MAIL BAG LETTERS FROM READERS

It is noteworthy that finally attention is being given to a historical Wilkes-Barre landmark – the Hotel Sterling.

In a recent news article, a Luzerne County commissioner suggested perhaps the building be donated to one of the two colleges that already consume much property in the city. If my information is correct, neither college pays property taxes. Schools and churches are exempt, too.

There will be many suggestions made regarding what initiative to take regarding the Hotel Sterling. I would not demolish it. It is a sturdy building that needs extensive remodeling, but I feel if the county would forego, as a donation to beautify the entrance to the city, or accept what it has spent on it (about $6 million) to sell it, a developer would bring it back to its former glory.

That decision would be better than to make a park or parkade (which the city has in abundance). Put it back on the tax roll. The city needs the money, and the newly built River Common Park needs an asset to draw visitors to the area.

I have been an admirer of the Hotel Sterling all my life, enjoyed many events in it and will pray to God someone has the sense to do something worthy with the property.

Quake victims deserve God’s love, our prayers

I’m writing in response to a letter to the editor titled “Natural disasters require our help, not our prayers” (March 17), which was submitted by Justin Vacula, co-organizer and spokesman of the NEPA Freethought Society.

Vacula wrote: “The recent devastation in Japan has led many well-meaning believers in God to pray, but their prayers are futile, displaying an obvious contradiction in their supernaturalistic worldview.

“Theists believe that God created the universe and that everything happens according to his will.”

He further wrote, in part, “disasters of the world should lead us to the conclusion that belief in an omni-God is irrational.”

Mr. Vacula, by your words, you appear to be an atheist and/or New Ager and hold the belief that you are what I lovingly refer to as a “monkeyman,” evolved from your ancestral ape lineage. Your views on God and prayer are irrational and without merit. Ask the countless believers who have and do know the power of the living God, which contradict your unsubstantiated viewpoint. Why you had to publicly associate God and prayer with disasters and death, and then with the American Red Cross and donations, is beyond comprehension.

God did create the universe, and man was created in his image. Jesus is our salvation, for no man will come to the father but through him. God does not wantonly kill men. He is a loving God. Men kill men. Sin, irrational thinking and stupidity destroy men.

If a man builds a house on top of a volcano, would it not be logical and rational to believe that one day that house will be destroyed? Would it not be rational to believe that people will die? If men build nuclear power plants on or near volcanic fault lines, would it not be rational to believe one day catastrophic events will ensue?

And, yes, it is our moral obligation to try to help our fellow man in times of disaster or misfortune, but it doesn’t necessarily mean the help must come in the form of material things or money, as you suggest. Prayer is far more powerful and lasting.

Lofty future envisioned for distressed Sterling

I love the shape and the stonework of the Hotel Sterling in Wilkes-Barre. So many people I know would love to have an apartment or condominium there because of the location.

I always envisioned the rooftop enclosed in glass with a restaurant and dance floor with wonderful views of the river; talk about dancing under the stars.

Driver’s lack of coverage no help to hit pedestrian

On Dec. 11, 2010, I was struck by a car. I was walking, and the driver of the car admitted her windshield was dirty and the morning sun had blocked her vision.

I was taken by ambulance to Geisinger hospital. I had two broken legs and a broken arm.

The next day I was told the driver had no insurance. I cannot sue for my injuries, because she doesn’t have anything.

Don’t pedestrians have their rights? I spent 64 days in the hospital and rehabilitation.

St. Pat’s Day revelers find deal at Mulligan’s

A big thumbs-down to the Wilkes-Barre establishments that collected a $5 cover charge just to get into their restaurants on the day of the city’s St. Patrick’s Day parade.

But on a lighter note, a big thumbs-up to Mulligan’s for no cover charge and reasonable prices.

Writer questions use of parking fees at arena

Well, the arena in Wilkes-Barre Township says it’s going to double its parking fee (from $5 to $10).

Its board members want to pave the entire parking lot. The arena recently got $50,000 from the Luzerne County Convention Center Authority and $200,000 from a federal grant to pave a portion of the lot.

My question is this: Where are the thousands of dollars from the parking fees that have been charged over the years?

God will be the judge of those who spread hate

I start this letter by giving my condolences to those families who have lost a loved one in the war on terror.

Second, I apologize to those people who had to suffer the protests from the so-called “children of God” from that church in Kansas. As a born-again Christian, I feel that these people have lost the real reason why Jesus came.

To paraphrase John 3:17, God did not send his son into the world to condemn it, but to save it. So if these folks truly believe that what they are doing is of God, I feel sorry for them.

In Proverbs it gives a list of the things that God hates. And the hate that these people are spreading is on his list.

So when the time comes when we stand before God, and we all will, they are going to have to give an account for their actions.

Elaine Givens Plymouth Joseph Gregory Nanticoke C. Lane Wilkes-Barre R. Sparlow Kingston Dave Lapallo and Cindy Monarque Wilkes-Barre C. Kaspriski Pittston David Krommes Wilkes-Barre