Billy Graham condemned sin, but he wasn’t hateful
Condemning sin isn’t ‘spewing hate’
In response to “I question honoring Graham at Capitol” (Feb. 26 Forum):
Forum writer Bob Giliberti accused Billy Graham of spewing hatred against people of differing sexual orientations for decades. Billy Graham preached the word of God from Scripture, which clearly condemns all sexual sin and specifically names homosexuality. Billy Graham never hated any person. He actually played a great part in breaking down barriers between whites and blacks and even people in other countries of the world. A great man, and he deserves this honor of lying in state in the U.S. Capitol for those who want to pay respect.
Margie Jones, Lincolnton
Billy Graham was more than a leader
In response to “Billy Graham was human, not God” (Feb. 27 Forum):
Yes, Billy Graham was human, but he wasn’t just a charismatic speaker who attracted many listeners. He brought many people to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. As a Christian, I believe that is the most important decision a person will make in their lifetime since it has eternal ramifications. And yes, contrary to Forum writer Kenneth Schammel’s opinion, he was a humble man. If he were still alive, I’m sure he would be a little embarrassed by all this attention ( human worship). He always gave glory to God and Jesus Christ, not himself.
Perry Holland, Charlotte
Conservatives, what is your hard line?
Given the unrest that’s increasingly apparent in the land, here’s a question for the conservative supporters of the present administration: Is there a line beyond which you would consider the actions of Trump too controversial to affect your support? Is there a value too important to be trampled?
If so, there are many of us who would very much like to know where the line is drawn. It might help us to rest easier knowing there is the potential for some measure of civility and morality and governance.
Michael Mosley, Charlotte
Campaign finance reform is the key
There is only one thing that needs to be done to get control of our gun violence problem: change how campaign funds are raised.
If politicians had only their constituents or future constituents to raise money from, not anyone from outside their district or jurisdiction, they would be forced to talk and listen to their constituents for once. We restrict donations to presidential campaigns to only U.S. citizens. Why should anyone from New York or California have anything to say about what we do here in North Carolina? And vice versa.
Constant fundraising has corrupted our system. Our elected leaders say they are listening to the American people, but the only people they listen to are their donors. We the People has been replaced with We the Donors.
Jack Flynn, Charlotte
Don’t compare gun deaths and abortion
In response to “Care also about the unborn children” (Feb. 26 Forum):
Would someone please let Forum writer Celia Powell know that abortion in this country is legal? Her comment regarding Planned Parenthood is irrelevant.
Margaret Hough, Belmont
Mental health isn’t a laughing matter
In response to “Psychologists can't protect us from guns” (Feb. 27 Forum):
Forum writer Windy White’s misportrayal of E.T. Shafer’s proposal to have a trained psychologist in each school isn’t funny. Attending to the emotional needs of children seems like a smart way of identifying potential problems before they’re out of control. Putting brains before brawn isn’t meant to out-gun anyone, silly. It’s meant to address the root problem. I would only suggest adding in each school a team of social workers or counselors for the psychologist to refer youth who would benefit from counseling.
Kelly Scherer, Charlotte
Evolution of U.S. foreign policy
So President Trump has requested a Soviet-style military parade in Washington, with jets overhead and troops marching down Pennsylvania Avenue.
What a difference a century makes.
Teddy Roosevelt (R) U.S. President 1901-1909: “Speak softly, and carry a big stick.”
Donald Trump (R) U.S. President 2018: “Tweet loudly, and carry a big shtick.”
Jim and Kate Culbreth, Charlotte
This story was originally published February 27, 2018 at 6:05 PM with the headline "Billy Graham condemned sin, but he wasn’t hateful."