LETTERS: QUESTION OF VALUES

To the editor:

Recently some newspapers carried an article on the wild horses in the wilderness of Southeast Missouri. Many people were moved to take up the plight of these beautiful animals, and it is gratifying to know that we have people like that in our part of the state. The issue gained even more notoriety when Congressman Bill Emerson introduced legislation to protect the wild horses near Van Buren. It is now my understanding that we will be able to adopt some of these animals as well as others that have been transplanted here from out West.

While all of this compassion is commendable, the concern I have is that I don't hear any voices out there pleading in behalf of the unborn babies who are of far more worth than wild horses, burrows, whales or snails. Many agonize and fret over wildlife, but few are willing to take up the case for a precious child created in the image of Almighty God. What has happened to America?

What has gone wrong with our values and priorities in order to stray this far from the principles upon which this nation was founded? While care for animals is a part of our stewardship as commanded by God in the Garden of Eden, somehow we have allowed our priorities to become inverted. How in God's name did this insanity ever happen? Pray tell, what has happened to America?

GERALD W. BEAM

SEMO Life Chain Committee

Dexter