Letters to the Editor 09-09-2004
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Politics Of Religion - Try Not To Judge - Christian Democrat - Thoughtful Teens - Congratulations Atwood - Flip Flops - Response To Letters
Politics Of Religion
Editor, Times-Union:Although I do stand by my letter to the editor, I must apologize for the last paragraph.
About Sen. Kerry and John 16.3, the comment was given to me prior to ending my letter and I did not check it out, and for this I do sincerely apologize.
Man's relationship with the Bible has never been good, people have always resisted others telling them how to live and we shouldn't be surprised when self-appointed wise men come up with all kinds of arguments against God and the Bible. I hope I didn't come across as one of them. When you claim to be a Christian, you accept God's word as truth.
What He says about marriage, adultery, murder, fortification, moral values, the role of government, etc. It amazes me that man will turn his back on God, disobey His word and ignore His warnings, and wonders why God doesn't intervene when he gets in trouble and needs His help. Can you honestly say the Democrat Party supports the word of God?
There was nothing in my letter about the Republican Party, Independents or any other political party, because they were not the focus of my letter, they all have their sins and sinners, like we all have. All of us. Therefore I was stating the facts as my heart be made believe about what the Democrat Party stands for, not the people who have or who would vote Democrat.
I have family and friends who vote Democrat; do I feel they are lost souls?
God forbid! I was bringing to light what this political party stands for, as it relates to the law of God Almighty. Everyone has a God-given right to his or her opinion, and I have mine.
When a nation loses its moral foundation, it has nowhere to go but down.
Only God can change the heart of a nation, once a nation rejects Him and His laws, it has seldom repented and turned to God. I honesty believe that President George W. Bush is being led by the Almighty God. Not because he is Republican, but because he is one of His, just like Ronald W. Reagan. A born again Christian.
If you don't know what I mean by this then you're reading the wrong letter. Read something else. How about a book called the Bible?
No man is perfect or worthy of the kingdom of the Lord, nor do I claim to be, but I will not deny Him or His laws, but for hope I believe, by the grace of my savior Jesus Christ I might be saved.
When we stand before Him (and we all will) and He asks us why we didn't speak His name and stand up for the His word, but hide in shame and deny Him only then it will be too late.
And as for the guy in Chicago, you don't even deserve a reply. But I will quote another man of God, Dr. Martin Luther King, that "all people should be judged by the content of their character and not by the color of their skin." We are all one race in God's eyes. If a person cannot see that, then they never will be righteous with the Lord.
Michael A. Helton
Warsaw
via e-mail
Try Not To Judge
Editor, Times-Union:I would like to first thank Brittany Kusserow for her letter. She was very well spoken and hit a lot of good points. Thanks.
I am concerned though about the election coming up and am more concerned with the increase of bickering, disagreeing and the hurtful words among people. Instead of disagreeing and fighting whose views are correct or whose political party is correct, let's stop and remember that we are Americans and we are only human.
I strive to be a loving and caring person, and I admit that I am sure I fail at that sometimes but not intentionally. I strive all of the time not to judge people. I strive not to use hurtful words toward or about people. I strive not to put someone down for their personal beliefs and I definitely strive not to discriminate. If I did any of these things, I would feel rotten inside but that is just me, it doesn't have to be that way for everyone. I am an open recovering alcoholic. Caring about and helping people is a passion for me in this life that God has given to me. I am also a Christian and I am also gay. I know that the majority of people out there would say that I cannot be both. They have every right to their opinions and beliefs, that is fine because I know that God loves me and cares for me and guess what, he accepts me for who I am. I trust and believe that fully. I know that people would tell me that the Bible says that I am wrong, but the Bible says a lot of things that people seem to skim over and then they pick and choose what they think is right or wrong. I pray to God morning, noon and night to thank him for life and thank him for keeping me sober. I tried to live life on my own terms for so long and I did nothing but fail, but since I let God take control, life has been much better and I am a lot happier.
I like to consider myself neither Republican nor Democrat. I vote for the person, not the party. I am having a hard time this time around though for many reasons. I cannot base my vote for or against any one issue alone, whether it's the war, pro-life or pro-choice or gay marriages. I know that there are many other issues at hand as well. But I cannot cast my vote just because I feel one thing is good, bad, correct or incorrect. That would make me personally close-minded or discriminative. So I don't know for sure what I am going to do at this point. I do believe in equal rights for all, not special rights for one group of people, I do know that much.
