‘Behind the curtain’

Oct. 1 I was on the electoral board of our county when computer voting machines became available. One way to offset the danger of hacked voting machines is to provide a paper trail using small printers that generate a printout that each voter can examine and, if correct, drop into a ballot box. If there are no challenges to the outcome, the ballots are simply burned. If there is a challenge, there is a paper trail.

—Larry Roller / Mount Sidney, Va.

This article barely scratched the surface of serious voter concerns. The many ways to manipulate election results, as several books have documented, include registration of ineligible voters, multiple registrations, misuse of mail-in ballots, failure to keep or transmit valid completed ballots, and counting irregularities. Accurate and legal systems are mandatory for a free republic.

—Richard Fogdall / The Sea Ranch, Calif.

Our precinct went to a mail-in-only system a few years ago, and since then we’ve “found” boxes of ballots left behind a door and in a trunk. I am concerned that those in rural (conservative) areas would be tossed out while those in the major population areas would be counted. If there is an easy way to rig an election, this is it.

—Joellyn Clark on wng.org

‘Cheers and cries’

Oct. 1 I appreciated Sophia Lee’s honest look at this documentary. She claims the film shows Hillsong’s performers as people “trying to stay faithful and humble” but also hard-pressed to pin down a reason for the film. It seems more like marketing than true humility.

—Jon Kelly / Great Bend, Kan.

‘Fire the coach’

Oct. 1 As a Christian health coach, I was dismayed by the first few paragraphs of this column. I agree that counsel from the ungodly is folly, and many cannot get practical help from their churches. Yet this piece’s title and tone do a disservice to those of us who seek to help others, within a Biblical framework, with their health or lives.

—Leslie Pittelkow / Addy, Wash.

‘The very best offer’

Oct. 1 The character in the story observed that the price was “fair” but “suspected it could go lower.” But lower is not “fair” to everyone. A fair price creates a fair profit, which creates a strong business, which creates a strong economy. We all win when we treat each other without offense.

—Jeff Dickerson / Morton, Ill.

‘Way up north’

Oct. 1 Thank you for highlighting our native population in Alaska. Villages are dark places spiritually. Given the ravages of alcohol, the high suicide rate, false teaching, and so many children without both of their parents, we need to pray for them, and support missionaries who are willing to go to the bush and show Christ’s love.

—Sonya Vaughn on Facebook

‘Puffed-up politics’

Oct. 1 This column gives me hope, for I have been afraid that the evangelical world is losing its sense of political perspective. Historical perspective in politics is key, along with a Biblical, realistic understanding of human nature, and we must not lose our ability to be shocked at evil.

—Daniel McPhearson on wng.org

‘Where the wild horses are’

Oct. 1 Regarding the overpopulation of wild horses, the Bureau of Land Management should introduce the idolized horses to the idolized timber wolves and let nature take its course. This would at least give the decimated elk herds a break.

—Greg Browning on wng.org

‘An attack that wasn’t’

Oct. 1 One line in this column about how to combat terrorism and protect Christians brought tears to my eyes: “For one thing, prayer.” This was encouraging and gave me more ways to pray for the bride of Christ.

—Arietta C. Watson / Atlanta, Ga.

‘Unfit for power’

Oct. 29 Thank you for your well-thought-out editorial recommending Donald Trump step down from the nomination. I don’t endorse Trump and will likely vote for him, but I respect your position; you make a compelling case.

—Vince Elder / Houston, Texas

I had sent an anniversary gift of $100 to WORLD. Then I read your irrational, infantile rant bad-mouthing Trump and thus campaigning for Hillary, so I called my bank to stop payment. I will not support you people from the Stupid Party. The news media must have a great time doing high-fives after they get you gullible sheep to run around looking like chickens with their heads cut off.

—Garold Frickel / Mesa, Ariz.

Thank you for saying what needed to be said. As a Christian, I’ve been appalled that more Christians haven’t stood up and said that character counts. As a woman, I have been saddened and hurt that men have been willing to overlook Trump’s words and actions because they think Clinton’s lies are worse. But they fail to see how their tacit approval of Trump’s behavior makes women feel threatened and vulnerable. Integrity is more important than politics—for candidates and citizens alike.

—Melanie Sliker / West Creek, N.J.

