To the editor:

I have also seen the sign on 35W, before the Forest Lake exit. The sign stated, ìYouíre either a Kerry voter or a Christian, you canít be both.î I can see why some people would be offended and thatís because of religion and their belief system.
Religion is a very touchy subject, many people could go on with life and not say a thing about it. Both candidates say they are Christians, but Kerry says he, ìrespectfully disagrees with the views of the Catholic Church.î

I find that is why he votes for abortion, gay marriage, and other moral issues. It is true that Kerry voters are very diverse, and some donít believe in the moral issues the same as him. Supporting Kerry would be almost the same as opposing these moral issues, that may have been critical in the election. I donít think the sign was hateful because it was expressing what Kerry supported and how it stood in the Bible, or what he believed.

There was also a house that had many crosses in front of it and talked about abortion, many people found this offensive. I think it offended so many people because they realized what could be going on behind closed doors if abortion became illegal. It would be much easier to live each day not thinking about the death of young children, it is a very important issue and shouldnít be taken lightly.

Sure, we can go on living our lives like we donít know what is happening. Is that what we want to live with though? Many people were angry that people were dying in the war and thatís a horrible thing to have happen, anyone can agree with that. There are so many more children that die from abortion than there are soldiers who fought and had a chance to defend our great nation.

I donít think the signs and yard were violating peopleís rights or sending hate messages. I think the signs made people conscious of what they were supporting, and made them defend their religious beliefs. I donít believe the signs were meant to ìbashî Kerry or to provoke Christian democrats, but to make them think about what they were voting for.

Religion is something that is personal to everyone, and I donít think it was violating a freedom at all. To make you think about the issues of religion can only make you stronger, whether it be strength in religion or politics is up to the person. When Kerry was generalized with his beliefs, many people felt like they were violated. If you believe in some of the moral issues, and vote for Kerry, itís still supporting those things that you are against. Whether you are voting for a candidate or voting for your beliefs is a personal issue. I believe that the signs were meant to make people think for themselves on issues and really consider everything before they cast their votes. I believe Bush is stronger in his religion and supports the moral values taught in most churches. I am sorry if I offended anyoneís religion or views, but I believe in my Savior and I respect His views and the way He lived here.

Patrick Hauan
North Branch
High School Senior

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