Letters to the Editor (Oct. 8)

Bowling Alley Park?

Editor:

Went over to Belen (recently) to The Grid Gallery on Becker Avenue. Got a free Biden/Harris bumper sticker and discussed King Arthur.

I was impressed by the huge hole in the sky from the absence of the old bowling alley. And the M-90 Doodlebug sure is real pretty.

Well, I am a very creative guy, so the following idea soon appeared:

The city of Belen should buy the vacant land, probably cheap in price since there is now nothing on it. Tear out the temporary asphalt and replace with grass. Then name it Bowling Alley Park and erect a gigantic bowling pin, sorta like the big pistachio nut down in Alamagordo, only at least 100-feet tall.

Then the city and the Chamber of Commerce can challenge the silly people who like to climb big boulders to come here and climb to the top — but no pitons!

The climbing permit would cost a dollar and include life insurance; no permit then the climber broke the law and cannot sue the city for any mishap.

Just think about it: T-shirts, postcards, an annual Bowling Pin Festival, Miss Pin-spotter! Belen could become as famous as Yosemite Park!

GE Nordell

Rio Communities

Pandemic is serious

Editor:

Regarding the Faith Over Fear protest held in Belen on Sept. 13, we absolutely believe that Christians should not fear; we know our future is secure.

But, as followers of Jesus Christ, should we not take seriously His second commandment, “Love your neighbor as yourself”?

An important aspect of faith is acting responsibly. We should love ourselves enough to take necessary precautions to prevent contracting COVID-19. This means we should also do everything possible to protect everyone with whom we come into contact from this deadly virus.

In addition, gathering in large groups with few masks being worn sets a bad example for neighbors, especially those who are outside the church.

Acting responsibly also means that we give up what we feel are our “rights” to protect our neighbors and ourselves. This pandemic needs to be taken seriously, and we all need to work together as a team and adhere to the CDC’s guidelines.

May we respect our neighbors, near and far, and continue to fight this pandemic together.

Tom and Nelda Lobb

Los Lunas

Protecting each other

Editor:

The recent Faith over Fear rally in Belen advocated ignoring current health recommendations and begin gathering in churches without social distancing or face coverings as a sign of one’s faith in God.

As a person of faith, I found this message disturbing. I was reminded of a story of Jesus where he was taken to the top of the temple and told by the tempter to throw himself off as proof that God would protect him. Jesus replied that it was not right to tempt God this way.

Is flouting science-based medical recommendation expecting divine protection not another form of tempting God? I believe we have been endowed with intelligence and are expected to use it.

From the number of signs promoting the current resident of the White House, I got the impression that this was more of a political rally and actually had less to do with religious freedom.

I admit my faith tradition was not represented at this rally, and people can believe and worship in whatever way they want. But I take exception when their faith expression endangers the lives and welfare of others.

With more than 200,000 deaths, and 7,000,000 infected Americans, and the current administration — and those who follow him — continuing to deny or try to minimize this threat, shouldn’t we be more committed to doing all we can to stop this virus?

Ron Lahti, M.Div

Belen

Interested in submitting a letter to the editor?

The News-Bulletin welcomes and encourages original letters to the editor, especially on local topics and issues. Shorter letters, about 350 words, are preferred.

Letters must be signed and include the writer’s address and telephone number (street address and phone number won’t be published). No letter will be published without the writer’s name.

Letters may be edited for length, spelling, grammar and legal considerations, but in all cases the writer’s intent will be maintained.

Political candidate endorsements or attacks are considered paid political advertisements and will not appear on the opinion page.

Letters that might be deemed unsuitable for publication include those that are libelous, are essentially personal attacks, are pointless, are part of an organized letter-writing campaign or are part of a mass mailing.

Qualified individuals wishing to directly reply to a News-Bulletin editorial or column are invited to contact the editor to discuss writing an op-ed piece, guest editorial or guest column.

Write to:

Letters, News-Bulletin

221 S. Main St., Ste. B

Belen, N.M., 87002;

or email your views to us at [email protected]