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| Wednesday, March 23, 2005 Terri Schiavo Infants, people terminally ill in hospice care, etc, etc. Why is it different in her case? In addition, she IS different from many that we do allow to die from the removal of a feeding and hydration tube (it is more accurate to say she will die from dehydration rather than starvation, and of course you KNOW this), and the reason SHE is different is that she HAS no brain with which to sense any pain or discomfort that might result. Her cerebral cortex has either virtually or totally gone, and has been replaced by spinal fluid. Even if she were going to have pain, she would not be able to sense it, nor would she react to it in a conscious way. Experts say Terri Schiavo would experience no discomfort if allowed to die, as the part of her brain that experiences pain is not functioning. If it is okay to remove feeding and hydration tubes for others, why not for her? And lastly, there have been studies that have documented that this is not a painful procedure that causes suffering. I am sure that the symptoms you describe easily could happen, however, I believe doctors who say that patients report that it is not painful or distressing. YOU, on the other hand, are obviously trying to manipulate emotions, rather than deal with facts. Shame on you. I would prefer that we NOT have to allow anyone to die. I would prefer that we treat people in Terri Schiavo's condition with more consideration, and treat her family and friends with more empathy, and find an easier, less dramatic way to allow her to die. WE do not force our pets to die in this way. There ARE better ways to die, certainly - quicker, and less obnoxious ways. But Terri's stated wishes were to not live like this, and I DEMAND that we honor her wishes. Multiple judicial powers have examined this evidence, and have said that there is clear and convincing evidence that she would not want to live like this. Why will YOU not honor her wishes? Sue Runyon Terri Schiavo I hope God and the Angels are with Terri and they continue to watch and bless her. Her life is hers and no one has the right to take it from her but God. Peace and blessing to her. Sincerely, Renee M. Antaya Newington CT "The Slow, Horrible Death of Terri Schiavo" Your words hurtful to those of us who have provided loving, gentle care, as we watched a loved one, without a feeding tube, die as peacefully as possible. You describe the agony of a starvation death as it would occur with no care. You know that would not be the care if Terri Schiavo's body was allowed to die while in Hospice care. You use these words to incite, not to explain. You should be ashamed of yourself. David Wills Hico, WV "The Slow, Horrible Death of Terri Schiavo" I have witnessed deaths exactly as you have described. I have served in long-term care facilities as a speech-language pathologist overseeing cases of dysphagia secondary to neurodegeneration. As such, I have worked with numerous people whose advance directives were based more upon aversion to needles and tubes than any knowledge regarding the realities of dehydration and progressive tissue wastage. I have worked also with people who had provided no directive, but whose next of kin insisted--too often from a distance--upon an idealized "death with dignity." During one 9-month stint, I literally lost count of the number of such torturous exits I legally was bound to stand by and watch, more than once being chided for efforts to provide some palliative intervention, and for many months afterwards, the moans and cries of those who shriveled out of existence, or who slowly drowned on fluids they could not swallow, made up much of my mental landscape night and day in a journey through post-traumatic stress. Not a reactionary by my own lights, and unwilling to misspell the name of God using the letters "G-O-P," I simply am horrified over this particularly egregious instance of clinical and humanitarian imperatives being obscured by legalism and politics. I appreciate your efforts to tell the most unpleasant truth of this matter. Please let me know if I can be of assistance. God bless you, and God help us all. Merlin L. Taylor, Jr., Ph.D., CCC-SLP Postdoctoral Research Fellow Center for Childhood Deafness (CCD) Boys Town National Research Hospital (BTNRH) Omaha, NE An attorney and an author, but not a doctor You're article began with a factual and logical discussion of the Terri Schiavo case, but as with most politically motivated articles, you fell into mis-truths and emotion - the signs of a weak argument. Check out the last paragraph on the link below. Medical doctors (not politicians pretending to be them) conclude that Terri will not feel any of the horrific effects that you list. Your use of scare tactics and trying to convince the public based on how this issue effects society's humaneness (at condoning death by starvation), paint you in the same light as Mrs. Schaivo's parents -someone acting out of selfish reasons and not in the best interest in the patient. You, Congress, and the Bush family should stick to politics. http://www.newsday.com/news/health/ny-hsveg194182499mar19,0,103377.story?coll=ny-health-headlines Regards, Michael J Vanderpool Death by starvation Bob Leugers Excellent article, thank you Best wishes, Hugh Higgins in response to your article about Terri Schiavo See these references: a news article from Reuters: http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N21349374.htm a report on Persistent Vegetative States from the American Medical Association: http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/upload/mm/369/ceja_report_019.pdf I believe that it is highly irresponsible to give medically inaccurate information as if it is fact in what seems to be an opportunistic attempt to convince people of your own opinion, beliefs, and political agenda. - Jack Aponte Terri Schiavo You are wrong about the Schiavo case. I don't think that most of us have enough information to comment. I do know, however, that her death will not be slow and horrible as you inaccurately describe. She will be kept comfortable. She's not stranded on a desert island alone. She is being provided comfort care in a hospice by nurses and doctors. I think it would be nice to know what she was like before she suffered her irreversible brain damage. I know she was bulemic which is what led to her cardiac arrest. What was her relationship with her parents? We know her marriage was sound. But why don't we know about her life during her first 25 years. That's what we should think about. If we could imagine the comparison of her life then as it is now, maybe we could understand why she would not have wanted to be maintained as a a shell of emptiness who happens to have a heart beat and breathes on her own. Pam Kincheloe poor Terri Reading your piece on Google News, I am reminded of how sad how society treats human life. The so-called Right to Life crowd has made this poor girl a poster child to their awful prayers. Meanwhile, a good number of them think nothing of putting children to death for capital crimes. Antonin Scalia just goes beserk at the anti death-penalty crowd who thinks the death penalty, however deserved in some cases, has any class or race issues to it. And, the same right-to-lifers are adamant that war is necessary in defending a nation's right to run its empire. If Iraq was an imminent threat because of its W.M.D. ("we know where it is," Herr Commandant Rumsfeld told the press), or was using distorted intelligence as just a way to switch the War on Terror to invading and occupying that tyranny, while our buddies the Saudis and Pakistanis can do what they will, then so be it. Let the architect of that bloody mess be made Head of the World Bank. The real tragedy of this weekend's side show over this poor brain-dead girl is the use of our government to force families to keep loved ones alive at a time when our nation's health-health of the uninsured, health of the working poor, and health of poor children, goes forsaken. Let's pray