurt you.

DENNIS MICHAEL SMITH, MARIETTA