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This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.

Charity is individual

I felt a need to respond to the “Food stamps and Bible” Nov. 22 letter from Alexander Shogan Jr. I appreciate the sentiment that drives his commentary, but I’m not sure he made it clear as to whether he held the Bible in esteem or not. For those who do believe, the Kingdom of Heaven (or salvation) is an individual pursuit. Calling upon our legislators to mandate feeding the poor will get no one to salvation. Not the taxpayer or the congressperson.

If he feels called to give, please go find the poor, homeless and hungry in his locality and feed and clothe them. Make it personal for himself and the reward will be evident. These government programs force charity from those who have and reduce the urge many of us have to extend ourselves personally.

Todd Weston

Colfax

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