What’s being written.........

Abilene Reporter News Letters to the Editor

Divorce rate, not gays, a danger to marriage

October 8, 2004

Jodie Boren's Oct. 5 letter says John Kerry ''supports abortion.'' Many Americans who are ''pro-choice'' do not necessarily advocate abortion. Many people, myself included, are personally opposed to abortion while still supporting the rights of others. The morality of the choice is between the individual and God. We do not propose to be God.

Boren says Kerry ''supports the homosexual agenda'' and that this ''agenda'' is destroying marriage and family as God would have it be. Our Constitution, which Boren seems to believe should be upheld, guarantees us freedom of religion. If one believes in religious freedom, the recognition that opposition to gay marriage is based on religious arguments is reason enough to discount his argument.

Why doesn't he concern himself with our country's current divorce rate among heterosexuals? That seems to me the greatest threat to ''marriage and family as God would have it be.'' Railing against divorce would seem a much better use of our energies than trying to deny people their civil rights.

It was not so long ago that a conservative majority clung to its belief that slavery was a legitimate institution, based on traditions that went back to the beginnings of human history. But by the 19th century, humankind had realized the evils of that institution and has since largely abolished it. Perhaps Boren believes us liberals are ''wafflers'' for having changed our minds on that one, too.

I think we could all benefit from re-reading our Constitution and our Bibles, without our ''own interpretations.''

Amy Brittain
Abilene

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Real differences
October 8, 2004

Regardless of the outcome of November's presidential election, certain things will be true in 2008. Abortion will still be legal, gay marriage won't, ''under God'' will still be in the Pledge, we will still own our guns, there will still be terrorism, and we will still be fighting in Iraq.

Having said that, let's talk about what differences the election might make. I paid $2.05 for a gallon of diesel this morning. Which candidate cares about that? My health insurance premiums, deductibles and co-pays keep increasing. Which candidate cares? My salary stays the same and buys less every year. Middle class jobs are exiting the country daily, and those who find work are making less money. Which one of these men has a plan to stop this? The deficit is soaring and will push interest rates through the roof. Which candidate cares?

One candidate wants to wipe out all of the environmental laws that have been passed in the last 40 years. Remember acid rain, stinking rivers and dead fish? One candidate wants to be a good citizen in the world, the other want to throw his weight around.

If you think about the differences this election could make, the choice is clear.

Sam Huffman
Colorado City

source: http://www.reporter-news.com/abil/opinion/0,1874,ABIL_7985,00.html

------------------------Dallas Morning News----------------------

Why print that?
Re: "Bush is 'hand of God,' " by Antonio E. Borme (see letter below), Tuesday Letters. I have e-mailed a number of times quoting exact facts and figures with sources, but The Dallas Morning News staff doesn't view them worthy to print. But someone who feels "Bush ... is the 'hand of God' " is worthy? Anyone who has such an extreme view frightens me as much as the Taliban.
I feel The News should start being a little more selective on the letters it prints, especially when they are politically motivated. Debating opposing views with facts is one thing, but printing someone's opinion that the president is "the 'hand of God' " is ridiculous and irresponsible.
Eric Reynolds, Lewisville

Bush is 'hand of God'
The beheading of hostages in Iraq changes the landscape of all thought. Finally the devil has revealed himself.
Now in the civilized world there are no more "differences."
Every man of reason of any political party and of any nationality has to stand behind George Bush in the struggle between civilization (life) and barbarism (death).
Unknowingly (like in a dream), Mr. Bush (like him or not) is the "hand of God."
Antonio E. Borme, Dallas

source: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/opinion/
letters/vitindex.html