Letters: Moral compasses & patriotism

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The political/religious hot button of the week recently was the case in Kentucky where a clerk refused to issue marriage licenses after being ordered to by a judge and was sent to jail. 

Your editorial, “How do we balance religious liberty with the rule of law?”  was right on target, especially the four options at the end of the article. Of course, this case had little to do with “religious liberty” and a lot to do with certain individuals and groups trying to make money and gain political power by exploiting an individual. 

Another case that came to mind as I watched this unfold was the infamous “Saturday night massacre” that happened in October 1973, when I worked for the Nixon White House. 

The special prosecutor had ordered the president to surrender some tapes, and President Nixon refused, instead ordering the attorney general to fire the special counsel. The attorney general and the deputy attorney general both resigned rather than comply with the order. 

I don’t think religion had any influence on the decisions of the AG and deputy AG. Instead, they were guided by their moral compasses and patriotism, qualities that are sadly missing from many of today’s political and religious figures.

Carl Hess

Ozark, Ala.

God or government?

Kentucky magistrate Kim Davis is out of jail and back “on the job.” 


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She says she can’t approve gay marriages because it conflicts with her religion. Why doesn’t she resign? 

Jesus said, “Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s.” Caesar is the government. The government says gay marriage is constitutional, and Davis works for the government. Why doesn’t she follow the words of Jesus?  

Jesus also talked about serving two masters. Does Davis serve God or the government? Davis’ mother was magistrate before her, and her son is a deputy clerk, so I guess the Davis family has decided to serve government. 

If Davis is sincere then she would give up her government salary, but she has decided to work for Caesar.  

Chuck Mann

Greensboro, N.C.


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