Letters
Looking for the common ground
Dear Editor,
I think that it was not appropriate for James Hartline to have taken our personal email exchange and turned it over to the press. I further think that most people would agree with me that it is not appropriate to release a private email exchange to the media without the consent of the other party. That being said, and inasmuch as the emails were released, people who read them can judge for themselves as to who was more reasonable in tone and content.
I bear neither James Hartline, or anyone else for that matter, any ill will; however, I am particularly inclined to have compassion and forgiveness for James Hartline. This is because I understand that his conversion to Christianity was born out of a very difficult past, and because of his present serious illness. Regardless of his circumstances, I do not believe that Mr. Hartline should be judging me or anyone else, nor would I presume to judge him or anyone else. When I have given talks to Christian groups in support of traditional marriage, I am always clear on two preliminary points in this regard: (1) We are all sinners and I do not claim to be better than anyone else; and (2) Regardless of our differing views on human sexuality and marriage, we are all children of God that should be trying to help each other get to heaven.
As to the race for mayor, or any other potentially divisive political issue, people can be expected to strongly disagree; however, I firmly believe that the discussion should always be civil and respectful and should not get personal. That is how I always try to conduct myself even when I am unjustly attacked for my deeply-held religious and political convictions. Finally, I believe that we should look for the common ground and try to work together for the common good on those issues on which we can agree. Thank you for the opportunity to express my views on these matters. I appreciate your professionalism.
CHARLES S. LIMANDRI, APC
Rancho Santa Fe
