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Letters to the editor
Issue date: 2/20/09 Section: Opinion
Churches have right to hold views
Even though I enjoyed reading Stephens' article that was published in the Collegian on the Feb. 13, there are a few things that I want to air my views on.
Before I proceed further, I would like to differ on the title of your article, "Tax churches for hating homosexuals."
Often times, individuals or groups that have opposed homosexuality have been labeled as "hating" homosexuals. Webster's College Dictionary defines hate as "intense hostility and aversion or to feel extreme enmity toward." It is not always true that whoever disagrees with homosexuality has extreme enmity toward homosexuals.
Although there have been cases of some individuals and groups hating homosexuals and as a result tragically committing hate crimes against them, I passionately, together with all reasonable beings, oppose such hatred.
According to Stephens, "when a church steps beyond the realm of charity it should pay the price (a tax) like other organization does."
There are churches that support homosexuality, just as there are churches that are against homosexuality. Although you, I and others disagree with some churches, they are still nonprofit organizations, having different beliefs about marriage does not justify the need to pay taxes.
Churches have the right to oppose whatever is in conflict with their belief, a right guaranteed by the constitution. It is up to all rational beings to either align with them or disagree, that is the beauty of democracy.
Reuben Addo
Sophomore, Social Work
Organic foods good for environment, too
I find Mr. Bezek's views on environmental policy to be poorly researched and quite arrogant. Although some studies may not support the health benefits of buying organic produce, many people do not purchase these goods for health reasons.
The driving force behind organic products is generally to be environmentally friendly, not necessarily healthier. It is true that pesticides are only found in trace amounts on conventionally produced food, however they infiltrate not only the soil in the areas from which they come, but also local water supplies.
Even though I enjoyed reading Stephens' article that was published in the Collegian on the Feb. 13, there are a few things that I want to air my views on.
Before I proceed further, I would like to differ on the title of your article, "Tax churches for hating homosexuals."
Often times, individuals or groups that have opposed homosexuality have been labeled as "hating" homosexuals. Webster's College Dictionary defines hate as "intense hostility and aversion or to feel extreme enmity toward." It is not always true that whoever disagrees with homosexuality has extreme enmity toward homosexuals.
Although there have been cases of some individuals and groups hating homosexuals and as a result tragically committing hate crimes against them, I passionately, together with all reasonable beings, oppose such hatred.
According to Stephens, "when a church steps beyond the realm of charity it should pay the price (a tax) like other organization does."
There are churches that support homosexuality, just as there are churches that are against homosexuality. Although you, I and others disagree with some churches, they are still nonprofit organizations, having different beliefs about marriage does not justify the need to pay taxes.
Churches have the right to oppose whatever is in conflict with their belief, a right guaranteed by the constitution. It is up to all rational beings to either align with them or disagree, that is the beauty of democracy.
Reuben Addo
Sophomore, Social Work
Organic foods good for environment, too
I find Mr. Bezek's views on environmental policy to be poorly researched and quite arrogant. Although some studies may not support the health benefits of buying organic produce, many people do not purchase these goods for health reasons.
The driving force behind organic products is generally to be environmentally friendly, not necessarily healthier. It is true that pesticides are only found in trace amounts on conventionally produced food, however they infiltrate not only the soil in the areas from which they come, but also local water supplies.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 4
Michael Herder
posted 2/20/09 @ 10:48 AM MST
This paper is in need of some conservative republicans. There are way too many liberals.
N Smith
posted 2/20/09 @ 7:07 PM MST
People need to grow a sense of humor... Andrew Woods' comic is hilarious, if you don't like it you might as well write Rosie on "The View" because she's probably about the only person that would want to hear your whining. (Continued…)
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