Editor, Gazette-Journal:

If I sometimes come across as an angry man, I congratulate you upon your accurate perception. I am angry. I am incensed. The utter nonsense that is occurring in this nation is beyond the pale of our American values.

I make no apologies; life is not a popularity contest. If some are offended at my strident appeal for conservative causes and values, may I remind you that in spite of the machinations of government, this is still America.

May I simply point out the need to question authority? I recall a very prescient observation by a former president, where he envisioned a time such as this: "And only the very courageous will be able to keep alive the spirit of dissent that gave birth to this nation." I believe we are within the time envisioned by that president.

I urge every citizen to think about and question those that represent authority. Examine current events with a critical eye. Do not hesitate to ask "Where are we headed as a nation and people?" Yes, question not only authority, current events as reported, question the media. Seek alternative sources. Not all is as it might appear. Question religion and those who purportedly represent religion. Question the very existence of God himself, for it is He who demands it.

A people can repel force, but are defenseless against deception. I am confident that many others have also arrived at a similar conclusion as I. If you are not angry, I congratulate you for you equanimity.

As was related to me by a friend, "Trust in God and fear nothing."

Andrew Maggard

Port Haywood, Va.