I really don't feel that I am putting my opinion above anyone else's with this letter. I truly do not mean for it to sound that way and if it does sound as if I am, I certainly apologize. I am only saying what I feel and I hate to see people taking stabs and jabs at each other. I would like us to be loving and caring toward each other. United, not divided. American and human.
Kerry Mills
Mentone
via e-mail
Christian Democrat
Editor, Times-Union:Regarding Michael Helton's letter on Sept. 1:
How dare you, sir, cast a judgment that "no Democrat can be a Christian." That is like saying that all white people are evil becasue they must be like Timothy McVeigh. I know plenty of Christians who are Democrats. My mother is an excellent example. She raised four children (with the help of my dad), is an RN at KCH and a minister's wife. She is loving and giving to all people, not just her friends. Lots of people tell me what a difference she has made to sick or dying family members at the hospital. She volunteers with my dad's two churches (Athens UMC and Silver Lake UMC) and gives endlessly of herself to each of us kids. My mother, Cathy Inskeep, is a Christian and a Democrat, and I couldn't be prouder.
The Lord that I was shown to love at a young age loves me unconditionally (like my mom) and will judge me accordingly when I die. I don't need you to do it.
Try reading the New Testament, sir, and you might be enlightened by Jesus' love and grace, not judgment.
A vote for John Kerry/John Edwards and Joe Kernan is a vote for jobs in Kosciusko County. Remember, our county works best when you say, Union, yes!
Amanda Inskeep
Warsaw
Thoughtful Teens
Editor, Times-Union:I'm writing these letter to give hope to all parents out there with a teenager. My daughter has just turned 13, which means I've lost my telephone, my computer and all I seem to do is drive around places and of course, I'm wrong about everything. But sometimes during this difficult age something happens that makes me think teenagers aren't all bad. A couple of weeks before my daughter's birthday, I had to have surgery. So, being incapacitated, and not working, I really couldn't do a lot for her birthday. She had been looking forward to turning 13 and becoming a teenager. But she understood that I couldn't do for her what I would've liked to and didn't complain. The weekend after her birthday her friends called me. They said they knew I wasn't well and couldn't handle a bunch of kids at my house so they were planning a surprise birthday for my daughter at one of their houses. For her friends to do something so special really touched me and I wanted to express my thanks to these very special people. Brianna Nice, Cassie Dishman and Haley Allen, I would like to thank you for being such special people in my daughter's life and how lucky she is to have friends like you.
Sonja Remfrey
Warsaw
via e-mail
Congratulations Atwood
Editor, Times-Union:I am writing this letter to congratulate Mrs. Jackie Brandenburg and staff at Atwood Elementary School. Per the 21 alive news headline Atwood, along with 13 other schools in the state, were awarded a 4-Star award by the state.
This is quite an accomplishment! What an honor! My children attended Atwood while it was open, they loved the environment and were genuinely challenged.
This school attained many honors and accomplishments in its tenure.
This award is well deserved. Mrs. Brandenburg had a great desire for higher education, thus being shared by her amazing staff. When my daughter started attending Atwood, as an honor roll student from another local area school, found herself to be greatly challenged. She gained significant abilities by attending Atwood, study habits she had never even heard of. A huge thank you to all Atwood staff for your love and dedication to our children. Your hearts were truly out for their well-being and their future, earning an award much deserved.
Congrats!
Heather Slater
Leesburg
via e-mail
Flip Flops
Editor, Times-Union:Just the facts:
The flip-flops of George Bush:
1. On creating the 9/11 commission, was against - flip-flop -Êfor.
2. On creating the WMD commission, was against -Êflip-flop -Êfor.
3. On mandatory CO2 caps was for it -Êflip-flop -Êagainst.
4. On gay marriages was for -Êflip-flop -Êagainst.
5. On the supposed Saddam/al-Quaeda link: Before the war he said yes -Êflip-flop -Êafter war began to NO link.
6. On agreeing to lobby OPEC to lower prices. Was for it -Êflip-flop -Êagainst.
7. On finding Iraq WMDs: He found them -Êflip-flop -Êdidn't find them.
8. On Ahmad Chalabi: believed him -Êflip-flop -Êraided his home.
9. On using Social Security trust fund: against -Êflip-flop -Êfor.
10. On wanting bin Laden: wanted dead or alive -Êflip-flop -Ê"I truly am not concerned about him."
Carol May
Etna Green
Response To Letters
Editor, Times-Union:I am writing in response to several letter to the editor.
