Will we ever know the truth?
In 1689, after two English civil wars between political and religious enemies, Anglicans and Puritans, John Locke wrote “An Essay Concerning Human Understanding.”
His message was humans do not understand enough about the truth to justify persecuting each other. This idea is the foundation of American tolerance. Capitol stormers, huddled congresspersons, and fake news journalists would do well to remember it.
As I watched YouTube videos of testimony before a Georgia legislative committee by data analysts alleging votes were switched from Trump to Biden during the recent presidential election, I also read newspaper articles asserting Trump’s claims of voter fraud were baseless. Both cannot be true.
However, what these writers and testifiers all had in common was they did not know the truth, but they spoke as if they did. What was really baseless was their certainty.
I am not saying people cannot know the truth. The fact I can write this letter on my cellphone testifies to human technological insight. And I ardently desire to know the truth (except when I greatly do not want to hear it).
But did Biden win fair and square? I don’t know. Say it with me: I. Don’t. Know.
Brian Hale, Red Bank
Faith leaders appeal to better angels
As faith leaders, we recognize that millions of people around the world have spent the past month celebrating important days in their faith traditions.
For Christians, Jan. 6, was the day of Epiphany – a day to celebrate the story of wise ones seeking Jesus by following a star. Yet on that day, faithful people and citizens everywhere were overwhelmed by the news of rioters descending upon our nation’s Capitol building, incited by the president.
This violent attempt to intimidate and/or harm members of Congress and to overturn a free and fair election in America was terrifying.
We lament that some who engaged in such violence did so bearing the symbols of faith. We denounce the ongoing calls for violence coming from too many corners of our nation.
In our traditions, love, justice, mercy and peace are at the very center – and are non-negotiable values.
We believe that our actions matter. We call upon our siblings from all faiths to stand with us. We call upon our leaders to uphold their oaths of office and appeal to their better angels.
Signed on behalf of a coalition of 36 clergy from across the faith traditions of Chattanooga,
Rev. April Berends, Rev. Matt Busby, Rev. Brandon Gilvin, JaMichael Jordan Sr., Rabbi Craig Lewis, Rev. Cathy Meyer, Pastor Jonathan Thomas, Rev. Brad Whitaker, Rev. Charlotte S.N.N.Williams, Rev. Candace Worth
Will treat Biden like Trump treated
I am writing to say that I am now going to be treating Biden and the Democrats (commies) just like they treated Trump.
I will now be bailing out any conservative peaceful marchers (rioters) from jail.
I will now not accept Biden’s win just like the lefties did from 2016 to 2020.
I will say that Biden is not my president and that he is stupid, racist and communist.
I will support his impeachment and removal when we take over the House and Senate in 2022.
I will support a special prosecutor.
I will fire any lefty employees just because I do not agree with their politics.
Biden will not be my president, and I will not support him in any way whatsoever. I am a member of the right resistance.
I will cancel anyone who supports Biden and will not buy any products that these companies push.
I will not listen to one word a Democrat says, writes, broadcasts or otherwise utters.
I know I left out something, but I want to thank the Bolsheviks for their example.
Tim Price, Hixson