Remember legacies of Lee and Jackson
This week some of us will pause and remember the birthdays of two great Americans, Robert E. Lee on Jan. 19 and Thomas Jonathan “Stonewall” Jackson on Jan. 21. Far too often in the present atmosphere of political correctness, revisionist history and a tendency to not remember our great Southern heritage, these great heroes are forgotten.
Both of these men were true Southern, Christian gentlemen whose principles and manner would serve as great role models even today. It would serve young folks well, who only know the “war side” of these gentlemen, to learn of the genuine nature of their solid character.
Lee and Jackson are figures that any parents would be proud for their children to emulate. I would recommend reading “Stonewall Jackson” by James I. Robertson Jr. and the four-volume “R.E. Lee” by Douglas Southall Freeman to better understand the positive contributions in character and righteous living these men presented. Those legacies are far greater than anything they did on the battlefield of war.
ó Mac Butner
Salisbury
Costly ‘Sides’ show
On Aug. 9, 2007, I wrote to the Post detailing how, in my opinion, Jim Sides was using his lawsuit against the city of Salisbury for political gain. Now here we are, five months later in an election year, and in the past two weeks, Mr. Sides’ name has appeared in the newspaper three times, not in connection with his public office, but in connection with his lawsuit against the city.
Thankfully, we don’t have to debate the merits of Mr. Sides’ claims, as an arbitrator has already determined they’re worth $1. The suit has brought to the forefront the important issue of property rights, but as Sides pushes forward, his ulterior motives are more and more clear, to maintain his “Sides” show campaign at whatever cost to the city and its taxpayers.
Many would like to give him the benefit of the doubt, but its hard to draw any other conclusion. Consider this: As penny-pinching as Sides is known to be as a county commissioner, why does he continue to eat up city money, and spend hours of his personal time, with a lawsuit worth only $1? The city likely continues to pay its attorney and expert witnesses, as well as spend valuable administrative time on the issue, all of which are eating into your tax dollars. And the aggregate costs to the community will only skyrocket if this goes to a jury trial. Twelve people, and many more before the jury is seated, will need to be away from work for at least one day to be part of the “Sides” show. Are you ready to be drafted as a Sides campaign volunteer?
And all the while, Sides will continue to get the free publicity. Viewed in that light, maybe he is a true penny-pincher after all.
ó Clark Walton
Salisbury
Gifts that live on
A couple of months ago the Post gave great coverage of the 90th birthday celebration for Billy Burke under the writing of Sarah Hall. I’m proud to report that the minimum financial contribution has been met to formally establish the William P. “Billy” Burke Endowment. This was mentioned by Ms. Hall in the article.
Think about it! How wonderful it is that we can do rembrance of someone through an endowment at Catawba College while at the same time make scholarship funds available for a deserving student. We can do this for any deserving person, and leave a legacy for a friend or family member, long after they are gone. This can be done through the Rotary Club, Elks, or any organization, Sunday School Class, high school class, college class, or any group. In fact, any individual could keep on giving long after leaving this earth by contributing now, or leaving part of their estate in an endowment.
We tend to do these things for persons we know or those who have made contributions to their community. Would it not be wonderful if some group or civic club would do the same for some deserving individual who, because of their own inadequate finances or circumstances of life, had been unable to contribute to their community?
We “screen” to add to our Christmas Cheer list or Toys for Tots, etc.; why not find that poor individual who is a good person but just unable to leave their mark on society? After all, “God loves a cheerful giver,” and we all seek his love. We could help make them “somebody,” too.
ó Frank Kivett
Morehead CityWorkers still waiting
It’s very hard to get excited about the “new” High Rock Raceway when you know that David Risdon owes former NC Finishing Co./Colortex workers a week’s pay. They have waited for more than seven years for this pay. Some are now deceased and will never see their earnings. What a shame.
I grew up within a mile or so of this proposed raceway, but I will never spend a dime there, nor will I encourage anyone else to. I know our economy needs a boost, but let’s put things into perspective. Pay your bills, David Risdon, and go through the proper procedures like everyone else has to do. You may think you’re special, but you don’t even rank in some people’s eyes. Honesty, integrity, morals and ethics … you have none.
Go back north where someone may appreciate you and what you are trying to do. You aren’t welcome here!
ó Sharon Hartley
Lexington
Our first Be a Santa to a Senior program in Salisbury was a huge success. We at Home Instead Senior Care were overwhelmed by the tremendous support of this caring community. Not only did you respond with wonderful gifts for needy seniors, but also with offers to volunteer to help with the wrapping, delivering and more. The outpouring of support was incredible and folks truly went above and beyond.
We provided gifts to over 70 needy seniors in three different locations here in Salisbury, and they were most grateful. Your efforts truly mattered.
We want to especially thank the youth group from Community Baptist Church which created beautiful Christmas cards for all the seniors and came caroling at Brightmoor Nursing Center; all three Walgreens stores for displaying the trees with ornaments for each senior; WSTP, the Salisbury Post and Senior Savvy for helping us get the word out about BASTAS.
We look forward to an even bigger and better Be a Santa to a Senior program next year!
ó Jena Hare
Salisbury