Which came first? The dreamer or government?
To the editor:
Regarding the Thursday commentary, "Yes, the government helped," by James Roumell:
It is precisely people such as Mr. Roumell who have made this country what it is. Good for him for being hardworking and tenacious. That's what it takes. For every one person of modest beginnings, like him, there are surely hundreds, even thousands, who simply will not put forth the effort necessary to succeed - with or without the government's help.
My parents had a dream of opening a business years ago in El Paso, Texas. They were denied a loan by the Small Business Administration, but found a way to build that business without the government's assistance. Without entrepreneurs, where on earth would government get the money to fund our roads, schools, grants, etc., for which Mr. Roumell is so grateful?
This is not a chicken or egg problem, as far as which came first. Dreamers and builders walked this land long before any Big Government - or even any country - existed. Today's government is totally dependent upon those dreamers and builders. It cannot operate without the free-market fuel. Unfortunately, neither can those without the capability or ambition to help themselves.
Beverly King
Las Vegas
Passing judgment
To the editor:
In response to Susan L. Halverson's Friday letter about casual dress in church going too far:
Ms. Halverson is passing judgment based on what people are wearing. Last time I checked, there wasn't a sign posted on the front door telling us what we can and cannot wear to church. Jesus wore what looked to be a bathrobe around town, and while preaching to his followers, and I never heard about anyone being disgusted with his casual wear.
Church isn't a fashion show. It's a place where all types of people can come and worship, and I highly doubt that the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost really care what people are dressed in. I'm sure they are just glad you came.
Did it occur to Ms. Halverson that many thousands of people in Las Vegas are without a job, and that maybe they don't have the money to get their laundry done? Maybe they don't have a washer and dryer because they had to sell them to pay their rent? Maybe they don't have extra money laying around to go out and buy "Sunday Best" clothes, but still want to honor God and come join Him in His house? Or that they would rather spend the little money they have to feed their family?
Maybe the elderly woman wearing only tights, referenced by Ms. Halverson, is sick or doesn't have any other clothes, but still wants to show her love and commitment by attending church. Maybe the dancer in short shorts is comfortable in her own skin and doesn't care what people think of her. The gentleman with dirty socks might have found them in the trash because he is homeless.
I, too, grew up in the Midwest - Chicago to be exact - and I attended Catholic school for 12 years. I was taught that judging someone by how they look, what they wear, what they say or what they do with their life is a big no-no, according to God. It's God's place to pass judgment.
What would have been commendable? Ms. Halverson approaching these people and seeing if they needed help with life, or simply giving them the socks off her feet. When you see someone struggling, it's your duty to help. That's how I was raised.
I guess not these days. Instead, you turn your back, make your judgments and go on your merry way with your perfect life - and Sunday's Best clothes.
Jami Nicolai-Goza
LAS VEGAS
Show some class
To the editor:
I just have to say cheers, cheers, and bravo, bravo, bravo to Susan L. Halverson's Friday letter, "Casual dress in church has gone too far," which was written in response to the Aug. 19 Review-Journal feature on the topic.
I don't think anyone should be kept out of church because of the way they look, or for any reason, actually. But for goodness sakes, show some common sense and courtesy in the Lord's house. Stop the down-classing of America!
Beverly Cope
Las Vegas
