Sun Journal Letter to the Editor by CCTA Vice Chairman, Nancy Murdoch

July 31, 2011

Petty differences

With all the serious problems facing this nation, Barbara Harrison’s letter of July 22 focuses on Michele Bachmann’s mispronunciation of the word “chutzpah.” She poses the question: “Are there any good, decent Americans left that she hasn’t offended?”

For the record, I consider myself a good, decent American and she hasn’t offended me.

Because she signed a pledge that at one time contained an analogy lamenting the fact that so many African-American children are born to a single mother does not make her a racist. The statistics that 70 percent of black children are born out of wedlock comes from the U.S. Census. At no time did Ms. Bachmann celebrate slavery nor would any other decent human. Slavery was a fact of life for many of our ancestors, and most of us are glad it is behind us.

Later in the letter Ms. Harrison stated that Bachmann’s husband runs a business that tries to “Pray away the gay.” The facts are that Marcus Bachmann has a counseling service that, according to the website, employs a number of Christian counselors, treating families, couples and individuals and their issues. I found no reference to forcibly praying away any particular aberration or problem. I am quite aware that being a Christian is tantamount to being a pedophile in some circles, but most Americans don’t agree and are not offended by Christian doctrine or prayer.

The important issues that Michele Bachmann espouses are conveniently overlooked by the ideologues of the left. The crux of the conservative view is a belief in smaller federal government, the power of the individual and less burden by taxation. In other words we believe in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, and consider neither document irrelevant in today’s world. Both are timeless documents.

Instead of debating the real issues of an out of control government that wishes to dictate, regulate and subjugate the American citizen, the Democrats and the left prefer to attack the individual, especially if she’s female and attractive.

If one would prefer to remain petty, I would be willing to wager most Americans can pronounce the word corpsman.

Nancy Murdoch
Havelock, NC

http://www.newbernsj.com/articles/problems-99401-differences-serious.html