Linda L. Sproul – 12/19/06

This page was last updated on December 19, 2006.

We must serve the Lord; Linda L. Sproul; Beaver County Times; December 19, 2006.

Below is a detailed critique of the letter.

“The soup kitchens in area churches and at the Salvation Army are terribly crowded this year. So if you have extra time on your hands, volunteer your time in a constructive, useful way.”

[RWC] I have a hard time buying the “soup kitchens in area churches and at the Salvation Army are terribly crowded this year” comment, especially given two of Ms. Sproul’s previous letters (here and here).

Here’s why.

According to the latest employment statistics, unemployment for both PA as a whole and the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Statistical Area is below the national average (4.5%) at 4.3% and 3.9%, respectively. Traditionally, these employment levels have been considered “full employment.” At this employment level or anything close, it makes no sense that “soup kitchens … [would be] terribly crowded.”

“We can always write that extra Christmas card, or bake that extra dozen of sugar cookies, but when do we have a chance to really serve the Lord in a useful way? What are we looking for this Christmas? Peace and happiness within? That will begin when some of our young men and women are sent home from the war in Iraq. But in the meantime, we have to stay busy until such monumental decisions are made.

“I certainly hope we don't hear about any Nativity scenes being taken down in front of courthouses or being stolen from front yards in the area. And that our different groups can go to the senior citizen building and carol for shut-ins. We really need to keep up good, wholesome work like this for our aging seniors.

“We need to remember: For unto us a child is born, a son is given. His name is Christ the Lord, our savior.

“Peace on Earth, good will toward men.”