Your call for Trump to step aside is the epitome of self-righteous hypocrisy. Get off your high horse! Trump is the only hope this nation has of redemption until Jesus comes back.

—Kimon Nicolaides / Honolulu, Hawaii

I am sure this editorial is going to cost you many of your subscribers; I plan to make WORLD subscriptions most of my Christmas gifts this year. I’ve never had more respect for your publication and for your staff.

—Marta Crilly / Boston, Mass.

I just called and canceled my subscription. Your cover story on Trump was the last straw. I’ll never read another copy of WORLD until you run an apology to Trump.

—Mark Mummert / Mechanicsburg, Pa.

I disagree with your conclusion; nevertheless, with you I can pray that God will be gracious to our nation. With you I can rest in the sovereignty of God and the knowledge that His purposes for His people will not fail. Christians should be able to discuss, debate, and disagree; so, thank God for WORLD, and for His grace; may His name be praised forever.

—Michael J. Kane / Portland, Ore.

More letters, emails, and comments that we didn't have space for in the print edition:

‘Unfit for power’

Oct. 29 I have enjoyed and value your wise and thoughtful comments, but am quite disappointed in your dump Trump editorial. I agree with you about Trump’s character, but his running mate is an honorable man. Worse, his opponent is not just wrong on every issue but motivated by pure evil in her positions on abortion, religious freedom, and who knows what else, along with a history of criminal behavior. You are damaging the effort to keep this wicked woman out of the White House. At least a Trump presidency would make Mike Pence president of the Senate.

—Constance Rice / South Charleston, Ohio

What a disgusting, un-Biblical, unethical, and un-Christian hit piece on Trump! And where did you get the lie that "If a person is unfaithful to his spouse, he's also likely to be unfaithful to his country”? Was this what happened to King David, the murderer and adulterer? Any Christian who does not vote has cast his vote for the devil.

—Ted Hall / Upperco, Md.

‘Quick Takes’

Oct. 1 This piece described anything but a “fish fail.” A fish “leaped into a boat carrying foreign dignitaries”? Now that’s an awesome fish.

—Jim Maust / Souderton, Pa.

‘The advocate’

Oct. 1 While heads are not being chopped off here for not following Sharia law, people are losing their jobs, businesses, and worse because they are not "complying" with progressive policy. If the trend doesn't stop, heads may eventually be up for consideration.

—Steve Norris / Carmi, Ill.

‘Trust partnership’

Oct. 1 I was delighted to see how closely I match Joel Belz's “typical” reader profile. I am a busy mom of three (going on four) kids, and listening to World Radio while I make dinner has become one of the highlights of my day.

—Elisabeth Bodey / St. Paris, Ohio

‘Fire the coach’

Oct. 1 Andrée Seu Peterson would like Christians to fire their “unchurched life coaches.” But she makes no reference to the dangers lurking in counseling relationships with clergy who sexually exploit the people who come to them for care.

—Wayne and Gerri Stowman / Fergus Falls, Minn.

‘Behind the curtain’

Oct. 1 I am a poll worker in our precinct in Pennsylvania. We scan paper ballots, and we have an ADA-approved "electronic" machine. Both machines tally the vote on memory cards, and we keep the machines and all paper ballots under observation until delivered to election central.

—Rhonda Buckingham on wng.org

‘Way up north’

Oct. 1 Native culture is rich and thriving despite the darkness, pain, and suffering, and many Christian ministries are working across our state. Rural Alaska is ripe for and desperately needs the true gospel.

—Rhonda Stark / Palmer, Alaska

‘Where the wild horses are’

Oct. 1 Here’s another good example of government excess fueled by progressives who don't understand ranchers or the West's ecosystem. God called us to be caretakers over animals, and that means controlling the population.

—Bev Roe on wng.org

‘Hero on the Hudson’

Oct. 1 I saw Sully on 9/11 with my wife and mother-in-law. I really enjoyed the insight into the airlines and the NTSB. It was an excellent movie.

—David C. Nicolle on wng.org

Sept. 17 Krieg Barrie is one of the reasons I'm still subscribing after 25 years. His illustrations are always pertinent and insightful. The Sept. 17 cover of the Grim Reaper wearing an “I’m with her” Clinton button was one of the best illustrations I have ever seen. The Democratic Party has become the party of death for the unborn, the unknown, and the unloved.

Chuck Knapp / Hampton, Va.