Speak Out

Re "FINALLY: Obama claims Democratic presidential nomination" (News article, June 4)

"Finally," The Star's front-page headline in jumbo-sized print proclaiming Barack Obama's Democratic presidential nomination, garnered national coverage on ABC News with Charles Gibson. Hats off to The Star for the recognition.

"Finally" aptly describes the end of the 17-month Democratic nomination marathon campaign trail.

Viewing The Star on the ABC News was a welcome treat to my mother while watching the national news broadcast in the Orlando, Fla., area. I've shared with Mother special articles from The Star, as well as informed her of enjoying the fascinating letter writers' banquet hosted this spring by The Star.

Congratulations on the superb headline!

Penny J. Nielsen
Weaver

Ultimate hypocrisy

Even though George W. Bush supported the Vietnam War, he signed up and made it clear to the Texas National Guard that he did not want to serve overseas.

Now as the self-proclaimed war president, Bush wants the U.S. government to prosecute people who desert the guard for not abiding by contracts, similar to the one Bush had with the National Guard.

This, in my opinion, is the perfect example of hypocrisy.

Elwyn Hudson Jr.
Gardendale

History of Mormonism

Re "Mormonism: The nation responds" (Speak Out, April 23):

Letter writer Richard Bybee suggested I "pray and ask God" if the Book of Mormon or another Testament of Jesus Christ is true. After thorough research, I discovered Mormons generally appeal to James 1:5 (which speaks of praying for wisdom) in trying to get people to pray, but this is a misapplication of Scripture.

No one need pray about whether to commit murder or adultery or rape. Why? Because Scripture has already given us commands regarding God's mind on these matters, and so it is with the Book of Mormon. We don't need to pray about it because God has already made clear His feelings on the matter. Galatians 1:6-8 states clearly God's attitude toward "gospels" that go against Scripture.

Furthermore, I Thessalonians 5:21 instructs us to test all things (not pray to see if something is true). Another observation: When asked to pray about the Book of Mormon, one must wonder, which Book of Mormon? The 1830 edition? The 1921 edition? Or today's edition, which has nearly 4,000 changes from the original 1830 edition?

Please study the true history of Mormonism ... (especially that which you are not encouraged to study) and its prophet Joseph Smith Jr. to test his claim against the book of Deuteronomy's test for those who claim to speak for the Lord. Why is this important? It is important because your eternal salvation is at stake and, dear ones, eternity is a long time to be wrong.

Elmyra N. Jackson
Anniston