Letter portrayed writer's feelings
Seldom do I give voice in response to letters, but on Wednesday (July 8) a letter titled "Forgiveness unneeded in Charleston tragedy" strikes an agreeable tone with me.
The writer expresses succinctly my own reaction toward Tuesday's letter headlined "Survivors show way of forgiveness."
Martha Hagan, East Ridge
Junk science or junk politics?
The Free Press editor tells us to be skeptical about scientific research but demonstrates the behavior so rife these days of cherry-picking data to suit one's beliefs. It reminds me of Ted Cruz's March statements that he is a big believer of following the science and following data. Example: satellite data demonstrate no significant global warming whatsoever for 17 years. Cruz's statement has been fully debunked by NASA and NOAA but it shows how you can take one finding and distort it to lay the groundwork for a disinformation campaign.
The last example the editor provided for "junk science" is a prime example of taking one statistic and distorting it to come to a faulty conclusion - more beekeepers have more hives, ergo there is no foundation for concern about what pesticides might be doing to the environment and our food security. U.S. scientists at U.S. universities are showing that neonicotinoids are causing declines in all pollinators, particularly native bumblebees that provide more pollination services to crops than honeybees.
Please get your science straight. There will be no cherries to pick if we keep heading in this direction.
Sally Wencel, Hixson
Workplace gay activism troubling
A local worker was subjugated to verbal conversations and visual displays by a gay activist who was more than simply a gay person at work. This individual was on a mission (her dress, body markings, conversation, jokes, etc.) to promote and change the thinking of co-workers to be more receptive of a gay lifestyle. As a Christian, adhering to the traditional view of a one-man, one-woman family unit, this worker felt compelled to share his views.
Seeking not to be threatening, or confrontational, the worker decided to hand the young lady a note. The communication seemingly was well received, and the next day at work she acknowledged having read it. However, after some three weeks when no change in her workplace activism was observed, a second note was given during break time.
This time, the young lady reported to management that she was offended by the note's content. Because of this "offensive" note, the concerned worker was sternly chastised, given a three-day suspension without pay, removed from the work team and assigned to another work area. Has the workplace become a sanctuary for the gay activist's agenda?
George C. Carlisle, Dalton, Ga.
Fear for a nation no longer under God
Most churches accept all people to attend their services. But you reported legal experts believe churches will not be required to perform gay weddings.
In like manner, most businesses accept all people as customers. Should bakers, photographers and all other Bible believers also not be required to provide their services to gay and lesbian weddings?
The Bible states very clearly, "You are not to sleep with a man as with a woman; it is detestable" (Leviticus 18:22). The Bible also labels homosexuality "a degrading passion, an unnatural relation, lust and a shameless act" (Romans 1:25-30).
Jesus Christ and Hillary Clinton are at odds: Hillary stated that religions must change their beliefs. Jesus stated, "Not a single letter will pass from the law" (Matthew 5:18). Christians, Jews, and Muslims all revere the first five books of the Bible. Will they all have to change?
Ronald Reagan said if America ever ceases to be a nation under God, it won't be long before we will be a nation gone under. Those of us who believe the Bible is the word of God fear for America.
Dr. Tom Herzog