that those who claim to be pro-life are also concerned with the quality of life for our poor. Rick Zollo Schiavo I have read your article and respect your opinion but contrary to your article, removing a feeding tube may be a slow death but many respected individuals in the health professional would deny that it is painful. The way the body responds to no food and hydration is to shut down the kidneys, lower the blood pressure and increase the heart rate, the brain responds by releasing endorphins which place the body in a state of euphoria. It is my understanding from reading the newspaper that Terri is under the care of Hospice; therefore, she is under the care of a team of very caring and educated individuals who will address her specific needs and make her as comfortable as possible. Sincerely, Nancy Corr Schiavo case I don’t know if starvation is a torturous affair, but most certainly our government’s approval of rendition of prisoners is a torturous affair. Hypocrisy has never been so well defined. Congress: Protectorate of the brain-dead and the unborn. The worst evil is evil done under the guise of righteousness. They are using her tormented body as their political football. But then, maybe I am being too harsh and judgmental of Congress, and should assume the best intentions. Maybe what I’m seeing is simply one brain-dead body empathizing with another. A side note. I find it ironic that bulimia likely contributed to Terri’s current condition, and Congress won’t stop feeding her. George Greenwald Medford, OR. slow death Amy Jones Chapman Terri Schiavo's Dignity Society is not "depriving this poor soul of her humanity." However, it is depriving her of her dignity and her right to decide what constitutes "quality of life" for her. Concerning "a slow, horrible death", all of the "terrible" things you say will happen to her are an uninformed litany of possibilities; not even probabilities. I do not claim to be an expert, but I do have training and experience working with patients who had feeding and hydration withheld, at their request or the requests of healthcare surrogates. They died without displaying any of the gory or sickening occurrences you say will happen. I'm not saying they won't occur in Mrs. Schiavo's case, but how about just portraying what could happen. As far as "a slow, horrible death", how can you be so sure that she hasn't been suffering an even slower, more horrible death for the last 15 years? Maybe she is aware of what is happening around and to her......... Maybe her reaction to her father's presence is one of thankfulness that her wishes are finally being honored. One more question since you are so aware of what "the public is not aware of". What is you definition and list of symptoms for one who dies what you think is being deprived of Mrs. Schiavo, someone who dies an apparently fast (or timely) good death? Jim Schmidt Your Article on Terri Schiavo If your description of death by starvation is designed to invoke horror regarding this brain dead woman being denied the right to die, it should also invoke horror regarding the daily starvation of children and adults around the globe. If you can muster up a powerful image to invoke sympathy for this woman, why not use your writing skills to prode action to stop the world's hungar and starvation? Let me guess why? Cause there is nothing in it for you. No regards, Wayne Russell Terri Schiavo I understand that Teri Schiavo's husband is living with another woman. I do not think it is right to have a spouse publicly and continuously living in adultery and allowed to make decision for their spouse. Think about it! How would you feel if your spouse was adulterous and made decisions that affect you? Please save Teri Schiavo from her husband's decision. There should be a law to prevent this. Thank you. In His Service, Priscilla James Terri I agree with conservative, southern baptist, pro-life Judge Greer that Terri's wishes were to die. If ever I didn't have a cerebral cortex, I would want the tube to be pulled as well. Terri is not "less fortunate." According to qualified neurologists, no one has ever recovered from her condition and no one without a cerebral cortex can grow a new one. It's simply gone. In that condition, I would want to be allowed to die, as my Lord had wanted already 15 years ago before unnatural medical science interfered with his plans for me. How heartless. Lastly, Terri Schiavo doesn't feel pain. That part of her brain has been destroyed. She is already unconcious, as numbers and numbers of people are already testifying. She feels nothing. Terri's wish was to die. You can call that heartless if you want to but I stand by Terri's decision and continue praying that idiots who know nothing about her condition leave her alone. She has this right. I have this right. Sincerely, K. Osborne Taser Article I have just read your article with interest, but with disagreement. You call for stopping the use of Tasers until further medical studies are conducted. I disagree. I believe that (1) the public is not a problem since if they did not use a Taser, what would they have used?? a gun? just as easy to buy.........(2) police using Tasers must be more likely to SAVE lives vs. using a gun?? I would assume that a bullet from a gun is 1000 times more lethal than the electric charge from a Taser. In closing, last week there was a shooting by a prisoner who was going to court. He wrestled with the policewoman watching him in an adjacent waiting room, got her gun, killed the policewoman, killed the judge and killed the court reporter. NOW I ASK YOU, IF THE COP HAD A TASER, AND THE PRISONER GOT IT, WHO WOULD HAVE DIED? SURELY NOT 3 PEOPLE................ I BELIEVE THAT STATISTICALLY MANY MORE LIVES WILL BE SAVED VS. LOST USING TASERS. Comments? Concerned Citizen............ Bob Pickup Reno, NV schiavo case Mark D Walleman Sr Pulaski Tn Starvation and Death Are you a physician? My father chose to refuse all food and water after he was diagnosed many years ago with a brain tumor. His family stayed by his side for the two weeks following his decision. There was dryness of the mouth that was relieved with swabbing and general mouth care. After ten days he slipped peacefully into a coma and died four days later. There was no vomiting, no complaints or indication of any pain-just a dignified death surrounded by his loving family and medical colleagues. My father, unlike you and others who are using Mrs. Schiavo for their agenda, was a physician. Sincerely, E. Sullivan Terri's Suffering Terri should have the right to die with dignity. Not used as your puppet to champion some misguided cause. When you and the rest of the politically motivated get done using Terri for your personal motives, please show some respect and bury her dead body. Richard Burgan Orlando FL About Terry Schiavo I totally support the government intervening to save the life of Mrs. Schiavo on several point which really incensed my outrage at what is going on. The following points are: 1. That a county judge such as the egotistical Greer has no right or authority to deny orders or requests from the federal government. Sincerely hope he is removed from office. 2. Michael Schiavo has been committing adultery with his mistress and siring children by her while the whole time Terry is in the hospice. He's trying to kill her so that he can be with this other woman. Them being Catholic will not allow them to divorce, therefore he has to commit murder. 