NORTHWEST TERRITORIES — First I must applaud Bill Dykes (Public Viewpoint, April 20) for the long service he rendered to the United States in the military - very admirable.
However, his take on same sex marriage is a point in the wrong direction in several ways - biblically, constitutionally, institutionally, morally, and an abnormality for most living creatures.
It is well documented that the Bible is against same-sex marriage. Constitutionally it is against the very first amendment: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” Institutionally, marriage (the union) between a man and a woman has been defined and instilled in societies throughout the history of mankind. Morally, it violates the morals of most civilized societies in the world, and finally, it goes against the very nature of lesser living creatures.
Mankind is the highest level of intelligence on Earth and even among lesser creatures, same-sex relationships are not the norm.
To mention the codification of same-sex marriage is yet another attack on the very spiritual fabric that has made this country what it is today. Richard McKeehan said it very concisely and candidly in a letter to the editor on April 18: The Bible is America’s foundation.
In addition, it is contrary to the Defense Of Marriage Act signed by Bill Clinton in 1996.
That they (same-sex partners and activists) serve our country so admirably does not give them the right to rebuke the Kingdom of God, our Constitution, long held society rules and morals and the sexual nature of most living creatures.
Their and your efforts, Mr. Dykes, to legalize same-sex marriage are actually ignoble.
Same-sex marriage is an abomination.
HIRAM B. COOPER JR. / Bella Vista
BRIDGE COULD DISAPPEAR
I have questions about Benton County government, especially our county judge. I live by a bridge called Fisher Ford over the Illinois River south of Siloam Springs that has been closed for several years. It has left us without all emergency services - fire, ambulance, police.
The only bridge the county has fixed is over War Eagle. They spent hundreds of dollars on it and wanted it done two days before the festival. It kind of makes you wonder if souvenirs are worth more than life and limb.
I have tried to talk to Judge Clinard. He didn’t listen. So I guess we just take our chances and watch the old bridge fall in the river and pay our property taxes.
CHARLIE CEARLEY / Siloam Springs
Opinion, Pages 5 on 05/10/2011