Published: December 10, 2007 05:56 pm            

Letters to the editor - Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2007

Christians started ‘Compass’ discussion

Irony abounds in Ms. Linda Campbell’s column concerning “The Golden Compass” (KT, Dec. 3, page A4).

First, Ms. Campbell opines that the Christian community is seeking to prevent open discussion about the movie and novels. In truth, there would be no discussions if the Christian community had not begun to express open and accurate facts about them.

Second, Ms. Campbell’s idea of an open-minded, mature discussion is to begin with calling those who are bringing facts about the movie and novels to light “zealots.” Nothing like setting the tone for sincere dialogue.

Third, she indicates that the novels have made the author, Philip Pullman, financially successful. Interestingly, the first novel in the trilogy, “The Golden Compass,” is an unveiled rip-off from C.S. Lewis’ famous “Chronicles of Narnia” series. If the tables were turned and C.S. Lewis created a Christian knock-off from Pullman’s anti-religious works, he would be hooted off the academic stage. However, Mr. Pullman is lauded today for his anti-religious version.

Fourth, Ms. Campbell commends the movies and literature as a platform dealing with “right and wrong.” The Christian community has been dealing with issues of right and wrong for centuries. When expressions of morality originate from this community, however, people like Ms. Campbell call them zealots. In fact, it is discerning right from wrong that has motivated the Christian community to speak out about this movie, the novels and the author.

Perhaps what Ms. Campbell needs to address are the deceptive methods of both Mr. Pullman and the entertainment industry. If Ms. Campbell is really so concerned about zealots obscuring open-minded discussion, why doesn’t she investigate why those who wish to express their anti-Christian agenda are so sly and deceptive about it?

Charles A. Layne

Bunker Hill DAV chapter to get new van

On Dec. 7, a great war was started years ago and left many Americans with disabilities that still affect them today. With today’s conflicts we are creating even a greater demand. In response to the great need of veterans, DAV organized the nationwide Transportation Network to help veterans get the medical attention they need. Today, the program provides more than 700,000 rides annually to veterans needing transportation to VA medical appointments.

The DAV Transportation Network is the only way many veterans are able to get to VA medical facilities for needed treatment. They’re men and women who answered the country’s call in times of war. Many lost limbs, sight, hearing or good health. And many live a great distance from a VA hospital.

With fixed incomes, the cost of transportation to a VA hospital is just too high. They’re left with two choices. They could go without the treatment they need, or skimp on food or other necessities to pay for transportation. Veterans disabled in our nation’s service should never face such dire options.

The DAV van is the primary method of transportation, but on those days when veterans have appointments at different VA medical centers, some will be without transportation. We needed another van now.

In our case, we purchased a seven-passenger van at a cost of $24,000, a DAV chapter expense is $15,000. The Indiana DAV State Department/Charitable Service Trust pays the remaining $9,000. The DAV chapter needed to raise the $15,000, and with the help of local media and influenced by Kokomo Mayor Matt McKillip, the goal was reached.

Donations came, which we greatly appreciate, from city government, veterans organizations, corporations and private donors. The money had to be submitted by Nov. 5 to the DAV state headquarters so that delivery of the van can be made in the May time frame of 2008.

Thanks to all.

Thomas E. Hagan

Kokomo

        

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