Law is clear about what constitutes legal marriage
I must take issue with the June 29 letter by Arthur Steinberg. He applaudes “granting same sex partners the protection they deserve as per the Constitution.” He then proceeds to denigrate the people that have some sense of moral value by calling them “the morality police.”
This issue usually leads to same-sex marriage. The law states that marriage is defined as between one man and one woman. Why does it say this? Could it be that this is morally right? One might ask, of what authority am I to say what is morally right? Morals either originate from the mind of God or they have originated from man himself. Matter ó by itself ó is completely impotent to “evolve” any sense of moral consciousness. If there is no purpose in the universe, as atheists have asserted, then there is no purpose to morality or ethics. The concept of a purposeless morality is irrational. Whether the unbeliever is willing to admit it or not, if there is no God, man exists in an environment where “anything goes.” There has to be a standard for morality, and that standard is God’s word, which condemns homosexuality. According to Steinberg’s reasoning, we must grant a man who wants to have multiple wives that privilege. What if a man wants to marry a 10-year-old girl? Are either of these things wrong? Who is willing to say this is morally wrong, but homosexuality is morally right?
The point is this country was founded on Christian principles, and marriage privileges are given through the law that defines marriage as between one man and one woman, though there will be those that will be contentious with this very valid point.
ó Michael Rymer
Salisbury
Fire’s aftermath brought outpouring of support
My plans for July 4 included spending time with my five younger siblings and two wonderful parents back home here in Salisbury. Fortunately I was able to return from Washington, D.C., where I now reside; unfortunately it was under grave circumstances. The Salisbury Post reported on the xxx fire that destroyed my family’s house. Thankfully, everyone made it out without injury; however, once the initial shock wore off, the daunting task of picking up the pieces and starting over sank in very quickly. This is where a disaster story turns to one of positive encouragement.
The unwavering support showered upon our family over the last few days has been amazing. Family, friends, strangers, neighbors, community businesses and co-workers alike rushed to our side. One by one, group by group, Salisburians pulled up to the humble campsite in our front yard offering everything from clothes to temporary rooms to gift cards to barbecue.
Salisbury is the type of the place where everyone in the community is your neighbor, and all your neighbors are your friends, especially when you need them most. Only here can you expect your neighbor to gladly house you and your six children, your aunt, your cousin, your grandparents and your dog and fix you a nice homecooked Southern meal to boot. Only here will you receive an encouraging note and a check from a friend’s colleague whom you’ve never met. Only here will your biscuits and gravy be on the house from the concerned owners of College Bar-B-Que.
On behalf of my family: Mark, Valerie, Chad, Ryan, Alex, Maggie, Adam, and Annie we would like to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you to the brave firefighters. Thank you to everyone who has been so kind to us in so many ways.
ó Chad S. Habeeb
Washington, D.C.
Family, friends will miss Glenn Tyson’s presence
I lost a friend and man whom I thought more of than I did of my own brothers this week. His name is Glenn Tyson. Glenn’s death was a loss of even greater magnitude to his wife, daughters and grandchildren. It was a loss for the many other friends he collected in his life. We all have a hole in our hearts because of his passing.
He never did things halfway. Whether it was cleaning the grass off the mower before putting it up, planting a garden or taking a grandchild fishing, Glenn never cut corners. His approach to family and friendship was the same. He loved his family unconditionally and they loved him the same way.
During his long struggle with leukemia, he fought the disease like he lived, with everything he had. He did not complain or allow self-pity to creep in. He always looked forward to the next adventure, the next dove shoot, the next fishing trip. Glenn, my son and I are booked for a week this fall at Portsmouth Island to surf fish. We won’t catch as many fish because we won’t have Glenn to find the holes for us. I just hope I can remember how he taught me to spot them.
He came to see me about a month ago to discuss the trip. We talked about who was to bring what and which rods we were planning take. With Glenn, all things were well planned. After we got everything decided on the fishing trip, he said “I don’t know if I’ll make it until September, but I’m going to try.” He hugged me, told me he loved me and I told him the same thing. Then he smiled and drove off.
Not every person makes a difference in this world, but Big “T” certainly did.
ó Tony Hilton
Landis