In case you missed these letters to the editor ... and you did

Hello? Anyone there?

Aug. 10

Are you printing letters in the print newspaper any longer?

Duane Christopher

Rock Hill

Hillary can make a difference

Aug. 4

I’m ready for Hillary, and I am supporting her not just because of her past successes but because of what she’s aiming to accomplish in the future. No one in this race except Hillary has a life-long record of supporting women, children and families, and I know she will have the backs of all Americans. Her life has been about fighting for the causes she believes in.

When she started her campaign, she announced four big fights, and I couldn’t agree more with her key goals. She’s focused on our future economy, strengthening families and communities, fixing the dysfunction in Washington and keeping us safe from threats abroad. If anyone can succeed in these fights, I think Hillary can.

We have a number of challenges facing our community, like homelessness, income inequality and stagnant wages. We need her drive and her grit to tackle these tough issues, and she’s already diving into solutions.

She can actually make a difference for millions of South Carolinians and hardworking men and women across the country. Also, it’s certainly time for a qualified, experienced woman in the White House.

Dell Nichols

Rock Hill

Blame liberals for mass shootings

Aug. 5

Mass shootings. They are done by liberals who feel cheated by their liberal politicians, but don’t know how to turn the clock back to a time when liberals had not yet weakened the country, and jobs were plentiful and the rule of law meant something.

Mass shootings are done in a state of mind of feeling cornered. “There is no future. I was cheated. I will get even, hurt those who believe in big government.”

Increasingly, electable politicians live in fantasy land, and the disconnect with reality and the voters make some liberal voters snap. The problem is that voters vote for the destruction of the U.S., not that politicians are crazy. Hillary is a bigger threat to us than ISIS, and Trump has gone bankrupt so many times he has lost count. His sons like killing lions in Africa for fun, too. Someone puts these crazies in power.

The liberal mass shooter in Arizona said, “What if words have no meaning?” You shouldn’t shrug that off as rambling from a crazy person. What he meant was that politicians say one thing and then, once elected, do the opposite, as if words have no meaning. Gifford promised a tougher stance against illegals, but once elected she couldn’t pull them in over the southern border fast enough. Liberal politicians are also quick to promise this and that, but the outcome never materializes.

This is not something that surprises us Republicans, so it is difficult to make us snap in a sudden feeling of having been made fun of. Obama gave 500 million dollars to Solyndra, which bankrupted because it was empty words from all mouths involved. Now Hillary promises a solar panel on every roof, if elected, and money will move between bank accounts.

Torbjorn Holmberg

Rock Hill

Take responsibility

Aug. 5

My daughter called me today, very upset because she saw a dead dog behind the Dollar General in York with vultures feeding on it. When she contacted York Animal Control, they told her that is the responsibility of the property owner, they could do nothing. When she went into the Athletic Warehouse and told the cashier, that lady called the property owner and he refused to do anything about it.

My daughter ended up calling the York City Police, and they referred her to City Maintenance, who said they cannot get to it today. I would think they work until at least 5 p.m., so why can’t they get to it today?

First of all, this has got to be a health hazard in a public area that everyone is ignoring, and what if children walk around back there?

Secondly, why is everyone passing the buck? Yes, it may not be the property owner’s fault that a dead dog ended up on his property, but it’s there now, so take responsibility and do the right thing. Sometimes we are all given things to handle that are not our fault to begin with.

Thirdly, isn’t that any number of offenses? Illegal dumping, animal abuse/neglect, possible dog fighting, etc. Ever since I have lived in Rock Hill, the Animal Control has never been of use in several situations. know there are always going to be evil, lazy and irresponsible people in this world, but it hurts to see it so much close to home.

Joanna Reynolds

Rock Hill

Indian Land protest an ‘eyesore’

Aug. 8

I just read Andrew Dys’ article about John Gosnell. With all the important things that are happening in Indian Land (good and bad), why on earth would he waste his time on this person? Sheriff Faile is an excellent law enforcement officer.

I think the county should be looking into Mr. Gosnell’s living quarters. Does it meet county laws such as sanitation, etc.? I realize everyone has the right to their opinion, but Mr. Gosnell is ridiculous. His efforts would best be served to clean up his property and be a good neighbor instead of an eyesore.

