We can still make it happen for United Way agencies
This Friday, Nov. 15, at noon, our Rowan County United Way has scheduled its campaign finale at the Hurley YMCA on Jake Alexander Boulevard.
Even with tremendous effort on the part of many United Way volunteers throughout the Salisbury-Rowan community, we are still short of our $1.825 million goal. During these tough economic times, our 15 United Way agencies have experienced a huge and an increased demand for their services. We simply cannot afford to let them down.
If you have not already made your gift or pledge, please contact our United Way office at 704-633-1802 to be included in this year’s campaign.
We are especially pleased to announce that several local churches, including Christiana Lutheran Church and St. John’s Lutheran Church, have initiated last-minute matching campaigns for members of their respective congregations. We hope this additional effort will encourage other churches and organizations to follow this outstanding example.
Together, we will make it happen!
— Janis H. Smith
Salisbury

Hand in cookie jar
When I was little I once got so mad at my mom that when her back was turned I stuck my tongue out at her. Suddenly she turned around, leaving me and my tongue with nowhere to hide. In a toddler panic, I said I was sticking it out at myself. Needless to say, she didn’t buy it and I promptly experienced a stinging sensation for what I had done and for the lie.
I feel as though our president has been sticking his tongue out at the American people for about five years. The latest example concerns health care and his repeated promises that if you like your insurance you can keep it, and also your doctor. He even doubled down on these promises by adding the word, “period.”
If ever the president misspoke, as some claim, it was here. Instead of saying “period,” he should have said “if,” because he’s now saying that what he said all along is that you can keep all those things if your plan hasn’t changed since the law was passed. This is so untrue it’s mind-boggling. I can’t believe he says this with a straight face.
Mr. President has gotten caught with his hand firmly embedded in the cookie jar, yet hardly seems fazed. His token apology consisted of being sorry for the serious situation some people may be in because of his assurances. Assurances? That word doesn’t even begin to describe what’s happened here.
When a person loses their credibility, it taints whatever that person does or says from that moment on, and it’s very hard to regain. Of course, I could be wrong about all those things and therefore blowing this out of proportion. After all, this is politics. Besides, he was probably just putting a cookie back into the jar anyway.
— Allan Gilmour
Salisbury