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In response to “Sean of the South”
Dear Editor,
Sometimes I think the reason I took an instant like to Sean Dietrich is because of his last name, and I want to think he is related, somehow, to Dietrich Bonhoffer, one of the smartest, bravest, creative Christians to ever live.
And, so, when I saw the column by “Sean of the South,” the one on suicide, I knew our great favored son of the south was worth my full attention. Sean writes of “the dirty word.”
In our trending culture, we openly discuss many topics, once shunned in polite societies: homosexuality, drug addiction, transgenderism, corporate greed, but we don’t dare mention the “S” word, suicide. Many thanks to Sean for bringing this to our attention.
I believe most people would be horrified to learn the number of veteran suicides that occur daily. The latest statistics that I have available put the total number for all suicides in 2022 at 49,000, with 4 percent more male suicides.
Most people don’t ask depressed friends and relatives if they are suicidal because the loved ones fear that the mere mention of the word will bring about the dreaded act. Professionals tell us the opposite is true, however, and from what we know, most seriously depressed individuals have considered suicide as a way out. I believe that our minds tend to, under stress, run in circles, with ever shrinking diameters leaving fewer options, until there is only one way out: suicide.
At this time, it is highly unlikely, barring a miracle, the grief-absorbed individual can find his/her way out alone. If they don’t end their lives by some conventional method, they will elect one of the slow routes, like drugs, alcohol, high-risk behaviors, where survival becomes a sick game.
Any person can bring themselves to talk to continually depressed people by asking the simple question, “What options have you considered?” This can lead to what you are searching for: Is this person a suicide risk?
Follow up with introducing other ways to tear down the barriers of depression, like going for walks, singing, baking cakes, or talking to a close friend. Once doesn’t get the job done. Make personal contact frequently. Get the person to dress up, shop and write a diary.
All I am saying is to do your part, and if you don’t succeed, you have tried your best. You were the best friend they could have had, even if they got good and mad at you for not leaving them alone. With God in control of your prayers and actions, you have gone the distance, and you will deter a truly suicidal person, although you might never be aware of it because nobody had asked and nobody knew. A loved one could still commit suicide, but you will have done all you could do to prevent it.
Sincerely,
Elaine Willis
Rockford, Ala.
Balancing budgets, supporting families
Dear Editor,
In today’s America, most of us are sitting at the kitchen table trying to make ends meet. Decisions in Washington often seem far removed from our lives, but the proposed drastic cuts to federal programs hit right where it hurts – our families, friends and neighbors.
Take SNAP (formerly food stamps), for example. It’s not just an abstract program. It’s how parents keep their kids fed when hours at work are cut. It’s what helped some of our friends and family get through hard times. Eliminating or slashing such support leaves a gaping hole in the safety net. For rural areas, cuts to USDA programs mean fewer resources for farmers, small-town economies and those who rely on affordable school lunches for their children.
Even agencies like USAID or FEMA, which seem distant, have ripple effects. Whether it’s disaster relief or food security, they stabilize lives when local resources are overwhelmed. And let’s not forget our veterans who depend on the VA for healthcare. What happens to them if funding shrinks?
I understand the need to address wasteful spending, but we must ask: Where do the savings come from, and at what cost? These cuts aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet; they translate into job losses for everyday Americans who work for these agencies and greater hardships for those who depend on these programs.
That’s not to say President Trump isn’t doing a lot of things right. His focus on securing the border was long overdue, and many appreciated his push to prioritize American workers. But we must also acknowledge the human cost of dismantling programs that provide lifelines.
We also need to ask ourselves: Are our churches truly able to stand in the gap and help those in need as the Bible calls us to do? Proverbs 19:17 reminds us, “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.”
Churches play a vital role in helping the less fortunate, but can they realistically bear the full burden left when federal programs are slashed? How many people do you know who have relied on these services during tough times?
We need to broaden our understanding of these issues by looking beyond what we hear on CNN or Fox News. Both are pushing their own agendas, whether right or left. Instead, try reading local news from other states to see how they’re handling challenges like these. Expand your knowledge by seeking less biased sources and stepping outside the echo chambers we so easily fall into.
I want President Trump to succeed because I love my country, just like you do. But we need to stop the “wrecking ball” effect. Instead, let’s methodically and transparently discuss how we can cut waste in these agencies without harming everyday Americans who are just trying to live the American dream.
Would you, as a family, tear up your home’s foundation with a wrecking ball? Of course not. You’d carefully repair what’s broken to preserve the structure for generations to come.
Stronger Together: Building America by Helping Each Other. This is how we ensure the country remains resilient and prosperous, leaving no one behind. It’s time for a targeted, thoughtful approach to budgeting – one that eliminates waste without gutting the programs that keep our neighbors afloat. Let’s come together to demand smarter solutions, not just bigger cuts.
Respectfully,
Lynne Taylor
Rockford, Ala.
