Dear Editor: While at the gym, I overheard a lady nearby say, “I can’t understand how anyone can kill another person.” I could not help but interject and say, “That is only because we tend to see others as we are. There are many people who were never trained or educated in what is right or wrong, consequently, they have a very different conscience from those who are.”

Many years ago, I attended the funeral Mass of a man of whom I heard owed a worker three days wages. Apparently, not receiving it, the worker took the ultimate step. I distinctly remember the priest, barely able to keep his composure, as he and the grieving traumatized widow and young children stood by the casket.

I worked with a man who actually bragged about hiring an immigrant to do some work, and then did not pay him what was promised. Apart from not being right, I told him, “You ran a great risk.”

Hate, in spite of what many believe, need not be taught. Apparently it’s quite natural. Forgiveness, or love is what makes the difference, and that comes only through Christ’s message, “Know the Truth and you will be free.”

John Adams, the second President of the United States, said, “This Constitution was made for a moral people and it will not work otherwise.”

Morality cannot be legislated, but many of our Christian politicians could show the way – by example. Truth and justice is also a first step against hate, and is necessary if a truly democratic society is to function effectively.

How we will be forgiven is revealed in the Lord’s Prayer.

THOMAS C. CULLINANE

Bayside