Souder letter to the editor hits the nail on the head

by: Thomas

Wed Jan 02, 2008 at 10:38:37 AM EST

Congressman Mark Souder should be commended for his honesty in his comments reported in Sylvia A. Smith's column, "Congress wasting precious time" (Dec. 16), and then he should be turned out of public office for those same remarks. Souder states that the faith of more than 1 billion people is "offensive" to him because he thinks that a central goal of Islam is to kill Jews and infidels. I am sure he honestly feels this way, and I am equally sure he has the right to hold such an ignorant and intolerant view. He does not, however, have any business representing northeast Indiana in United States Congress.

Each of us has fears, prejudices and biases, but we understand that these need to be kept in check so that our society can function, given that many faiths, colors and cultures have joined together to be the United States of America. Our congressman does not appear to appreciate this. Instead, he uses divisive, ill-informed language to deliberately insult fellow Americans and allies alike.

This country has far too many important challenges ahead to allow people like Souder to be its representative in Congress and abroad. I am glad Souder chose to speak what is in his heart and mind; now, more that ever, we know the face he shows to his colleagues and to the world. It is a face that should be kept at home in 2008.

DAVID VAN GILDER  Huntertown

I haven't heard anything from Democratic challenger Michael Montagano in a long, long while. How hard would it be for him to release a statement affirming his dedication to representing all of the voices in Indiana's 3rd District?