Gun deaths, abortions show nation pushing God away
In his commentary on gun-related fatalities (Oct. 12), Michael Shermer quoted a CDC statistic stating that an average of 30,000 gun-related fatalities take place in the U.S. each year. Including years since 1970, the staggering total is 1.35 million deaths over that 45-year time span. Although Shermer did not include the causes, one could assume the death toll included murder, suicide, justifiable homicide and careless handling of guns.
Let me share another staggering statistic. The tragic consequences of Roe v. Wade have resulted in the deaths of 57.5 million innocent babies since 1973, and they were all murders. These statistics for abortions were taken from the Guttmacher Institute because the CDC has not counted abortions from California and New Hampshire since 1998 and has not counted abortions from five other states for various years from 1998 through 2011. Abortions and gun-related deaths are indicators of how sick our nation has become and are the direct result of "trying" to kick God, our creator and redeemer, out of every facet of society.
Robert F. Miller, Hixson
Editorial cartoon distorts truth
The Mike Luckovich cartoon depicting that an active shooter could make it inside the Capitol building (Oct. 8 Times editorial page) is completely false and is an attempt to frighten the general public. The Capitol is one of the most heavily guarded civilian buildings in the country, not to mention the many private armed bodyguards politicians have with them at all times.
I agree some benefit might come from doctors and family members being encouraged to report mentally ill people to the proper authorities to help prevent them from legally obtaining a firearm. But can you imagine the field day lawyers would have suing the person/doctor who reported these people?
Remember, a large percentage of elected political offices are held by lawyers. I doubt they would vote to protect the whistle-blowers from suits and cut into their income.
The cartoon suggests the Capitol is a "gun-free zone." It absolutely is not. Why not spend our time trying to pass reasonable laws to help make our schools safer by taking away the label "gun-free zone"? Give teachers/guards/students the same chance to repel an armed intruder and live that you have in your own workplace?
William Neeley
America reaching the tipping point
John Stossel made an interesting point that fairness is not the same as justice. Our Constitution provides for the pursuit of happiness. It does not mean life is fair or government is to make it fair; it is to assure justice. Yet, President Obama, his administration and most liberals consider government redistribution of wealth to be essential to the pursuit of happiness. This conflicts with our concept of justice, the right to private property, restrictions on search and seizure, protection from crime.
The government itself has become the greatest threat to justice for individuals. Who of our Founding Fathers would have considered the Affordable Care Act anything but government injustice? Everyone should accept paying taxes for protection - our armed forces, police and firemen. We should be willing to provide for those few citizens unable to fend for themselves. But 40 million Americans on food stamps; what nonsense! We continue to move away from the precepts of the Constitution toward a socialist state where the individual is subservient to the left's perceived needs of the masses. Political scientists have said when 50 percent of the population becomes dependent on government, the society is doomed. God help us.
Gene Rogers
Moms' help needed now
Does your son have a gun? Does he carry a gun? Ask if you don't know.
Turning guns into officials now could prevent you and your family from the embarrassment and heartache of having to attend a trial for robbery or a shooting later on. Getting guns out of the hands of your loved ones and out of your house now could prevent you from having to visit your precious family member in prison for several months or even the rest of your life.
Wouldn't it be worth it to know that you would not have to go through such an ordeal?
Mothers - act now - Don't wait until it's too late.
Bob Rock
Size-challenged called to protest
In an era of political correctness - of choosing every word, gesture and facial expression so no one is offended - I am appalled that no one has pointed out the insensitivity of tall people to stature-challenged individuals. Tall people look down on me. When will the ACLU come to my defense? When will the liberal/progressives point out this disparity?
Since Donald Trump seems to have a solution for every problem, perhaps he can address this deplorable situation. Hillary Clinton, being a strong advocate for women's rights, should also voice her repulsion since there are many diminutive females.
I think there should be a revolt of all size-inhibited people to rectify this deplorable state of affairs. Shrimps of the world, rise up and make your voice heard even if you have to stand on a chair!
Dale Yoder
Obama, Congress utter failures
For the 51 percent who got sucked in on "change," here are some thoughts about the man you believed in: "I will have the most transparent administration." "I have shovel-ready jobs." "The IRS is not targeting anyone." "You can keep your doctor." "You can keep your health care plan." "I'm sorry you lost your health care."
It's very disturbing that for the past seven years we had an attorney general who would pick and choose which laws he would enforce, and the Congress did nothing. We have people on the Supreme Court who make laws, and Congress does nothing. We have a White House that ignores the laws, and Congress does nothing. Can someone tell me why we need Congress?
Jim Rice, McDonald, Tenn.
UT fan will miss Steve Spurrier
Head Ball Coach, hate to see you leave the SEC, but I know you will never leave the game entirely. You are one of the few I have loved to hate. Being an East Tennessee product, I was always interested why you were so inflamed at UT. As I grew older and became familiar with the story I kind of understand. Your smirks during your reign at Florida disgruntled most UT fans, but we still didn't seem to mind losing to one of our own as much as losing to an outsider. It's a sad day for the SEC as well as college football. You could come home to the state I know you love but, of course, the golf is much better along the coast.
Mark Arnold, Soddy-Daisy
Bias of wire stories slammed
Reprinting liberally biased articles from The Associated Press and The New York Times distorts any appearance of being an objective and accurate publisher. Do you laugh as hard as I do when you read your slogan about "- impartiality, without fear or favor"? Perhaps your circulation would improve if you were sincere about objective news reporting.
Chuck Chamawskas
Use Bible verses in context
People writing letters to the editor about Ron Ramsey's "Our Enemies Are Armed, We Must Do Likewise," do not know the context of what they are quoting. The verses refer to declaring war, large or small.
The real crux of the Ramsey quote is stated by Jesus Christ in Luke 22:36. "But now, he who has the money bag, let him take it and likewise a sack; And he who has no sword, let him sell his garments and buy one." This is the proper context referring to "defending yourself when and if it is absolutely needed." Jesus knew we would need weapons sometime in our lives to protect country, home and family.
Why people do not know the word of God or the Holy Spirit to discern is beyond me. In these last days we better get it right or many people will be persecuted and die needlessly. We will pray for these letter writers.
Robert D. Henry