Voice of the People - January 8, 2009
Government prayer is unconstitutional
Isn't it ironic that Gardner Koch would object to a Muslim prayer but doesn't seem to understand why anyone would object to a Christian prayer?
The problem isn't the prayer. The problem is the forum in which the prayer is said. Say a prayer to yourself -- that's fine, but to have a prayer as part of an official government ceremony is to imply that that the government prefers one religion over another.
The U.S. Constitution says that the U.S. government is not supposed to establish an official state religion. Numerous court cases have been argued over how this is to be done -- or more precisely, not done. The court has consistently ruled that prayer as part of an official ceremony is unconstitutional.
Besides, it is completely unnecessary. The president-elect will become president without the prayer.
Personally, I think it is best for Barack Obama to have a Christian prayer said -- for political reasons. But I think it is important that everyone recognize that this doesn't sanction any particular religion.
Apparently, there are people who do not understand that.
Barry Smith
Tega Cay
Some wisdom for new president
I have probably been as involved and interested in the last presidential election as I have at any time in the past. In most elections, I have normally voted for Republicans -- but not always. I did vote for George Bush. I've been reading about his legacy lately and "how history will view him." Let's just say ... the verdict on that one will likely be what we call "dismal." George Bush was a tremendous let-down for me and for most Americans. He and his administration were to me like "The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight." Arrogance clearly played a large part.
But, I have turned the page. Although I haven't swallowed Barack Obama hook, line and sinker, I have been favorably impressed with his approach thus far in organizing his team of leaders and with his approach to his new job. In all sincerity, I hope he is our best president yet and that he will be tremendously successful in leading our country. What a task! What a stack of monumental problems! Thank heavens anyone wants the job of president.
I have heard a lot about Barack Obama. I would like to put in my two-cents worth with something my father gave to me years ago. This was supposedly written in 1942 by William J.H. Boetcker, a Presbyterian minister. Maybe our Washington legislators could learn something from this piece. Maybe we all could learn something from it.
I consider it food for thought for America's citizens, leaders, and legislators. It is entitled, "Wisdom":
You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.
You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.
You cannot help the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer.
You cannot further the brotherhood of man by encouraging class hatred.
You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.
You cannot establish sound security on borrowed money.
You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than you earn.
You cannot build character and courage by taking away man's initiative and independence.
You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves.
Garrard Wilson
Rock Hill
In a pinch, Wiley came through
The recent death of William Wiley Jr., or "Bill" as his friends and business associates knew him, has caused me to pause, reflect and remember the man whom Herald columnist Andrew Dys correctly described as a "a red-haired dynamo."
I first met Bill Wiley several yeas ago when, with permission of the Chester County supervisor, Carlisle Roddey, I attempted to replace a broken and missing eagle sculpture statue on the top of a World War I monument located on the front lawn of the Chester County Courthouse. Yes, perhaps in time for the county's celebration of Veterans Day?
Bill knew my finances were quite small, especially when I asked about the price of a full-bronze, full-relief eagle to replace the missing original bronze sculpture. So, he suggested a much more affordable replacement of a similar-looking eagle sculpture molded in concrete then accurately painted to look as if it were made of bronze.
Well, I must admit that the first time I heard this unusual proposal, I was quite skeptical that it would actually work, and I was also somewhat concerned because he would never actually give the price of this proposal, either verbally or properly on paper. Any time I asked him for an estimate, he would usually say, "Ah, don't worry about it, Mr. Coleman, you know I'll do you right. This is a good thing you are trying to do. So, yes, I'll take care of you."
As Veteran's Day approached, the said concrete eagle was not on its nest, for it seems that Mr. Wiley had a much bigger customer he was trying to finish in time for the same exact deadline. So, my committee, consisting of the county Veterans Affairs Service Officer Judy McWaters and me, went ahead with our plans to unveil a replacement eagle on top of the monument and trusted Bill to keep his word. As I arrived at the courthouse about 15 minutes before the scheduled Veteran's Day program, I encountered a work crew from Wiley Brothers Granite and Marble Works leaving, with one of the workman advising me to be careful upon unveiling the new eagle sculpture, for the glue they had used to secure it had not yet dried!
Needless to say, Chester County's Veteran's Day program was a big success, and true to his word, Bill Wiley took good care of me, for he donated the said eagle sculpture and the installation. Yes, Bill made it happen and consequently made me look good, quite good. I will truly miss this man and all of his good works for many others like me!
Scott L. Coleman
Chester
Family grateful for charity event
Our family would like to thank our friends of Rock Hill, Charlotte and Matthews area for joining us for this wonderful charity event we had at The Longbranch on Dec. 12.
Our grandson has spinal muscular atrophy type I. He has had it since he was born, and his twin Melanie does not have it. Jacob is on two machines. He is now 2 1/2 years old. Jacob does not walk, talk, or sit up. We had approximately 150 people at the event. We thank them so much for their support, prayers, love and donations. This will help so much for his medical bills and care.
Thank you for helping us fight for Jacob and other children who are hurting and fighting with SMA. You may visit Jacob's Website at: www.our-sma- angels.com/fortheloveofjake.
The Goodsons
Rock Hill
Old movie was inspiring
Christmas night, I came across a movie filmed in 1941 with Gary Cooper and Barbara Stanwick called "Meet John Doe." It had such an impact on me, I wish everyone in America could see it.
In this election, everyone was talking about Joe the Plumber, but in this movie it tells it just like it is in America. Those with their pockets full of money do not care what happens to the average John Doe. They don't want to cut their salary or lose their bonuses, but the John Does are losing their jobs. I have no political experience, but you don't need it to see what is going on in America.
There is one council member who does try to help the little people -- Kevin Sutton, God bless him.
Patricia A. Ramsey
Rock Hill
Put prayer back in schools
I believe prayer should be allowed in schools and could have a positive effect on law and order in local classrooms. Students in public school can peaceably exercise prayer in the classroom. They can do so without interfering with daily learning activities and can respect those who don't want to participate. The First Amendment to the Constitution reads: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
The First Amendment clearly allows us to speak about, write about and exercise our religious beliefs. In June 2002, Gov. Jim Hodges signed into law the Student-Led Message Act, which allows school boards to adopt policies allowing student-led messages, including, prayers or religious messages, at school-sponsored events, like graduation and sporting events. I see no reason this could not be applied in a classroom setting if done with respect to nonparticipants.
Richard M. Hillard
Rock Hill
This story was originally published January 8, 2009 at 12:48 AM with the headline "Voice of the People - January 8, 2009."