Opinion > Letters to the Editor

Posted on Mon, Nov. 09, 2009

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Letters to the editor on hate crimes law, evolution, abortion, haircut costs

Crimes against gays already illegal

I found Mary Sanchez's column "Hate crimes law no threat to religious liberty" (Nov. 3 Opinion) to be sarcastic and mean-spirited. Her choice of words seemed to put down and mock Christians: "pious folks," "they remain free to demonize the immoral or ungodly," "the squalling of some preachers," "preaching that 'God hates gays' is protected speech," "preaching 'let's kill gays.' "

Does Sanchez's respect and tolerance apply only to homosexuals? It appears so from reading her column.

As for the new hate crimes law: We already had laws to cover crime, including for victims who might be homosexual. What difference does it make, when a crime is committed, if the victim is male or female, black, white or pink, or what kind of sex is practiced? If it's a crime, it's a crime. Period. And against the law — already.

With the latest version of the hate crimes law, I suppose if I am robbed or raped it wouldn't count as much as a crime as it would if I were a lesbian. How ridiculous. How infuriating. And how insulting.

SANDRA CLAYTON

Wellington

Out-of-date debate

The evolution-versus-religion debate seems to have an infinite shelf life. By now it should be out-of-date, but that is obviously not so. Some have argued that scientists have lost their faith and begun a new one, that evolutionary theory is only a guess about the origins of life, and that cats don't evolve into dogs so there is no evolution.

There are many churches that feel their understanding of the deity is complete and correct, and that is fine for them. They are practicing a religion.

Evolutionary theory is science. It is based on evidence, experimentation and rational thought. It is the science that informs all of biology and offers insight into such practical matters as the changes in flu viruses.

Religion deals with the supernatural and spiritual, science with the natural and palpable.

There is room in the human mind and heart for spiritual and natural understanding. Let's give it a try.

DAVE CROOK

Derby

Biblical lesson

In "Out of context" (Nov. 4 Letters to the Editor), the writer criticized pro-lifers for taking Bible verses out of context to further their agenda. He specifically mentioned Matthew 25:40, which says, "I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me" — pointing out that the verse does not specifically say "children" and therefore cannot be used as an argument against abortion. Does this mean we cannot apply this verse to the least "sisters of mine" as well, just because it wasn't specifically stated?

The verse encourages people to help those in need of help. I think that Jesus certainly would count our precious unborn children and their mothers among those in need of our help, and pro-lifers do want to help both.

This isn't taking the verse out of context. This is learning the lesson that Jesus was trying to impart.

BRENDA GAMBLE

Wichita

Haircut costs

Regarding "Tips on how to get great hairstyles for less" (Oct. 29 Eagle): Let's have a look at the other side of things.

When I was 16 years old in 1974, I paid $10 for a haircut. I became a cosmetologist in 1979. Thirty years later, people still expect to pay $10 for a haircut.

At the time I started doing hair, a very good pair of scissors cost $40. I could rent an entire salon for $375 to $450 a month. Now, a good pair of scissors cost from $500 to $2,000, depending on how precise a pair you can afford. A single booth space rents for $450 to $500 a month.

The article recommended loading up on samples. Those samples cost money, and they're not given to us for free to use out of the goodness of our heart. I offer samples so a client can try products to see how they work, before purchasing a product that might be used only use once or twice.

Instead of complaining about people who work hard for their money, why not concentrate on all the outsourcing that is going on and really damaging our economy? Take action on what the real problems are, and stop blaming others for trying to make a living.

LENNIE BURGARDT

Wichita