Letters on gun control, guns and the Bible, Liberty Bowl thanks

Obama executive orders are saving lives

I’m so thankful for President Obama. Obamacare has provided health insurance for many millions, some of whom would be suffering or dead without it. His knowledge and attention to detail in vital foreign policy matters have kept us from becoming immersed in more eternal ground wars.

He has made small gains with executive orders in some areas in which Congress would only do nothing. Although the past few Republican presidents have issued more executive orders, the GOP has been critical of Obama’s orders, stating that only Congress could do that legally.

That hardly compares with the line crossed by Rep. Mike Pompeo, R-Wichita, in suggesting the military not follow the president’s order to do something the congressman doesn’t like (“Pompeo suggests military could disobey a Gitmo order,” Dec. 23 Now Consider This).

Now the president has started down the bumpy road of trying to reduce gun violence. Some say that with so many guns now, the deaths will continue. If 30,000 now die annually, would saving 30 be worth the effort?

Some say the Second Amendment prohibits Obama from ordering any gun control. The Supreme Court has ruled that the word “militia” in the Second Amendment means individual citizens. Therefore, the correct reading is: Well-regulated citizens have the right to keep and bear arms.

I believe the American people will support some regulations.

Guns and the Bible

Regarding the commentary by Rob Schenck, chairman of the Evangelical Church Alliance (“Can you be pro-Jesus and pro-gun?” Jan. 3 Opinion): If you read the whole Bible, it tells you we should love all people. But that does not mean you love what they do. If you think people don’t need guns, go and tell the ISIS terrorists you love them.

Schenck noted that Jesus said to “bless those who curse you.” This was said while Jesus was alive on Earth and was with his disciples. As they were with him, they were under his protection. Luke 22:35-36 says: “Then Jesus asked them, ‘When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?’ ‘Nothing,’ they answered. He said to them, ‘But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.’”

Gun sign translation

Here is the translation for a “no-guns” sign posted on a door: “Hey, bad guys, you’re free to do your mischief here. There ain’t no pesky concealed-carry do-gooders in here to bother you.”

K-State showed class

On behalf of all the members of the AutoZone Liberty Bowl Festival Association, the bowl staff and our community volunteers, I want to thank and congratulate Kansas State University. We enjoyed hosting the Wildcats, their wonderful fans and the Big 12 Conference. They demonstrated great class and enthusiasm.

The AutoZone Liberty Bowl has a long history and tradition of showcasing many of college football’s greatest teams, players and coaches over the past 57 years. We are proud that the bowl’s rich legacy now includes Outstanding Offensive Player Award recipient Kody Cook, Outstanding Defensive Player Award recipient Charmeachealle Moore, coach Bill Snyder and the entire 2015 Wildcats team.

This story was originally published January 6, 2016 at 6:04 PM with the headline "Letters on gun control, guns and the Bible, Liberty Bowl thanks."