Lincoln’s legacy gave US direction

The writer is responding to an article on the Opinion page in Wednesday’s Post, “Lincoln’s violent death and his legacy.”

The editorial concerning the legacy of Lincoln hit on all cylinders. Yes, many people were pleased that Lincoln had been killed. As a youth, I remember many people in the South acted as if they were pleased when PresidentKennedy was assassinated. When someone is no longer living, history has a way of glorifying or vandalizing them.

I, too, admire Lincoln, but I realize there were many sides to him. I admire him for his leadership during the Civil War, which resulted in our nation remaining together. Yes, I did say Civil War. Maybe not in the true political point of view, but surely in the social point of view in places like Kansas, Missouri, and Kentucky, where neighbor did fight neighbor.

I also understand the politics of the Emancipation Proclamation which guaranteed there would be no direct intervention from Europe, and the former slaves would not really be free without a Constitutional Amendment. Lincoln, however, went beyond that. He advocated citizenship and voting rights for former slaves. This is sometimes lost in history, and may be one of the final reasons he was assassinated.

The 14th and 15th amendments which guaranteed citizenship and voting rights for the former slave were not ratified until after the death of Lincoln. Many say these amendments were passed because of concern for the former slave, and others say they were passed so the former slave would vote for Republicans. I believe, however, that Lincoln hated injustice, and if slavery was going to be abolished, these former slaves must be given citizenship and the right to vote if our country was going fulfill the words of the Declaration of Independence.

Where is the truth of the matter? Maybe both sides of the story are correct. At least the results of Lincoln’s presidency pointed us in the right direction.

— Gordon Correll

Salisbury

More state taxes

April 15 has passed. A friend just told my wife that she paid more N.C. income tax last year than previously.

Taxpayers whose income did not change drastically and who are not wealthy need to check their 2014 tax return. It is a pretty good bet that you paid more than before the “tax reform” was passed.

These reforms were beneficial to the wealthy (ask Art Pope and his other buddies like our new Senator). Now is the time to look so you can make an attempt to stop the raiding of the North Carolina education system at all levels.

The new budget will lower rates for the wealthy again while not having money for education, health care and other essential services.

North Carolina used to be a leader and now we are the stepchild and soon to be at the bottom.

— Ralph Walton

Granite Quarry

Bravo, educators

I would like to applaud the many administrators and teachers in Rowan County that make a difference in the lives of their students. We appreciate your tireless effort and energy that you each give!

The Knox Middle School staff created an amazing week in April. The Knox eighth-grade students had a Career Day in which they explored many different jobs and careers from adults in our community. They were able to hear their stories and career expectations. A huge thank you to Natalie Murphy and the presenters.

Salisbury High School invited Knox eighth-graders to visit for a day. They were able to sit in on classes, meet teachers and students, and hear from Mr. Luke Brown, principal. We appreciate our Salisbury High staff for motivating and encouraging our students to be ready for their next phase; it was a great day.

The most amazing part of the week was that every student was able to visit a college. Our administrative team secured funding and designed 12 college trips for our students to experience higher education. This endeavor took many hands and feet to make it successful. We can’t begin to thank all the people who were involved to make this happen; the sponsors, volunteers who rode the buses, bus drivers, college campus personnel, our teachers and administrators, and so many more.

The students had a multitude of engaging and exciting times on these campuses and they have experienced what their future can hold. What a gift our students have been given and we are truly thankful for the givers.

Thank you to our incredible team at Knox Middle; and to all Rowan-Salisbury School personnel who strive daily to better the lives of their students.

— The Rusher Family

Salisbury