Sound Off!

Monday, June 02, 2008

Well Said!

Subject: No Shelter from the Storm: Bob Dylan's Apocalypse

"And although he [Bob Dylan] doesn't get the airplay he once did and his albums don't sell as well, he still speaks his brand of truth to power."

Actually, his albums are selling better than ever before. Modern Times went straight to the top of the Billboard chart in the first week of release, making Dylan the oldest person ever to have a number one album. Time Out of Mind and "Love & Theft" were also top ten albums. Together with his relentless touring schedule of more than 100 shows a year, best-selling autobiography, Todd Haynes biopic and Scorsese documentary, art exhibitions in Germany and the UK and hit radio show, there is a good case for saying
that Dylan's influence today is greater than it has ever been.

Other than that, well said!

--Matthew Z

Attention

Subject: Impeach Bush If He Attacks Iran

Dear Mr. Whitehead,

I want to commend you on your excellent piece.

The headline, of course, is what drew my immediate attention. After reading every word I can only say that you expressed what I have been thinking for months, and you did it far better than I ever could. It is also interesting to note that in addition to General Fallon, other senior military leaders have been dropping by the wayside one by one throughout Bush's presidency, perhaps we should count Colin Powell as the first to go. The arrogance and aggressive actions of this president have been appalling.

Thank you.

Suzanne S.

Friday, May 23, 2008

Apology

Subject: Rev. Jeremiah Wright: Pariah or Prophet?

Since it is current, I will post my comments concerning your Reverend Wright article first. I read it today in our small Jasper, Georgia newspaper, the Pickens County Progress. Your general theme seems to be one of apology for his racist rants; notwithstanding, there are several factual errors. While you were quick to praise the work he and his church have done in the field of HIV prevention and treatment, you failed to mention one of the most egregious claims he has made- that the United States Government deliberately developed and spread the HIV virus as a tool to eradicate the black race. I'm sorry, there's no way you can "take this out of context". Little wonder, then, that you failed to mention it. I also fail to see how "God damn America" can be taken out of context. He is not stating a fact, he is asking for God's damnation on this country!

Service as a Marine does not ameliorate his unpatriotic remarks. One has only to remember that Lee Harvey Oswald was also a Marine; Timothy McVeigh was a regular army soldier. Benedict Arnold was a great patriot and freedom fighter, until he got passed over for promotion. I consider Wright's remarks to be no less treasonous than Arnold's actions; perhaps they are protected by First Amendment rights, but they are certainly not worthy of praise and adulation.

Hiding behind "black liberation theology" and the history of the black church won't mitigate his castigation, either. History is what it is- to be studied, interpreted, and acted upon. Reverend Wright's rhetoric is little different from the "Bloody Shirt" which the Radical Republicans waved for fifty years after the Civil War- meant to divide, arouse passions, and insure their continued political supremacy. I suspect Reverend Wright's motives are less theology, and more politics. In conclusion, your article seems to say that sound bites used to condemn Reverend Wright are all wrong. I wonder why you fail to rail against Democrats who use the same tactics? I have read and listened to many other explanations of Wright's rants, and my conclusion differs considerably from yours: he is as racist as David Duke, albeit coming from the left rather that the right (no pun intended).

With respect to your article on LTC McSally and her crusade not to be bound by Sharia law, I find myself straddling a wide ditch. On the one hand, I applaud her audacity to take on the system concerning special treatment for American women officers; I certainly have no love for their archaic practices. On the other hand, having grown up as an Army "brat", and spent seven and a half years on active duty, I feel you have won a pyrrhic victory. The military culture has changed glacially since my service in and before Vietnam, but reaction to one who "rocks the boat" is still omnipresent. Regardless of her sterling record, I doubt very seriously if she will ever be promoted to Colonel (O-6), or, if she should sneak by that, to Brigadier General (O-7). As we used to say, "She is dead meat to the vultures on the promotion board".

--William G.

Humane

Subject: Killing in Secret: Death by Lethal Injection

My question is, if they can euthanize an animal painlessly, for example as in that tragic horserace incident the other day, then why can't they execute prisoners that way? I personally do not believe in the death penalty myself, but as long as we have it, it should be as humane as possible.

--Alice L.

God Bless

Subject: Rev. Jeremiah Wright: Pariah or Prophet?

