Compassion in Paris

I just finished reading Marvin Olasky's article about compassionate conservatism ("Fake contrasts," Feb. 20). Another example can be found here in Paris, Texas. For three years the Faith Presbyterian church (PCA) has hosted the Agape House Free Medical Clinic on the third Saturday of each month. Volunteers from churches all over the community come and share their talents with our neighbors in need. No one is paid. The church provides space and all the amenities free of charge. No one has religion forced down his or her throat, but the 70+ patients we see in a four-hour period know they and their family members can listen to hymns in the sanctuary, or read any of the literature we set out for them, and receive Bibles in English or Spanish, if they desire one. Some volunteers walk among the folks and visit with them, sharing the gospel as the opportunity is presented. In all this we, as a church, have not compromised our conservative faith, teaching, or outreach. If anything, we see our efforts as fulfilling in part Jesus' words in Matthew 25. - John M. Kelley, Paris, Texas

Bad cartoon

I would like to thank you for your wonderful coverage of today's current events. It's great to read a magazine with a Christian perspective, instead of one that twists, alters, or just leaves out the facts. But I was surprised to see one of the cartoons in your Feb. 20 issue. The way that Mr. Payne portrayed Monica Lewinsky was, I believe, totally wrong, especially for a Christian magazine. - Kyle Puelston (16), Farmington, Minn.

Where are the laughs?

Your magazine is great, but personally I think it could use a bit more, you know, comedy. - Elias Utegaard, Duluth, Minn.

Surplus is illusion

I was disappointed with WORLD's report on the record surpluses ("1,700,000,000, 000," Feb. 20).The report continued the government's deception claiming there is a surplus when in fact the budget is still in the red. The surplus is derived from folding in the income from the Social Security taxes. The government has been following this procedure for years in order to keep the deficit lower. But Social Security taxes are supposed to be reserved for Social Security and if borrowed to shore up the general budget they should be reported as borrowed, with interest paid on that money, just as with any other government borrowing. Therefore all, not just Mr. Clinton's 60 percent of the so-called surplus should go to shore up Social Security. The problem is the government doesn't know how to save money. All it can do is borrow and spend. At least somebody in the news media should be reporting the truth. - Eldon Hall, Westwood, Mass.

On the money and more

Cal Thomas's comments on Mr. Clinton's deception on the budget are right on the money, but it goes even farther. Here's what Mr. Clinton doesn't say: The government hasn't paid off one cent on the national debt in 39 years. Last year with a $70 billion "surplus" the national debt went up over $100 billion. The government now owes the Social Security Trust Fund (SSTF) over $700 billion. Interest on the national debt is now over $430,000 a minute 24 hours a day year around. Mr. Clinton has lied about a lot more than sex. He is lying about our national finances and our national debt. Even sadder is the fact that the Republicans are letting him get away with it. - L. James Harvey, Upper Marlboro, Md.

Liars in gowns

So glad WORLD told the Rigoberta Menchú story ("Academic icon exposed," Feb. 13). Yet it is more than a story, it is a lie, regardless of the spin academia puts on it. The apostle Paul wrote of those who "refused to love the truth" and "exchanged the truth of God for a lie." Since Genesis 3, man has an insatiable appetite for everything except the truth, which frees us. So, half-truths and anecdotal misinformation fill our history books and become the warp and woof of the liberals. As a family we spent over 30 years living, eating, sleeping with some of the poorest in South America. Yet anger, resentment, or envy were not part of their lives. Nothing similar to the Rigoberta fabrication. - Aubrey Clark, Orient, Me.

Informed hope

Just a note on Lynn Vincent's "Death on life support" (Feb.20) and the comment concerning the Kevorkian death machine that delivers "chemicals into the veins of the hopeless." Many of these patients and their families could be given information on pain control, hospice care, etc., and then could make an informed choice about their future. - Mona Belcher, Mobile, Ala.

Ms. Macabre

In Lynn Vincent's euthanasia article ("Death on life support," Feb. 20), surely it should have been Rita Macabre rather than Macarbee who stated, "We talk about [having control over how we will die] all the time." - Stacey Burger, Indianapolis, Ind.

Not interested

There are a couple of articles in the Feb. 20 issue that I just don't get: "Sinking standards," about how certain men's magazines are getting more pornographic, and "Jagged little souls" about music. Here's my problem: I would never in a million years ever consider either those magazines nor that music even mildly interesting, so telling me what's wrong with them does nothing for me. You might as well be telling me about Hustler or Black Sabbath. I'd like to hear more about good books, magazines, and music or topics that I might be interested in investigating in more detail. - Greg Stewart via Internet,

Renew your mind

Your article about sleazy men's magazines is right on the money ("Sinking standards, Feb. 20). Most men's magazines, whether they are outright sleazy like Maxim or hedonistic like GQ and Esquire, appeal to the self-centered carnal man that has to die daily in the life of a Christian. Temptation to succumb to the yearnings of the flesh is everywhere. That's all the more reason to be in the Word more than most of us-myself included-are. - Stuart L. Brogden, Houston, Texas

Stepping downward

I found the article on men's magazines to mirror my own viewpoint on women's magazines. Most women's magazines will contain at least one article on how to please a man sexually. Apparently sex has been reduced to a recreational activity or some form of entertainment, and performance is the key to self-worth. I find this published decadence to be very disturbing. I shudder to think of the level magazines will have sunk to 10 years from now if this downward spiral continues. I wish people could understand that these magazines promote a total lack of respect for ourselves, each other, and most of all, God. - Debra Jenkins, Coyle, Okla.

Not a fan

I could not agree with you more on your Alanis Morisette CD review ("Jagged little souls," Feb. 20). I always thought she sounded like a dying cow that needed to be put out of her misery. - Beckie Gruen, Lindenhurst, Ill.

Taken for granted

I just read the story about the Australian missionary and his two sons who were burned to death in their Jeep in India ("Rearing its ugly head," Feb. 6). It broke my heart-especially seeing the picture of the grieving widow and daughter. What a brave testimony she has-calling for forgiveness. I take my freedom to worship God openly for granted, and I want to extend my sympathy and prayers to the family. - Cindy de Haan, Seminole, Fla.

Thanks also due

Concerning your article "Passing time after the trial" (Feb. 20): One whom I feel you ought to have mentioned is Rep. Jim Rogan of California. He is a fine Christian man. He made significant points during the Senate trial and represented Christ in a gentlemanly and civil but forthright manner. - Gerald Christian Nordskog, Ventura, Calif.

Thanks

My wife and I wanted to drop you a quick note to express our appreciation for your fine magazine. We are encouraged by your commitment to a biblical worldview, and look forward each week to receiving the next issue. My wife devours each week's issue on the day we receive it, and her only regret is that the issues aren't longer. - Craig & Barbara Forney, Ames, Iowa

Keep the ink flowing

Your fine magazine is a boost to my brain and spirit. Your upcoming WORLD Journalism Institute makes me wish I were 20-some years younger! Your writers have become almost personal friends, and the newest one, Andree Seu, has caught my attention with her insightful pen. Keep the ink flowing for His glory. - Nancy Spangle, Warsaw, Ind.