Letters to the Editor

Politics/Religion

December 16, 2003

I just recently came across your site while looking for ways to raise some chickens and build a chicken coop.

I was reading your "letters" and responses and noted that you stated that "Pat Robertson has perveted Christianity."

I do not think he has and take offense to the wonderful work that he does. Could you please show me, or direct me to where you came upon this opinion? An Iranian cleric recently called for his death and also that of Franklin Graham for denouncing Islam.

Would you say that Franklin has also perverted Christianity?

I think that if you are going to make a bold statement such as that, you should be able to back it up.

Regards,
Ken Huizinga huizingak@ubesarnia.com

We came upon this opinion by reading the papers and watching the news on television, Ken.

What we consider the perversion of Christianity (and Islam and Judaism, for that matter) is when these religions are used to foment hate while promoting secular business interests.

Yes, we're aware that Robertson has given away a lot of money. We're also aware that bin Laden has made many charitable contributions to good causes in his part of the world. To offer a little perspective, the rest of us do a lot of good work too, since we pay our taxes, a minor detail with which neither Pat nor Osama have to concern themselves. Unfortunately, this doesn't make up for any of the wrong things we do.

Saddam was a devoted family man. Should we forgive him?

Judaism, Christianity and Islam all worship the same God and if scripture is any indication, it's most likely that He would prefer that we all just get along.

History shows us that when religion and politics are combined, they don't make a very healthy combination for those living nearby. Nowhere is this more obvious than in the Middle East, but don't forget all the other bloody battles that have been fought over the eons in the name of religion.

Pope John Paul has apparently made it one of his goals to unite Judaism, Christianity and Islam. For this, we applaud him. This is the work of a real religious leader.

As we see it, the televangelists and the Taliban have a lot more in common with one another than they do with the ordinary people they incite to do their bidding. They all agree that September 11 was America's fault. They all consider people of other faiths to be without faith.

They are hate mongers.

- Ed.

Seizing Your Neighbor's Land - When?

Sirs:

What you're thinking of is called "adverse possession", which is the right of an occupant of land to acquire title against the real owner. A lot of people will tell you that you can gain title to land by paying the taxes, or fencing, or using the property for a period of time.

This has basis in fact, but there are several tests that must be passed in order for Adverse Possession to apply. In this instance, the fact that you already know that the land doesn't belong to you disqualifies your case.

It should be remembered that all land is titled to SOMEONE, and whomever that someone may be, will likely take a dim view of your attempts to seize his or her property.

Hello, I would like to know if the Homestead act of 1862 is still in force, or not, and if so, are there any homestead properties out there, for sale, and where would they be. I live in Idaho, and wondered if there are any left in our state and how you would go about to find out where they are. I would appreciate your feedback on this subject, if you are so inclined. Thanks so much,Fairy Essex at DFEssex@wmconnect.com

Unfortunately, free land is no longer a reality unless you're a major corporation, Fairy. The last Homestead Act land was granted in 1978 somewhere in Alaska. -Ed.