Opinion
I want to respond to two different letters in the Pulaski Citizen’s June 14 edition. Both letters refer to prayer in schools.
I’m a pastor, and I disagree with one point that Mr. Steve Williams, a fellow pastor, said. Mr. Williams said we must always obey man’s law, or our government authorities. He used Scripture, which is correct, for his point. However, Acts 5:29 overrides the Scripture, so to speak. Yes, we are to obey our government and the laws of the land. However, when it comes to a conflict between God’s law and man’s law, we are to go with God. Acts 5:29 proves this, when Peter told the Sanhedrin that the disciples must obey God rather than men. I’ve preached this many times from the pulpit. We are to obey God at all costs.
The second letter is in regards to Cheri Thomas’ letter. She said the church she used to attend believed in Matthew 6, where Christ said not be as the hypocrites are and stand in the public places praying. This does not mean we should never pray in public. We are told to set an example in all things. We are also told that the verses in Matthew 6 are directed at the Pharisees and Scribes, who prayed to simply put on a show before the people. The Pharisees had a pretend relationship with God, and used their “relationship” to control the people, as they were the ruling counsel at that time.
There is nothing wrong with public prayer. Jesus prayed publicly many times. Any church that believes public prayer is wrong is preaching an incorrect doctrine.
Prayer should be in school. Prayer should be in our government. The reason our nation is in this shape is because we took God out of schools, our government, our justice system, and our daily lives. Until we put God back in our lives, our nation will not recover.
I encourage our teachers, government leaders, students, anyone, don’t worry about the ACLU and those like them. Obey God rather than men, and pray whenever, wherever you want to. God wouldn’t have it any other way.
Charlie Kincaid
1480 Knob Creek Road,
West Point, TN 38486
Dear Editor,
Someone murdered my mother [Joleen Abernathy Ingram] 10 years ago. Her body was discovered on the fourth of July in rural Giles County near the border of Lawrence County. She died of blunt trauma to the head. I have a long list of grievances on how the case was mishandled, including a botched autopsy by Charles Harlan. The authorities investigated me, my sister and my father. We were all out of state at the time.
The investigators also compiled a list of suspects to which my family added names and information through a private investigator. To my knowledge, these suspects have not been thoroughly investigated or interviewed.
My family requests that [law enforcement] again examine the facts and information [they] have and follow up on any reasonable leads including re-interviewing persons of interest. One of the problems that I have encountered over the years is a seemingly disinterested series of investigators that appeared unfamiliar with the facts already in their possession. I simply do not accept the possibility that the murderer will not receive justice until at least one more dedicated and professional reinvestigation is done. I understand that law enforcement agents are busy, as they have always informed me, but I strongly request one more serious attempt at solving my mother’s murder.
My mother would have been 61 this week. My mother did not get to see her children get married and have children of their own. Words cannot express the deep sorrow my family still feels, nor are words sufficient to convey to her grandchildren what a loving person she was and why she tragically died. Please help to solve this case.
If anyone has any information that may be useful in solving this murder, please contact the Sheriff’s Department at (931) 363-3505. We offer a $10,000 reward for information that will lead to a conviction. Surely over the last 10 years, the murderer may have told someone what he did.
Sincerely,
Katie Ingram Mann
407 S. Walker St.
Columbia, SC 29205-3958
To the Editor:
This is in reference to the Heathens about prayer. There was a nation thousands of years past that God called a Nation of Heathens, and he poured his wrath down on them. That is what’s happening here in our world today. Each day Christians’ rights are taken away. Don’t be surprised if one day we wake up and we won’t be allowed to go worship God in church or anywhere else. But God is still in control; Jesus said when the world hates you, remember, it hated me first. Sometimes I feel as if I’m living in a foreign country where you’re afraid to do anything without permission. It’s sad when it comes to children not being able to enjoy a day with prayer.
