An Email and Response
Dear Ken Huber,
It is my belief that since Americans are comprised of humans, that in some way it has always been the land of the special interest and double standard. In fact, I believe it was in the Euro-descendents special interest to drive the Native Americans out. Today we would say there is quite a double standard when the “Bible Belt” upheld slavery as a good Christian establishment. These are only two examples put in the simplest of terms, I could go no but I will not.
Let’s see… people lie. We’re broken. We are all created in this wonderful image of God, having the potential to do great things, perform miracles really, yet many of us can’t view ourselves the way we’re seen by God, so we lie, cheat, steal and act out of a greediness that can only stem from our horrible guilt and low self worth. People who dislike people because of skin color are racist, I think any other rational person would agree that there are many other valid reasons for disliking someone. Sometimes there might be a special need to look beyond one’s reasons for disliking and delve further into cultural differences and why they might exist. Often we are born into things and taught ways of living that seem to never be able to escape us. Do we have that power? Yes, but some people simply cannot believe in themselves enough to tap into it.
While we might spend money to rehabilitate criminals, we also spend millions keeping them criminals. If you have ever met a drug addict who desperately needs help yet has been released and recommended to participate in the government’s version of rehabilitation, i.e. methadone addiction, you might know what I’m talking about. While victims of crime might see little government help there are many non-profits that exist to serve them, most being beneficiaries of government funding for that very reason.
As a former public school teacher myself I know no one, not a single person, who taught homosexuality in the classroom. I am certain there are some out there, but I am also certain as many also talk about God. I must agree that killing an unborn child is wrong, however it is also wrong to execute a mass murderer. Not only is the cost of the death penalty astronomical, my personal reasons for disliking it is that I am not equipped to cast judgment on another’s soul, and that time sitting in a cell forever might be just what he or she needs to meet God and truly seek repentance. I wish that everyone who sins could meet this end (of meeting God), but to take away the chance from anyone is its own tragedy. Burning books or rewriting them is not something I am familiar with, although I am sure that at some point you have read something that you thought should be rewritten. Should we rewrite facts? No. But sadly for many years our history books of “facts” have been slanted to teach children only the facts and parts of facts that we either could not hide or wanted them to know.
Our threat is much bigger than capitalism, socialism, communism, any of the –isms. Our threat is a lion who comes to kill, steal, and destroy. I promise you that Mr. Obama, whatever you may think of him, is a human and cares a lot more for you than this lion does. If you are religious I pray that you see that thorough reading of the scriptures (not a one or even several line reading without context) will not lead you to believe he is part of Satan’s plan.
Our border with Mexico isn’t closed and it’s killing Americans and Mexicans (excuse me while I step away from the “fact” that it’s costing Americans money). Mexico and the U.S. must work together, the U.S. to tighten up our gun control and Mexico put together a plan for the drugs that are pouring into this country. Reasons why Mexicans are here: to escape a dangerous environment full of (the U.S.’s) guns that flow freely to drug lords because of OUR lack of gun control, OUR money that purchases the drugs, and OUR people that hire illegal immigrants for cheap labor. Are there reasons that the Mexican government needs to take care of as well? Of course, and I excuse none of the corrupt behavior that has led their people here. But your article was not directed at the Mexicans. Google child slavery in the U.S. and I bet you won’t find pictures of little white kids. The financial benefit we reap from that alone is probably more than you or I could ever imagine. It’s a tragedy what we’ve done in that situation and to desire to push out families without a solution is cruel and far away from any of the morals that I hold dear.
American lives have no more value than Mexican, Chinese, Italian, Sudanese, Nigerian…. Our land is God’s land. The Bible says to welcome the alien. Hebrews were long considered aliens in lands they inhabited. Protesting against policies is an individual’s choice, rights are God given and if burning a flag makes you feel better (although I do not know why it would), but I don’t think any of that makes you a terrorist or anything else, most likely just a person with anger issues.
If I can have a nativity scene on my front lawn I am still freer than many Christians living in this world. Why would I want to force my decoration on someone rather than being able to share the story with them in love and joy? It’s such a small thing, a plastic Jesus in a barn, out of the many things we are blessed with. Pornography is a sad problem, and I hope more leaders out there speak out and offer support for such a sad addiction that has affected so many.
However there are many issues that have exploded with the invent of the world wide web, each one another tragedy to lay on the shoulders of the world. There is money taken from those who work hard, but I believe many of the recipients of those moneys probably do want to work. If not, have you thought about volunteering in a local non-profit to educate in resume, computer and typing skills? Many people just lack the skill building and opportunity that you and I have had.
Parenting exists and in fact I see great strides. Once upon a time fathers had very little responsibility (have you seen those magazine ads from the 50s?!?!) but more and more are stepping in to be part of their kid’s lives. The green movement is motivating people to be healthy and while demise in this area has been grave, there is hope ahead. Sadly many factors contribute to the high diagnosis and medication of the social, mental and emotional disorders we are seeing today.
If you take me to mean I want to give everyone a handout you take me wrong. I want to give everyone a chance to see a different future for them self. Will some take advantage? Of course, we’re human. Some always will. As for the ever increasing disasters we are faced with, I don’t think any man would know how to handle those situations. Now, I am not saying either reaction was right, only that until we hold the office of President we will never know the amount of red tape, strategic planners, etc. etc. that have to be gone through. I pray that the best that can be done is done.
Government is corrupt and will probably always be so. Think of Jesus living under the Roman Empire. However much he hated it, he did not concern himself with it. He concerned himself with making disciples who could spread God’s love to the ends of the earth. For the first time ever he purported that people were equal. The best we can do is to support those around us, as equals, and answer to a higher authority. Walk like Jesus. Open your arms and bring as much of heaven here to earth as possible. Because that is what the light of Jesus in your life has the opportunity to do.
Lastly, I don’t think the land of the free and the home of the brave ever truly existed. Since our inception someone has been held in slavery, whether for the cheap import of our goods or services we felt was somehow beneath us, and while yes, there are indeed brave men and women here, so there are everywhere. We, a world, were created in the beautiful image of God. Now try to open your eyes and see the good, help a brother and lean not on your empire to take care of you but the mercy, grace and love of a Father.
*I apologize if this is ineloquent or offensive in any way. It is only a reflection of my personal convictions and experiences.
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If this doesn’t help you or you think I’m crazy, sorry. Like I said, I’m not a dieter and I’m from the South (unhealthy eating is sometimes a requirement)!
