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Opinion

Letters to the Editor — Virtuous candidates, policy vs. character, Billy Graham, the Bible

Readers respond to the column about virtuous candidates; claim policy matters more than character; discuss Billy Graham’s organization; and quote the Bible.

We’ve been warned

Re: “Wisest sages warned us about Trump — America stays afloat only if it is crewed by virtuous people,” by Ryan Sanders, Sunday Opinion.

Great job, Ryan! I knew The Dallas Morning News would likely not have a presidential endorsement, but I will gladly take this instead. The former president is a menace and threat to our nation whose hold on many otherwise rational folks is beyond comprehension.

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Although I’m an atheist, I thought your use of Bible verses and Billy Graham warnings was outstanding. Donald Trump cannot leave the national stage soon enough for this American.

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David Self, East Dallas

Morality, virtue matter

I couldn’t agree more — leaders are to lead all under him/her alike for the greater common good. Good leaders are rare but morality and virtue are most important.

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Gregory Green, Forney

Policy matters more

To suggest that Billy Graham would have deviated from the position of his own organization, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, or that of his son, Franklin Graham, who runs it, is just absurd. And the conclusion that character matters more than policy when running a country is equally so.

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In the words of my pastor Josh Howerton at Lakepointe Church: “Jesus is not on the ballot. Get over it.”

Throughout the Old Testament, God uses flawed people to work His plans. While we are to be holy because he is holy, we are all still flawed human beings. America is a blessing from God Almighty, and the more we stray from his word, the faster we will destroy it. In this case, policy matters much more.

Brad Plank, Dallas

Trump-era hallmark

I applaud your editorial and columns Sunday, which were very well thought out. I believe your paper and others have been dancing around the real issue, either unable or afraid to say it out loud. Political division has always been around. The healthy disagreement between family and friends about politics has also always been around. What has not been around are the threats of violence coming from Donald Trump himself. His threats are issued directly and indirectly, the latest one being to Liz Cheney for, of all things, disagreeing with him. Is this what has cowed the media?

Why won’t the editorials talk about that? The political edginess of Trump politics includes violent threats, demeaning language and even threats of civil war. This is the hallmark of the Trump era. This is what regular people want to get rid of and get back to normal.

The angst of this election is real.

Doloris Lajoie, Plano

First of all commandments

From the pulpit this weekend I heard the best way to evaluate our candidates. Mark 12:28-31: Which is the first of all the commandments? Jesus replied, “The first is this: The Lord our God is Lord alone You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

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Although we are not a Christian nation, all citizens, especially Christians, should keep this in mind when voting.

Madeleine Brennaman, The Colony

Trump has record of peace

Re: “Harris is clear choice for U.S. military — We must choose courage, optimism on behalf of all brave troops who protect freedom, democracy,” by Tami Davis Biddle, Saturday Opinion.

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First I want to thank Ms. Biddle for her service and patriotism. And I appreciate her viewpoint though it seems she is determined to view the election through the lens of “one is really bad so guess I’ll vote for the other one.”

I think this frequently heard idea is wrong in many ways. As to the specific issue of Donald Trump’s role as commander in chief, let’s look at his record. His four years in office were years without war. That resonates with me and my family as we lost my brother (25th Infantry Chu Chi) in the ‘68 Tet Offensive. America’s reward for nearly 70,000 lives? Zip.

Fast forward to the wars in the Middle East. Our reward for our terrible losses? Same as before. The fine young people we send to fight are our best and brightest but the decision-makers who start the fight and often retire to jobs as defense contractors like the Cheneys need to be checked.

Vice President Kamala Harris fits the bill as a Democratic insider without a record of a single accomplishment or stated program for the future. She brags about being in the room when the Middle East withdrawal decision was made but can’t tell us about her plans for the border.

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I am going with the guy with the record.

Thomas R. Youngblood, Dallas

Threat to our way of life

As Biddle succinctly points out, if Donald Trump is allowed back in the White House, it will mark the beginning of the end of our republic. His hate-filled rhetoric, lies and fear-mongering illustrate the negative traits of any dictator, past and present.

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She points out his dedication to authoritarianism will pose an immediate danger to our military and our allies around the world. Yet, despite the warnings from dozens of former and present U.S. military leaders, there are still millions of voters who are willing to turn a blind eye and happily lead an aspiring dictator to the White House for the first time in our history.

How anyone can support such a narcissist remains a mystery that I will never understand. He is a genuine threat to our way of life.

Terry Cannon, Tyler

We welcome your thoughts in a letter to the editor. See the guidelines and submit your letter here. If you have problems with the form, you can submit via email at letters@dallasnews.com