Lynne Carroll

Indian Land

Potholes causing accidents?

Aug. 8

I am a Boy Scout working on my communication merit badge. I am sending a note to discuss a topic of interest. I would like to talk to you about problems we have with potholes in Rock Hill.

As I ride with my parents or on the school bus, I am amazed at how many potholes are on our roads. It seems like there are a lot, and they are damaging our cars. They also affect the control of the cars, and it seems like they could lead to causing accidents.

I don’t know if there is anything that can be done, but it would be nice to learn about what process exists to find out how to get them fixed.

Kasey Wilder

Rock Hill

Kudos to Carolina Crown

Aug. 11

All citizens of the greater Charlotte area should be very proud of their Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps for another excellent season and finishing second, by a very small margin, at the DCI World Championships in Indianapolis. My wife and I had the pleasure of seeing them perform and win against an excellent lineup in Massilin, Ohio, early this month. After following DCI events for over 40 years, the quality of these performances marching bands can only aspire to.

Greg Nicholas

Charleston

Cyclists: Slow down on trails

Aug. 12

The Riverwalk trail is a great recreational resource for our community. I enjoy it nearly every day. This letter is directed at the cyclists using the trail. Many of you do not obey the 10 mph speed limit or announce yourselves when approaching pedestrians from behind. This is dangerous and irresponsible.

There is a wide range of experience levels, and even the most experienced cyclist could lose control speeding down one of the many hills along the trail. You can’t hear a cyclist approaching from behind, especially at the speeds some of you are traveling. There is always the danger a pedestrian could step into the path of your speeding bike.

There are numerous dog-walkers and parents with small children. What if a small child slipped from a parent’s hands and stepped in front of you? What if someone’s pet did the same? My fear is that there is a serious accident waiting to happen.

I’ve witnessed this irresponsibility ever since I began using the trail over a year ago, and I should have spoken out sooner. I was prompted to write this after I had a near miss with a cyclist yesterday (Tuesday) morning while I was running after it had rained the night before. There were puddles of water and mud along the length of the trail. As I dodged one of these puddles a cyclist came from behind around a curve and blew by me at a high speed. Had I stepped to my left a couple of more feet, I and the cyclist would have been seriously injured.

This is an appeal to be responsible and think about the safety of others, if not yourselves.

Thomas Smith

Rock Hill

More to do on disability employment

Aug. 12

Last week, while in Cleveland for the GOP debate, Gov. Nikki Haley talked about the importance of employing people with disabilities.

“Our goal is to get as many people back to work, whether it’s veterans, whether it’s those with disabilities, whether it’s those with challenges, and we’re finding that businesses in South Carolina want to help.”

Haley praised Walgreens’ distribution center in Anderson for their efforts at integrating employees with disabilities. “It is true opportunity ... and Walgreens deserves tremendous credit for realizing that people with disabilities ... can be incredibly productive.” She went so far as to call Walgreens “a source of pride.”

However, there’s more work to be done in South Carolina. Currently, only three out of 10 of the state’s 340,300 working age with disabilities are employed. This creates poverty, powerlessness and poor health. People with disabilities want the opportunity to have the dignity that jobs provide.

Today in South Carolina, 15,700 youth with disabilities, between the ages of 16 and 20, are preparing to enter the labor market. They have high expectations and want the opportunity to achieve the American dream.

Under the new Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Gov. Haley has a chance to build a better future for all South Carolinians with barriers to work. Under this law, she can enable more people with barriers to obtain jobs by breaking down the silos between education, transportation, workforce development, health care and other departments. Enabling people with disabilities to work is win-win-win for them, employers and taxpayers alike.

Jennifer Mizrahi

Bethesda

(The writer is president of RespectAbilityUSA.org, a nonprofit organization working to enable people with disabilities to achieve the American dream.)

People of courage must lead

Aug. 14

How low will Americans let their country sink before they awaken and force this government to change direction? The people of courage will have to lead the way because the media has long ago become a propaganda tool of the federal government. The media and schools are trying to rewrite history instead of teaching it as it happened.

Politically correct politicians of both parties are afraid to take on the real issues of abortion, immigration, the Iranian nuke deal and the destruction of the military by this president. They stand by in cities like Baltimore and Ferguson and let thugs loot and burn law-abiding citizens’ homes and businesses. The media and some politicians then turn around and try to make heroes out of felons and make demons of police who try to stop them.

