#14 August 3, 2018 Letter to Editor

Dear Friends

While I have been enjoying this new ministry and Alaskan adventure (including writing this blog to have a recorded memory of it) I have gotten out of the habit of writing letters to the editor. That ended this morning as I submitted the following letter to the Anchorage Daily News. I have intentionally avoided politics in this blog, but current events compel me to voice my opinion for this one. I especially hope those who may disagree with me will at least consider my two contemporary translations of familiar scriptures at the end. 

This country has great challenges. There is a great need for healing. But we are a good nation of good people who have more in common than not, and I long for the day we can return to a time of more polite and intelligent discourse, starting at the top. It's a sad day when the networks have to bleep our president on live television.

Here is the letter:

Five top intelligence officials at a press briefing told us that Russia is trying to "weaken and divide" the United States ahead of the midterms. Some of the outrage that may produce should also be directed to our president, who weakens and divides our country almost every time he opens his mouth. We have elected a Divider in Chief who demonizes anyone who disagrees with or tries to hold him accountable, whether that be democrats, the press, or any group or person who tries to exercise their first amendment rights. And that doesn't include all the personal insults and assaults he throws at individuals. Yes, others do this, but he is our president. Is it too much to expect that he should set a higher standard and better tone?

We desperately need a President of the United States, not a President of the "President's Base". More important than a republican or democrat, we need to elect a Uniter in Chief in 2020. In the meantime, I would remind some of my good, faith-filled friends who turn a deaf ear and blind eye because of the improving (for some) economy: For what will it profit a nation to have "good numbers" while forfeiting its soul, by condoning the words and behavior of a president whose lack of discipline, decency and dignity, continues to divide us. If a country is divided against itself, that country will not be able to stand.  

John Saville