Editor, Gazette-Journal:

The year was 1973. The infant crying and naked lay in a bassinet in a dark cold area cast aside by modern society. The old man appeared to be sleeping in 2008 while the ‘normal saline’ dripped into his veins via the 26-gauge needle IV placed in his arm, one element of modern euthanasia process. To say citizens of the United States of America live in a culture of death is an understatement. As I remember my college days the antiabortion supporters believed that killing preborn babies would lead to euthanasia of the elderly. Time has proven that the antiabortion supporters were correct. Fellow citizens of the United States of America, we live in a country that kills its own people. This Fourth of July I grieve for my sick sin soaked country. I refuse to celebrate, instead I choose to pray for God’s deliverance.

Last week there was a letter to the editor ("Shepherds have become the sheep," June 24) written by Tom Robinson that talked about how the rooster has crowed three times in the past and still the churches have refused to get involved. I contend that pastors, churches, and attendees from a multitude of denominations have buried their heads, or simply changed the subject on many more issues where they should have spoken loud and clear in support of the teachings found in the Bible. The rooster has crowed more than three times. Yet, the majority of clergy refuse to actually preach the Word of God let alone act on it!

Yes, I grieve for my country because there is no Pastor George Whitefield to name just one whose influence is felt in the hearts and minds of this country’s current leadership and citizenry as it was at the time of America’s original founding. True there are a few, who it seems are in touch with the voice of God, but they are publicly reduced in standing and position and ridiculed and targeted by opposing political machinery that desires to relieve them of their voices and public influence permanently. Brave people under attack walking in those shoes are in desperate need of electoral support in the upcoming November elections.

While "churches" remain silent and many attendees spiritually languish on comfortable pews I trust that some will rise up and take a stand, shedding the clothes of fear. It is time to choose between the Bible and modern society, which reeks of political correctness, the mark of a fallen state. Be bold and stand.

Sharon Slaughter

Cobbs Creek, Va.