The media and some politicians look at videos of people killing babies and selling body parts for profit and try to make us believe that it is a women’s health issue. Donald Trump, not a real politician, is shining a light on a couple of real problems even though he has no real solutions. The one we all know, but don’t want to believe, is that most career politicians are bought every day and that leaves every citizen at risk.

The invasion from Mexico and Central America must stop. It is an invasion when they come without an invitation or documents. The tens of thousands that are here and have been arrested must be sent back without delay. They should not have any rights that a citizen would have.

Please wake up America and defend your rights and demand that we return our country to the people who belong here. Inform yourself and understand what is going on. Demand what is right for all.

H. E. Dickerson

Chester

Thanks to roadside helpers

Aug. 14

I want to thank Tyrone and Stan for helping me on Aug. 14, when I had a bad fall while riding my bike at the Shiloh Road and S.C. 161 intersection. A strap to my pack popped loose, the end got caught in my rear wheel, and I hit the road hard. I got the wind knocked out of me and was laid out in the road.

Several individuals stopped to check on me, and after a few minutes they helped me up and rendered first aid.

Tyrone took the time to cross the busy and dangerous highway several times to check on me, retrieve a first aid kit, treat my injuries and then return to his truck. Stan remained with me, offered to call 911 and then observed me to make sure I was coherent. There were two other men who stopped, but I failed to get their names.

God blessed me by having only minor injuries and by the genuine concern and care of Tyrone and Stan. I thank God for them, the others who helped me, and for those who patiently waited in their cars while I was blocking traffic. Again, I am so very thankful. May God bless you all.

Dan Palmer

York

Same standards for all politicians

Aug. 18

After reading your editorial of holding politicians to a higher standard, I only have to say that I hope Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton is held to the same high standard as General Petraeus. Seems to me that there is always a double standard when it comes to Democrats. After all, Donald Trump is only saying what the rest of us nonpolitically correct folks want to say, but no one pays any attention to us.

Marvin Grant

Chester

Lighten up, Dys

Aug. 19

Holy mimosa, Andrew Dys – lighten up. I bet if you had appeared with a pitcher of mimosas (or a nice pot of coffee), these women in the trailers who have homes, whose husband’s have jobs, and whose children have a good public school to attend, would have sat with you and recounted good summer experiences.

And they would have shared with you (as the Baxter Village crowd) how proud they are to live in a country where kids can go to school every day and look forward to a secure future if they take advantage of what our systems have to offer. Go enjoy a mimosa yourself (or a beer), if that is your libation. I am going to raise up a second cup of coffee before I throw in another load of laundry.

Gretchen Gantzer

Rock Hill

Dys column divisive

Aug. 19

The Andrew Dys story on “Tears, no mimosas” is typical of the liberal propaganda he writes with the intent of dividing the communities of York County. I’ve been on my own since I was 13 years old. I had to work two or three jobs, seven days a week, to survive. I graduated from high school with a “Certificate of Attendance,” not a full diploma. But I persevered and put myself through community college, and then a four-year degree while working full time and supporting a family. Today I own and operate an international business and yes, I live in Baxter Village. I’ve been legally blind since I was 16 years old.

This is a country where people can overcome insurmountable odds to become anything they want to be if they make smart decisions and are willing to work hard and play by the rules. There will always be those who are less fortunate, and thank God that there are those who are successful. It’s the successful people who organize the fund-raising campaigns to benefit the less fortunate. The Baxter Village mothers who share their joys and concerns over an annual morning mimosa with their friends are the same mothers who raise money for breast cancer research, autism, battered women, the homeless and school supplies for less-fortunate children.

In these troubled times we now live in, we need to do all we can to unite communities and social classes. I find the “Tears” article disgusting. Shame on you!

Jack Smith

Fort Mill

Living in perilous times

Aug. 19

Nobody likes a doomsday prophet, but I wish to make the public aware of something Russia could do to this nation. They have an electronic pulse bomb that could be detonated over us that would permanently knock out our electricity. One man says this will happen before January 2017. He offers material telling how to prepare for it. Without power the country would be affected in a major way. Our whole way of life would change.