Mary Shelton
808 Miles Road, Pulaski, TN 38478
Dear Editor,
I am writing this letter in regards to the article in the paper about the prayer at my grandchildren graduation. What is this world coming to. If those people don’t want to listen to a prayer, [they should] either home school their children or buy some ear plugs. It’s bad enough the government tells us how to raise and discipline our children. These people are saying that us adults forced the children to listen to the prayer [and] it’s abuse. Thats whats the matter with our children these days. They don’t get enough prayer in their lives. Those people who want to sue for their organizations, how are they going to spend the money? It states on the paper money and coins “In God We Trust.” We as Christians need to stand together and stop these people from taking the prayer away. If the government agrees with these people, may God help us. Every Christian knows God gave us the gift of life, and we thank him in our prayers.
Linda Hunt
493 Sands Hollow Road,
Lynnville, TN 38472
I would like to offer another perspective concerning the recent events at the Pulaski Elementary Kindergarten graduation ceremony, resulting in a letter from the Freedom from Religion Foundation to our director of schools. What I say may be a surprise to many, as I am a pastor. But I beg you to read this letter completely and weigh what is said.
Just last week a high school valedictorian was allowed to pray during her graduation ceremony, because her prayer was to be “student led, student initiated.” It did require a ruling from a court of appeals after initially being prohibited by another court. So, prayer is not prohibited as long as it is led or initiated by a student. If a school official requested the prayer during the graduation, then it was a clear violation of the law. (I can hear some of you screaming.) But wait, there is more to consider.
We are told in scripture numerous times (Romans 13:1-7; Titus 3:1,2; 1 Peter 2:13-17) that we are to be “subject to” (to be in submission) to our governmental authorities. Keep in mind that the apostles Paul and Peter were writing while under the oppressive, authoritarian Roman regime. We cannot disobey the word of God and think we are doing God’s will, even in the matter of prayer. Do I like this fact, that in our country a school official can no longer ask a pastor to pray over young children in their schools during a very special event? Absolutely not! I am old enough to remember when prayer could be led by a teacher or anyone else. But as it now stands, that is against the law in our country. Which brings me to the main issue at hand.
How have we gotten to the place in this country where the law prohibits prayer in a school setting? This country, which used the Bible as a reading textbook in the early years, has lost its way. And whose fault is it? The fault and responsibility lay squarely on the backs of those who profess to know Christ and call themselves Christians. How so, you ask? Because “darkness” can only be present when “light” is absent. Spiritual darkness has been creeping across this nation because those who say they believe in Christ are not the light He said we are. So many say they believe, but deny Christ by the way they live. The “light” of our lives is not driving away the “darkness” that pervades our communities. We complain about the government but the government is not and has never been the problem. WE are the problem. The government is merely a reflection of the culture. The laws of our nation are a reflection of those who elected our governmental representatives. We the people have changed — and not for the better. We have left God out. No one has or ever can throw Him out. We have forgotten the God of our fathers. We have grown cold to the One to whom all will give account. People doubt the Gospel because so many who claim to know Him don’t live as though they will stand before Him one day and give an account, even though His very own Son died to deliver us from the very things done all week. We live sinful, dark lives and then complain when darkness overtakes us.
No, the government has never been, is not now nor will it ever be the answer. The only thing that will save this nation is God-sent revival, another Great Awakening. I fear nothing for America but the judgment of a Holy, Almighty, Righteous, Just God on a people who claim to know Him, but deny Him by the way they live. For God to “Bless America” in her current spiritual condition would be a violation of His very character. I pray God blesses America with a brokenness that would turn our hearts to Him in deep repentance. Then, and only then, will we be able to once again sing without hypocrisy, “God, bless America, land that I love ...”
Steve Williams
6084 Prospect Road, Prospect, TN 38477
To the Editor:
Since the reporting in the Citizen-Free Press has alarmed the readers about prayer, a little light on the truth is necessary. No one, no government nor rights organization, can take away an individual’s right to pray. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…”
What is not allowed is for the government (national, state, local) or a government representative to promote one religion over another because that is considered government interference. As James Madison said in Memorial and Remonstrance: “Who does not see that the same authority which can establish Christianity, in exclusion of all other Religions, may establish with the same ease any particular sect of Christians, in exclusion of all other Sects? That the same authority which can force a citizen to contribute three pence only of his property for the support of any one establishment, may force him to conform to any other establishment in all cases whatsoever?”
