Letters: January 2019

Big Brother Bias

It is disappointing to read “Under Ortega, Nicaragua Explodes,” by Eric L. Olson (November 2018), because of its one-sided nature. To rely on “an expert on U.S. policy on Latin America ... [who] lives in Washington D.C.” rather than on the voices of fellow Nicaraguan Christians embroiled in the current situation is uncharacteristic of Sojourners. Is it “big brother’s” spin on events that we take at face value, or do we seek to hear from sisters and brothers from the underside? Given the history of multiple CIA-instigated coups in Latin America, doesn’t the claim by some Nicaraguans that the recent troubles are the result of a CIA-sponsored coup attempt—taking advantage of initially nonviolent protests of unpopular policy changes—deserve a fair hearing? One would hope that Sojourners would join with Nicaraguan Christians in prayer and accompaniment rather than side with U.S. policy.

Doug Wingeier
Asheville, North Carolina

Laughing Through Tears

In his November 2018 “H’rumphs” column, Ed Spivey Jr. so perfectly captured and condensed the searing pain of our current political universe that I must thank him. It feels good to be understood. Thank you for your outrage, mercifully disguised as humor, and the wonderful way you make us laugh through our tears. I am glad you exist, are paying attention, and are at Sojourners.

Brigid Geroux
Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Silent Epidemic

I just finished reading Jim Wallis’ “100 Sermons” in the July 2018 issue of Sojourners. Thanks to you and your colleagues for calling all of us to live a life of faith, social justice, and love. Did you know that men with disabilities experience sexual violence at higher rates than women without disabilities? And women with disabilities experience sexual violence at higher rates than men with disabilities? This is a silent epidemic in our midst. The voices of those with disabilities must be heard and their experiences recognized. May we work together to ensure they are not forgotten and that our efforts toward prevention and care include all who experience sexual violence.

Shelly Pfaff
Pierre, South Dakota

Past and Present Sins

Jim Wallis’ “Which Jesus Do We Serve?” in the June 2018 issue of Sojourners was exceptional and timely. The atrocities that Christians have committed, including slavery and genocide, are part of our history. Our sins make us uncomfortable and angry because we don’t know how to deal with them. The result is an angry society that is warlike. If we acknowledge and confront our sins, we might attempt to make amends for the damage we did and in many ways are still doing. We could, then, be more engaged in promoting peace instead of waging war.

Jake Terpstra
Grand Rapids, Michigan