Letters to the Editor: Tattoos not something to warrant fear

In response to Scott Blazek’s Sunday column, “Tattoos go against Bible’s teaching.

I was disturbed to learn one of our local Christian leaders believes people who have tattoos are alcoholic, criminal-minded, addicted, disease-ridden low-lifes who will never make a positive contribution to society.

I don’t understand why some people are so threatened by tattoos. It’s not as if a tattoo artist is going to tie them down and ink the American eagle or a dancing lady on their arm. I guess they are just the kind of people who are threatened by things they don’t understand.

Tattoos have been around for thousands of years and have been an important part of many cultures. They have served as rites of passage, marks of rank, and symbols of spiritual devotion.

In 1991, a 5,000-year-old “ice man” was discovered with 57 tattoos on his body. In Japan, tattoos date back to 3000 BC and are believed to have spiritual meaning.

The Japanese tattoo artists have been revered for their skill in color and design, creating the classic Japanese tattoo, a full body suit. In Pacific cultures, they believed that a person’s life force was displayed in the intricate tattoos. The Maori of New Zealand tattoo the face to show rank, lineage and great events in their lives. Native Americans have worn tattoos to display heroic events and claim their heritage.

These are just a few of the cultures that wear tattoos proudly, displaying pride, dignity and honor.

I don’t have a tattoo and probably never will, but I believe it is a personal choice, just like religion. I guess I am one of those amorally diverse people of which Blazek was speaking. Is he saying that I don’t have morals?

Gail Sharpe

Clovis

Richardson’s Spanish debate angers American voter

There are so many infuriating aspects of the June 7 CNJ article “Governor agrees to debate in Spanish,” I am typing with fists.

This may be the most “in your face” stunt King Bill has ever attempted. Can you imagine what our immigration laws (that are already defiled beyond belief) would be like if this idiot were elected president?

I shudder to think.

First and foremost, if someone can’t speak English, they should not even be allowed to vote in an English-speaking country. Shame on Clovis’ City Commissioner Robert Sandoval as well for condoning such a thing. If individuals want to learn a second language for their own enjoyment, so be it. The fact that we have to “press 1 for English” in America is an abomination.

Secondly, why, in the United States of America, is there an Association for Bilingual Education — in any state? Anyone able to take advantage of the schools in this country should be taught in English.

Period.

I am sick to death of paying the way for the very people King Bill wants to make sure get to vote for the politicians making the laws requiring me to do so.

To quote Theodore Roosevelt in 1907: “…Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn’t an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag. … We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language. … And we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people.”

Glenda Bly

Farwell

New smoking ban breath of fresh air for asthmatics

I would like to applaud our lawmakers on the smoking ban that took effect on June 15.

My husband and children are asthmatics and their breath is precious, especially when it’s contaminated by secondhand smoke.

This is a positive change for our community, state and every citizen.

Amy Wilson

Clovis