My first comments are to Michael Helton who wrote Politics of Religion (9-1-04). Mr. Helton seems to be very authoritative when he makes the statement, you cannot vote Democrat and be a Christian. However, he doesn't seem so sure of himself when he tries to define the Christian. It's obvious to me that one can't move God around like a chess piece (i.e.) in or out of schools or government buildings, into the Republican party and out of the Democratic party. ... This makes God very small and finite. This is not the God that I perceive, the great God of the universe who knows all and sees all.
On Senator Kerry's supposed choice of the Bible verse John 16:3 is a very good verse. However, in order to understand it you must read the short chapter titled "the world hates the deciples" beginning at John 15:18 and ends at John 16:4. The chapter describes what happens to those who oould profess the truth and denounce the lie. They will be hated, criticized, even assassinated, and those who kill you will think they are offering a service to God. "They will do such things because they have not known the father or me," John 16:3. Mr. Helton and I agree on one thing, the spirit does move in mysterious ways. As for the rest of Mr. Helton's article, it's 180 degrees off true course!
Just a few words in addition about other letters to the editor in the Aug. 31 Times-Union, The article Freedom and separation by Alexander Houze was outstanding. Liberty, Freedom and the separation of church and state go hand in hand. Wallace Huffman's article on punch card voting is precisely correct - why would we want to do away with voting machines that are 100 percent auditable, and spend millions on new voting machines that first of all are not certified, and secondly are not auditable; something's rotten in Denmark!
In addition, I believe Scot Wickens (clarifying beliefs) needs to go back to Websters and include all eight of the definitions of the word Liberal. Derived from the word Liberty, if one loves Liberty one is Liberal ...
Gene May
Etna Green
[[In-content Ad]]
Latest News
E-Editions
- Politics Of Religion - Try Not To Judge - Christian Democrat - Thoughtful Teens - Congratulations Atwood - Flip Flops - Response To Letters
Politics Of Religion
Editor, Times-Union:Although I do stand by my letter to the editor, I must apologize for the last paragraph.
About Sen. Kerry and John 16.3, the comment was given to me prior to ending my letter and I did not check it out, and for this I do sincerely apologize.
Man's relationship with the Bible has never been good, people have always resisted others telling them how to live and we shouldn't be surprised when self-appointed wise men come up with all kinds of arguments against God and the Bible. I hope I didn't come across as one of them. When you claim to be a Christian, you accept God's word as truth.
What He says about marriage, adultery, murder, fortification, moral values, the role of government, etc. It amazes me that man will turn his back on God, disobey His word and ignore His warnings, and wonders why God doesn't intervene when he gets in trouble and needs His help. Can you honestly say the Democrat Party supports the word of God?
There was nothing in my letter about the Republican Party, Independents or any other political party, because they were not the focus of my letter, they all have their sins and sinners, like we all have. All of us. Therefore I was stating the facts as my heart be made believe about what the Democrat Party stands for, not the people who have or who would vote Democrat.
I have family and friends who vote Democrat; do I feel they are lost souls?
God forbid! I was bringing to light what this political party stands for, as it relates to the law of God Almighty. Everyone has a God-given right to his or her opinion, and I have mine.
When a nation loses its moral foundation, it has nowhere to go but down.
Only God can change the heart of a nation, once a nation rejects Him and His laws, it has seldom repented and turned to God. I honesty believe that President George W. Bush is being led by the Almighty God. Not because he is Republican, but because he is one of His, just like Ronald W. Reagan. A born again Christian.
If you don't know what I mean by this then you're reading the wrong letter. Read something else. How about a book called the Bible?
No man is perfect or worthy of the kingdom of the Lord, nor do I claim to be, but I will not deny Him or His laws, but for hope I believe, by the grace of my savior Jesus Christ I might be saved.
