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To the Editor: 

A rattlesnake attacked a rancher and killed one of his children. The snake was cut into pieces, but the ranch was gripped by grief and fear. The rancher knew that there were other snakes and sooner or later they might strike if they weren’t destroyed. He talked with one neighbor who agreed because the snakes threatened his oil wells. Another neighbor agreed because he sold guns to kill snakes. The local pastor agreed that if snakes weren’t good for ranchers, they must be evil. Almost everyone agreed except one fellow who was not convinced that guns are the best way to get rid of snakes. 

Outside the ranch there was support and opposition. The snakes and those who love them were bitterly opposed. Some people agreed with the rancher that snakes are dangerous but thought the town should be consulted. Others suggested alternatives to guns. But nothing can stop a rancher who wants to protect his family; a man who wants to benefit his friends and believes that he is justified by faith. Not even the possibility that his efforts might destroy innocent people as well as snakes, impoverish many while enriching a few, and distort the faith he professes. 

David James Randolph 

Albany