Winston-Salem Journal LTE TU 02/05/13

Two events

Two events took place recently that perhaps demonstrate more than anything else the moral divide that exists in our country.

Last month, President Obama signed an executive order designed to combat gun violence saying “…when it comes to protecting the most vulnerable among us, we must act now.”

Then on Jan. 25, over 500,000 mostly young people from virtually every Christian and non-Christian faith tradition took him up on his eloquent exhortation and actually did something “now” (“Abortion opponents march in Washington,” Jan. 26). They braved the bitter cold to participate in the 40th annual March for Life in Washington D.C., the longest running event of its kind in the history of the United States.

The first event was stimulated by the killing of 27 women and children in Newtown, Conn.; the second was stimulated by the killing of over 55 million unborn children since 1973. Thanks to the media, virtually every American was aware of the first event, but very few were made aware of the second, also thanks to the media.

Of course, this is quite understandable in the era of media thought control. But where are the pastors? How many failed to even mention this event from their pulpits (and will not this coming week)? If it was due to ignorance, complacency or just plain lack of courage, there is absolutely no excuse. Shame on pastors who refuse to speak up for the unborn, much less brave sub-freezing weather to “act now” for them.

ROB HICKS

North Wilkesboro

Cut our losses

The Jan. 30 Journal gave us a synopsis of the White House and Senate points for eventual debate on possible immigration reform (“Obama: ‘Now is the time’”). Both plans included penalties/fines with the Senate version also talking about “back taxes.” This is a non-starter!

I am over 85 with military service in both World War II and the Korean affair. In my long life, a very important thing I have learned is the policy of “cutting your losses.” Do these senators really believe it would be possible to collect such taxes? Good luck!

Any thoughts of trying to collect taxes on previously earned money must be forgotten. The people in question have used any funds already earned in the support of their families and/or remittances to their country of origin.

Or, is this proviso an attempt at a possible road-block? The talk of “they are taking American jobs” is a joke! The services being performed by most of the people involved are those that Americans will not do! Pick fruit? Pick vegetables? Hah! Let’s face it, we need these people.

It is time for the U.S. Senate and House, in the quest to keep their congressional seats warm, to stop pandering to those factions that, in the end, will ruin this country.

J.P. MILLS

Winston-Salem

No need

Let's see. The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School Board turned down a grant for bus cameras to keep our children safe, and another to provide AP classes. I guess the taxpayers and the education lottery provide more than enough to meet our current needs.

I will look forward to seeing what funding the board will request for its next budget.

CHARLES MILLER

Winston-Salem

Potential consequences

Recent news articles have stated that the Boy Scouts of America is considering allowing sponsors of Scout troops to decide for themselves whether or not to continue to exclude gays. I believe an affirmative decision could result in potentially tragic consequences.

I don’t claim to be a prophet, but I don’t think I need to be a prophet to realize that incidents of sexual improprieties between Boy Scouts or between Boy Scouts and the gay leaders of their troops will be extensive if sponsors decide not to exclude gays from their troops.

There is not any doubt in my mind that many gay leaders and gay Scouts will not only engage in sexual behavior with each other, but also will attempt to do so with Scouts who aren’t gay. They would not be able to resist all of the many opportunities. Although some of this type of behavior may already exist, it probably is only a small fraction of what can be expected if gays are no longer excluded from Boy Scout troops.

I have a grandson who may be a Boy Scout someday. If he decides to become a Scout, I would be very concerned about the potential negative consequences on both his emotional health and his psychological health, if the troop he joins includes gays.

I hope every parent and grandparent in our area will do whatever is necessary, but legal, to protect their sons or grandsons from the change in policy being contemplated by the Boy Scouts.

HARVEY ARMOUR

Winston-Salem