Commissioners’ actions marginalize other beliefs
It is truly amazing that the leadership and membership of the county commission hold in contempt legal precedents delivered recently in two separate federal courts regarding sectarian invocations held before legislative public meetings.
In both cases cited by the attorney defending the commission’s practice of religious bigotry here in Salisbury, the public bodies in both Lakeland, Fla., and Lancaster, Calif., clearly recognize in their policy and practice religious diversity in their respective communities. Whereas here in Salisbury, the distinctive Christian character of prayer has not nor does it presently recognize the beliefs of non-Christians or non-religious segments of the county’s population, thus marginalizing their representation. It is similarly doubtful that any of the commissioners appreciate the possibility that their co-religionists may not maintain a similar spiritual commitment.
Worse yet is that these self-pronounced fiscal conservatives have chosen to possibly expend public monies to support their personal religiously held principles. The community needs to remember this action on the part of our elected leaders at the next election.
— Sanford R. Silverburg

Salisbury

At the end, a change of heart

This is a true story. A man in town was a wicked, mean person. He would curse God in a second, and did not believe in church, prayer or anything associated with being a Christian. Several months passed and the old man took sick and was bed-ridden. He knew in his own heart that he was soon to die. In his heart he wanted to be saved. Until then the old man would tell folks he didn’t believe in God. He would curse God. When the Christian minister came at the old man’s request, he told him how he could have eternal life and they prayed for hours. The sick man didn’t call on a lawyer; he didn’t call on an atheist; he called on a man of God. Yes, in the end he really did want to go to heaven.
— David Rodgers

China Grove

Going the extra mile
I would like to thank county extension director Darrell Blackwelder for going the extra mile when I called the Extension Service last week to get some help pruning my grape vines. I am disabled and unable to trim the vines myself. I thought someone with the Master Gardeners or the extension office might be able to help. Darrell came out himself and began pruning my vines. This shows what dedicated people we have in our local extension office. I deeply appreciate Darrell’s assistance.
— Jay Brandon

Salisbury