LETTERS: WE MUST THWART HATRED, INTOLERANCE

To the editor:

In news reports of the Oklahoma City bombing, the makeup of the explosive device was described as some combination of fertilizer and fuel oil. I would suggest there were many more ingredients in that bomb, far more dangerous. It is the other parts that concern me most.

The most volatile and dangerous factors in that device were hatred, intolerance, ignorance, a perception of being disenfranchised and fanatical beliefs, just to name a few. I do not believe we can ban fertilizer and fuel oil. We can, and should, work on the other factors.

When we watch and read about the tragedy in Oklahoma City, it is a normal reaction to want to do something. Rage, disgust, horror and severe emotional pain seem to be our only course. I think there is something we all can do that will have a positive outcome. We must first work on our own feelings and thought processes in a way that would work toward the elimination of hatred, intolerance and all the other negative ingredients that were present in that bomb. If each of us work toward that goal, the end result would be positive as a society.

The very basis of a democracy is the representative form of government. Correctly or not, some feel they and their beliefs aren't being represented by government. This perception of not having any say, coupled with rock-hard ignorance, is a very dangerous thing. I feel our system of government still works and works very well. Paranoia, frustration and a feeling of hopelessness isn't a justification for violence at any time. Our system can work.

As politically incorrect as it may be, I feel very strongly that turning to our religious beliefs is essential to positive growth as a society and nation. That can take whatever form an individual may choose, but doing so is vital. If each and everyone of us dedicate ourselves to eliminating intolerance, prejudice and hatred in every form, the result will be a collective healing of a national cancer. The Pledge of Allegiance still contains the phrase "under God," and I feel it holds the promise of the future. This country's government is still of, by and for the people. It is its people who hold the key, not the government.

WALTER B. WILDMAN

Cape Girardeau