I thoroughly enjoyed the article- Rev Jeremiah Wright: Pariah or Prophet. I saw his interview with Bill Moyers and it was uplifting. He was poised, confident and truthful. Americans must face the dilemma that racism is still prevalent in the world. As difficult as it be we must face the truth and do something positive about it. We must all look at the "WHOLE PICTURE". Rev. Wright is telling his perspective and I agree with a lot of what he is saying. We must treat one another with respect and love one another as God loves us. It is not easy but if we don't try we will never reconcile our differences.

I commend you for your article. I think it was right on. Thank you for printing it. Hopefully it will change someone's heart.

God Bless You and God Bless America!!

--Rose B .

Monday, May 05, 2008

Point

Subject: Rev. Jeremiah Wright: Pariah or Prophet?

Point well made. Point taken. Thank you for being a voice of reason in such an unreasonable situation.

--Sandra D.

Friday, April 25, 2008

Rights

Subject: The End of Freedom in America?

I'm appalled at the attitude of this district and many other public groups that profess to stand for freedom and equal rights for everyone except Christians. We have see this before in dying cultures that have shriveled and died out through world history. Our great country was founded on the belief that all men should have freedom. We have enjoyed freedom "OF" religion since it's founding. The same separation of church and state line that's twisted by Christian haters is the very rule that allows us the RIGHT to practice our own religion without interference of the state. This case clearly interfere's with the Coach's rights to cChristian freedom. Although not requested, there also should be no reason why he couldn't join in on the students prayer if he wanted to. Key thought, if HE wanted to he has the right as a free American citizen. My opinion is; these type of cases should be addressed as hate crimes against Christians! Go after the organizations bringing the cases to court. Bring litigation against them for court costs and damages. I'm sure this has cost the tax payers of the district and the coach money. We need to stop defending and start going on the offensive when we're attacked. I of course mean in a non-violent way. Please keep me informed on the outcome of this case it's personal to me. Thank you for all the great work you do defending true freedom and justice.

--David P.

China Olympics

Subject: Chinese-Christians Are Paying a High Price for the Olympics

I'm so filled with rejoicing that a Christian organization is standing up to corporate greed shown in the Olympic organizing. Thank you for standing up for victims of corporate greed in this country who are losing their homes. You said the Pres. Bush should take a moral stand against the Chinese regime. Well, he probably won't. You see, it's the globalist interests that put him in office and blind evangelicals who
were tricked by GOP's "god-talk". The same neo-cons who laughed behind believer's back, according to David Kuo's book. It will be a real shame if these same corrupt ones win the '08 elections. Evangelicals erred greatly in 2000 and 2004 and many will not examine themselves about in. Maybe the Lord will deliver us from these leaders, but knowing the Lord, He brings more tribulation to nations that forsake Him. You can condemn a lot about the Democrats but this neocon group along with their talk-show propagandists, stay in power by lies and deceit. Christians should have no part with these iniquities.

Please share my feelings with others, especially those in leadership who tend to apologize with the political status quo.

Sincerely in Christ, Milt P.

Monday, March 31, 2008

Rainbow

Subject: The Millionaires Who Rule Us

In reference to your article 'The Rich who rule us' that I read in the Athens (GA) Banner-Herald: I have nothing against people becoming rich and enjoying life. We all want to security and health yet these objects of want for many people are becoming like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow...not real.

This is a great country but Americans are slow to understand the outcome of the continued way this country is going. Like boiling a frog, you put a frog in cold water and slowly heat up the water and over time the frog will become cooked. The American public is slowly being boiled and before anybody knows it there will be a corporation Bill of Rights taking the place of the Peoples Bill of Rights.

Thank you and please continue to shine the light into the darkness.

--Bill S.

Common Folk

Subject: The Millionaires Who Rule Us

I just read an article you wrote entitled "The millionaires who rule us". THANK You for a very well said article. I agree its time us "common folk" took back OUR government!!! Please let me know of other articles you write concerning this!!

--Joan B.

Morality

Subject: Kids Today Don't Stand a Chance

I agree with you 100% in your recent commentary, "Kids today don't stand a chance." As a parent of a preteen, I am deeply troubled about the advertisements, celebrities, TV shows, music lyrics, and books promoting sex to young people. It doesn't help when I am standing in the check out line at the grocery store with my twelve year old and she is looking at all of the lewd subtitles of teen fashion magazines. It appears we have lost all sense of morality. If something is not done soon to counteract the negative influences in our culture, I'm scared we could lose a generation of young people to the ways of the world. My sincere thanks for bringing this problem to everyone's attention.

--Stacie H.