R.I.P. Bob Dole
Dear Editor: Our nation has lost a great American hero in Bob Dole, who has passed away at the age of 98.
Dole served in World War ll and suffered near-fatal combat wounds and received two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star with a “ V “ for valor.
He was also a long-time advocate for those with disabilities, which he could relate to after the near-fatal combat wounds he suffered.
He served in the United States Senate for 27 years and ran for president in 1996.
He was an uncommon man who had a great love for country and was a true patriot that was synonymous with the greatest generation.
America mourns a great American.
Frederick R. Bedell Jr.
Bellerose
No More Government in Church
Dear Editor: Since the pandemic started, Catholic Church leaders have had the government trying to dictate their response to the crisis.
New York City is now stating that all personnel in Catholic schools must get a vaccine shot.
It is time for Catholic leaders to stand up again to government and state that they will not force people to get the vaccine. If the Church does not stand up to the government, it can set a very dangerous precedent where government will begin to set rules in other areas of our Catholic faith.
William James Carroll
Woodside
Editor’s note: When former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo instituted severe capacity limits at houses of worship in October 2020, the Diocese of Brooklyn successfully sued the governor to block the restrictions.
Church’s Mixed Signals
Dear Editor: I have read with great interest the letters on the abortion issue within the Catholic Church.
I, too, am amiss with the Church on their stance. It is giving out mixed signals to their faithful about this issue. I do not attend Mass faithfully anymore since the abortion issue arose. My parish has never brought up the issue at Mass. The people are waiting for the Church to be honest and explain their stance to everyone in Church on Saturday and Sunday.
We deserve an honest explanation why receiving Communion is fine for some, but not for everyone.
Kathleen Schatz
Rego Park
Editor’s note: Last month, the USCCB released the teaching document “The Mystery of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church” which is available on their website.
Giving Holy Communion to Pro-Abortion Politicians
Dear Editor: All summer long I waited for the very important decision that was going to be made at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops conference about giving holy Communion to pro-abortion politicians like Joe Biden and Nancy Pelosi.
Not only was the conference a waste of time, but it was a waste of money. I was also sorely disappointed when I read that the pope told Biden he was a good Catholic. I knew right then nothing would change.
Patrick McCabe
Flushing
Enjoy the Holiday Season
Dear Editor: As the holiday season begins, let us all hope and pray that this year will be much better than last year. Try and take in the joy of the holidays. It’s a time to celebrate with loved ones and friends as well.
As long as everyone is vaccinated, people should be able to gather to celebrate these wonderful holidays, which are all full of hope and strong faith.
God Bless America. We are resilient people, and we will come through this crisis because we care about helping each other. That is what America is all about.
John Amato
Fresh Meadows