October 18

‘Majestic, messy Montana’

Montana really is purple. Most of its people are down-to-earth, but many new residents from the West Coast brought their dark blue worldviews with them. It’s been a long time since our state officials have been solidly red. I really hope for the best for Steve and Cindy Daines.

Johnny Red on wng.org

‘Billionaire bashing in Michigan’

I live in Michigan and can barely endure the ads that insult my intelligence and pander to my emotions. I yearn for ads that are informative and truthful. What do these candidates stand for? What does their personal history show about their character, integrity, and philosophy of government? Is that too much to ask?

Nes White on wng.org

It’s a desperate, tooth-and-nail fight between national-level political operatives who will do anything to pick up a Senate seat. It’s not much fun for anyone involved, including grassroots volunteers and least of all the voters.

Guardian on wng.org

‘Four pre-election cautions’

There is a time for a soft answer, but Joel Belz is mistaken. There is a passionate group that desires to fight for this nation. The time for half measures is over. Where are our modern-day prophets who are willing to speak loudly at the risk of making us uncomfortable?

Jesse Castro / Lynchburg, Va.

‘Balkan betrayal’

It’s good to keep this history in mind when considering international institutions such as the UN and the World Bank. Without a Christian understanding, which appears banished from the world stage, we’ll see strong countries forcing their dominant ideologies onto less powerful countries with competing ideologies.

Richard H on wng.org

‘Glory and battle’

Janie B. Cheaney noted that the Great War “destroyed about one-fifth of an entire generation.” Each year in the United States, 4 million babies are born and more than 1 million are aborted; that’s about the same casualty rate.

Bob Brown / Bel Air, Md.

The concept of a just war completely escapes dreamy-eyed pacifists who oppose battle at any cost.

Elaine Neumeyer / Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.

Well said. I think about these things often with my five boys close to my heart.

Homefront on wng.org

‘One toke over the line’

I appreciated the relative balance in your article on marijuana, but you didn’t mention the damaging “war on drugs.” It has disproportionately incarcerated blacks and resulted in a host of injustices and wasted tax dollars.

Douglas Oliver / Toledo, Ohio

I support the medical use of marijuana but not legalizing it for recreational use. I saw as a teenager and college student of the ’70s how this drug produces extreme apathy and laziness. I have seen it destroy lives. The cost to society will very likely outweigh the tax benefits.

Soapbxn on wng.org

The biggest pro-legalization argument is that Americans should be able to choose what they put in their bodies. It’s not the government’s job to turn something that is inherently victimless into a crime.

Nate Douglas / Fort Worth, Texas

‘Staring at the void’

As a physician I have seen too often in palliative care patients the sense of aloneness Marvin Olasky described in his friend. It is especially acute when a physician of many years has said, “There is nothing more I can do for you.” He should say instead, “I have no more medical therapies for your situation but I will never leave you.” The worst human psychic trauma is abandonment.

Marvin Jewell / Charlevoix, Mich.

When all hope in this world is lost, we have hope in Christ, our all-powerful friend. I hope the story about Olasky’s friend has a happy ending.

XmasTomato on wng.org

‘Chain reactions’

So true. If we could see the full path beforehand, we might wither in fear before we feel His touch that carries us through.

Janice G on wng.org

Thanks for this great reminder. Life is messy, but we can still have joy in the good and the bad because we know God is in control.

Sanman101 on wng.org

‘“For His good purpose”’

Thank you so much for reprinting Saeed Abedini’s letter to his daughter. I’ve prayed often for his spiritual and physical health and for his release. Reading of his strong faith and desire to pass it on to Rebekka was so heartening, a taste of how the recipients of Paul’s letters from prison probably felt.

Joni Halpin / Allen, Texas

Well, this letter certainly puts all my petty concerns in proper perspective.

HawaiiCharles on wng.org

‘Transparent sinner’

Elyse Fitzpatrick seems like the real deal. We need more Christians like her.

Neil Johnston / Grand Prairie, Texas

‘Movie migration’

With production costs getting lower, Christian filmmakers will have a much easier time getting their movies made and distributed. Also, the less Hollywood is the center of moviemaking, the less the liberal culture of Hollywood will be the center of moviemaking.

WFerguson on wng.org

‘Cardless charge’

Yes, Apple Pay is far more secure than credit cards. I prefer Android myself, but Apple’s launch excites me because it will spur the rollout of more NFC payment terminals, so I’ll finally get to use Google Wallet in more places.

Tyler Westin Mick on wng.org

‘All shook up’

As a structural engineer who has worked in the nuclear power industry, I cringed to read Peck’s “sky is falling” analysis of the Shoreline fault near the Diablo Canyon power plant. It now provides many megawatts of electricity for that region, yet Peck and Friends of the Earth want to shut it down based on a misguided view of risk and benefit.

Doug Krug / Fair Oaks, Calif.

‘Left Behind’

Alicia Cohn’s review contained many insights, but why is it “bold and honest” to leave many characters in doubt about God’s goodness? How does this make them “more real and recognizable”? Is it not “real” to have characters go through difficult times and come out affirming God’s goodness? I recognize it.

William Murphy / Osceola Mills, Pa.

October 4

‘Set aside the scowl’

Joel Belz’s comment that the nature of conservatism is to come off as a spoilsport sounds like something a misguided liberal might utter. As long as liberals control the mainstream media, it makes no difference whether we scowl or put on a happy face—we will be caricatured.

Tom Burley / Grand Rapids, Mich.

‘Notable books’

Did we read the same book? Samson and the Pirate Monks struck me as articulate navel-gazing. The author displayed ingratitude and a lack of humility. Where was the wonder of the amazing grace that saves us wretches?

Rhonna Bassett / Salem, Ore.

September 20

‘“I will not settle”’

My grandfather, Isaac Altman, left Luov by himself at 16 and never saw his family again. He went from pushcart peddler in New York to owning real estate in Los Angeles while supporting his family. I am one of his nine grandchildren, the only one who has found my Messiah Jesus. Thank you for bringing tears to my eyes as I read of Louis Olasky’s bravery.

Anajean Altman / Laguna Woods, Calif.

WORLD around the World

Nairobi, Kenya Submitted by Karen Jones

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