Faith, not science, is basis for belief
        I have been thinking a lot about Bill (“The Science Guy”) Nye’s recent comments about the Christian view of creation. Bill Nye warns “creation views threaten American science.”
God’s existence and the truth of the Bible are matters of faith. Being created in God’s image (Genesis 1 and 2), we were made with a place in our hearts for God. Without a relationship with God, we have an empty place and can never be happy without God. That’s why you have so many people looking for fulfillment in all the wrong places. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith … and this is not from yourselves, it is a gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).
Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). If you read all of chapter 14, you will see. The holy spirit who the Father will send will be our counselor and teacher. The holy spirit gives the invitation to come.
My point in all this is that by the time Mr. Nye and all the rest get their proof, it will be too late.How sad.
– Sybil Athey
Salisbury

Why I’m Republican
 Regarding Bonnie Harrell’s Oct. 1 letter (“Why I’m a Democrat”):
It’s must easier being a Democrat when everything is being given to you. I lived in the Appalachian Mountains until I was able to finish high school, without any help from the government. If you grew up in that part of North Carolina and weren’t a Democrat, you or your parents could not even get a job. That’s how controlled the state was.
Living in the mountains of western North Carolina was not an easy life. I don’t know how we made it, being surrounded by all those Democrats. My best explanation: My dad worked in a textile mill until my parents divorced. Then my mom was on her own with four children to raise without any help from the government, not even food stamps because they were unheard of in 1935.
Good neighbors came to the rescue. There was no such thing as Pell Grants or student loans. What a surprise. Most people – no matter their color, religious views or sexual orientation – will take the path of least resistance, such as government handouts.
I voted for the Republicans because we can all live in a free society and make it on our own. The Lord will provide for those who provide for themselves. We were born into this wonderful land of the free, able to work at whatever we desire. The Republican Party believes that everyone should completely make it on their own – and so do I. No one has a completely level playing field. Life does not promise us anything. Everyone deserves a chance, and they will get that with the Republican Party.
We all deserve a shot at the American dream, not a government handout.
– Hugh Martin
Salisbury

Real hope and change
 On Nov. 6, citizens of Rowan County have a “clear choice” for a “new voice” on the Rowan-Salisbury School Board. Josh Wagner is a Rowan County native, a U.S. Army veteran, a graduate of our own Catawba College and an eight-year veteran of the business world. I believe his work experience, work ethic, military service and many other qualities make him an excellent choice for the Rowan-Salisbury School Board. Josh has indicated his willingness to work with the existing school administration, School Board members and the Rowan County Board of Commissioners to advance initiatives in our schools that will help better educate our students and prepare them for the future. I HOPE that you will join me on Nov. 6 by voting for a CHANGE to the Rowan-Salisbury School Board by voting for Josh Wagner. I promise, you won’t be disappointed. Please visit Josh’s website at votejoshwagner.com to learn more about him.
– Jim Sides
Salisbury