Opinion

'The Capitol Hillbillies'

Dear Editor:

Most people have heard about the salmonella outbreak that has sickened at least 57 people in 16 states and forced JBS Tolleson—one of the nation’s largest meat producers—to recall nearly 7 million pounds of ground beef. Relatively few people, however, have thought about all the cows who were killed to make this meat, which is now just being tossed out. We mustn’t overlook their needless deaths.

October 9, 2018

Dear Elder Uchtdorf,

That’s from our American ‘Pledge of Allegiance’.  It was America's credo, our sacred belief.  It’s still recited in many classrooms nationwide every morning before school begins, just as ‘The Star-Spangled Banner‘ is sung before football games and other sporting events in America.  

While the nation’s media revels with unbridled enthusiasm over the newest reality television show, ‘Christine Blasey Ford vs. Brett Kavanaugh’, and as new sexual depravity allegations surface against Kavanaugh, I wonder if this spectacle within our democracy exemplifies decency in peril, or hypocrisy in play?  Truth be damned.  The term “reality” should inherently mean truth, but we can’t seem to get the truth out of any of our leaders and lawmakers, or anyone. 

(Truth: The quality or state of being true.  True: In accordance with fact or reality.) 

Dear Editor,

I just learned that there is a World Day for Farm Animals, coming up on October 2nd (Gandhi's birth date). It's intended to memorialize the billions of animals abused and killed for food each year.

Like many others, I always thought of farm animals as "food on the hoof." But, after watching the deeply moving feature film okja on Netflix, I realized that a farm animal is much like our family dog, fully deserving of compassion and respect.

I know what you’re saying to yourself ...‘Oh, no, not another negative opinion of President Trump’s executive performance from some know-nothing outsider.’  Well, yeah, that’s what this is, but with a bit of historical insight and a perspective that you might appreciate and find useful in your own dealings with your fellow man, boss, government official ...or woman, as the case may be.

Dear Editor,

As "The Big Bang Theory" CBS juggernaut rolls into a record 12th season on September 24th, most of the gang exploring mysteries of the universe have gone vegan, opting for plant-based eating. Leading actress Kaley Cuoco (Penny) also campaigns against Canadian slaughter of baby seals. Mayim Bialik (Amy) and Kunal Ayyar (Raj) are asking the U.S. to join European Union in ending cruel cosmetic testing on animals. Johnny Galecki (Leonard) did it for personal health.

Sept. 18, 2018

Satan is the author of confusion, especially sexual orientation and gender confusion in Transyltopsyturvia; a place the American Library Association likes to take children during their "Drag Queen Story Hour"  to help them identify with "queer role models" and, I suspect, to prepare them for their first encounter with non-conforming sex organs in rest, shower and locker rooms. 

Dear Editor:                                                  A Lost America

America lost its love for God and lost its soul.

We forgot “the first and great commandment,” “Thou shalt love thy God with all thy heart, soul, and mind.” And the second, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” Jesus said, “On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”

We forgot, forgive or you won’t be forgiven.  And of course, “Love your enemy.’