3. Mrs. Schiavo is not in a demented state as Michael assumes. She is very alert and very hurt by what her husband is trying to do to her. Cordially, Christopher Shelton What we as Americans allow This United States will suffer the most horrible wrath of the almighty God. The sad part is that people will wonder why,and never even think about the horrible things that they have allowed on the infirm and disabled. We may in time forget Terri Schiavo but god keeps a record of all wrong doing. I for one will not have to pay for the horrible death that is inflicted on Mrs. Schiavo. This is yet another sad day in America. Mervin Williams Alexandria, Louisiana Schiavo feeding tube commentary S. Stinson B'ham, AL The Slow, Horrible Death of Terri Schiavo Thank you, John W. Whitehead, for bringing up an issue seemingly ignored by everyone else. It galls me to think that charges would be brought against any man or woman who purposely starved a dog to death, and that putting that same animal “to sleep” at the vet is humane… yet American’s claim that starving Terri to death is “her right”, but assisting her in a merciful painless death would be “murder”. I am not a “right to die” activist. I just cannot see the logic. Condemning a woman to die a slow painful death while trapped in her own body is barbaric. Due to the lack of a written will, her husband’s abandonment, and her parents' desire to keep trying… let her live. If she must die, let her leave this world with as much dignity and decency as we would allot to a dog. Where’s our humanity? Kim Pritchard Fort Worth, TX Terri Schiavo I believe that most people are reasonable human beings, whose opinions are not black or white, pro-choice or pro-life, liberal or consevative. Most people's opinions are in between the extremes, and we could reconcile those opinions with a negociation that would lead to a solution that would not please everyone, but that would be a better alternative than letting a few judges make decisions for us. Paul Mayers Taser and cops I tend to agree with Mr. Whitehead's commentary on the taser issue. Also I noticed that several of the opposing comments were obviously from law enforcement officers and while possibly educated individuals, definitely in total self service. I can see no reason to inflict such harm on any unarmed non felon in our society. If the police believe that our society is so full of sick individuals that this is warranted maybe that is an indicator of the real problem. I believe the level of competency, integrity and moral values of our officers in service to the public has slipped to an all time low. I myself was nearly a victim of this weapon or one similar, it was never pulled into full view as a witness approached. This incident evolved when I simply disagreed with the officers decision that I was in violation of a state statute. Unlike the officer, who became quite irritated, I was very well aware of the states statute involved. Having been in law enforcement for 12 years I have always believed that when one decides the job is too much or too dangerous you need to leave rather then possibly inflict your short comings on those you were meant to serve. The job has inherent dangers, this is known from the start. That does not change by blowing it out of proportion (whining) or limiting an individual or groups freedoms to suit you. Sincerely, Ray Hammond "I would rather be exposed to the inconveniences attending too much liberty than those attending too small a degree of it." --Thomas Jefferson Presidential Pickle: Serving both God & Man I do believe you have it wrong in your commentary, "Mr. President, What Would Jesus Do?" I can assure you, President Bush is not my Savior; but he is my President. President Bush has said on a number of occasions that he is a Christian and his faith is vital to who he is. He is a man of faith, prayer and character. I am sure that his faith not only helped him to become who he is today, but has influenced many others. That said, he remains a mortal and subject to sin, like the rest of us. And, I am confident, he confronts Satan in ways most of us will never experience. It must be very comfortable for you to sit in judgment of someone's faith - especially the leader of the free world. How simple you have made it all sound . . . to please both man and God . . . . President Bush was elected by Christians and non-Christians; if he governed by his faith alone, wouldn't there be a much larger outcry by the masses? President Bush is the leader of a country, not a congregation. He has no moral authority via his office - his authority comes from the people. I am a Christian. I respect President Bush. But I do not worship him and I do not think he is infallible. In fact, I am sure President Bush wakes every morning and seeks God on his knees - only to meet Satan when he returns to his feet. The battle is hard, Mr Whitehead, and relentless. I think President Bush could use my prayers more than my judgment. I will hold him in account for many things, but I will leave his heart to the Lord. Civics 101 will remind you that the office of the President is the executor of the state, not the legislative arm. He doesn't have the luxury of making the laws or enforcing only the ones he believes in. Instead, he communicates to the country what he values and what his vision is as a leader. His leadership, as President of the United States, grants him the privilege to live in the White House - which, in case you forgot, belongs to the people, not to him. He is dwelling there for a period of eight years - at our pleasure. Regarding his personal finances and economic agenda, the Bible doesn't condemn wealth or celebrate poverty. It simply instructs us to show mercy and care for the poor, and not to be enslaved by money. We don't "support" the poor simply because they are poor. In my view, the government has a responsibility to balance the needs of all citizens. Finally, I will suggest that if the leaders of this country can't get morality under control, there is little hope of solving any social ails in this country. As long as genecide continues in the name of women's rights, sexual promiscuity reigns over God-ordained marriage and free speech only applies to Hollywood - the poor will receive a voice only through the Left who piggy back on their condition for political collateral. Republicans are focused on ending poverty--not make a system of it or glorify it. I will be more than satisfied with a politician who calls Jesus "Lord" and looks in the TV camera and proclaims TRUTH according to the Bible instead popularity polls. To me - that's a pretty impressive legacy. Tara Wentzel Columbia Heights, MN Thursday, March 17, 2005 what whould Jesus do I read your "what whould Jesus do" statements. I am 51, and all of my life Christians have prayed for a man of God to be in the Whitehouse. Now we have a man who seems to uphold the Christian ethics and walk the talk, and you question his integrity publicly. Show me another man worthy of the job that has done as well as he. Forget the money spent on the Innauguration. Forget the current wars and the spending on wars. Those conditions have always been and will always be. We have gone through a few recent presidents who have whittled away at our military defenses in a manner that should have provoked huge public outcry. But it didnt. Now our President wants to build it back to what it needs to be and he should be applauded. This country becamse great as a strong military force and that is a necessity if we intend to remain so. Are you a Christian? If so, stop slamming Mr Bush and spend as much time (or more) on your knees praying for God's direction in his life. And remember this...there is no perfect man here on earth, only vessels for God to use. Bruce Andrews Flushing Mi tasers I am disturbed at your lack of true insight on this matter. Clearly you speak from the perspective of concern for human rights however you fail to understand a vital aspect of this growing problem. You seem to feel that the rogue police are the problem when actually the real problems are the criminals who control there own destiny. You sight numerous incidents where "minor" crimes have been committed however what does the crime committed have to do with anything. The only issue is how much resistance was offered and whether or not the culprit complied with the officers lawful orders to submit to arrest. But you didn't mention that. Your writing is clearly biased and misguided. Furthermore, you mention how many serious injuries have been caused because of these dangerous weapons. If you actually did any research into this matter I think you would find that the