LETTERS: TRANSITORY PROCESS OF GOVERNANCE

To the editor:

About communism, the dictionary says "any system of social organization in which goods are held in common." Another definition which would indicate a capital C refers to a "doctrine and program based on revolutionary Marxian socialism." One example of pure communism is the experience of early Christians who held all things in common until Ananias and Sapphira goofed things up with a capitalistic tendency.

Through the course of human history, monarchy, despotism, tribalism, democracy, republicanism, communism and authoritarianism have taken their turns. They probably will continue to do so in the transitory process of human governance. Each in its own form or in combination with others intends to lend improvement or access power. Scripture muses that "we have no continuing city."

One can only hope that from time to time there will be a few enduring, fragile moments in which the world's minions may find peace and contentment.

GILBERT DEGENHARDT

Cape Girardeau