Let's remember cries of others

It is, of course, human nature to write about and voice our opinions on what directly pertains to us, and certainly many of the issues that have been discussed in the past month are very important and need to be out on the table.

But I was surprised that nobody responded to an Associated Press article in October that revealed the senseless and brutal killing of African children by "pastors" who believe they are witches and find brutality and death to be the answer. The horrifying and at times grotesque article reveals forms of torture that go well beyond the "cruel and unusual punishment" term that we Americans spend so much time discussing and demonstrates how innocent children are being killed every day in the name of a faith so many of us claim to follow. In one case, an 8-year-old girl was beaten with sticks because she got hot and chose to sleep outside. This makes me sick, and I hope it does you, too.

This large and palpable circle of corruption and unnecessary death is fed by itself and African "pastors," and yet we're all still talking about red-light cameras in our editorials.

Health care, taxes and stimulus plans are huge issues, and many of you have offered great views and insight - please, keep it coming. But at the same time, we all, need to give this issue more of our attention. No child deserves this, and as we find ourselves in the middle of a holiday season celebrating each other and being thankful for family and friends, we shouldn't ignore these children's cries.

If you're interested, Google "Saving Africa's Witch Children" and the first hit will show you a plethora of things you can do with your time, money, or both to help these children who deserve so much better.

Justin Lee

Lombard