It is the OWM, along with women and persons of various colors and nationalities who have collectively built this nation. Though not perfect, it is far better than most other countries in the world. For over 200 years it has led the world in innovation, freedom, and wealth. While wealth may be disproportionate in our country, opportunity still exists where it is unavailable to much of the world. Why else would so many individuals risk so much to reach our borders, still hoping to live the American dream? 

Most young Americans like yourself have grown up in this country of enormous economic affluence. Many decry how financially challenged they are, while talking and texting on their expensive phones, using laptops, drinking specialty coffees, and driving personal cars. They have been blinded to their good fortune. Yet it is the OWM, among others, who have led this country in the very innovations and technologies to make these life-styles possible. It is also the OWM who have established enormous charitable foundations to help the less fortunate.

You speak with distain of evangelical Christians. Since when is being a person of any faith so bad? It was predominately the OWM of deep faith who founded this country, fought our battles, and built our nation’s infrastructure. Yes, we have been blessed along the way to add young women and persons of color, both people of faith and no faith, to our political decision-making bodies and we are better for it. You claim that the expression “In God We Trust” is nothing more than “a weapon used by OWM to ensure everyone in this nation adheres to their antiquated and narrow-minded ideals.” I am genuinely at a loss to see how you come to that conclusion. 

Regarding persons of different sexual persuasions, I do not seek to find fault with anyone’s sexual leanings. I do struggle however when others, like yourself, assume they know what my political and social beliefs are based strictly on my being an OWM. And, after making those assumptions, the rainbow community demands that I embrace their life-styles and beliefs while demeaning what they assume are mine. If a member of the LGBTQ community wants to marry or live an alternate lifestyle, please do so, with my blessings. However, there are plenty of clergy and professionals who will provide services for you without you demanding that I and others like me, who may not believe as you do, compromise our personal beliefs simply to accommodate yours.

Now to the topic of abortion. Under the Alabama law, it is the abortion doctor, not the woman, who faces prosecution. As for abortions for pregnancies resulting from rape and incest, I will take seriously those claims only when police reports have been filed in advance of a request for abortion services. Otherwise, I believe they are simply a convenient ruse to support your convenience. You state that everyone should be able to make their own choices. Please tell me what choice a fetus has. If a fetus is not a human, why does killing a pregnant woman in most states result in two murder charges, one for the woman and one for the fetus. If a fetus is not human, a person shouldn’t be convicted of killing it. If it is human, then abortion is murder. You state that abortion harms no one. As a mental health professional, I can tell you that your view is very myopic. Many people including the woman obtaining the abortion, and especially the fetus, are significantly hurt. Also, undesired pregnancies are not, as you claim, due to the lack of contraception. Contraceptives are available to everyone including the minority and poor. The real problem, I believe, is our permissive “hook-up” society, where people want to live in the moment, engage in risky behavior, and not take personal responsibility for proper planning.  I have worked in several major universities where I have personally observed this trend among today’s youth. 

If you are unhappy with the state of our nation, come back and take responsibility for making a difference. Your contributions, not your criticisms, will lead to meaningful change. And, when you demand my respect, please show me yours. Thank you.

Bruce C. Prevatt, Ph.D.

Balsam