Sending joy to the world in the middle of July
Christmas really is a magical time isn’t it? One day of the year when both the Christian and the heathen can realize that someday we might actually have peace on Earth. One day of the year when we can look past the carnal house of the world and see something better. It’s the one day when we are nicer to one another, and even strangers are welcomed as friends.
We all have wondered why can’t each day be like Christmas, but logically, it can’t, and morally I do not think we would want it to be. But then, who says we can have only one?
My wife and I will celebrate our extra Christmas on July 14 this year. We will have our Christmas dinner by candle light, carols will be in the background, and afterward we have a new Christmas movie to watch.
We chose July 14 for our extra Christmas for several reasons … little chance of snow, no crowds in the local stores and it’s Bastille Day in France. It’s become a tradition over the years, but one with few rules. One rule we do have insists that presents cost only one dollar. If you think buying presents is hard, try to buy one for only a dollar. The wrapping often costs more.
The world does seem a sadder place today. We are caught between iPods stealing our brains and drones stealing our lives. There seems very little space for our quaint celebrations, our quite joys, and the subtle places we can each be human and love one another.
Our extra Christmas has few rules and one of them is “love one another.” Now pass the giblet gravy!
— Tom Curtis
Salisbury
A legislative monstrosity
The top half of the July 8 editorial page was used by the editor to defend Obamacare. That she personally benefits from one element of this monstrosity is nice, but does she really believe she alone pays the full cost of Oamacare required insurance of her adult “children?” And yes, there are agencies that will sell you insurance on virtually anything — if you are willing pay the price. The only caveat is that you can’t insure against the occurance of a certainty (a pre-existing condition). Any contract that offers to pay you for a pre-determined occurrence is an act of charity, not insurance.
As I said a couple of times in the letter that Ms. Cook criticizes, there are probably a few good ideas in Obamacare. These should be addressed individually, not wrapped up in an attempt to disastrously restructure the national economy. Ms. Cook’s defense of Obamacare reminds me of what was said about Mussolini’s facist regieme. “At least he made the trains run on time.”
Obamacare was rammed through Congress on a strictly partisan basis using deceit, intimidation and bribery. We will long remember the Cornhusker Kickback and the Louisiana Purchase. The majority of Americans did not want Obamacare, don’t want it now, and will get rid of it as soon as possible.
— Joe Roberts
Salisbury
Vote for conservatives
To all Rowan County conservative Republicans: The following candidates are the conservative choices for the runoff primary on Tuesday (July 17).
For lieutenant governor, Dan Forest. For commissioner of insurance, Mike Causey. For secretary of state, Ed Goodwin. For superintendent of public instruction, John Tedesco. And for the most important race of all, Rowan County commissioners, conservatives Mike Caskey and Craig Pierce.
I personally know these candidates and have asked them their positions on key conservative issues, and they all passed with flying colors. So please get out and vote this Tuesday, and vote for these conservative Republican candidates.
Thank you, and may God bless our county, state and nation.
— Mac Butner
Salisbury
Caskey, Pierce fit the bill
Though I have not lived in Rowan County since 2005, it is still my home, and the business that supports my family is still in Salisbury. I spend at least five days a week here, and sometimes six. And most importantly … I pay taxes here.
This is why I would like to encourage those who care about responsible county government to cast their vote for Mike Caskey and Craig Pierce in the GOP runoff for county commissioner on July 17.
Mike has demonstrated as a school board member that he asks questions and wants to be certain of issues before casting a vote. Mike watches over every penny as if it were his own, and the taxpayer needs more of his kind on the commission.
Craig has served on several county boards and in his private life is a successful businessman in the area.
In today’s economy, one must look for efficiencies at every turn; these two men fit that bill.
— Jim Cohen
Trinity

Keadle unfairly disparaged
Rodney Cress’ July 12 letter was an attempt to disparage Scott Keadle over an event which Scott had nothing to do with.
I was at the TEA party forum that Cress referred to. I also spoke to a GOP leader who was there, and his account coincides with mine. Mr. Cress’ story is not accurate. Here is what happened:
During the candidate forum, the disabled veteran (vet 1) was making comments that were distracting and could easily be overheard by people sitting at the surrounding tables. The Keadle campaign volunteer, a veteran himself (vet 2), challenged the comments made by vet 1, leading to a more distracting conversation between the two veterans. The conversation occurred at the back of the room and the candidates were at the front. Neither candidate had the ability to intervene and both were probably not even aware that the incident had occurred.
Rodney failed to mention that after the meeting, I was questioning Scott Keadle and vet 1 interrupted that conversation to complain that vet 2 had been disruptive and was costing Scott votes. Scott was very polite to vet 1 and expressed concern about the incident.
I am not trying to disparage either of these two veterans. I know them both, respect them both and appreciate their passion in supporting their candidates.
This particular issue is not about Scott Keadle or Richard Hudson. Readers should see through the attempt to disparage Scott Keadle with a story that mischaracterizes an event that the candidates had no control over.
— Larry Jones
 Salisbury