Letters: Jan. 16, 2006

Your piece on Joseph's relationship with Jesus, "Father and Child," was timely [Dec. 19]. Joseph plays a great role in the season of Christmas and in Jesus' family. I am grateful for the article. In contemplating Joseph's role, you quoted author Jerry Jenkins, who got it just right: "We can make him work for whatever we want him to work for, as long as we stay within the intent of Scripture." Let us explore Joseph's hidden virtues. RAMON C. SANTOS JR. Pasig City, the Philippines

As a christian who believes in the miraculous birth of Jesus, I have deep respect and affection for Joseph and Mary. Their lives were sacrificial and worthy of their great calling. Nevertheless, by focusing on speculations and possibilities about those two worthies, people lose sight of the fact that there is only one King of Kings, and that is Jesus Christ. I believe Joseph and Mary would be the first to cry, "Enough! Worship Jesus." FRAN WHEELER Knoxville, Tenn.

The human penchant for telling stories unfettered by facts is remarkable. It is sad that many people accept those accounts as truth. I wish the promise of the Enlightenment would be fulfilled—that supernaturalism would be replaced by scientific investigation and reason. JOHN MOORMAN Tifton, Ga.

Good Governance

I was surprised and disheartened to read TIME's criticism of Ohio Governor Bob Taft ["The Worst Governors in America," Nov. 21]. While taking potshots at the Governor, you failed to mention his many accomplishments in education. Thanks to his planning, the state is spending $2 million a day to ensure that all students have a safe and modern learning environment. He has championed the development of strict new academic standards and demanded accountability in the schools. Governor Taft is a friend and a national leader in education. I encourage TIME to take a broader look before printing such unfair attacks in the future. JAMES B. HUNT JR. FORMER GOVERNOR OF NORTH CAROLINA Raleigh, N.C.

As chairman of the Ohio Manufacturers' Association, I can assure you that there is another side to the story of Ohio Governor Bob Taft. In 2005 he signed into law the most sweeping reform of Ohio's tax structure in 60 years. He eliminated the burdensome tax on business inventory and the state's corporate franchise tax. Whole sections of Ohio's tax code were written out of existence. How many Governors can claim that accomplishment? In addition, Governor Taft reduced the state's income-tax rate 21%. His tax-reform package is geared to encourage capital investment and create new jobs in Ohio. Does that sound like a Governor who is an "ineffective leader"? Hardly. DAVID W. JOHNSON, CEO SUMMITVILLE TILES INC. Summitville, Ohio

How dare you include Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco in your Worst Governors list! She has moved forward despite political hurdles that other hurricane-prone states haven't had to face. She has confronted catastrophic conditions never before faced by any Governor. I am disgusted with TIME.CAROLYN HITT Baton Rouge, La.