Irrationality of bigotry
I enjoyed the March 20 letter "Obama's difference." The writer's use of big ears was a creative and humorous way to underline the irrationality of bigotry.
The writer suggests that it is fair for "normal-eared" people not to vote for "big-eared" people if they don't want to. I fully agree. My quibble is with the last sentence, the "normal-eared" people's reason for not voting for a "big-eared" president: "They [big-eared presidents] just can't do the job." What such a normal-eared person should say is, "I don't like people with big ears, and so I won't vote for one for president."
Bigotry makes people look ignorant. Lying makes them look evil.
DOROTHY MATHEWS
Rural Hall
Letting animals suffer
When will it end? I'm referring not just to the number of reprehensible local abuse cases, but also to the inadequate handling of the cases by our judicial system.
Last year a woman starved two dogs on her back porch, and she was given a suspended sentence. Now there's Judge Patrice Hinnant, who gave Renan Carter a fine and just three days in jail (to be scheduled at a convenient time) after starving his horses ("Man convicted of horse neglect," March 8).
Stokes County District Attorney Ricky Bowman dropped all charges against an alleged puppy mill operator where more than 150 dogs were seized due to the report of cramped quarters and unsanitary conditions ("Animal cruelty charges dropped," March 9). In the Stokes County case, the agreement prohibits the owners from operating a similar operation for two years.
Stokes County Manager Rick Morris stated, "… we're going to be taking steps to make sure this doesn't happen again." I'd like to know specifically what steps he will take because as it is currently reported, the owners can have another grand opening in two years without having any better idea or incentive as to how to properly care for animals.
How sad that in the greatest country in the world, in the 21st century, that either the laws intended to protect helpless animals are inadequate or those entrusted to enforce these laws are not very enthusiastic about this aspect of their job.
LESLIE MORRIS
Walkertown
Editor's note: Rick Morris is no relation to the letter writer.
Defeating discrimination
Amendment One is about more than same-sex marriage; it also prohibits the recognition of any sort of domestic legal union outside of the bonds of heterosexual marriage. It has the potential to impact domestic-violence protection for unmarried couples, child custody and visitation, end-of-life directives and domestic-partnership benefits for public employees.
The process of stripping people of their rights is part of a history that this country should be making strides to forget, not relive. In state after state across this country, the rights of a minority have been left up to a vote by the majority.
Like skilled magicians, supporters of this amendment will seek to take the focus off of the real issue at hand and instead seek to paint homosexuals as boogiemen who threaten traditional marriage.
The vote on May 8 isn't about gay and straight; it's about discrimination and equality, love and hate, hope and despair. We must stand together and defeat discrimination. It will always be wrong to enshrine the denial of basic human rights into state law.
Equality is always right, love will always win and hope will never be silent.
PAUL RAKER III
Kernersville
Prejudice against Christians
Despite this secular culture's contempt of Christians and specifically the church — after all, just look at all those hypocrites who attend — there are countless Christians who strive to follow Christ in words and deeds. Yes indeed, clergy corruption and pedophiles are front-page news — as if they are typical of the majority of Christian souls. The prejudice and bias against Christians is remarkable, and I suggest is in proportion to the moral decay of our society — which should be obvious to everyone.
Christians, like everyone else, are fallible human beings who aspire to be consistent with their values, beliefs and lifestyles. Some are better than others. What I think is fair to say is that most Christians, when we truly comprehend the breath and depth of Christ's love as well as his incredible answer to the greatest commandment, must admit our inadequate response.
Most Christians are both humbled and grateful. Following Christ is our greatest challenge and to embody his love among fellow human beings. Whatever side of the church you stand on, how well do you practice what you preach? That is my question as well.
PETER C. VENABLE
Winston-Salem
Good afternoon folks!
ReplyDeleteLTE 1: A major attribute of bigotry is the belief that all who share a particular trait are incompetent. With that in mind, I have no issue with the mentioned LTE's last sentence. What's sad about bigotry is that people actually believe the lie they are telling is the truth.
LTE 2: There has been a call to revisit the penalties for abuse and neglect of pets. As far as I'm concerned, neglect of a pet that leads to its death warrants a felony charge.
LTE 3: We have already seen a few oops-didn't- mean-that cases of poorly crafted legislation that did far more harm than good. This has all the makings of being another one.
LTE 4: Umm...the vast majority of people in this country identify as Christians, so I really don't understand this victim mentality. The pushback has come against those who wish to remake this country as a Christian version of Iran. If you want to see real "prejudice and bias against Christians", look at Saudi Arabia and various African countries. Following Christ's command to love and accept others as they are instead of hating anyone and everyone who disagrees with you even 0.1% appears to be an insurmountable challenge for some who identify as "Christian".
Nothing but net.
ReplyDeletePrejudice against christians? Most of the people that I hang out with have no interest in christians, pro or con. The problem lies in the right wing christian agenda:
ReplyDelete1. Deny "equal rights" to anyone who they decide is not christian.
2. Undo the Civil Rights acts.
3. Reinstate the blue laws, so that the only businesses other than churches that are open on Sundays are hotels, restaurants, pharmacies and gas stations. Well, you might add brothels, which have always been exempt from all law, even that of god himself. Where else would Rush get laid?
4. Repeal the 19th Amendment, thus putting women back in their proper place.
5. Reinstitute the 18th Amendment...many bootleggers gave generously to churches...called guilt or hush money.
6. Repeal the Emancipation Proclamation,thus returning to the days of the happy darkies singing as they worked in the fields of the lord.
At that point, they can breathe a sigh of contentedness and get to work on the real agenda of establishing fundamentalist foolishness as the official religion of the land.