Reed Soderstrom, Minot
There's an axiom that "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" and yet North Dakotans try to adhere to a gold standard of being good stewards by continuing to maintain our property as needed.
The same standard applies by being good stewards of our rights and liberties and protecting what we come to know, trust and expect. Without such vigilance, you may either lose something dear or inadvertently allow it to deteriorate to a point where there is little left to be done to restore or get the treasure back.
The various religious faiths that have been held dear over generations in North Dakota are being pressured by various forces in our culture across the country. This pressure is not necessarily an open frontal assault but more like the piano moved across the room an inch at a time over the course of years. It's not easily noticed but very real. A "yes" vote on Measure 3 is a prudent method of protecting our personal faith and religious liberties without hurting anyone. I'm disappointed that there are shrill voices calling it dangerous. Measure 3 is simply good North Dakota stewardship.
I'm very concerned that Planned Parenthood, this nation's largest abortion provider, reports through the Secretary of State that it has already contributed more than $500,000 in our state to defeat Measure 3. Regardless of your personal views on abortion, Planned Parenthood desires to eliminate any faith-based conscience protection for health-care providers, religious organizations, insurers and pregnancy centers. This is just one example of outside pressure on what most of us unfortunately take for granted, our personal faith. I urge all to stand and protect everyone's personal faith and conscience choices and vote "yes" on Measure 3.