Bring the evidence

This is in response to Margaret C. Smith’s Feb. 13 letter, which criticized Roger Olson’s Feb. 6 letter.

Smith accuses Olson of misrepresenting the teachings of Jesus and the early church as related to war. She says when Jesus talked about “loving your enemies,” he meant this to be applied only on an individual basis, not on a national or institutional basis. She cites no evidence to support this.

Roger Olson has a doctorate in theology from Rice University, one of the premiere universities in the country. He teaches historical theology and has written several books on the subject. His book “20th Century Theology” was named Book of the Year by Christianity Today magazine. Therefore, he is an authority on theology.

Most individuals don’t have enemies. And history shows the invasion of Iraq was unwarranted and unnecessary.

So here’s my question: Can anyone cite any credible evidence that Olson is mistaken about the teachings of Jesus and the early church?

Charles Reed

Waco

Balancing the budget

So Texas Gov. Rick Perry claims to have balanced five state budgets. He also states that Texas now has a surplus in the billions of dollars — implying that he is responsible and can count. If that is all true, then why is the Mountain View Prison Unit possibly on the budget chopping block under the premise that all state departments must make budget cuts this year?

Also, if we have a surplus in the billions, why was Perry led to promote the construction of a new toll highway system with private funds? It would seem to me that with billions of dollars lying around that the state could widen Interstate 35 rather than infringe on the rights of property owners in other parts of the state.

I don’t think that Perry can count very well.

Arnold Blair

Waco

Dangerous curve

I hope last week’s fatal accident near Chapel and Ritchie roads will spur our transportation officials to correct a dangerous curve. Even if you are driving 30 mph — which is the posted speed on that curve — that part of the road can easily catch a driver off guard.

I have also almost lost control of my vehicle there, and I know of several other people who say they have also.

I’m sorry that the young lady who died wasn’t wearing a seat belt. But our highway engineers are supposed to build safe roads. Surely it won’t take another death to prompt them into action.

Kim Schwieters

Waco

Pork chops, anyone?

My wife and I recently moved to Waco from Jackson, Miss. While we love our new hometown, we have missed many of the great Southern restaurants there.

Fortunately, while coming back from Austin one evening, we noticed a sign for Raymond’s Southern Kitchen in Lorena. Having lived most of our lives in the Deep South, we stopped to try out the menu.

We were pleasantly surprised at the quality of food cooked in the true Southern way, particularly the pork chops and the carrot souffle. Thank you, Raymond, for helping two new Texans get over culinary homesickness.

Calvin Neason

Hewitt