Although the United States has a Christian majority, under the First Amendment, citizens are free to practice any religion they so desire. European history is filled with the murder of people because they were the “wrong” religion. From the Spanish Inquisition to the massacre of Protestant Huguenots by the French, persecution of Catholics under King Henry VIII to the drowning of Mennonites by the Swiss, state sponsored religion disrespects the rights of people to practice their own religion.
A school representative is considered a government official and any promotion of one religion over another is against the First Amendment. The students themselves, however, are allowed to pray on their own whenever and wherever they please. Don’t believe anyone who says that prayer is not allowed in school. While school officials can’t tell anyone to pray, prayer is abundant in school, especially before exams.
M.K. Witt
2848 Dog Branch Road, Prospect, TN 38477
We have the right to bear arms in these United States.
We have the right to carry weapons that can cause pain and even death.
We can shoot to kill, or we can shoot to wound,
But we can’t carry our Bibles into any public rooms.
We dare not speak the name of Jesus because that may offend.
Yet our politicians can renounce His name and deny the message that He sends.
The schools are teaching our children that God doesn’t exist
And that obeying parental authority is detrimental to their growth
And, most assuredly, a worldly sin.
We can’t acknowledge Christmas and Easter any more
For fear of people believing that the Lord God Almighty is still in control.
We can call on the name of Mohammed; we can read from the Qu’ran.
We can look to Buddha for guidance,
But on the Blood of Jesus we dare not try to stand.
This message is for all Christians who have any measure of faith —
It’s time we “bear up” our arms and cry out to God
To grant us His power of mercy and grace.
We, too, have the right to bear arms. It says so in His Book —
So take up the Sword of the Spirit and begin boldly declaring His word.
Pray down the doctrinal barriers; break down the denominational walls;
Unite as His body of believers and take a stand on His Holy Laws.
Wake up the “sleeping” believers who say, “There’s nothing that we can do;”
And in the name of Jesus take back what is our due.
That we are one nation “under God” as our pledge of allegiance declares,
And by the Blood of Jesus, we the Believers, renounce all of Satan’s snares.
So wake up, “ye chosen ones of God,” and stop fearing men
Because God the Father is in control,
And if you’ve read His Book, you know that we’re the victors thru Jesus Christ
And will reign with Him in the End.
To God Be the Glory!
The pen was held by,
Brenda Rose
3590 Stella Road, Prospect, TN 38477
Many people have written to the Citizen to lament the Freedom From Religion’s push to have the schools cease school-sanctioned prayer. My belief is that religion does not belong in government-sponsored entities, because it is divisive and exclusionary, and around here, it supports only certain religious beliefs and not others.
These same people would be raising cane (or is it Cain?) if the schools forced their children to listen to say, Islamic prayer, or Wiccan religious expressions, simply to attend their school graduation ceremony. It is up to parents to inculcate religious beliefs of their choice in their children. The schools should be neutral with respect to religion. It’s the law of the land, and it is the fair thing to do to respect the rights of religious minorities and of those who are not religious.
No one is being forced to not communicate with their god. They can communicate quietly and directly at any time and place. There is no need for public display that involves other people against their wishes. In fact, in the church I grew up in, it was considered hypocritical to have public prayer. My church took seriously the quote from Matthew 6:5-6: “And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men ... when thou prayest, enter into thy closet and when thou has shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret.”
Cheri Thomas
2945 Kerr Hill Road, Lynnville, TN 38472
SSI and MEDICARE are plundered because there are no checks and balances, accountability or integrity within federal government. In a Fox News program, Congressman Ryan claimed MEDICARE is going broke and pays only 60 percent of actual medical costs. Congressman Van Holien claimed 50 percent of MEDICARE funding is from general revenues. Amazingly, he claimed taxes must be raised, MEDICARE isn’t broke and moving $500 billion from MEDICARE to OBAMACARE is a cost savings. Medical providers will add that 40 percent plus $500 billion to other patient billings. Government accountants vouched for the savings plan without exception or quantification. The Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and GAO are not enforcing professional checks and balances of accountability. Accountability requires sanctions and loss of professional status for deception or incompetence. Since when is not paying legitimate bills a “cost savings?” Inflating your bill because someone else didn’t pay is plain old theft. The chaos of illusions, risk, fear, confusion and “not knowing” invites corruption.