vast majority of incidents where there were side effects are involving criminals who had been using illicit drugs. You mention children who have been tased, I can only assume you are referring to the 6 year old in Miami who was wielding shards of broken glass and had already scared off the school faculty and who were so afraid for their safety that they had to resort to calling the Police. I suppose you would rather the officer get cut and/or seriously wounded while he was forced to handle a situation that apparently no one else could or would handle. The Police have an extremely difficult and dangerous job to do, day in and day out. The only real concern of any officer I know is to go home safely to their families. But what's really disturbing, is that most officers that I have spoken with have to be more afraid of being sued or Monday morning quarter backed when they make a split second decision in the heat of battle, then they do the criminals on the street who might not think twice about murdering a cop. Tasers are one of the few tools for law enforcement that help to level the playing field against the growing number of criminals who don't care about anyone but themselves and they certainly don't care about a Police Officer trying to stop their evil deeds. Whether you like it or not, the Police are the only ones keeping the disgusting criminal underworld from walking into your house and victimizing you and your family. All I ask is that you carefully consider these dire matters before you start spewing propaganda and attempt to scare those who don't know any better. Sincerely, Aaron Vandenhouten Taser Abuse.... I feel that law enforcement officers should receive training and receive a psychological screening test. Only the most stable officers should be allowed the use of the Taser. Letting every Tom, Dick and Harry on the force use a Taser is asking for trouble as we are seeing everyday in the misuse of these weapons. M. Faulk Tasers I enjoyed your thought-provoking Taser article and agree with much of it. I do see at least one very good use for a Taser though, controlling violent prisoners. I am a retired air line pilot who was required by my company, United Air Lines, to take a one-day Taser training class. I was shown a police video tape of a large, strong, violent, prisoner. He refused to leave his cell for a court appearance and was daring several officers to enter his cell. One quick use of the Taser put him on his knees and made him very docile and compliant. Without the Taser, he would have probably been hurt very badly by the nightstick wielding guards. As for air line use of Tasers - what a joke! Had the pilots of the 911-hijacked planes had them, there would have been no difference in the outcome. The single shot Taser, at best, could have only defeated one of the multiple hijackers. I ask, "Why does the US government make it so difficult for an air line pilot to gain certification to carry a firearm?" Legislation to allow arming pilots passed overwhelmingly, yet only four thousand (approximately) have been trained out of a pool of 100,000. Many of these are former military pilots who once held top secret or higher security clearances and flew nuclear weapon armed aircraft. If you can't trust these pilots, who will you trust? Many of those who pilots have been gained certification do not now carry their firearm due to the odd rules that the FAA/TSA has imposed on them. Many pilots live hundreds of miles from their crew bases. When traveling in uniform as a passenger on their way to or from work, they must place their firearm in a suitcase and check it as luggage. More than one of their firearms have been lost this way. Police officers, both in and out of uniform, are not subjected to this harassment. They are allowed to carry their firearms on their person on board the aircraft. Rant mode off. Captain Monty Mendenhall (UAL Retired) Tasers Buddy Walker Tasers and cops The problem with cops today is what old-timers call "the runts", cops hired after physical requirements were found unconstitutional or otherwise not politically correct. At 6' 1" and 220 and I dwarf most of the cops I see nowadays. When I was in high school (in the 1960's and about 40 pounds lighter) I always assumed I was too small to be a cop. They had some big ole boys back then. Late last year, I was stopped by a cop for tailgating. Fine; no problem; I politely talked my way out of a ticket. The cop couldn't have been more than 5'4"; he called for backup and four others came. The tallest one actually stood on small hill at the side of the road, with his hand nervously on his sap pocket, and still didn't quite look me in the eye. My approach is to play the clown, be very friendly and cooperative, and totally unthreatening. Once they decided I wasn't drunk, crazy, or otherwise impaired, they sent me on my way. If you ever watch Cops, you can't help but notice how many cops it takes to put a big man in cuffs. Five is the absolute minimum. One huge body-builder was arrested for drugs; they set a dog on him and he grabbed it by the collar and threw it over a fence. When the Cops camera cut away, they had at least a dozen cops beating on him, failing to get cuffs on. We don't know what they finally did to cuff him. I'm not surprised at the shootings in Atlanta; the guy was quite muscular and they had a little woman guarding him. They can call me sexist, but hey, the GUY was sexist and knew he could take her gun! Richard Carpenter Dangerous Weapon All legal, law abiding, qualified, U.S. citizens should be allowed to purchase, own and operate ANY weapons that law enforcement and the military own and operate! NOW THAT'S A WAR AND CRIME DETERRENT!!! Wouldn't you agree? Kindest regards, Barry Oliphint Taser Story I saw your Taser story and I concur. My name is James Ruggieri and I presented a paper on Tasers "Lethality of Tasers" to the American Academy of Forensic Engineers on 25 February in New Orleans. The attendance was amazing and it has generated much interest. Some of the provisions of my presentation and findings can be found in the Arizona Republic article dated 5 March at this link: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/articles/0305taserpolice05.html I am working with others to have the CPSC weigh in and regulated this device - since the Taser weapon does fall within the CPSC's jurisdiction - however, the CPSC has tried very hard to stay away from it. If you would like to share notes, or you want a copy of my presentation - please let me know. Good work Thanks Jim General Machine Corp. Washington, D.C. Tasers The use of Tasers, while deplorable, was inevitable. Police forces have been turned into "employment equity" programs and "revenue collection" agencies, through such practises as photo radar, in every North American jurisdiction. No thought was ever given to the fact that sometimes a police officer must be called upon to "enforce" the law. How one is able to do that at 5'4" and 135 lbs of either sex was never really thought out. In an effort to encompass minorities and women, the baby was thrown out with the bathwater and undersized, overempowered, questionably capable "police-persons" were hired who cannot respond to low level conflict in society without using near deadly or deadly force. What percentage of officers would even be capable of restraining an ordinary citizen without resorting to a weapon of some kind. When it comes to being on the front lines and called upon to actually "enforce" law, we should have foot soldiers who are physically capable of resolving matters, firearms or weapons notwithstanding, with their hands. And their brains. We've raised the bar and lowered the standards in the persuit of racial and gender equality. The quality of our police forces and our general safety and respect for the lawman has suffered as a result. Harvey Pederson Lloydminster, Alberta, Canada Tasers: Stop the Use of this Dangerous Weapon I want to give a two-pronged comment on your article "Tasers: Stop the Use of this Dangerous Weapon". As you might guess, the two prongs