To the editor:

It is interesting to know that Abraham Lincoln’s statement, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.”, is a paraphrase of words spoken by Jesus in Matthew 12:22:

“Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.” Jesus had healed a man possessed by a devil, restoring his ability to see and talk.

Some bystanders accused Jesus of being the “Prince of Demons”. “If Satan drives out Satan,” Jesus pointed out, “he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand?” (Matthew 12:26)

Recent Public Forum letters pointed to many divisions in our country. Who is to blame? I think each person must ask, “How do I show respect for another person or property?” Do I use angry, hateful, foul words or physical violence to express a different view? Do I care if what I wear might offend someone? Should an object that supports only one point of view be displayed in a public setting, such as the LGBTQ flag that continues to hang in the Marshall Middle School?

Are some thinking that children who accept God’s directed lifestyle don’t need to be and feel supported, too? If so, is our school district being true to its mission to support all learners?

I do hope the School Board will reconsider its decision in the interest of parents, teachers and students who feel best learning in an all-inclusive environment.

Trudy Madetzke

Marshall, MN