Letter: Better message for kids: Be like Cheek Letter: Bible’s stand on abortion indisputable

Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2006 | 5:26 a.m.

It was truly inspiring to read Jim Klobuchar's Jan. 18 column in the Las Vegas Sun on American speedskater Joey Cheek. Who among us would donate a $25,000 bonus from the U.S. Olympic Committee (for winning a gold medal) to a children's charity?

I only wish that his very gracious and selfless act will be more publicized. Unfortunately, we tend to focus more on personalities (and underachievers) such as downhill skier Bode Miller, who talks of his "just screw it" lifestyle and dances to Nike's "Just Do It" tune. "Be Like Bode" is Nike's newest campaign.

No, we should all strive to be more like Joey Cheek.

Terry Cox, Henderson

I respectfully disagree with James Poupard's statement in his Feb. 20 letter that "There is not one word dealing with contraception and abortion in the Old or New Testament."

For instance, regarding abortion, Commandment 6 (Exodus 20:13) is clear that "thou shalt not kill." Exodus 21:22 states "If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her ... he shall be surely punished ..." Finally, "the life of the flesh is in the blood ..." (Leviticus 17:11). Circulation in utero is established by the 26th day.

Also very briefly, relative to contraception, Adam and Eve were commanded to "... multiply and replenish the earth ..." (Genesis 1:28). It's fortunate that for those of us who read the Sun, ancestors followed that command. Onan defiantly didn't, and his life was taken as punishment (Genesis 38:8-9), thus doubly truncating any progeny.

No matter what one's political posture or interpretation, these and many other scriptures are clearly recognizable historical admonitions to think twice about cavalier abortion or contraception.

Daniel L. Orr II, Las Vegas