are of a "good news/bad news" nature. The good news first - thanks for the interesting thoughts about the dangers of tasers. The bad news next - I kind of felt ambushed by the final two paragraphs. I once read an article about writing effective letters to the editor, and the main thrust was that you should stick to your point, and not make side comments, because that's what everyone will pick up on. The whole time I was reading your article I kept thinking - oh good, this is a great article to send to my Mom, since she just recently asked me some questions about police and aggression. But, when I read the last two paragraphs I knew I couldn't send it, because all she'd focus on was that last part, and the entire rest of the article would be lost on her. If the main point of your article was "tasers are bad" then you should have made that the point. But, look at your opening line "Currently, tasers are used by more than 5,000 law enforcement agencies in the United States." - You're establishing the premise, which you carry through in the majority of the article, and then as a byline say "oh, and they're bad for regular folks too!" Anyhoo, I rarely write to article authors, but wanted to tell you my near-sharing experience... Jacob Robertson Tasers: Stop the Use of this Dangerous Weapon Thanks for your article. I think you're right on about police abuse. Having lived in Chicago, I was often witness to discourtesy, if not abuse, by police. I never saw them use a taser but I certainly saw a routine attitude of contempt toward the citizenry. On the face of it, a taser in the hand of such an individual poses a great risk to innocent people. I think tasers are too easy and therefore too tempting. In fact, I'd like see the quantum leap to force be much higher than it is because they only have a gun to fall back on. That would really benefit both the public and the police. Your closing argument sounds a lot like the one used by the gun control lobby: ban guns generally as a way of keeping them out of criminal hands. Except we know that won't work and only criminals and government cops will have them. Tasers certainly can be used by criminals but, as with gun control, if they know that law-abiding people also have them then they will perhaps be a little more careful (restrained). Sincerely, Douglas Skinner Arlington, VA Tasers Sir: Nothing can insure our safety from the police or our fellow citizens. I agree that the police should probably not have Tasers, but I am pretty much of the opinion that their carry privileges for firearms should be revoked. The police, generally, are a menace to society whose sole function is raising revenue. Under our theory of government (which I admit is not actually the basis on which it is conducted), the government is an agent, not a principal. How can the agent be allowed to have what the principal is denied? -- Chris Sullivan your WWJD commentary I was deeply disappointed in your recent commentary on the budget. You have made a basic assumption that Christian people help the unfortunate primarily through the government. That is a fallacy. In tsunami relief, for example, individuals through charities gave more than 2 times what the government pledged. Moreover, the moneys that are funneled through religious charities are far more likely to actually accomplish some good, and far less likely to end up in some bureaucrat's pocket. I am not impressed with government "charity," nor with the results of government programs to help the disadvantaged, nor with those christians who like to do good with someone else's money. Remember that government charity, supported by taxes, comes out of the pockets of working men and women, many of whom have families and are struggling to make ends meet themselves. It seems to me that Jesus would not steal from the "rich" to give to the "poor." He and Robin Hood have little in common. The standard given in Matthew is for persons to follow themselves, and not for persons to force others to follow by mandating it under the penalty of law. I am deeply disappointed in your reasoning, the end result of which is socialism. Vicki Riley your March 15 essay It seems obvious to me that since there are other parts of the world (Canada, Switzerland etc) where almost every household contains multiple weapons of deadly force and yet virtually a nonexistent murder rate...the answer is not to have an authoritarian government which forcibly takes the means of self-defense out of our hands. By the way, I absolutely enjoyed your book "Slaying Dragons". Fred Stonehouse San Jose CA Tuesday, March 15, 2005 tasers Respectfully, Don Cain Orlando, Florida Tasers I'm sorry, but I didn't see any reference to the Second Amendment here (or a sarcastic smiley instead). If government employees are carrying these (admittedly noxious) weapons, the citizens who aren't actively employed by the government, the "militia" under constitutional law, have every right to carry them as well. Ward Griffiths Advocating Gun Control?? So, the police maybe, the public no way?? This sounds like the same old gun control argument to me. Why couldn't readily available Tasers be used as a safer Home Defense weapon. Criminals are more likely to seek the intimidating power of a gun. For that matter, Criminals can get them on the black market now. Why shouldn't the homeowner be able to get one at Wal-Mart?? Excellent article all the way through, I just suggest that you rethink the issue of Tasers available to the public. While I despise the little buggers, If they're outlawed, only the outlaws will have 'em. Making something Illegal or hard to get only keeps it out of the hands of the decent citizens. Criminals do illegal things just by definition. Jason Maggard Richmond Times-Dispatch Tasers You've obviously never had to grapple and get to share bodily fluids with a drunken Hepatitis-B infected, filthy, vomit-encrusted "non-violent" mentally-impaired individual you are arresting for a "non-violent" offense like walking drunk in the middle of East Lancaster Street. You have to arrest him on the "non-violent" charge of Public Intoxication because he represents a danger to himself and the traveling public. Trouble is, he doesn't want to come with you. What next? Do I take the chance that he's also HIV positive, and when he bites me I get to start the AIDS cocktail therapy for the next few months? Stop kissing my wife, kids and grandkids for fear of passing it to them? Worry for the next 10 years or so wondering if the "non-violent" man infected me? You wouldn't do that for a million bucks. A cop does it everyday for a whole lot less. A Reserve Officer does it for free. Did you ever fight a teenaged girl? I'd rather take on a wildcat. The problem is, while I'm trying to NOT hurt her--I only want to gain compliance and get her out of the library--she's trying to take my eyes and groin out. Thank you, but no. I like my eyes and groin. So a Taser may be the tool of choice rather than a sprawling, loud struggle which can destroy property and possibly injure others on the periphery. I don't know, since I wasn't there--and neither were you. Are Tasers misused? Of course. But so are batons, pepper spray and firearms. I submit that as proper training techniques make the rounds of the smaller (and poorer) departments these incidents will, and are, declining dramatically. As to felons using Tasers: The bad guys are going to use weapons whenever they can, because they are cowards. If a goblin is going to rob your wife, would you rather he used a Taser to incapacitate her or would you rather he shoot her before taking her purse? I'd appreciate an answer to that question. Amnesty International is hardly an impartial observer. I'd be very cautious when using it's data. Cheers, James W. Ritter former CPL, Ft Worth, Texas PD (Reserve Division) CAPT, Hood County Sheriff Reserve Division Parents who favor 'intelligent design' blocked from lawsuit I just wanted to suggest another angle to approach the courts to get 'Intelligent Design' included in public school science class & text books. Many 'Christian' faiths being followed today have forgotten or excluded the scriptural doctrine of 'Fellowship'. Maybe this approach would help the parents in the Dover public school district. Following is the text of two emails (in blue) I recently sent to my local public school. The reply from the Superintendent denies any religious beliefs are taught. The three science teachers either are "sensitive to the cultural differences", acknowledge that "religious beliefs and personal interpretations may influence conclusions" or "teach evolution as the common theme for the diversity of organisms and how they change over time (thousands to billions of years)"... yet ... "no aspect of evolution is taught as "fact"." It may be a while until our public school has scientific 'Intelligent Design' taught along side or excluding religious evolution theory. Obviously, the Bible does not need to be proven scientifically on my part to be believed, because we accept it in faith. At the same time, unbiased scienctific research has abundantly proven evolution theory as false. They are ignorantly or blatantly playing games with the wording of "evolution", "fact", "theory", "scientific evidence", "religious beliefs" etc. