Rep. Greg DeVries’s “Vision,” in the Aug. 21 Boulder Monitor, apparently reflects his life’s experience. Gratefully, my life has been blessed with more “saints” than “sinners.”
I was raised in the church, with both “fire and brimstone” pastors — who scared the hell out of me — and those who spoke of “grace” and offering a helping hand to the poor.
There was a time long ago when a doctor accepted a chicken and a dozen eggs as payment for services rendered. I remember fondly Doc Merrick making house calls with his little black bag of “wellness.”
(Now, it’s office visits, lab tests, second opinions, claim forms and choosing from many insurance options. Ye gads!)
With all due respect to Rep. DeVries, few congregations could help an impoverished parishioner pay for a serious illness. It would be great if those folks could rely on “good will” offerings. However, as Rep. DeVries reminds us, “men are sinners,” who seemingly worship the “Golden Calf” rather than practice the Golden Rule.
My experience and faith prompts me to pay taxes willingly, if not joyfully, for the common good. I think of taxes as tithes for a more heavenly life here on earth for all our brothers and sisters. – John Ilgenfritz, Helena
