Letters on Obama foreign policy, ISIS, Iran, libertarianism, pro-life voters

Obama is avoiding misguided policies

We do need a federal government that works, but I do not agree with Rep. Mike Pompeo, R-Wichita, that President Obama’s foreign policy strategy is “leadership from behind” or with The Eagle editorial board that his policy on Iran is “muddled” (“Reduce war authority?” Feb. 20 Eagle Editorial).

In fact, Obama is trying to avoid the misguided policies of the Bush administration that led America into war in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Sept. 11 attackers came from Saudi Arabia, a country left unscathed, while Iraq and Afghanistan have been torn apart by the American attacks. These wars left the Middle East open to extremists.

According to some analysts, the current situation with the Islamic State is a direct result of American attacks in the Middle East during the Bush administration. Failing to take into account tensions between Middle East religious factions, the Bush administration put leaders in place who only deepened religious rifts. These rifts have given extremists the opening they need to fight for domination by any cruel means possible.

We should not risk any more American lives or American wealth to fight an enemy few Americans seem to understand.

Rooted in Islam

I was confounded when I read that “to call ISIS an ‘Islamic’ or ‘Muslim’ terrorist group is a misnomer at best and simply untrue at worst” (“Don’t give religious title to terrorists,” Feb. 10 Letters to the Editor). ISIS stands for Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. And the ISIS barbarians consistently yell “Allahu akbar” (God is the greatest) as they commit their atrocities.

ISIS claims it is Islamic, and although a few Islamic imams have denounced ISIS’ cruelty, they don’t deny that it is rooted in Islam. We have no reason to not take ISIS at its own words.

No war with Iran

I’m really glad that many Democrats boycotted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech. I am even happier that our current president is showing restraint and understands war is always the last option – as does Colin Powell, a decorated soldier and statesman. Even former Gen. David Petraeus would agree with a diplomacy-first strategy. These men understand war and its destructive nature.

War – what’s it good for? Nothing. It kills our brightest and youngest men and women. Wise up, folks,

Not coercive

“Citizens’ rights” (March 4 Letters to the Editor) complained about a bill in the Kansas House that would by law exclude teachers and their close relatives from serving on school boards. The letter writer asked if this would lead to a law that would allow only Christians to vote. Such a law would clearly be unconstitutional, but he was making a point that I agree with – that government should not be imposing restrictions on citizens’ rights based on political or religious beliefs.

Where I do take issue with the writer was including libertarians in his reference to “the libertarian/conservative Christian Taliban.” He clearly does not understand what being a libertarian means.

Libertarians believe that imposing one’s beliefs, political or religious, on others is wrong, especially when done through the force of government. Libertarians are, by definition, not coercive. To become a member of the Libertarian Party, one must pledge that he or she does not “advocate the initiation of force to achieve political or social goals.”

Where religion is concerned, we believe that the Constitution prevents government from requiring or prohibiting any religion at all. Freedom of religion, as well as freedom from religion, is guaranteed to the people.

Right from wrong

Regarding “Oblivious voters” (Feb. 26 Letters to the Editor): Churches don’t tell anyone whom to vote for. What they do is teach Christians how to form their consciences. They teach moral values. They teach right from wrong.

The letter writer wants to weigh the moral issues versus the political issues. I can’t do that. As a Christian, my job is to get to heaven. I do that by following God’s rules. When I fail to do that I put my salvation at risk.

God tells us in the Bible that abortion is always wrong. According to God’s rules, we must respect all human life from conception until natural death. The Bible does not tell us what levels various government programs should be funded at or whether the federal government, state or local government, the private sector, or some combination of the above is best equipped to deal with certain problems.

It’s really pretty easy. The church doesn’t have to tell me whom to vote for. I make that choice on my own. Vote pro-life and follow God, or reject His teachings and jeopardize my eternal salvation.

This story was originally published March 6, 2015 at 6:04 PM with the headline "Letters on Obama foreign policy, ISIS, Iran, libertarianism, pro-life voters."