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The religious doctrine my family follows demands that my family be prohibited from being taught another "religious" belief by anyone not in agreement with our religious beliefs. For this reason I would not want the religious teachings of Creationism or the religious teachings of Evolution / origins being taught as fact in public school. I feel these type of instructions should be reserved for the home, a church setting or a parochial school setting. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- My concern is with the availability of more accurate and unbiased scientific research, much of evolution theory has been proven false but is still shown as fact in the text books. This leads to a concern of whether the public school is teaching Secular Humanist religious doctrine disguised as science. After following the Evolution / Intelligent Design controversy for a while and since I am not familiar with how course material is chosen for each class, I am curious about the science material, with respect to the teachings of origins. Does the public school have a policy concerning the teaching of origins? Is the teaching of Evolution theory being presented in class as it is presented in the text books? Is the teaching of "Intelligent Design" theory being presented in class as an alternative to Evolution theory? Do teachers have the right to honor parent's request that Evolution theory not be presented as scientific fact? Does the school have other science books that represent "Intelligent Design" theory as scientific fact? Hopefully the Dover parents are able to overcome the struggle to get "Intelligent Design" taught in public school. Mike Lehmann Monday, March 14, 2005 Tasers The problem is not the taser, it is as always the user or person. Substitute a gun, billy club or even fists and the problem still exists. While I very much support the law and enforcement I totally despise the abuse of power by police anywhere in the world. The abuses I have seen were not in third world countries or in states of war and anarchy, but in the U.S. I have seen a 70ish drunk beat in his cell with his walking cane. I have seen hand-cuffed compliant people slammed against cars on and on. I had a friend who joined the sheriff's dept and told me he loved to hit people. I have also had friends who dropped out of police traning because they could not become an animal and abuse people. I have known of cases by word of mouth of rape, murder, etc by police. The problem is the human element and until that is remedied no weapon will control dangerous people without abuse and harm to those who are not dangerous. There are good law enforcement agents, but in reality some number over 50% are at one time or another mean, abusive and corrupt. That is the real problem around the world including the U.S. Sincerely, Romney Dickinson Dobson Mr. Rutherford: I am a Christian activist (enjoy your site, have read Schaffer’s “Christian Manifesto”, Tom Minnery, Dr D. James Kennedy, R.C. Sproul, Wallbuilders, Probe Ministrys, “Stand to Reason:, etc., etc. on the importance of being salt and light and taking a stand against our Judeo-Culture being destroyed , etc.). I am rather surprised that you would criticize Dr. James Dobson (regards his remarks on Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy) in the manner you did. Dr. Dobson’s use of the words “battle of enormous proportions from sea to shining sea” are very appropriate because the secular humanists and pluralists out there consider themselves engaged in a battle and will go to any trouble to squash efforts like mine or yours. Key to their success is that we remain pacifists and apathetic. That’s where Dobson steps in and realizes that this is a political battle with our Christian culture at stake. Remember, the pen is mightier than the sword and Dobson knows that when he exhorts and challenges his membership to understand these issues for what they really are: “a battle”. What the media does with this type of rhetoric is another topic but neither Dobson nor you should be couching your words or pulling any punches merely to avoid misrepresentation or to avoid being cast as playing politics – that’s because no matter how you present exhortations to your membership, some of the media will find a way to disparage you or make fun of you. The media’s unfair reaction to the “Sponge Bob” issue with Dr. James Dobson is a perfect illustration of this point (details omitted). I seriously doubt Dobson is manipulating anything for political power. He is merely taking a stand and saying it like it is. He should be praised for being bold, as should you for your own boldness, although in this instance, I think you unfairly critique Dr. Dobson. Best Regards and Praise The Lord, Harry Stein Tuesday, March 08, 2005 Fascism with a smile I have been very impressed with this series of articles! A voice of reason amid the propaganda! Your thoughts are in alignment with mine. I fear for the future if the current trends continue in this country. This has made me want to pull out my unread copy of "The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich" that has been collecting dust on my bookshelf, and really do some comparing! Thank you for your insights! Viki Bean What's Happened? The inauguration was funded in large part by donation - and while it's true the funds could have fed a lot of hungry folks - as I recall, the Lord reminded us that we'll have the poor with us always. The United States of America is still the best place in the world to live - she's not perfect, but I love her in spite of her imperfections. George W. Bush isn't perfect, either, and has never claimed to be. While I don't agree with everything he's doing, I'm grateful to God that he, not his Democratic rival, is our President. Do you have anything good to say about our country? How about saying it! Thanks. V. Frazier Dayton, Ohio Article Thank you. Vickie Stilz Monday, March 07, 2005 Public Apathy The most relevant parallel you mentioned is the apathy among the American public. You're quite correct when you note the scandals of Iraqi (No WMD's, war conducted on false pretenses), the greed and utter lack of regard of Corporations for their civic responsibilities (Enron, World Comm, ect...), the lack of regard for voting accuracy, (Ohio, FL, NM, Wash) and so on. However, I do wish you would have stressed the blasé nature our electorate accepts, and even condones being lied to. When Condi Rice was shown, in irreconcilable terms, to have lied to both the congress and the public, she was confirmed anyway. Dishonesty is now considered the norm when it comes to public discourse. Propaganda is not only tolerated, it seems to be an integral strategy of the current administration. When our liberties are defended, many right wing and Christian organizations rail and fume. How many Americans know the ACLU defends the first amendment on behalf of everyone, including Christians rights, (i.e. Farwell and others), as well as noted liars like Rush Limbaugh (on behalf of keeping his medical records private)? Yet, Falwell and Limbaugh are the first to attack the protection of our rights if they think it will further their agenda. Where is the public outrage at being continuingly lied too? We don't tolerate such dishonesty in other aspects of our lives. Why is it our citizens merely shrug, and then re-elect proven liars? 