Pubdate: Wed, 11 Jul 2001 Source: Fayetteville Observer-Times (NC) Copyright: 2001 Fayetteville Observer-Times Contact: http://www.fayettevillenc.com/foto/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/150 Author: Russ Olenick INTOLERANT ATTITUDES CAUSED THE RISE IN CRIME Can't we see that the nonsensical rise in crime over the past few decades is a direct result of the intolerant attitudes, pitting Americans against Americans, we glamorously label the "Drug War"? This division of the united results in such unjust discrimination to freedom-loving citizens that the same intolerance given is returned. Perhaps allowing people, especially Americans, to choose -- as God allowed Adam and Eve -- a long-lost unity might be rediscovered. "Just say no" is a wonderful choice. As an imperative, it fails and escalates further division. Purity cannot be forced, only chosen. How do you define liberty? To me, liberty stands for freedom of personal choice, as long as choices we make for ourselves never impede on the rights of others. Does the Drug War project victory? Or, sadly, condemn the condemners? Christians have a responsibility to warn those on a wide road of destruction to consider the narrow road, instead. Labeling any American "un-American" must be "un-American"! Remain in the love of God. Begin by loving your enemies. Russ Olenick Raeford - --- MAP posted-by: Beth