When we stand before Him (and we all will) and He asks us why we didn't speak His name and stand up for the His word, but hide in shame and deny Him only then it will be too late.
And as for the guy in Chicago, you don't even deserve a reply. But I will quote another man of God, Dr. Martin Luther King, that "all people should be judged by the content of their character and not by the color of their skin." We are all one race in God's eyes. If a person cannot see that, then they never will be righteous with the Lord.
Michael A. Helton
Warsaw
via e-mail
Try Not To Judge
Editor, Times-Union:I would like to first thank Brittany Kusserow for her letter. She was very well spoken and hit a lot of good points. Thanks.
I am concerned though about the election coming up and am more concerned with the increase of bickering, disagreeing and the hurtful words among people. Instead of disagreeing and fighting whose views are correct or whose political party is correct, let's stop and remember that we are Americans and we are only human.
I strive to be a loving and caring person, and I admit that I am sure I fail at that sometimes but not intentionally. I strive all of the time not to judge people. I strive not to use hurtful words toward or about people. I strive not to put someone down for their personal beliefs and I definitely strive not to discriminate. If I did any of these things, I would feel rotten inside but that is just me, it doesn't have to be that way for everyone. I am an open recovering alcoholic. Caring about and helping people is a passion for me in this life that God has given to me. I am also a Christian and I am also gay. I know that the majority of people out there would say that I cannot be both. They have every right to their opinions and beliefs, that is fine because I know that God loves me and cares for me and guess what, he accepts me for who I am. I trust and believe that fully. I know that people would tell me that the Bible says that I am wrong, but the Bible says a lot of things that people seem to skim over and then they pick and choose what they think is right or wrong. I pray to God morning, noon and night to thank him for life and thank him for keeping me sober. I tried to live life on my own terms for so long and I did nothing but fail, but since I let God take control, life has been much better and I am a lot happier.
I like to consider myself neither Republican nor Democrat. I vote for the person, not the party. I am having a hard time this time around though for many reasons. I cannot base my vote for or against any one issue alone, whether it's the war, pro-life or pro-choice or gay marriages. I know that there are many other issues at hand as well. But I cannot cast my vote just because I feel one thing is good, bad, correct or incorrect. That would make me personally close-minded or discriminative. So I don't know for sure what I am going to do at this point. I do believe in equal rights for all, not special rights for one group of people, I do know that much.
I really don't feel that I am putting my opinion above anyone else's with this letter. I truly do not mean for it to sound that way and if it does sound as if I am, I certainly apologize. I am only saying what I feel and I hate to see people taking stabs and jabs at each other. I would like us to be loving and caring toward each other. United, not divided. American and human.
Kerry Mills
Mentone
via e-mail
Christian Democrat
Editor, Times-Union:Regarding Michael Helton's letter on Sept. 1:
How dare you, sir, cast a judgment that "no Democrat can be a Christian." That is like saying that all white people are evil becasue they must be like Timothy McVeigh. I know plenty of Christians who are Democrats. My mother is an excellent example. She raised four children (with the help of my dad), is an RN at KCH and a minister's wife. She is loving and giving to all people, not just her friends. Lots of people tell me what a difference she has made to sick or dying family members at the hospital. She volunteers with my dad's two churches (Athens UMC and Silver Lake UMC) and gives endlessly of herself to each of us kids. My mother, Cathy Inskeep, is a Christian and a Democrat, and I couldn't be prouder.
The Lord that I was shown to love at a young age loves me unconditionally (like my mom) and will judge me accordingly when I die. I don't need you to do it.
Try reading the New Testament, sir, and you might be enlightened by Jesus' love and grace, not judgment.
A vote for John Kerry/John Edwards and Joe Kernan is a vote for jobs in Kosciusko County. Remember, our county works best when you say, Union, yes!
Amanda Inskeep
Warsaw
Thoughtful Teens
Editor, Times-Union:I'm writing these letter to give hope to all parents out there with a teenager. My daughter has just turned 13, which means I've lost my telephone, my computer and all I seem to do is drive around places and of course, I'm wrong about everything. But sometimes during this difficult age something happens that makes me think teenagers aren't all bad. A couple of weeks before my daughter's birthday, I had to have surgery. So, being incapacitated, and not working, I really couldn't do a lot for her birthday. She had been looking forward to turning 13 and becoming a teenager. But she understood that I couldn't do for her what I would've liked to and didn't complain. The weekend after her birthday her friends called me. They said they knew I wasn't well and couldn't handle a bunch of kids at my house so they were planning a surprise birthday for my daughter at one of their houses. For her friends to do something so special really touched me and I wanted to express my thanks to these very special people. Brianna Nice, Cassie Dishman and Haley Allen, I would like to thank you for being such special people in my daughter's life and how lucky she is to have friends like you.
