THREE QUESTIONS

Got a question for Chris, are you a Christian? Do you believe in God? Do you believe in anything? Leave Angelle alone, she's one of the King's kids. Get over being offended by folks giving praise to God for all that they have. It's what this country was founded on, pal!

Mark Walter

MARTIN REPLIES

Dear Mark,

As to your first two queries "No" and "No." As per the third, "Yes." I believe that humans should be beholden to their neighbors, not for fear of eternal damnation or promise of eternal reward, but because it's the right thing to do. As for Angelle being one of the "King's Kids." Well, of course, she is. Who isn't? I can't think of anyone I know who wasn't affected by Elvis Presley.

WHAT IS CHRIS'S BEEF?

So, Chris Martin doesn't really care for all of the references to God that happen to be a part of our sport? My, my. Is this the ranting of a sore loser?

There may be some of us who love drag racing that don't care for drinkers and smokers, especially the kind that get in your face with their exhalations, flick their ashes all over you, spill their drinks on your seat, etc. And we may also not care for those who use profanity.

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These folks are usually loud, obnoxious and indifferent to who may be in earshot. Perhaps a potential sponsor and/or first timer heard those comments and was turned off to drag racing, seeing a loud drunk carousing around, not caring who they offended!

Now our sport is experiencing a visit from God, as is the general population in America. The Bible tells us that these sorts of visitations occur from the prayers of those who already believe. Isn't this a good thing for our sport, being promoted and advertised as "family-friendly" and all? Usually folks respond to God positively. Their life style changes - the alcohol eventually goes away, the demeanor is uplifted and positive, their language eventually cleans up, their lives become cleaner, etc. Isn't all this good for our sport? Why would anyone be opposed to these positive changes?

Unless, of course, their spiritual condition was such that these mentions of the God and His blessings strike some chord deep in their spirit, reminding them of their spiritual condition, and calling them to repentance. I have found that most of the folks who most protest the acknowledgement and thanking of God for whatever blessing has just been received, are in that category.

So, Chris Martin and all those who agree with him, what's your REAL beef here? Sounds like it's really with God Himself. In that case, then, you all have to deal with it, personally and individually. And when you finish that deal, and get it all worked out in your spirit, then the rest of us will be glad to hear from you again on this matter, just to see how far you have come.

OK? Until then, just put up with it. I cannot personally endorse Angelle's theology, as the Scriptures do not support all that she goes on about, but she has the platform and the right to express it any way she pleases, I should think. Just as we all do in this great country!

By the way, thanks for the e-zine. It's pretty good and I look in at least weekly.

Dean A. Cassano
Lakeland, FL