LETTERS: PROPER VIGILANCE NEEDED ON ISSUES

To the editor:

There is another hoax/scam rippling through the Christian community. It's called Petition 2493, a petition that would limit the Christian content on radio and television. Many people of faith in this area are circulating this petition, and their concerns are rightfully justified.

However, I have good news. Petition 2493 was defeated back in 1975. For some reason, it resurfaces just like the famous department-store cookie recipe that cost $250 to an unsuspecting customer. Christians waste a lot of time and energy mailing useless letters to the FCC.

Petition 2493 is dead, but its resurrection is perhaps timed to distract us from a real threat, FCC Order 99-393, which would purge media of any programming which contained "religious exhortation, proselytizing, or statements of personally-held religious views or beliefs." This portion of the order is also known as "additional guidance," a clause buried deep within Order 99-393.

Thankfully, due to public outcry, the Dec. 29 order has been withdrawn.

These recent events show me three things. First, don't believe everything you see or hear. Check it out. Second, our government does respond, as it should, to the reasonable voice of the people. Have you made your voice heard? Third, our vigilance is the price we pay for freedom. If you don't like how things are, it's probably because you didn't get involved.

The REV. GRANT F.C. GILLARD

First Presbyterian Church

Jackson