Scary, ignorant points of view
Sound off is interesting. There seem to be a lot of statements that would never be made if names were attached. Democrats blaming ants in their kitchens on Republicans, and Republicans blaming Democrats for melted ice cream. Do they ever read what they just said or are they merely passing on the latest talking points?
Some of the sound offers really are scary. Once in a while you get the "Why are you worried about being pulled over and questioned for no reason? If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear." Is this person really that naïve? I think the cops should roll their homes on a daily basis. Hey, nothing to hide, right?
The people with that attitude have kept repeating it for centuries, all the way to the camps, the firing wall and Siberia. Please, read the Constitution until you truly understand what they tried to set up and how it has been twisted and perverted by both political parties over the past 100 years. The power was meant to be local. The federal government was to protect us so we could pursue our lives, not to run them. The right to bear arms is not to hunt or target shoot or to stop criminals. The right to bear arms was so you could protect your freedoms from foreign invaders or a tyrannical government.
Just a note: People did not come to America for religious freedom. They came to pursue their own form of religion, and then passed laws banning other religions. Our founding fathers did not want the federal government following suit. That is why it is in the Constitution that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof."
Brian J. Kohlhase
Phenix City
Billboard jungle
As a young boy, I use to visit my Aunt and Uncle in Columbus during the late '40s and early '50's and always enjoyed the many fountains and the beautiful trees and streets. My wife and I moved back to the Columbus area in 1994. Now as I drive from the corner of Manchester to the corner of 13th St. I cannot help but notice that in this 2.8 mile drive, there are 54 large billboards that to me are an eyesore.
If one reads all the signs during the drive, it has to increase the possibility of an automobile accident. The leaders in Columbus used to want to clean up Victory Drive of all the bars, strip joints and so forth. I now see Veterans Parkway as far as Moon Road as a worse eyesore by far than the old Victory Drive.
Where are the city ordinances to protect the area? You wanted to cut down and remove some of the old trees that were not hurting anyone, yet you allow all the billboards be on a six-mile stretch of Veterans Parkway. I did not count the signs of local businesses, just the large billboards rented out for Advertising. I think they should all be out of town or out of sight, and get back to the days when Columbus was known as the Fountain City.
W.A. Moseley
Columbus
Christians Unite
To all the preachers, pastors, rabbis, and priests in the bi-city and everywhere: I keep reading and hearing about how this country has removed prayer and God from everything including Christmas. How Christians are fed up with being put down and can't openly practice their religion because it may offend someone. I say enough is enough. It is time to go on the offensive. If you want to get some one's attention, use the one thing even those who aren't religious will pay attention to, the almighty dollar. Church leaders, tell your congregations and members this message.
If merchants and businesses want your business, they must put "Merry Christmas" out in front of their business big enough to see without a problem from the parking lot. It must be printed in their paper ads, spoken in television commercials and they should tell customers "Merry Christmas" in the store. Those that don't do so will be boycotted till they do. No more "happy holidays" crap. Without the birth of Jesus there wouldn't be a holiday period.
If you have already shopped for Christmas, return the items and tell them why you are returning them. Tell them when they comply you'll be back. Christians unite and be heard instead of being silent. United we stand, divided we fall! It is time to unite and be heard loud and clear.
If all Christians stay together in their beliefs and convictions you will be heard. There are more Christians than non-believers. Show your power and that you mean business. Have all members make phone calls to all businesses and tell them about this new movement. After enough phone calls and low sales they will get the message and comply.
If this letter offends anybody, take Sheriff Jolley's advice: Leave!
David C. Barfield
Smiths Station
Valued voices
I would like to take the opportunity to extend high praise to several of the writers who make the L-E an important part of my daily routine. Since my retirement, I have plenty of time on my hands.
Today’s first choice was to drive up to Harris County and wish everyone “Happy Holidays,” but then I read Sheryl Green’s column (“Lessons from the gridiron”) and decided to write this letter instead. As a former teacher, I have enjoyed reading her weekly musings about the classroom. Her observations about teacher evaluations struck a particular nerve. Sadly, most of those elected officials who make the rules for schools have only this as their main qualification: they once attended school.
Chuck Williams has always been one of my particular favorites to read. His columns make me think, and I have been told that at my age thinking is a good form of exercise. Thanks, Chuck!
And you must keep Tim Chitwood and Chris Johnson on board. Both of them have a great sense of humor, albeit in different ways.
Finally, I look forward to the wisdom of Col. Robert Simpson in Sunday’s edition. What an important local treasure we have in him!
Thanks to all of these local talented writers for what they do. I look forward to many more “good reads” in the future.
Ken Paulk
Columbus
This story was originally published December 10, 2015 at 1:13 PM with the headline "Scary, ignorant points of view ."