I am writing in response to Thomas Herzog's Sept. 3 letter.

Herzog says Jesus does not address the issues of abortion or homosexuality. As for abortion, the Sixth Commandment is "Thou shalt not kill." As for homosexuality, Jesus does not address this issue directly, but the issue is addressed in Paul's Epistles and in various parts of the Old Testament. It is true that Jesus did not consider that to be a family value and we should not hate homosexuals, but neither should we condone their actions.

Herzog also attacks the Christian Coalition of America making President Bush's tax cut for the rich their No. 1 legislative priority, when Jesus preached responsibility for helping poor. The assertion it that the tax cut is only for the rich. Most people who are genuinely rich, inherit their money and are not making any income to pay income tax on.

While it is a Christian duty to help the poor, it is not out duty to force others to do so. Ironically, studies show conservatives donate to charity more than liberals. Why aren't those who favor wealth distribution practicing what they preach? As Walter Williams has said repeatedly, reaching into one's own pocket to help someone in need is noble; reaching into someone else's pocket to help someone in need is theft. It is no different when the government takes someone's money to help someone.

Rudolph Mamula, Hammond