Corruption rules when government officials are not accountable for what they do or say. The utility value of SSI money is far greater than the cash money invested; yet, how much that cash should earn and how much should be in “your account” are guarded secrets. An average $40,000 wage earner contributes $510 a month to SSI-MEDICARE. There are 552 monthly periods between an 18th birthday and the last day of age 64. That $281,520 cash investment grows to $1,092,620 at 5 percent monthly compounded interest, on your 65th birthday. A $1,092,620 investment at 0.4167 percent/mo (5 percent/yr) pays $4,553/mo forever ($54,631/yr). A 10 year annuity pays $141,240/yr ($0 balance 10th/yr). We don’t miss what we didn’t know we should have ... and cunning thieves plunder at will.
SSI-MEDICARE funds are monetary savings (capital). It creates significant economic value in jobs, wealth and freedom. Zero FED rates of return make capital worthless, which destroys jobs, savings and pensions. Our society is obsessed with a $281,520 SSI-MEDICARE tax they couldn’t spend on consumption. We expect no rate of return because the FED rate is zero. That $281,520 should grow 3.88 times to $1,092,620. The missing $811,100 legitimate return on investment equates to a multi-trillion dollar theft. On the other hand, a SSI-MEDICARE total rate of 4.026 percent on $40,000 wages will yield $281,000 at retirement at 5 percent compounded monthly, which provides a 10 year annuity of $2,987/mo. That’s equal to 90 percent of a $40,000/yr, $3,333/mo salary — more than take home pay at $40k! Free use of money or using it to run up trillions of dollars in unpayable consumption debt, or extending any government service to non-citizens requires no nonsense prosecution and recovery. We have a catastrophic mess because GASB, GAO and OMB areas are infected with political correctness and moral relevance (home loan scandal, no budget, SSI, etc.).
Cut SSI-MEDICARE tax from 15.3 percent to 4 percent and pay reasonable interest on it (5 percent). We’re still not thinking about total energy independence or stopping free money to non-citizens ($800-plus billion?). The best form of government ever is being looted and destroyed because no one wants to offend the looters.
Don MacDermid
2200 Fowler Hollow Road, Lynnville, TN 38472
A few days ago we celebrated Memorial Day. A day we remembered all the brave men and women who fought and gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. There are still men and women today fighting and dying for that freedom. Thank You! But it seems as they are fighting for freedom, we are seeing it be slowly taken away, not by foreign nations, but from within our own country.
I was grieved and saddened this week to learn of one such event. I learned that there had been some complaints about a prayer being said at a kindergarten graduation ceremony. This broke my heart, but it also opened my eyes.
First, I would like to thank those at Pulaski Elementary School for having prayer. Second, it is time for Christians to take a stand against the Freedom From Religion Foundation. It is time we come together regardless of our church preference. We cannot sit back and let our freedom as Christians be taken away. I saw the Freedom From Religion Foundation had sent a letter to our director of schools with a complaint about prayer at this kindergarten graduation. I pray he will respond in a way that the Christians of Giles County and the parents of the children in the Giles County school system will not fear their freedom of prayer being taken from them.
My prayer as a pastor, but most of all as a Christian, is that we will stand together against those who would seek to take away our freedom so many brave men and women gave their very lives to protect.
Wayne Ashford
520 Cutoff Road, Ethridge, TN 38456
In regard to the article posted from WDXE Radio in Lawrenceburg, Tenn., on May 28, 2011:
The headline read, “Complaint Filed After Kindergarten Prayer in Pulaski.” A national organization filed a complaint after a prayer was said at a kindergarten graduation. The Freedom From Religion Foundation filed a complaint asking the school district to disallow prayer at other planned graduation ceremonies, and they have also filed similar complaints over school prayer in other cities across the United States.
