Letters to the Editor for Friday, February 5, 2010
Published: February 5, 2010
Writer: U.S. is an exceptional nation
I wonder some times what sets David McLoughlin off.
In his Feb. 3 letter to the editor, he says, “Consider just a couple of the ‘what-ifs’ of history … .” I was reminded of a book I read years ago called “What If Jesus Had Never Been Born.” Now I hate to even consider a world without Christ, but this book outlined all of the things (such as charity hospitals) that are the direct result of the Christian ethic.
Mr. McLoughlin disputes our Christian heritage and our “exceptionalism.” And yet I noticed the outpouring of love and assistance from the United States during the recent tragedy in Haiti.
More than $100 million was immediately pledged. Thousands of Americans were on the scene within days. Here in Lynchburg, 2,000 people showed up to assemble rice meals for the people of Haiti.
Again, the mostly Christian response was “exceptional.”
Compare this response to that of such other “highly civilized” nations as France (little response), or Muslim Saudi Arabia ($1 million pledged), or China (again $1 million pledged), or, how about that great critic of the U.S., Hugo Chavez of Venezuela? Well, after his usual insulting comments about our response, he was able to muster up one plane load of aid.
You see, I don’t think our country is just an “accident of history.” I think God has a plan. We are the only country I know of that vanquishes evil (i.e. Hitler’s Germany) and then rebuilds and feeds the conquered (Marshall Plan) without permanent occupation.
Christian ideals, exceptionally displayed. I must say,
I do agree with Mr. McLoughlin on one thing: the thought of a Muslim Liberty University is horrifying. If there were such an institution, and if we were a Muslim nation, well, Mr. McLoughlin and his free-thinking friends would be the first to go.
MARK WILKERSON
Lynchburg
Great kids
I want to publicly thank the Liberty University students who, during a snow day from school, volunteered to wash dishes, clean up and help with other duties at the LU dining hall. These students volunteered to help, without compensation, because some workers could not show up for dinner.
You did something extremely considerate, and did not seek recognition for it. Thank you for being good neighbors in this community and examples to others.
LARRY PROVOST
Lynchburg
Thanks to all
I am very thankful that every day during this recent stormy weather I woke up to find my newspaper had been delivered, my mail was in its box, my garbage was picked up and my street was cleared of snow.
Often we take the efforts of others for granted, especially our city and county workers. This citizen appreciates your hard work.
LORRAINE REA
Lynchburg
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Sorry about the defective link to AMERICA’S HANDIWORK in my post of 8:19 am.
It was due to the presence of brackets [] in the URL.
Here is the text version:
http://www.witness.co.za/index.php?showcontent&global;[_id]=34343
Those enamored with the help the US is providing NOW to Haiti should read that article for a more accurate perspective on this topic.
I’ll ask him when I meet him.
If you face him first, you ask. Deal?
As the Creator who gave us the 4 seasons I believe that Yes, He did. Notice I said I believe, you believe what you want.
Thumper,
I must confess great ignorance in Biblical matters.
Could you please enlighten me: is God responsible for falling snow, YES or NO?
Reality Checked, who exactly would be those “jealous competitors [who] make unfounded accusations against corporate citizens?“ And why chose to refer to Liberty as a “corporate” citizen? On the other hand, do all disgruntled former employees unfoundedly accuse?
What else did “MrMerlot” say?
And what motivated the removal of everyone else’s post from yesterday’s forum? If there were a moderation misjudgment, why should everyone else suffer for that?
Are certain topics too hot to discuss?
F. Barney, had you read the post the prayer was for the safety of all who have to work or travel in this mess.
If you do not believe in prayer, so be it. I do. as do MOST people in this country I may add, but you do have minority rights here to disagree.
At least for the time being.
Stumper,
I thought God made the snow fall.
What exactly are you praying about and/or for?
Let me softly echo hc’s remarks. I equally disagreed with today’s letter as well as the one to which he is responding. I think the truth is nearer to the center than to either side. The students of LU cleaning up their own mess was good but not laudatory. Most people will pitch in when needed and thanking them is fine. I agree that most of the LU students I have come into contact with are like any other student; eager to please and willing to volunteer. Let me echo the final letter and add a thank-you to APCo for every time I turn on a light switch the power comes on and in spite of the present whining the price has been, in my experience, most reasonable. When the power goes out they work hard to get it back on.
Wilma,
Mark Wilkerson is just another typical American whose knowledge of History is pretty close to zero.
It was not America but the Soviet Union that crushed Nazi Germany. In the process some 26,000,000 Russians died.
As far as Haiti is concerned here are some thoughts:
“Recent Republican administrations have been particularly hostile to the popular will of the impoverished Haitian masses. When leftist priest Jean-Bertrand Aristide was twice elected by overwhelming margins, he was ousted both times – first during the presidency of George H.W. Bush and again under President George W. Bush.
Washington’s conventional wisdom on Haiti holds that the country is a hopeless basket case that would best be governed by business-oriented technocrats who would take their marching orders from the United States.“
For more details: HAITI’S TRAGIC HISTORY
“Despite having been bled dry by American bankers and generals, civil disorder prevailed until 1957, when the CIA installed president-for-life François “Papa Doc” Duvalier. Duvalier’s brutal Tonton Macoutes paramilitary goon squads murdered at least 30,000 Haitians and drove educated people to flee into exile. But think of the cup as half full: fewer people in the population means fewer people competing for the same jobs.
Upon Papa Doc’s death in 1971, the torch passed to his even more dissolute 19-year-old son, Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier. The U.S., cool to Papa Doc in his later years, quickly warmed back up to his kleptomaniacal playboy heir. As the U.S. poured in arms and trained his army as a supposed anti-communist bulwark against Fidel Castro’s Cuba, Baby Doc stole an estimated $300 million to $800 million from the national treasury, according to Transparency International. The money was placed in personal accounts in Switzerland and elsewhere.“
More details at: =34343]AMERICA’S HANDIWORK
I have to agree. 3 positive letters reminds me how blessed I am to live in this country.
And pray for the safety of all who are out in this mess clearing the roads, maintaining our Electrical Power, Patrolling our streets and responding to the Emergencies of our region. In this weather especially.
Stay safe, regardless of our disagreements at times, praying all are kept safe.
Three excellant letters!
The first questions whether a previous letter writer is mentally stable. I think that is a valid question.
The second refers to the giving nature and community spirit of the LU students.
The third refers to the great protestant work ethic of many in our town.
Only the 4 liberals left in Lynchburg would take exception with any of these fine letters!
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