If, in you're opinion, Mr. McKinley's columns are not worth reading, then by all means, DO NOT READ THEM!

His columns are just that, columns, not news articles which are based on fact only, and should be free from bias and opinion. He writes in the "His Voice" section, meaning he is providing "his" opinion on a specific topic. He is not required to be inspiring and motivating to all who read his words, although I find his columns to be very inspiring and motivating to me, and I'm sure there are others who feel the same way. Why do you think it's okay to say one should not write on a topic just because you don't agree with it?

You say his words are hurtful and discriminating. What I read in the police log, and in many other news articles each week, are hurtful to me. Do I ask the Irrigator to stop printing them? No, I choose not to read what may not be pleasant to me at that moment.

How are his words discriminating? And why do you want the Irrigator to discriminate against Mr. McKinley by removing his columns because he expresses an opinion that is not yours? I believe discrimination is not something approved by Christianity, no? He provides an opinion which is not based on the Judeo-Christian tradition, which is merely another perspective. There are those of us who do not agree with, or abide by Christian dogma. Therefore his opinion is not very popular in a town where the majority of it's residents are Christians.

I don't read any Christian-bashing in his words. I see him point out what he sees as contradictions, hypocrisy, fallacies, and thought provoking ideas. He questions these things and tries to get people to open their eyes to, and think about these.

I believe the Irrigator HAS made the right decision in publishing Mr. McKinley's column. News publications in America practice freedom of speech, and allow their contributors to express themselves with free speech. If this offends you and you now deem the paper "not worth reading," I'm sure there are dozens of Christian-based publications who would love to have you as a subscriber, where you can "safely" read "inspiring and motivating articles" and no longer be exposed to the fact than there are many, many people out their, some of them your neighbors, who do not agree with YOU. I would never dream of asking the paper to remove a Christian-based article if the writer was merely expressing their opinion. I feel I am exposed to Christian opinion much more that you are exposed to an Atheist or Agnostic viewpoint.

I do hope you can get passed this thinking, if not only for your own benefit, but for the Irrigator's as well, whose publisher and staff work very hard to provide a well-rounded, diverse, and provocative news/opinion/and commentary source for the residents of Patterson. I for one, appreciated their efforts, whether I agree or disagree with what I might read.

For those of you who feel compelled to 'pray' for me, thank you for your concern, but I will be, and am, just fine, prayers or not. The day I left the church is the day I found myself, my peace, my voice, my heart, my soul, my happiness, my spirituality, and my unity with nature and Mother Earth. I cherish the wisdom I've gained over the years and look forward to my lifelong quest to gather more. This is how I choose to live my life, and I respect others who have a different way of living.

Peace~

Agree or disagree with Mr. McKinley, but, I for one, am glad we live in a country where freedom of speech is valued. Thank you Patterson Irrigator for practicing free speech which is clearly written in the First Amendment of our United States Constitution. We are a community of many people with differing opinions, views, values and religions. Thanks for the opportunity for having a place where we can share our differences in a civilized manner.