I, like most people, was brought up to pray. Praying is an honor that everyone has; it should not be taken away from anyone who wants to do it wherever they want to do it. The sad part of all this is that the ones that are complaining are the ones that need to pray. These people are turning their backs on the very One that created them. They are also teaching our children and grandchildren that it is not OK to pray. This will come back and get them in their own homes one day. Home is where prayer should start; it should be allowed in our schools and school functions. If all these organizations keep filing complaints and new laws are passed to uphold these complaints, one day soon people will not be able to leave their homes. Look at the shape our world is in now — it’s not getting better, it’s getting worse every day. We all need more prayer, not organizations trying to take away our rights as Christians. If they don’t want to pray or hear the prayer, have the programs for the ceremonies passed out or mailed out, or put in the paper a week before the ceremony date. If they don’t want to hear the prayer let them come at a later time after it’s over. But, oh I forgot. They won’t be able to get a good seat if they do that. People want what they want when they want it. Guess what? The Good Lord does not give us what we want, he gives us what we need. I just wonder what He thinks these organizations that complain about prayer need. I don’t want to be in one to find out. I will say a prayer for these organizations that complained because they need all the prayer they can get even if they think they don’t.
People send their children to school to learn. This is one thing that our children do not need to learn. They need to honor our Lord, not turn their backs on Him.
God Bless Our Nation!
Thank you,
Pam Walls
2895 Hams Creek Road, Pulaski, TN 38478
Dear Editor,
As a new representative for Pacific Intercultural Exchange (P.I.E.), I began receiving copies of the wonderful letters from students aged 15-17 all over the world who wish to spend a school year in the U.S. with a host family. I am astonished at not only their fine efforts at English but their incredible warmth and enthusiasm about coming to our country to get to know a family, go to school here and learn about our culture while sharing their own. These are remarkable, outgoing young people. They come from caring families, are very bright, have many skills and interests, and nearly every letter mentions in some way how much they would love becoming part of an American family — possibly yours?
Ideal host families are loving and supportive, treating the student as part of the family, not as guests, with his/her own bed in a room (possibly shared with one of your own children over age 10) and providing three meals a day. The students bring their own spending money and have medical insurance. What a fun, marvelous way for people to learn to understand each other’s cultures, something our world desperately needs if we are ever to create peaceful coexistence. The P.I.E. program offers us all hope and the promise of a better future.
I can’t imagine a more wonderful place to come than our counties, with their abundant heritage and close proximity to Nashville. To learn more about becoming a host family, contact Pat at 1-877-534-3144 or 931-853-7942 or email her at patlittrell@pieusa.org or me at debbie.grinnell@gmail.com. We are currently placing students for the 2011-12 school year. I hope she’ll hear from you! Thank you for your time.
Debbie Grinnell
110 Chestnut Lane, Lawrenceburg, TN 38464
Dear Editor,
I want to comment on the situation between the group, Freedom From Religion vs. T. Jackson and the school. I attended the kindergarten graduation on May 20. I thought it was a wonderful ceremony. The kids did an awesome job. It’s sad that in America we can’t even have a ceremony for our small children without someone complaining and trying to sue someone. This country is called America. Our ancestors built this country on the belief in freedom and religion. Millions of men and women have died defending those beliefs over hundreds of years. If you are gonna live here then you need to accept that “We pray in our schools.” “We value God.” I remember standing every morning at 8 a.m. in school saying the pledge of allegiance then a prayer. Before lunch everyday we said a prayer. If you don’t want to hear a prayer, then don’t listen. If you don’t want your child in a school that believes in God then home school them. What kind of country has this become? All these groups want to change things here in America. The sad part is lots of times they get their way. Then Us Americans have to suffer or do without, when all that should have been done is whomever told “If They Don’t Like Our Country’s Beliefs, Then Get Out!” George Washington would be Ashamed of what America has become. God should not be an issue in a Country that was built on believing in Him. The issue should be people trying to get money by suing someone for any reason they can. The day our Government starts banning God from anything, ceremonies, schools, etc., will be the day America is no longer worthy of that name. That will be the sad, sad day I am no longer “Proud to Be an American.” I pray with all my heart that day never comes. I wanna also say after the graduation ceremony, I saw Mr. Holt, the [Pulaski] Elementary School principal, walking around with a trash can having to pick up trash that people left all over the lawn. It’s not that hard to take what you brought somewhere back with you when you leave. What kind of example is that to set for our children? The worst part is adults were the majority of the audience. I mean, honestly, can we at least act like descent human beings at a family function? I worry so much about what this town and Our Country is turning into.
