Must ask what Jesus would do

To the editor:

I am deeply struck and saddened by the loss of life on Sept. 11. My sadness would only be compounded if the United States' response resulted in further bloodshed, especially that of civilians. We must ask ourselves, "What would Jesus do?" Anyone who claims to be pro-life should work to find a response that protects innocent lives. While terrorism is a cancer, we must remove it with a scalpel and not a machete.

In the weeks that follow, I pray our nation's leadership will act with caution, remembering that the death of an innocent human being is a terrible tragedy regardless of his ethnicity or nationality.

I'm afraid we are on a course that will make this dark time in U.S. history even worse. Killing innocent civilians will only feed others' hatred for America and create new terrorists. Join me in urging our leaders to follow a truly Christian solution. Visit the Web site at www. 9-11peace.org. God bless America.LARRY LOOS

Cape Girardeau

Giving late thanks to soldiers

To the editor:

The horrendous tragedy that has befallen our nation makes me appreciate our military people more and more. I heard someone say this week that the only thing that stands between death and us is our military. With that thought in mind, I would like to give long overdue thanks to some people.

My grandfather, Henry McNeely, served in World War II in the Philippines. He was 26 years old and had a wife and three children when he was drafted.

My father-in-law, Leonard Huffman, whom I never had the opportunity to know, served in the European Campaign during World War II. He was at Normandy, and only recently did we find out that he received five Bronze Stars.

My grandfather died suddenly in 1988 of a heart attack, and one of my greatest regrets is that I never told him how much I appreciated what he did for his country and family during World War II. So I want to say now to all the men and women who have served or are currently serving this country during wartime or peace, thank you!

To my uncles, my cousins, my stepdad, father-in-law and beloved grandfather, I especially thank all of you. I urge anyone who knows or cares about someone who has served or is serving in the military to thank them now.ROBIN HUFFMAN

Advance, Mo.

Turn from evil and seek the Lord

To the editor:

Evil is the choice to act upon desires contrary to God's commandments. Evil is the act of using a civilian-filled airplane to blow up buildings filled with civilians while commiting suicide. Evil is the act of hate to the point of planning an attack on schoolmates, co-workers, the uknown public, family members and even oneself.

Evil is a lustful desire of materialism that drives us to jealousy at what others have.

We can all see the evil in our own lives. We know the consequences. But God so loved us that he sent Jesus to die on a Roman cross to pay the debt for the evil we commit.

Isn't it time we turned from our evil and returned to God?

It's never too late. God's mercy endures forever.

BRUCE COLLIER

Cape Girardeau