The Rowan District of the Central North Carolina Council Boy Scouts would like to offer a huge thank you to the Rowan United Way for their continued financial support. The partnership we share has allowed Rowan County youth to participate and experience Scouting programs that are relevant and purpose driven. The United Way raises money in support of 15 agencies in the Rowan County area, including the Boy Scouts. We are sincerely grateful for everything the United Way continues to do for this council, and urge the community to support the upcoming Rowan United Way fundraising campaign.

— Tyler Jones

Salisbury

Tyler Jones is the Rowan County District executive, Central North Carolina Council Boy Scouts of America.

I just heard a fantastic quote from country music singer Larry Gatlin, of all people: “When your outgo exceeds your income, your upkeep will be your downfall.” Which reminds me of the “Ten Cannots” from the Rev. William Boetcker, originally published in 1916 before debts, deficits, income taxes, the Depression, the bailouts and all the other events that have eroded the freedoms upon which this great nation was founded.

They are as follows: You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than you earn. You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift. You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong. You cannot help little men by tearing down big men. You cannot lift the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer. You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich. You cannot establish sound security on borrowed money. You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred. You cannot build character and courage by destroying man’s initiative and independence. You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they can and should do for themselves.

Here’s wishing we could all live by the good reverend’s creed.

— Jeff Chapman

Salisbury

Please know that I and my family support the leader of the Rowan County Commission and the board’s brave stand for faith and freedom of religion/belief and speech. It is unconstitutional to hinder any group from praying in any form or way.

— Brenda Small

Kinston

If all the anti-Christs of our area will be patient as they live their lives to the last breath, all their wishes will be fulfilled. Jesus Christ will not bother them anymore.

— Robert E. Fisher

Kannapolis