Tuesday, December 18, 2007
'Only' dogs? Humans should be so good
Letters to the Editor
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- Pick of the day: Passing the buck won't stop abuse
- Letters: Illegal traditions should not be tolerated
- Pick of the day: Teacher's conviction should scare parents
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'Only' dogs? Humans should be so good
Concerning Marvin Harlow's letter, "Let Vick pay his debt and move on" (Dec. 11), about moving on from the Michael Vick saga:
Yes, those animals in the dogfighting trial are only dogs, but Harlow would do well to remember that he is only human. Humans are judgmental, carry grudges, abuse children sexually and physically, torture, plan and carry out wars, and do not love unconditionally.
I think Harlow should take all of these factors into consideration the next time he refers to his companions as "only dogs."
And by the way, those two men who batter each other's brains out certainly have the choice not to participate in such a violent sport, as do the spectators who cheer them on.
Wasting money on arbors and trees
No money for this. No money for that. The Roanoke City Council just can't seem to find the money to renovate the downtown parking garage without raising the price of parking.
Has anyone noticed the intersection at Campbell Avenue and Third Street? They tore down and cleared out the old police department. Then they planted grass and watered it every day for weeks during the drought. The grass came up and was actually looking pretty good. I think they were even able to mow it a few times.
So what have they done? They dug up all the grass and, from what I understand, they plan on putting in playground equipment, some arbors and plant some trees, and then cover the whole area with mulch.
Why? They're just going to have to get rid of everything in about five years when they start the expansion for the courthouse. They could have just black-topped the whole thing and put in some extra parking spots on one side and on the other side made a larger area for deliveries to the jail.
Makes you wonder if the money wasted on this could have been used for the parking garage.
Put our money into renewable power
I've been listening to the debates on both sides and constantly hear about global warming and getting off our dependency on foreign oil.
My suggestion is this: All government offices, local, state and federal, should be required to switch their source of power to solar and/or wind. They can still have traditional power sources for backup, but they need to put our money where their mouth is.
I myself am looking into switching my energy source to solar. It may be expensive in the beginning, but in the long run the cost of energy will be minimal, saving me money. I also suggest that all new houses being built have some form of solar energy.
Anybody with me?
Faith doesn't dictate to, but uplifts politicians
In response to Elizabeth Simmons' letter "Romney's faith should be a factor" (Dec. 10):
It is good of her to speak on Jesus' behalf. However, he does not need protective intervention from us. His church, which he organized and later took to himself for his own reasons, has been restored to Earth by his call to a boy prophet.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints knows Jesus is the son of God, that he is a member of the Godhead, that he lives and loves each of us equally, and he understands the confusion many suffer with our panorama of religious choices.
Religion buoys the principles and character of those engaged in running for office, and as Mitt Romney made plain, would not dictate to him and should not dictate to any American seeking or holding office.
Sadly, blinders and earmuffs and the freedom enjoyed through our Constitution have allowed Simmons the privilege of writing something about which she obviously knows little or nothing. I still love her anyway.
Curious about Mormons? Ask one
Elizabeth Simmons, in her letter "Romney's faith should be a factor" (Dec. 10), is absolutely and totally wrong about what Mormons believe.
Why is it that non-Mormons try to tell the world what Mormons believe? Would you ask a Chevrolet dealer to tell you about the qualities of a Ford?
We Mormons definitely believe that Jesus is part of the Godhead and is our savior. The name of our church has always been the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
If someone wants to know what a Mormon believes, why not ask a Mormon?
A Mormon is a Christian
This in response to the letter "Romney's faith should be a factor" (Dec. 10). Being brought up Baptist and converting to Mormonism, I hope I can confer some much-needed understanding regarding my religion.
If anyone doubts we are Christians, please note the full name of our church: the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. That's right, Jesus Christ. As a convert, I can assure anyone with doubt that my Mormon God is the Christian God.
Our church has statements titled "Articles of Faith" outlining our beliefs. The Holy Trinity is addressed by the first, which states, "We believe in God, the eternal father, and in his son Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost." The third addresses Jesus as our savior by stating, "We believe that through the atonement of Christ all mankind may be saved."
To those who still have pressing questions: Please read James 1:5. After reading this, knowing the Mormon religion has one of the best-organized missionary programs of any church in the world, I encourage all to investigate and learn about this great religion rather than speculate about beliefs held so dear to many around you.
Religions should be private, not political
We are constantly reminded about the religious affiliations of the many presidential candidates. There is discussion about who is a real Christian: Is a Mormon better than a Baptist? Is a Presbyterian, a Seventh-day Adventist, a Methodist, a Buddhist, a Jew, a Muslim or a Catholic a better American?
We have forgotten that our Founding Fathers were escaping religious intolerance when they emigrated to America.
Religion is and should be a private matter. Our candidates should first and foremost be honest and of good moral character.
It would be a service to readers of The Roanoke Times if the editors would write a detailed comparison of the many religions and factions.
Romney is a Christian and the leader we need
I am writing in response to Elizabeth Simmons' letter "Romney's faith should be a factor" (Dec. 10).
I was disappointed when I read the statement that Mormons don't believe in Jesus Christ as the son of God nor as the savior of the world. I am a convert to Christianity from Islam, and for the last 10 years, I have been an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Throughout the years, I have been taught the absolute truth about Jesus Christ as the Son of God, and the savior to the world.
Mitt Romney declared what he believes about Jesus Christ as the Son of God and his savior.
I encourage you to read the Articles of Faith of LDS and listen to Romney's "Faith in America" speech. You will come to a different conclusion, that Mormons are truly Christians, and Romney is a devoted Christian and a great leader who is needed to face the challenges and protect our families, our economy, and most of all to defend our country and protect our freedom. That's what should matter the most.
May God bless you and the American people.
