Dear Editor:
I would like to respond to two letters published recently in your newspaper. My first response is to Angelo Nanfro, who read my initial letter to you in the North Bergen issue of the Reporter. Mr. Nanfro suggested that I would serve a more “useful purpose” in channeling my compassion by writing out a check to the Lucci family, who are unfortunately struggling financially, due to a severe illness in their family. My heart and yes, my prayers go out to the Lucci’s. My family has been through several similar circumstances, so I know how important it is to rely on the public, my neighbors and my friends for their generosity and kindness. Mr. Nanfro knows nothing about me personally, and thus knows nothing about my charities. How dare he suggest that my opinions are those of “the least open-minded” or that I could prove my compassion by contributing to his cause, as noble as it may be! My husband and I would be proud to help this family and would have done so already, had we been aware of it. Yes, Mr. Nanfro I am one of those naivetes who depends on God (my God) when met with despair. I have also had the occasion to blame him or her when tragedies occurred. I have also thanked God for my good fortunes. I believe that there is a higher authority responsible for the unexplainable. If not this, then what, fate? Fate would be such a simple answer. These are my beliefs, and respectfully what gives me faith. It has never been my intent to force these beliefs upon others. I have a right to my opinions, as closed-minded as you and Mr. Luigi Novi feel they may be. If I lived my life with the cynicisms and negativisms as you both seem to, what a sad life it would be.
As far as forcing my religion upon people of other faiths, Luigi, this was also not my intent and you seemed to have missed my point. With all due respect, I was simply stating that a very large portion of the world does believe in, pray to and worship a higher being. I merely suggested that most of the victims of September 11th, those who, of course had the time, prayed to someone. This again is my personal opinion gentlemen, as naive as it may sound to you. I am also aware that unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, many lives were lost instantly. This I thought went without saying.
To suggest Luigi, that I would exploit this tragedy to make a point, is nonsense and quite insulting to my integrity as a decent human being. Would you not agree then that Mr. Nanfro exploited the Lucci family’s tragedy in his efforts to rebut my opinions? Was this an acceptable forum? I don’t think so.
You ask me, Mr. Nanfro, if I believe that all who swear on the Bible will be totally honest and ethical. Realistically, and quite frankly, no I don’t. But I do believe that most people are good and do try to live up to their oaths and/or promises. Without these beliefs, what are we left with? It’s frightening to even imagine.
So, gentlemen, please feel free to continue to voice your opinions and allow me to do the same. I’d like to believe though that this could be done in a more respectful manner.
Elaine Flood