Nikki Poarch
143 Ingram Road, Pulaski, TN 38478
In the midst of tough economic times: people out of work, financial woes, family problems, much uncertainty, one thing that has remained unchanged is the caring hearts that continue to reflect in the people of Giles County. We praise God for the spirit of love and kindness that has once again flown from the citizens of Giles County. From the help sent to the storm victims in Tennessee and Alabama, to the successful benefits that arise from someone in need, to the bags of food out on the mailboxes for the Postal Food Drive, the compassion always shines through.
We at Grace Baptist Church would like to extend a big “thank you” to the generous people of Giles County with a free breakfast. Saturday, June 11, from 7-11 a.m., we invite each and every one to come join us at 1800 Braly Lane in Pulaski for a pancake and sausage breakfast.
Come and be appreciated. We look forward to serving you.
Wendell Wilburn
1800 Braly Lane, Pulaski, TN 38478
Every year for Memorial Day, the VFW Post 4577 and Ladies Auxiliary places a flag on every veteran’s grave in the Maplewood and Giles Memory Gardens cemeteries. These flags represent a memorial for the veterans’ service they gave for our country.
We tried to place a flag on every veteran’s grave, however, we are sure we missed at least one. If you have a family member who served in a war, please contact the Veterans Service Officer, Kevin Horan, at 363-2063 with the name and information.
Priscilla McNairy,
Ladies Auxiliary President
VFW Post 4577
1100 Gimlet Creek Road, Pulaski, TN 38478
We would like to thank everyone for the great turnout we had for the Country Boy Horse Show to benefit Judy Jernigan.
Without the generous sponsors, participants and volunteers, it would not have been possible.
Thanks to everyone.
Minor Hill Saddle Club
Mary Ruth Hagood
1300 Wray Branch Road,
Minor Hill, TN 38473
It’s county budget time. There isn’t enough revenue to sustain roads, police protection, etc. Inflated energy costs are many times higher than CPI rates. Are we broke? No!
The CPI index was 188.9 when 2004 school spending was $22,401,759. A 2009 CPI of 214.5 says inflation was 13.6 percent since 2004. Comparable 2009 spending increased to $30,306,276 during that same time. That 35.3 percent increase is 2.6 times the inflation rate. “No new money” was really $7,904,517 that didn’t exist in 2004. It’s $4.9 million above $3 million inflation. What is it for 2010, 2011 and 2012? Our politically correct education system is anything but morally correct and efficient. Spending the most per pupil to get the least results is failure. History proves you can’t buy an education (Bill Gates to countless others). The private sector proves bureaucracy and job ownership destroys productivity. They expect employees to reduce costs. The education department increased bureaucracy at the expense of key productive functions. Revenue was repeatedly understated to acquire that excess revenue from taxpayers.
And ... here we sit unable to let the wind out of the education bubble, reallocate ill begotten funds and properly serve citizens ... because taking money away from education is as politically incorrect as it gets. Instead of following the leader and believing, we need to lead with purpose. The past is past. It is time to turn it around and start winning by reclaiming and eliminating the $5 million.
That same political correctness and deception are eating us alive, nationally. Our president and government refuse to allow fully competitive domestic drilling and oil production. We pay monopolists $533 billion too much ($112/bbl vs $30?/bbl = $82/bbl at 6.5 billion bbl?), “Free America” doesn’t even know what a competitive price would be. Government is giving illegal alien invaders perhaps $338 billion a year of citizen money.
Stealing from citizens to give to favorite charitable causes is stealing. The hundreds of billions that would be added to our economy by eliminating oil imports aren’t mentioned. Our government can’t find more than a few billion over 10 years to deal with trillion dollar deficits. They aren’t looking.
Many have been looking the other way for many years because monopoly power is near absolute. The House can solve our problem by demanding immediate oil independence and stopping all government benefits to non-citizens. No more spending without it. Hold feet to the fire by legislative hearings.
Don MacDermid
2200 Fowler Hollow Road,
Lynnville, TN 38472
To the Editor:
On Saturday, May 7, the Pulaski Exchange Club held its first 5-K run/walk in conjunction with Ford Motor Company and Sharp Motor Company’s “Drive One for Your School” campaign.
We would like to thank our participants, sponsors and volunteers who made this such a successful event.
The Fun Run had 100 participants whose donations help us with our civic projects in Giles County. We hope to make this an annual event and ask you to share your positive experiences concerning the Fun Run with your friends.
