I would like to make a couple of points about a letter published on Dec. 28. The writer states “We [he and the Pope] both feel that the most fortunate should do what we can for the less fortunate, not the less fortunate work as slaves for the most fortunate like far-right Tea Partiers believe.”

What slaves? When you make inflammatory and incendiary assertions about the existence of slaves in America, you are obligated to provide evidence. Who and where are these slaves? Who and where are these slave owners? You also need to provide sources so we can judge the veracity of your assertion. I cannot understand why the Eric Holder’s justice department is not prosecuting these slave owners. After all, I believe slavery has been outlawed in America for about 150 years. You also assert that Tea Partiers believe in slavery. Where is the evidence? We need to know the identities of the Tea Partiers along with the quotes from these individuals, and your sources so we can judge your interpretation of the statements made by these Tea Partiers.

You are also displaying your totalitarian impulses, by emphatically agreeing that you are willing to impose your beliefs on other Christians, non-Christians and non-believers. How does that square with a definition of political freedom — i.e. freedom from the coercion of others? You also go on to say that you want “to help our fellow brothers in any way you can.” If you want to assume that as your obligation, using your own resources, I recognize your right to do so. However, from the tone of your letters, it appears that you are more than willing to impose on others obligations that you have taken upon yourself, “in any way you can.” Since you didn’t mention any limitations, can we assume this includes prison? Torture? Disfigurement?

 

George Lundstrom
Albert Lea