SAMUEL: Hope for the future

I’m submitting this letter to thank the Coeur d’Alene Press for its editorial on 02/21/16 regarding Eldon Samuel. The Press gave thoughtful regard to everything that needs further consideration in this tragedy and what this community owes to him in the form of justice.

This now young man clearly from all the detailed news reports never had an opportunity in his life to know what “spoken and lived out” words of life are and were. He and his brother were tormented by their tormented father, who had given in to the trappings of today’s “dark entertainment.” If any of your readership thinks that anyone can not be profoundly affected in mind and deed by a life lived controlled by darkness and evil...then they need to think again. His own father had so battered his mind with “zombie” reality fear and even instructions as to shoot him in his head three times to prevent him from becoming a zombie.

Readers, it is time for all to take their collective heads out of what is truly deceptive dark sand and be strong enough to stand up against such darkness. Eldon could not have fallen into one more crack of despair or neglect to act. Why? If you did not have the opportunity to read that editorial, I hope you will do so, especially parents, teachers, clergy, medical practitioners and social service “protectors!”

Don’t know about you but we are quite weary and concerned with all the skull stickers on vehicles every time we are out driving. It has become a plague of despair. No, I would not have wanted to serve on this jury, however, now that the determination of what Eldon’s future will hold, is it not time to consider what encouragement, positive influence and life choices were given to him, instead of death/dark choices? The Press stated quite well their opinion and we totally agree and pray that a decision based on mercy and grace and recovering mental health will be the chosen option. They’re the things he never had the opportunity of in his life. Speak blessings into Eldon; enough death has already be spoken into his life not of his choosing.

JOHN and BETTY MARTIN

Coeur d’Alene