Sincerely,
Joe Young,
Pulaski Exchange Club President
2160 Braly Lane, Pulaski, TN 38478
To the Editor:
Recently, I was a patient at NHC-Pulaski. My stay there was such a pleasant one. I received the most wonderful and loving care from the nursing, office and therapy staff. I sustained a back injury and the therapy department worked with me until I was able to walk again. The nurses were at my side anytime and every time I needed their help. The office staff was always available to answer any questions I had pertaining to my insurance or charges. I am forever grateful. What a great place to be to get all the wonderful care for recovery.
Mary F. Hosay
831 Morgan St., Pulaski, TN 38478
To the Editor:
Many, many thanks to the people who ran for Charter Commissioner, and those who were elected who then spent nine months meeting weekly to create and complete this document.
Thanks also to the people who spent a great deal of effort and time to bring this opportunity to the citizens of Giles County. Our only hope is that now there is a chance to make change, the citizens will grab it by getting out to vote.
Apart from the verbal abuse from those opposed to citizens having this opportunity, this is a joyous occasion. Thanks again to Pierre (Billard) and the remaining six members of the Charter Commission.
Shirley and Bill Proud
690 Powell Chapel Road, Pulaski, TN 38478
To the Editor:
On behalf of the Giles County Cal Ripken League, we thank everyone who bought tickets to the drawing for a lawnmower at opening day ceremonies at Exchange Park.
Funds raised will go to help support the league and to make improvements at Exchange Park, which we feel is one of the finest parks of its kind in the state. Out-of-town guests frequently comment on the fine condition of Exchange Park and facilities.
The league also thanks those who contributed in other ways by giving their time and efforts to the success of this fund-raiser. Again, we thank the public, for whose use this park is intended, for its support.
Sincerely,
Joe Young, Board Member
Giles County Cal Ripken League
P.O. Box 166, Pulaski, TN 38478
‘As Sleazy as Politics Gets’
According to the newspaper, the proposed wheel tax would provide $1.6 million a year for the Highway Department. The highway department needs to be properly funded, but this is not the way as it creates additional financial burdens on citizens at a time when many are hardly making ends meet. There’s sufficient money in county revenues to fully fund the highway department with an increase over last year’s budget, but it would require cutting the hefty budgets of other departments.
Have you ever had someone ask you to buy them some beer or cigarettes? I’ve had many people come and ask for help paying utility bills or buying groceries for their kids, yet they reek of tobacco or beer. Using the necessities to play on one’s sympathies is a way of getting the means to pay for their wants. This is what some on the commission are doing now, using the highway department to increase revenue while continuing to spend wastefully in other areas. This is the very tactic now being utilized by Commissioners (Tommy) Campbell, (Bill) Holt and County Executive (Janet) Vanzant, who are leading this effort. They, with some help from others, have blown through $6 million of reserves because they lack fiscal discipline and responsibility. If a wheel tax is passed, it will only free up other money for these same spendthrifts to waste.
Another tactic is to make people believe if a wheel tax is implemented there’ll be no need for a property tax increase or even the more outrageous lie that a wheel tax will mean a reduction in property tax. Incompetence and stupidity have not balanced the books in Giles County for several years and as long as the arrogant incompetence that currently exists continues to lead us the budget will never be balanced.
Another thing that’s driving this desire for a wheel tax is envy. Some have expressed the idea that not everyone pays a property tax and a wheel tax would make them pay their fair share. People who rent don’t pay a direct property tax but they do pay the tax indirectly. It would be a terribly poor manager who did not pass the expenses of owning a property on to the one renting that property. How can a person who owns their own home have envy toward one who has to rent theirs? Does a person whose income is $80,000 a year envy the person’s salary that is only $20,000? If the tax must be imposed at least don’t let it be because of envy and contempt for the poor among us.
The proposal is for a wheel tax of $50 for 20 years, but the truth of the matter is there’s absolutely nothing that can be done by this legislative body that can inhibit future legislative bodies. In other words, if in a few years they want to increase the amount or extend the time, it can be done? After the tax is implemented, there’s nothing to prevent changes being made as has been done in every other county that has adopted a wheel tax. Some started with a mere $5 tax for schools, now it’s increased to $70 for schools, highways, recreation facilities, salaries, practically anything government desires it for.
