VOICE OF THE PEOPLE | Oct. 8, 2009

Legion inhospitable to nonsmokers

The American Legion is composed of both smokers and nonsmokers. For many years, nonsmokers at the American Legion have requested a nonsmoking area. Even though both smokers and nonsmokers, who have both served their country honorably, are entitled to equal rights and privileges within the American Legion, nonsmokers have been denied a smoke-free place to gather with the other veterans.

Recently, this issue has come into local focus after the passing of laws to ban smoking in any public or private indoor facility. Veterans were asked to address the Rock Hill City Council concerning their opinions on this topic on July 13. At that time, I exercised my right to speak and give my opinion as a nonsmoker. Since that time, it seems that issues have become confused and emotions have run high concerning smoking at the American Legion.

When speaking in public, the issue in this country should be that Americans are free to express their opinions without he threat of reprisal. This American right is essential to our legal system and our society as a whole, whether a person has served in the armed forces or not. Veterans, as well as other citizens, should understand and enforce that basic right.

As a member of the American Legion, when I gave my opinion to the City Council, I did not desire to see all smoking banned from the American Legion, although that is what the council members decided would happen. What I wanted was to be given equal rights to be smoke-free within an area at the American Legion, where I could gather with other veterans. Hopefully, the local American Legion commander will recognize that he is the commander for both smokers and nonsmokers.

William Fudge

Rock Hill

Republicans might need new blood

S.C. Attorney General Henry McMaster is quoted as saying: �When it comes to the issue of ethics in government, appearances matter as much as the law ... It is important to avoid even the slightest possible appearance of any impropriety.�

It is reported he accepted some $32,000 over the last seven years and only last Friday agreed to return the money after previously opining that the donations he accepted were perfectly legal and that he would not be returning the money. He was quoted as saying: �These perfectly legal donations should not be allowed to create a distraction from the critically important issues our state faces now or in the future.�

Mr. McMaster is a Republican running for governor and is very conscious of appearances. He notes our state faces critically important issues both now and in the future � and then there is our current governor who wants to exist for 15 more months.

I think the Republicans need to get some new PR people or some new people, period. I am a Republican, but perhaps not for long.

Kent Allen

Rock Hill

Wilson was right to call Obama a liar

The only thing Rep. Joe Wilson did wrong was to say sorry for what he said. Joe was right in what he said, and I know it, as do all the people who actually listen to what President Obama says. Just listen to the man and then watch what happens a month later. You will be very surprised!

Day one, his transparency was a lie. His no pork in any bill was a lie. His laying a bill out for all to read within five days was a lie.

But the people who worship Obama will never believe anything I write because they do not follow the man and listen to what he says or pay attention to whom he is surrounding himself with, such as Van Jones and this nut case put in charge of the schools. Look upthis dude, people, and get a history lesson on him, and you will be very upset if you care about your children's education. Obama is a socialist and is putting the same kind of idiots around him.

I am not racist and the people calling me that do not bother me. I have become more concerned about my country now than about a few idiots wanting to shut me up with childish remarks. And one last thing, if Joe Wilson was wrong on calling Obama a liar on U.S. taxpayers paying for illegals' medical care, then why did the Democrats reject the Republican bill to have a card check to make sure you are a legal citizen before you can be treated? Any form of government-run, socialist medical system is unacceptable! God bless our conservative state of South Carolina!