LETTERS

Jim Wallis' article "Dangerous Religion" (September-October 2003) is a long-awaited exposure of the failure of the church to preach from the pulpit and instruct in its seminaries that the teachings of Jesus, and our faith in him, should have a direct connection to social justice and the public policy that directly affects the underclass members of society. It is extremely encouraging that Wallis and Sojourners are taking this courageous step in dealing directly with this core problem that has rendered the church impotent. Our self-righteous and arrogant administration, along with the multitudes of its followers in church pews, seems to have accepted a faith wrapped in flags of religiosity, patriotism, piety, and unregulated capitalism; they have ignored the teachings of Jesus relative to "the least of these" and the entire half of the great commandment to love one's neighbor. Christ should be the benchmark for determining the justness and morality of public policy action-not political and economic theory.

We need another "Great Awakening" that widens our faith to include all of God's children, and only direct, no-nonsense preaching as done in this article will hopefully open up a church turned in upon itself. Darwin Cooper

Si. Charles, Illinois

Alternative Voices

Thanks for the article on "Opposition Radio" (by Ted Parks, September-October 2003). Interestingly, there's a growing effort to voice opposition on that bastion of right-wing thought, commercial talk radio. Much to my surprise, it's simple to call in and challenge their patterns of reactionary thought. Many people assume that calls of dissent will be screened out, but in four years of calling into both local and national shows, rarely has a host refused my call. The format demands concision and some patience to endure the ads and temperamental hosts, but it only takes a moment to inject a comment about social justice and to suggest alternative sources of information. Some hosts, such as Michael Medved, welcome dissent and have interviewed figures such as Howard Zinn and Noam Chomsky. There are progressive hosts such as Enid Goldstein on KNRC in Denver, Randi Rhodes on WJNO in Palm Beach, Neil Rogers on WQAM in Miami (all of which can be streamed), and the United Auto Workers-funded www.ieamericaradio.com, which features a leading critic of corporate power, Thorn Hartmann.

There's a little insurgency of thought going on over the airwaves. More voices from the Christian Left would be great to hear. Why let Rush Limbaugh's "dittoheads" have all the fun? Preston Enright

Denver, Colorado

Whither Democracy?

I want to commend you for your courage in speaking out against the fiscal and moral atrocities of an administration that has effectively used fear to trample on democracy and the "liberty and justice for all" proclaimed by the Pledge of Allegiance. I was especially encouraged by your September-October issue-David Cortright's truth telling in "Weapons of Mass Deception" gave me hope. Perhaps some people are still thinking for themselves. Jim Wallis' "Dangerous Religion" and Duane Shank's "The Project for a New American Empire" were equally riveting. More power to you all.

America has lost sight of its commitment to democracy, with special-interest groups now determining its governance. Its god has become the almighty dollar and everything (environment, health, freedom, rights) will be sacrificed on that altar. God have mercy on us all. Antoinette Voute Roeder

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Dennis Kudnich Responds

Having read with great interest your "Open Letter to Dennis Kucinich" (by Danny Duncan Collum) in the September-October 2003 issue of Sojourners, I welcome this opportunity to respond. You are quite right in observing that at the heart of my presidential campaign is a compelling desire to build up the democratic culture of this nation, and to encourage an economic order that serves the needs of ordinary citizens.

I suspect that, indeed, you and I are in agreement about a good number of issues that affect the everyday lives of Americans. So it is with respect that I listen to your concerns about my personal and public views concerning abortion and a woman's right to choose. I was previously a supporter of anti-choice legislation. My position on this sensitive issue has changed. The change was gradual, and often painful, but always immersed in a contemplative awareness of the very real ways that lives are affected.

I had candid, open conversations with many women as I sought to better understand the complexities of this issue. The heartfelt stories and decisions that I heard caused me to reconsider the impact of my personal and political voice. I do not take lightly the serious nature of pregnancy, nor of the responsibility a woman holds in deciding either to terminate a pregnancy or to cariy a pregnancy to term. But, I also must respect the many factors that only she can weigh in coming to her decision. And when decisions are made, it is my sincere hope that she will seek the counsel of others whom she trusts and respects, such as her doctors, her partner, perhaps other family members or close friends, and certainly her spiritual leaders.