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POWER OF THE PULPIT: Don’t blame churches

| May 28, 2023 1:00 AM

It is unfortunate that we have to blame someone else when we don’t get what we want, but that’s what appears to be happening here. The recent library trustees election revealed the will of the people — the new trustees were voted in, prior trustees were voted out. That is why we have elections. We have the freedom to vote our conscience. But that doesn’t give anyone an excuse to condemn, blame or blast those who think differently. We all have reasons for how we vote, and we should all live with the outcomes.

What is particularly disturbing about the editorial of Sunday, May 21 on pulpits and politics was the author chose to blame the churches and pastors for their influence on the peoples’ vote. Churches have always influenced morals in society — to identify right over wrong. Their input is needed and brings balance. Most church people are good people; they don’t set out to cause trouble and should not be accused when someone disagrees with their opinion. We have freedom of speech in America.

We do not doubt that the two prior trustees were dedicated to their jobs and served their communities faithfully; they should be commended. But times are different; negative influences are greater; and another perspective may be warranted. Much has changed in society in recent years, and new eyes may be needed to protect our children from exploitation. Let's give these new trustees a chance to attempt change for the better.

In closing, those signing this letter attend different churches and none were given instructions from the pulpit on how to vote in this past election.

CHARLES and MARY LOU THOMPSON, Hayden

EILEEN DAVIDSON, Coeur d’Alene

CLAIR WELLER, Coeur d’Alene