9 billion stolen through fraud in Iraq, and no outcry? This willingness to believe anything frees us from thinking; this acceptance of any nonsense if it conforms to our chosen ideology, or supports our fears; this acquiescence to being treated as a mushroom has resulted in an America I no longer recognize. Bill Emerson Sacramento, CA ps: I always find it sad and comical to watch self-avowed conservatives do the limbo excusing any and all abuses of power, while simultaneously patting themselves on the back for their intelligence(the posting submitted by Paul S. of Minneapolis, MN). The incedible balance necessary for such gymnastics is truly amazing. Christ-following activity My concern is that we as Christians may begin to use methods that are not really Christ's methods of dealing with the challenges we face in our nation today. While I agree that we must take a stand, I also believe that unless Christians spend much time in prayer and communication with God, listening as well as asking, that our methods may deteriorate into purely political methods and not God-inspired methods. Sincerely, Allan W. Miller, Sr. What would Jesus do? You need to reread your Bible. Scripture does not call on all of us to be poor. Nor does it call on Government to supply the needs of everyone. Stick to things you know and stay out of theology!!!! Philip M. Kober, JD, MD, PhD Fruit I can tell you that I found the article regarding President Bush’s wealth blocking his ability to show fruit a bit disconcerting. I felt the article nearly branded wealth as a “poor fruit”. I would adamantly say that Jesus was NOT opposed to wealth! He made it clear that wealth should NEVER be worshiped as a god. How do you know the heart of the President in regard to his wealth and how do you know what he does privately with his wealth? (See Matthew 6:1-4) Excuse me, but the poorest person in this country is wealthier than most persons in the world! That would include you, Mr. Rutherford. I find it offensive that you would point a finger at the President in this regard. The article was a poor one to be sure, only stirring up strife merely because he has more than perhaps you do…especially in the light that trying to raise a budget for your ministry could stir in one’s heart envy. The article made you look and sound envious. How could you have used 60 million? You would have used it to fight what you believe to more worthy and I bet someone else would see your use of the money as squandering based on what they would have done with it. Take you mind off the others wealth. It is NOT becoming to a man as you. You are looking a bit green. And could I simply ask: are you worshiping money? Be careful. Most sincerely, Barb Sayer Clay Center, NE Your Critique of Bush as a Christian If you were to visit my hometown of Midland, Texas, I'll be glad to show you the lavish 1500 square foot mansion that President Bush grew up in. Though I do not know him personally, I have seen him around town--jogging. Laura Bush's mother lives at a retirement center where my wife works. When Laura comes to visit, she goes through the cafeteria line and pays her $5 for lunch, just like everybody else. My wife, a coach for Special Olympics, met W at a state track meet in Austin one summer, when he was serving as Governor. He came to see what was going on, probably a good photo op, but ended up staying the remainder of the afternoon--6 hours. He wouldn't leave until every kid that wanted to shake his hand or get his autograph did. These are mentally retarded kids that will never get to vote. Bush just got so involved in the excitement that these kids were experiencing, he didn't want to leave. W has also spent plenty of time doing volunteer work in soup kitchens and teaching reading to poor kids. President Bush is probably more down-to-earth than any other president in our lifetime. He has a tough job. I don't agree with everything he does, but I believe that he is doing the best he can. Recent developments in Lebanon and Saudi Arabia serve to verify his vision. Bush has increased government spending tremendously. I WISH he would CUT programs. Don't forget, even Jesus didn't leave a peaceful world. Bush has probably done more than anyone else in the last 40 years to bring peace to the world. Do you really think that Mother Teresa could have been elected President of the U.S.? I doubt it. It does take money to gain power in today's world. I'm not bothered by the fact that Bush has some money. I don't understand why you are. Regards, Steve Price Question on WWJD Commentary As one who agrees with you on most issues, I was a bit perplexed by your opinion piece entitled "Mr. President, What Would Jesus Do?" Although I agree with everything that you said about what Christians should do personally, I disagree that giving welfare to the poor is something that government should be doing. Jesus told us to give to the poor. He did not tell us to force our fellow citizens to do so at gunpoint (which is essentially what it is with forced taxation). Also, Article I, Section 8 of the US Constitution is very clear about the limitations of the authority of the federal government and redistribution of the wealth is not one of them. I would be interested in your thoughts on this. Sincerely, Steven Peek Wednesday, March 02, 2005 State of the Union John, Thank you for your fascinating "State of the Union" series. As I neared the end of your piece, I couldn't help but recall "War and Peace". Besides a fantastic story, Tolstoy took a large chunk of his book to expound his view that Napoleon didn't create the history of the time but was, in fact, created BY that history and that if Napoleon Bonaparte had not been available the forces of the zeitgeist would have brought another to power. This theory was proposed several years ago about Nazi Germany (by a writer whose name I do not immediately recall). It met with great resistance, presumably because people have been raised with the "Great Man" theory of history. Also, we might presume it more palatable to believe that the Holocaust was created by a great monster than millions of little ones. Or worse, that such atrocities are the inevitable outcome of the de-humanizing way in which we have chosen to live. Most people cannot disassociate ourselves from the culture and take an objective look at what we now find commonplace, even acceptable, because it would be too terrifying. Imagine the consequences. So, we need the prophets. May God bless your work. Todd Gates Defending the Constitution John, My local paper, the Monroe Evening News (Monroe, MI) carried your column in the Sunday edition. This was your writing on the frightening survey of high schoolers' views on the First Amendment. You are correct that the survey's findings are, or should be, very scary and a wakeup call to all folks who value liberty. The publication of your website's URL led me to peruse it a bit. While you seem to be quite (rightfully) concerned about the First Amendment, where is the equal concern for the Second? Many folks think that the Second Amendment to the Constitution is what guarantees all the others. Please keep the 2nd in mind in the future. Jim Dunmyer, Temperance, MI Tuesday, March 01, 2005 Variety of Issues John, I've supported you for years though not as much financially as I'd like because not only is my income limited, I alternate between 20 or more plus my church first. I was disappointed in your remarks about Pres.Bush and it rather hurt your testimony as a Christian. The Lord