He said our president is doing things that are affecting Russia’s economy. The average person in that country is losing so much money that it will lead Putin to start World War III. He said that as I believe, Christ is coming soon and God has everything in control. I was reassured by a church sign I saw this morning after viewing the video that said, “Fear not, I am with thee.”

Whether it is an electronic pulse bomb or an economic collapse predicted by Ron Paul, ultimately the words “In God we trust” apply. I am a strong believer in Jesus Christ and am proud to declare it. May we all be ready for the future as these things most likely are true. The Bible says that the wise man sees the potential problems and prepares. I think we all agree that we are living in perilous times. By their way of life, the Amish are well prepared, as they do not use electricity.

Marty Boone

Fort Mill

Why slam Baxter moms?

Aug. 19

I was shocked to read the article written by Andrew Dys on Aug. 18, titled “Tears yes, mimosas no, on 1st day of school in York.” To single out a neighborhood and place stereotypical assumptions on mothers living in Baxter is appalling. I am a stay-at-home Mom who lives in Baxter and, yes, I did go out with friends for lunch on the first day of school. We chatted about the first day of school jitters, the teachers the kids got, and how quickly the summer flew by. Was I celebrating that I don’t see my kids for seven hours a day? No. Was I drunk? No.

I am extremely thankful that I get to stay home with my kids. I know how lucky I am and that there are others who struggle and are not as fortunate. I wish you would have interviewed a few of the women who live in Baxter and found out what kind, hardworking and generous mothers they are. I also wonder if the women you quoted knew what kind of article was being written.

Why did the mothers of Baxter need to be slammed while shining light on the less fortune? The article should have evoked feelings of compassion for those in need, but now the focus is on the wrong issue.

Karen Barnes

Fort Mill

Throwing gas on ‘mommy wars’

Aug. 19

Mr. Dys goes to great lengths to throw gasoline on the fire of the so-called “mommy wars” in his article “Tears yes, mimosas no, on 1st day of school in York.”

I find it interesting that the (male) author feels the need to take the compare/contrast approach when describing these moms in York. Their kids are excited for a new school year and grateful for their hard-earned school supplies. Why not just write the piece on these lovely children and their moms without the backhanded insults and judgmental attitude thrown in?

Mr. Dys is all too eager to point to the moms of Baxter Village and paint a wildly inaccurate picture of lazy, over-privileged snobs who are so happy to get their kids out of the house that they gather together to party and drink on the first day of school. There is no mention of the year-round community efforts in Baxter Village to collect hygiene items, make and deliver sandwiches and gather school supplies, all for families who could use a helping hand now and then.

Mr. Dys clearly started a very purposeful, mean-spirited discussion meant only to draw out criticism. Why pit “them” against “us”? Let’s celebrate all the moms in York County, all of whom know “work and kids and love – and the importance of school returning.”

And let’s look for ways to bring the various communities of York County together, not drive a wedge between them.

Dana Adams

Fort Mill

Help for Joshua

Aug. 21

I am writing you today to ask for some help in getting the word out about my stepson’s GoFundMe page. In April, Joshua, 8, was diagnosed with a rare aggressive brain cancer located where his spinal cord and brain stem meet, and as our family continues to be hopeful, we are struggling with the finances as well as the truth of his condition. Our hearts are warmed by the many donations we have already received, and it is hard to get down about the subject considering Joshua has kept all of us smiling, being such a wonderful little boy that he is. I look forward to hearing from you guys.

Jennifer Kilyanek

Fort Mill

Dys was right on Baxter

Aug. 21

How dare you apologize to the Baxter moms that were offended by Andrew Dys’ article.

He forced them to recognize that their lives are more luxurious than those in the lower classes, and you apologize because their feelings were hurt. They will never understand what it’s like to have two parents work thankless minimum-wage jobs as the only way to provide their kids with an undersized home and canned food in the pantry.

They sit at home all day drinking mimosas and planning the healthiest organic and unprocessed dinners for their families, while their husbands sit behind desks in Charlotte’s banks devising new ways to sap money from the working class’ meager savings accounts.

As this area’s primary news outlet you have a responsibility to reveal this class disparity. Dys did. You apologized for it.

E. Matthew Wagner

Rock Hill

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This story was originally published September 4, 2015 at 11:43 AM with the headline "In case you missed these letters to the editor ... and you did."