Inequality exists, to some degree, in many places. But it is in the Islamic countries where the abuse is pervasive, systematic, enforced by law, accepted by the entire society and, most significantly, blessed by the clergy. The religious connection is obvious and undeniable.
Mona Shadia is of course entitled to express her opinion — on the editorial page. We, the readers, are entitled to factual information in a balanced way. That is not what we got on the front page. Please, do not offend us with such blatant untruths.
Mark M. Bridle
Newport Beach
Mona Shadia responds: The purpose of my column was to show that Islam as a faith expresses equality for women but that governments manipulate its teachings to oppress and mistreat women.
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Many Muslims defy stereotypes
Thank you for including the frequent columns by Mona Shadia in the Daily Pilot, which are a breath of fresh air each time I read what she has written. My wife and I have made 10 mission trips to Christian churches and groups in Egypt and we have made many Muslim friends in the process who are very much like Mona, not the radical minority that fill the negative news stories.
Dave Fish and Monica Moore
Corona del Mar
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Get both sides of charter debate
There's a lot of misinformation circulating about Costa Mesa's proposed charter. If voters don't get the truth, there could be serious consequences. One council member said that "the charter has no impact whatsoever on development."
What he failed to acknowledge is that, in its effort to "get out from under Sacramento," the charter allows the council to change the rules for public hearings, hearing notices and findings.
