WCR Letters to the Editor

I choose to bless Israel

For example, the invasion of Israel by five Arab armies hours after nationhood was declared. Israel is surrounded by 21 comparatively huge, hostile Arab nations who have vowed for decades to "drive the Zionists into the sea."

The very existence of a military nation of Jews is an affront to Muslims who have the image of the ghetto Jew in their psyche.

And let's remember the ultimate catalyst in the formation of modern Israel, the Holocaust. The Jews were right to conclude that they are only safe in their own country.

Yet Zyp would have yet another hostile Arab nation squeezed between Israel and Lebanon - and they would continue to be hostile. Arabs don't have Israel on their maps. Doesn't that tell us something?

No, the Palestinians, rather than be welcomed into a brother Arab nation, are a convenient rallying point for those who would disparage God's still-chosen people.

But as God said to Abraham, "I will bless them that bless you and curse him that curses you." I choose to bless Israel.

Arynne Hempstock
Vegreville

Canada shows signs of losing Christian values

I will give you some examples. It appears that our public school systems have to fight to keep the prayer Our Father in the classrooms for fear it might offend someone.

Our prime minister abstained from mentioning God or Jesus Christ in the funeral service off Peggy's Cove and also in the memorial after the Sept. 11, 2001 disaster.

I understand that some people find crosses at the Armistice Day memorials also offensive.

What about Christ in Christmas? Must we fight to keep the spiritual meaning of Christmas? Must our leaders not send Christmas greetings that have a spiritual message?

What about swearing on the Bible? Is this also soon to be dropped completely?

Are we going to remove the phrase "God keep our land . . ." from the O Canada?

On the other hand, I see that President Bush is not afraid to mention God often in his broadcasts and he leads his countrymen in God Bless America.

When we Canadians visit Muslim countries our women must wear proper clothing and we must learn the customary traditions of their culture.

I believe that this is political correctness gone crazy. Is this what the Charter of Rights has done to our Christian country? The identity that our founding fathers gave our country is slowly being eroded.

I can only wonder, what about our rights and how long will it take before they remove the status quo by protests from the minority.

We Christians must speak out and let our leaders know that we the majority treasure the efforts of our forefathers and wish to keep God in Canada. I urge everyone to write letters to our political leaders in support of this matter.

Cecile Gannon
Edmonton

Letter writer experienced harassment

A responsible newspaper editor will print such letters as he sees fit, ensuring no slanderous or libellous remarks are therein contained. In this regard, Mr. Argan is to be commended for his professionalism.

Letters recently printed in the WCR in response to a letter I earlier submitted contained some very insightful comments, and although I may not agree with some of the points raised, all are nonetheless well worth listening to.

There are other responses however, that one might not automatically expect when writing the editor of a newspaper. Anonymous telephone calls or letters in the mail are completely uncalled for, as are any other forms of response where the respondent chooses to use a platform where they are able to vilify the letter writer without fear of rebuttal, safe from having their own opinions challenged.

Intolerant responses such as these show a complete lack of respect for one's right to free speech, and certainly no interest whatsoever in entering into a dialogue where others' points of view may be better understood.

I had certainly expected better from those members of the WCR's readership who chose to stoop to such base tactics.

Jim Verreault
Red Deer

Labour conditions worse than slavery

Actually it is worse than slavery. Slaves were actually better treated when slavery was allowed. They were fed well and the children well looked after as they were future saleable stock.

Now a day's wages are so low that people cannot afford the basic needs of food, clothing, shelter and access to modern medicines. I think I would rather be a slave if I had my choice.

I read in the Edmontonian an article by Bruce Hogle that over 40,000 children go to school hungry every day. Wow! I keep seeing these Third World children all skin and bones and crying.

Is this corporate greed, government waste? I don't know all the answers but I suppose that would be a good start. This kind of apathy by our affluent society, greedy corporations, self-serving Klein kingdoms makes me weep.

Where have all the so-called Christians gone? Hiding behind their computers and televisions?

Heinz Weibel
Edmonton

Vatican learns from Taliban

This article, which appeared in a Canadian Catholic paper, I find very deplorable.

Most of our Canadian bishops want the Church to be inclusive, both in its liturgical talk and walk. As a pastor, I'm obliged to accept and welcome girls who want to serve at the Lord's table and not only just use them. They have a right to be there, equally with the boys.

Sometimes I think, and it makes me sad, that the Vatican, in issuing documents like that one, is not unlike the Taliban in the way it treats little girls and women. Who knows, maybe boys shy away from serving in a Church which treats their mothers like that, and their girl friends.

Reading an article like that in a Western Canadian Catholic paper makes one want to bend her head in shame, to cry in a remote place, and pray silently, "Father, forgive them. They just don't understand!"

Fr. Maurice Joly, omi
Fort Macleod

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