Sunday, Oct. 14, 2001

By Staff
O.K. to pray in schools?
To the Editor:
Now that the President has called us to prayer … Now that Congress has called us to prayer …
Now that our Governor has called us to prayer …
Now that the city Mayor has called us to prayer …
Now that the "liberal" media and most other branches of our American society have called us to prayer …
And now that our churches are assembling in special prayer …
Jacki Curry
Meridian
Say a prayer for American military personnel
To the Editor:
This past 4th of July, a friend of ours invited my family to Meridian to their celebration at Bonita Lakes. It surpassed any Independence Day event I have ever attended.
While there, I had the providential opportunity to sit beside the families of the young pilots who did the flyover. When the pilots joined their young wives and children, my own children were thrilled to be sitting near them.
At the time, I never knew how significant an exchange this would be, but I went up to one of them and said, "I really appreciate what you do for our country." Later, I reflected that I really meant to say what he was willing to do for our country.
I have heard that some of the NAS people in Meridian have been called up and I pray that all those brave young men realize just how much I meant it.
As the mother of five sons, age 16 months up to 11 years, and two daughters, I have another thanks I'd like to give. Thank you to all the mothers and fathers who reared these brave young men who are willing to serve and protect us all. Thank you now for the tears you are holding down so often, the ache in your heart, the weight of concern you bear. May the Lord Jesus Christ comfort you and your sons and daughters.
As the events of these past two weeks have unfolded, I have decided the greatest gift I can give my children is to have them memorize Psalm 27:1-6.
Thanks also to the spouses and children who give their love and support to those who are giving of themselves for us all.
Brace Knox
Jackson
Bin Laden not psychotic,' mad' or insane'
To The Editor:
Usama Bin Laden is an evil human being who hates everything America stands for, but I am tired of people who use the above terms for Usama Bin Laden when they do not understand their true meanings.
A few weeks ago, Charlie Reese, syndicated columnist, got it right. Terrorism is not an ordinary crime, nor is it the work of a madman.
Psychotic refers to any of a class of serious mental disorders in which the mind cannot function normally
and the ability to deal with reality is impaired or lost. Here are some definitions:
Mad: (1) suffering from a disorder of the mind; insane; (2) informal: feeling or showing strong liking or enthusiasm; (3) feeling anger or resentment; (4) lacking restraint, reason or judgment; (5) marked by extreme excitement, confusion or agitation; frantic; (6) affected by rabies.
Insane: (1) of, exhibiting, or afflicted with mental disorder; (2) characteristic of, used by, or for the insane; (3) very foolish; absurd.
The correct description for Usama Bin Laden is:
Evil: (1) morally bad or wrong; wicked; (2) harmful; injurious; (3) something that is morally bad or wrong. (All definitions taken from the American Heritage Dictionary Roget's II: The New Thesaurus.)
Having a son who has experienced periods of time in a psychotic state, as do many people with mental
disorders, it is upsetting to me to put Usama Bin Laden in the same category. My son and millions of other unfortunate souls around the world are victims of devastating mental disorders at no fault of their own or their families.
Bin Laden used his healthy, well-functioning mind to plan, organize and orchestrate the horrid terrorist attack on America. He simply is evil and hates America because of its goodness and its respect for liberty and justice.
America, let's get it right Usama bin Laden is evil, not psychotic, not mad, not insane.
Mary Ann Renz
Member, National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
Brandon
Only a beer and a yodel away'
To the Editor:
Some of your readers may remember me from my attendance at the early Jimmie Rodgers Festivals. As an honorary citizen of Meridian, who received the Key and Freedom to your city on two occasions, I felt that I would like to express my feelings and sympathy on the events of Tuesday, Sept. 11.
Although I have have not visited Meridian nor the USA for many years, I often think of the kindness extended to me, and still keep in touch with a few people. But, as one of my greatest friends once said, "Wherever we are in the world, Neville, we are only a beer and a yodel away."
Neville A. Finnemore
Birmingham, England