Sonja Remfrey
Warsaw
via e-mail
Congratulations Atwood
Editor, Times-Union:I am writing this letter to congratulate Mrs. Jackie Brandenburg and staff at Atwood Elementary School. Per the 21 alive news headline Atwood, along with 13 other schools in the state, were awarded a 4-Star award by the state.
This is quite an accomplishment! What an honor! My children attended Atwood while it was open, they loved the environment and were genuinely challenged.
This school attained many honors and accomplishments in its tenure.
This award is well deserved. Mrs. Brandenburg had a great desire for higher education, thus being shared by her amazing staff. When my daughter started attending Atwood, as an honor roll student from another local area school, found herself to be greatly challenged. She gained significant abilities by attending Atwood, study habits she had never even heard of. A huge thank you to all Atwood staff for your love and dedication to our children. Your hearts were truly out for their well-being and their future, earning an award much deserved.
Congrats!
Heather Slater
Leesburg
via e-mail
Flip Flops
Editor, Times-Union:Just the facts:
The flip-flops of George Bush:
1. On creating the 9/11 commission, was against - flip-flop -Êfor.
2. On creating the WMD commission, was against -Êflip-flop -Êfor.
3. On mandatory CO2 caps was for it -Êflip-flop -Êagainst.
4. On gay marriages was for -Êflip-flop -Êagainst.
5. On the supposed Saddam/al-Quaeda link: Before the war he said yes -Êflip-flop -Êafter war began to NO link.
6. On agreeing to lobby OPEC to lower prices. Was for it -Êflip-flop -Êagainst.
7. On finding Iraq WMDs: He found them -Êflip-flop -Êdidn't find them.
8. On Ahmad Chalabi: believed him -Êflip-flop -Êraided his home.
9. On using Social Security trust fund: against -Êflip-flop -Êfor.
10. On wanting bin Laden: wanted dead or alive -Êflip-flop -Ê"I truly am not concerned about him."
Carol May
Etna Green
Response To Letters
Editor, Times-Union:I am writing in response to several letter to the editor.
My first comments are to Michael Helton who wrote Politics of Religion (9-1-04). Mr. Helton seems to be very authoritative when he makes the statement, you cannot vote Democrat and be a Christian. However, he doesn't seem so sure of himself when he tries to define the Christian. It's obvious to me that one can't move God around like a chess piece (i.e.) in or out of schools or government buildings, into the Republican party and out of the Democratic party. ... This makes God very small and finite. This is not the God that I perceive, the great God of the universe who knows all and sees all.
On Senator Kerry's supposed choice of the Bible verse John 16:3 is a very good verse. However, in order to understand it you must read the short chapter titled "the world hates the deciples" beginning at John 15:18 and ends at John 16:4. The chapter describes what happens to those who oould profess the truth and denounce the lie. They will be hated, criticized, even assassinated, and those who kill you will think they are offering a service to God. "They will do such things because they have not known the father or me," John 16:3. Mr. Helton and I agree on one thing, the spirit does move in mysterious ways. As for the rest of Mr. Helton's article, it's 180 degrees off true course!
Just a few words in addition about other letters to the editor in the Aug. 31 Times-Union, The article Freedom and separation by Alexander Houze was outstanding. Liberty, Freedom and the separation of church and state go hand in hand. Wallace Huffman's article on punch card voting is precisely correct - why would we want to do away with voting machines that are 100 percent auditable, and spend millions on new voting machines that first of all are not certified, and secondly are not auditable; something's rotten in Denmark!
In addition, I believe Scot Wickens (clarifying beliefs) needs to go back to Websters and include all eight of the definitions of the word Liberal. Derived from the word Liberty, if one loves Liberty one is Liberal ...
Gene May
Etna Green
[[In-content Ad]]
Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092