I was shocked and dismayed to read the Rex Rhoades’ editorial on Dec. 20. Rhoades condemned and accused Doug Taylor of being a self-seeking person who uses the media to bring attention to himself. Nothing could be further from the truth.

It is true that Doug Taylor wants to express his views, and knows that he can reach a lot of people through the media.

In the case of the white supremacist group that is coming to Lewiston, I believe that Taylor wants this group and the people in the L-A area to know that God is a God of love who loves all people, regardless of their external appearances, and even their actions (though He may hate their actions). Taylor will be out there confronting the actions of this group with love and prayer.

I know him to be a person who is willing, more than most people, to work with others. Many times, he has gone quietly to meetings to support and work together with others. He is not interested in being the center of attention, but only in presenting what he believes to be God’s viewpoint on situations that are going on in our communities. If that is not represented, he wants to speak out so that it will be.

He respects other people’s points of view, and though he may disagree with them, he reaches out in friendship to them. This is the Doug Taylor that I know.

What is wrong with standing up for your beliefs? What is wrong with holding up your Bible and praying?

The Founding Fathers of our nation chose to separate from their homeland in order to find a place where they could freely express their beliefs, and live and practice them. This is what our country is all about!

I would urge Mr. Rhoades to look around to find some actions more worthy of condemnation. Perhaps he, like the National Alliance, is also judging by surface appearances, and not looking deeper into the heart that lies beneath.

Zahava Caron, Lisbon Falls

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