L’Observateur / October 11, 2000

DEAR EDITOR: I have just read the letter written by Mr. Harold Keller regarding the recentevents surrounding the animal shelter and former employee Kenneth Hicks.

First I would like to say that I, too, am a Christian, and as such find it appalling that Mr. Keller would use that as an excuse to “excuse” Mr. Hicks’behavior. Yes, all of us at one time or another have done things that weregret later on. Our Lord and Savior DOES forgive us of those wrongdoings aswell, as long as we ask Him to and repent of them. However, He does notexcuse us of the consequences of our actions.”As you sow, so shall youreap.” Forgiveness does not mean removal of consequences in this life. Secondly, Mr. Keller quotes the very esteemed Lester Sumrall in that societywill give more regard to animals than to people. This is not the case here. Again, going back to the Bible, Mr. Keller, “A good man regards the welfare ofhis animals,” Proverbs. We who do care about the future of our society arenot blind, but know that people who have wanton disregard of animals also have wanton disregard for people, especially people without a voice, such as many minorities and young children. We who are concerned about theanimals believe that God Himself has called us to assist those without a voice and to be good stewards of that which He has entrusted to us. The chargesagainst Mr. Hicks were abuse and not in the past, but current as well. Perhaps your “friendship” has blinded your opinion, but to use your “Christian walk” in such a manner, well, “Shame on you!” Mr. Hicks has toface two judgments.

One is that of his Lord, and to that he is held accountable only to Him.

However, he also must face that of the public and those we, the public, put in charge to handle such matters. The police, the court system, hissupervisors, etc. His accountability is not excused because he is a Christian;indeed he should be held more accountable.

Dina Becnel, president, Pet Adoption Society, Inc.,Jefferson Parish

EDITOR’S NOTE: We received several letters on the same subject from several readers and selected this one to print as best representative of the views expressed.

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