Passing collection plate again is wrong way to go

Arecent New Mexican editorial justly mourns the deterioration of beautiful historic parish churches across the state, and it outlines a number of strategies to save them. One of the suggested strategies, though, is morally unconscionable: adding a collection at churches across the diocese to pay for the renovations.

Consider: Nearly 1 in 5 New Mexicans live below the poverty line. They experience food insecurity, are unable to afford even the most basic health care and can barely afford to live in their homes. The New Mexican should not be proposing they also contribute to maintain buildings that don’t even belong to them.

This would, furthermore, be adding insult to injury. Parishioners are already being exhorted by clergy to fund the 2022 settlement mandating that compensation be made to hundreds of children who were sexually abused over the course of decades. The faithful are being expected, in essence, to pay for their own — and their families’ — abuse.

S.E. Fisher Santa Fe

Story left much to be desired

Having worked in media relations for more than 20 years, including two Fortune 500 companies, the article on Santa Fe’s homeless cats was one of my most disappointing experiences with a newspaper.

To exclude the voice of the leading authority on cats and cat rescue in Santa Fe, Felines & Friends, but include someone from Bernalillo demonstrated a lack of interest in showing readers the hard realities of those who are most affected by the Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society’s policy and programs changes. It also was disappointing no photos represented other organizations or what is being experienced by community members, whose voices also were missing.

I expected a balanced article about all aspects of the petition, which now includes almost 3,000 signatures; those individuals had the same expectations.

Christine Dugan Santa Fe

Manifest destiny?

Now that Russian President Vladimir Putin has endorsed Donald Trump for president, I would imagine the Republican Party is anxious to find a way to declare Russia a “territory” of the United States so that they can vote in the upcoming election. Who knows, they might even find away to promote Vlad to chairman of the Trump reelection committee.

James Malott Las Vegas, N.M.

A nurse to remember

My wife, Rosina, required the services of Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center in March and April. Thankfully, both times she was assigned to nurse Callah Glauch. If you are in the hospital and Callah walks through your door as your nurse, be glad — you have just received a gift from God! What a super caring nurse and human being!

Harold Downing Santa Fe

G-word key to weapon sales

Greed is the base for assault weapons ending up in the hands of civilians who cause the deaths and injuries of masses of people. It’s the greed of the manufacturers and retailers who market and sell those weapons that should be used only by our military. If the weapons were not available to others, hundreds of lives would be saved every year at the rate these mass shootings are escalating.

Those who could make laws restricting any sale of these lethal weapons are also greedy, not only for money but for power. They depend on groups like the National Rifle Association for money to help them get elected.

Maybe the only way to get rid of assault weapons is to be certain we elect only those who will vote to remove the sale of those dangerous weapons to anyone other than authorized military services. Demand that candidates state their stand on gun control — at least of assault weapons.

Lou Finley Santa Fe