blesses people in various ways and I don't see how you can know personally what he gives or doesn't give to others. We need to be as busy about our own business as we are the other fellows. Some of your email letters indicate that some of the people are awake and I read others who are as unaware or left-wing as they come. GOD is definitely under attack in America and little does the secular world is trying to DETHRONE GOD. Little do they realize if this can be accompolished that every freedom and liberty they enjoy will become History; all of our Historical Documents attest to our faith and dependence on God and that they come from God. The foundation of law was written from The Ten Commandments. America is simply the church-relocated. The pilgrims, etc. came here to "Futher advance the Gospel of Jesus Christ", not to silence it Our heritage is under attack by some who have no historical part in its founding. Good and Evil continue to war as has been since the beginning of time and will continously intensify as the time grows near for the 2nd. Coming. Rules of men change, GOD'S Word never changes and whether the secular world likes it or not- it will be GOD'S way. The world can decide to follow evil and there is no way following evil that one will escape GOD'S Wrath. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God!!! Carolyn Watson, Ferndale, MI A newfound respect I must confess that for a while I considered TRI to be part of the lunatic fringe. This was due to lack of information. I am a Christian who is often appalled at what many on the far right and far left do in the name of Christ and Christianity, and I am ashamed to say that I lumped you in with some of those people. But today I took the time to review your Web site and was very impressed. Not that mine is the standard by which anyone should be judged, but I just wanted you to know that today a former detractor became a friend. Sincerely yours, Shannon Thomas Mandatory mental health screening and Constitutional Rights Dear John, I have only recently discovered your column and signed up for your newsletters as I have a deep interest in seeing civil liberties and human rights preserved. I am currently working with the Citizens Commission on Human Rights to produce some videos on human rights abuses in the field of mental health. I have been shocked to read the report from the President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health and the proposals they make for mandatory screening of all children and evendtually for every American--and to find that many of these screening procedures are already in place in some states. I consider that the constitution of this country is one of the finest most significant documents of its kind ever produced. (I am a Scot living here and we have no such protections in Britain!) However it seems to me that making mental health screening mandatory will defeat the very safeguards for freedom built into the constitution. I would be very interested in your comments on this from a legal and from a civil liberties viewpoint. Perhaps you could write on this subject? Sincerely, Sheila Macdonald Darwin can not be found in Mein Kampf, but instead Hitler claims to be doing "the work of the Lord" Mr. Whitehead, I looked for "Darwin" and "Evolution" in Mein Kampf and could not find a single occurrence. I found numerous occurrences where Hitler gave credit to "the Almighty Creator". Would you please explain why you wrote the article you did. I am a Christian. I have learned that evolutionists tell what they believe to be the truth while creationists will do and say anything, including blatantly lying. I thought Christians, such as yourself, were not supposed to lie? Are you really a Christian? I challenge you to read the following quotes compared to your out of context inferences. I will pray that you will repent. Sincerely, Edwin Hensley What I easily pulled directly from Mein Kampf: Hence today I believe that I am acting in accordance with the will of the Almighty Creator: by defending myself against the Jew, I am fighting for the work of the Lord. The anti-Semitism of the new movement [Christian Social movement] was based on religious ideas instead of racial knowledge. -Adolf Hitler (Mein Kampf) Here, of course, we encounter the objection of the modern pacifist, as truly Jewish in its effrontery as it is stupid! 'Man's role is to overcome Nature!' -Adolf Hitler (Mein Kampf) (Man's dominion over earth appears in Genesis 1:26) Due to his own original special nature, the Jew cannot possess a religious institution, if for no other reason because he lacks idealism in any form, and hence belief in a hereafter is absolutely foreign to him. And a religion in the Aryan sense cannot be imagined which lacks the conviction of survival after death in some form. Indeed, the Talmud is not a book to prepare a man for the hereafter, but only for a practical and profitable life in this world. -Adolf Hitler (Mein Kampf) The best characterization is provided by the product of this religious education, the Jew himself. His life is only of this world, and his spirit is inwardly as alien to true Christianity as his nature two thousand years previous was to the great founder of the new doctrine. Of course, the latter made no secret of his attitude toward the Jewish people, and when necessary he even took the whip to drive from the temple of the Lord this adversary of all humanity, who then as always saw in religion nothing but an instrument for his business existence. In return, Christ was nailed to the cross, while our present-day party Christians debase themselves to begging for Jewish votes at elections and later try to arrange political swindles with atheistic Jewish parties-- and this against their own nation. -Adolf Hitler (Mein Kampf) The personification of the devil as the symbol of all evil assumes the living shape of the Jew. -Adolf Hitler (Mein Kampf) Christianity could not content itself with building up its own altar; it was absolutely forced to undertake the destruction of the heathen altars. Only from this fanatical intolerance could its apodictic faith take form; this intolerance is, in fact, its absolute presupposition. -Adolf Hitler (Mein Kampf) God gave the savior to the German people. We have faith, deep and unshakeable faith, that he [Hitler] was sent to us by God to save Germany. -Hermann Goering The danger of the reproduction of that curse of God in the Jewish blood is finally to come to an end, then there is only one way-- the extermination of that people whose father is the devil... -Julius Streicher (in an article in the newspaper *Der Stu:mer*) Only the Jews, he shouted, had remained victorious after the dreadful days of World War I. These were the people, he charged, of whom Christ said, "Its father is the devil." -Julius Streicher Germans must fight Jews, that organized body of world criminals against whom Christ, the greatest anti-Semite of all time, had fought. -Julius Streicher A Jew is for me an object of disgust. I feel like vomiting when I see one. Christ could not possibly have been a Jew. It is not necessary to prove that scientifically--it is a fact. -Joseph Goebbels (in his attempt to win the eternal gratitude of Hitler) American Community Survey Mr. Whitehead, Tonight a census bureau person showed up on our front door step to ask us questions for the American Community Survey, and I feel like I was raped, and I could not fight even back. We refused to answer some of the questions and gave only our age and vague answers to questions. We did not lie on any of the questions we answered. Earlier last year and this year I wrote both our GA Senators and our Representative on this very topic, and none of them have bothered to respond. I assume that now they may come after us with fines, but I was not going to give out this private information to a guy on my doorstep with a paper card and a laptop with a sticker especially in this age of identity theft. Thank you for the information you provided, Trey Wilkins |
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