‘Neighbors with disabilities’ focus of community forum
The Covenant Community Connection is holding a fifth public forum on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 6:30 p.m.-7:45 p.m., at the Salisbury Civic Center. Our topic is “Neighbors with Disabilities.”
Our purpose, as with previous forums, is to bring about awareness and understanding of persons we may consider “different.” We seek to bring light to the value and worth of all our citizens. We hope to connect with the 98-99 percent sameness we share, rather than distance ourselves because of perceived differences. We know that when we diminish any other person we diminish ourselves.
The panelists on the forum are: Wanda Foil, an instructor at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College who is blind; Monica Foster, member of the Human Relations Council who is a wheelchair user; Darryl Bolt, a citizen who is deaf; Daina Fredrick, Department of Social Services Adult Services supervisor; Dr.Crystal Vail, Rowan-Salisbury Schools director of exceptional children; John Mitchell, Equal Employment Opportunities manager, VA Medical Center; Dr. Shanyn Aysta, recovery coordinator, VA Medical Center; Jane Jackman, supervisor, Arc of Rowan.
Mark Ritchie will be the moderator of the forum. We welcome any and all to share in this evening of education and fellowship.
— Betty Jo Hardy
Salisbury
Gay marriage: another view
I would like to offer a counterargument to Ellie Mae Lambert’s letter (“God’s intention and gay marriage,” Sept. 28).
As she uses scripture to push her point forward, I must say this: Any person may use scripture and/or the Bible to push their personal agenda. For example, in the Bible are many verses claiming divorce is not of God’s way. Malachi 2:15 (New International Version) states: “Has not the Lord made them one? In flesh and spirit they are his. And why one? Because he was seeking godly offspring. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith with the wife of your youth.” So should we not, then, put to a vote whether or not we outlaw divorce? Or what about eating shellfish? Because Leviticus 11:12 (King James Version) states: “Whatsoever hath no fins nor scales in the waters, that shall be an abomination unto you.” Any person with an iota of understanding of the Bible may use it for their own purposes, benign or not.
Next, Ms. Lambert states that those in doubt should read the Holy Bible. Well, I have read the Holy Bible, and I find it disrespectful to assume I have not. I would like to say this regarding her comment about lesbianism: you cannot assume anything when reading the Holy Book. Since there was no comment about women lying with women, you cannot assume that lesbianism is a sin. To do so is, as I said, pure assumption. As for Ms. Lambert’s closing words — “Why are people so eager to go to hell?” — I would like to say this: Shame on you, Ms. Lambert. That is the most ignorant statement I have ever read. I have rewritten this sentence five times because I have no words for that. I am completely dumbfounded at the sheer ridiculousness of that cruel, insensitive comment.
— Anthony Camacho
Salisbury