One other question is why a private act? By doing this with a private act, it simply takes away any involvement by the citizens. In other words, silence the voter. Understand there’s absolutely nothing that legally requires Representative Bass to accept this or present it to the state legislature for approval. It’s merely a courtesy and normally is used for non-controversial things such as state recognition of a person, event or a place. A private act to impose an unwanted tax increase on citizens is as sleazy as politics gets.
Allen Barrett
1318 Jackson Drive, Pulaski, TN 38478
Giles County is considering a wheel tax again! This time $50. Once again Giles County government greed and short-sighted thinking prevails. The problem we have at a Federal level is no different than what we face at a local level (We do not have a revenue problem, we have a spending problem!). Giles County once again thinks it can cure its fiscal ills with ... oh, here is a surprise, a proposed tax increase. If this comes about I, and I think most others, will oppose this nonsense. I for one will not support nor offer to aid in Giles County’s obvious fiscal irresponsibility done under the guise of working for the good of its citizens.
While I am not financially well off, I personally own and operate multiple vehicles like so many people do in this county, and unlike everyone in this county, I take personal responsibility and do it all legitimately, with keeping my tag and registrations current and carry insurance on all vehicles I do operate on the roadways. I currently own four vehicles, three of which I do operate on the roadways, while the forth remains parked and on standby. So of four vehicles I maintain current registration and tags, but only three are insured. Each vehicle has a specific purpose. However if Giles County were to get their $50 wheel tax, I’ll be danged if I give them an extra $200 a year. I already get little or no benefit from the taxes I already pay here; why would I pay $200 more for the same? So here is a scenario I do not think our fearless leaders have considered. If Giles County imposed a $50 per vehicle wheel tax, I would immediately choose to operate and maintain only one vehicle. Unfortunately, it is not the vehicle that gives me the best fuel mileage, but it is the vehicle that will satisfy ALL my personal needs in a vehicle. I sat down and ran the numbers here of what I pay out currently for four vehicles, including tag renewal, insurance, fuel costs and maintenance costs. If Giles County imposes the wheel tax, I automatically drop back to the one previously mentioned vehicle and this is what happens: Local businesses supplying vehicle maintenance and repair needs lose 66 percent of the revenue they usually garner from me. My local auto insurance carrier loses 81.04 percent revenue they get from me in premiums. Giles County actually loses 34.11 percent in tag/registration fees. The only gain in all this is my fuel consumption/cost which would go up by 33.42 percent annually. Now this latter statement may make no sense to many. Why use the vehicle that gets the worst mileage? Answer: Because it is the only vehicle that will satisfy ALL my vehicular needs. I would rather give more money to the oil companies than to Giles County because I receive more personal benefit from my vehicle use than I do from Giles County. So a wheel tax in my case will actually encourage more fuel consumption in a day and age where we are all trying to conserve energy. Giles County, have you really thought this notion through?!
Daniel Dillon
1045 Dillon Lane, Goodspring, TN 38460
I just have one question for our county commission: what part of no, do you not understand?
How many times do we have to vote no. I know the county needs more money. So does every hard working man and woman in this county.
With everything we buy everyday going up and up, you can’t keep taking money out of our pockets.
If you need some ideas on ways to save money, go back to having meetings in your districts and learn how the people that put you in office have to live and what they have to do without.
If some of you spent as much time trying to get jobs here in our county as you do on the wheel tax, you might have more money coming in already.
Just my opinion,
Wade Griggs
6880 Campbellsville Road, Pulaski, TN 38478
Wheel tax? Am I mistaken or has this not been rejected as a solution to funding problems in Giles County by voters before? More than one time before? Where were our elected officials when these votes were taken? In private business you operate within your budget and manage the company’s money well and you are rewarded. If you cannot do this you may get a pay cut or even be replaced. Why are our elected officials any different? A majority of the taxpayers have told you more than one time before, “No wheel tax!” If you are unable to conduct the citizens’ business according to their wishes, maybe you should consider resigning and making way for someone who can. You know who you are.
Calvin Smith
1300 Dellrose Road, Dellrose, TN 38453