Voice of the People - February 2, 2009
Give us something other than Obama
I get that Obama is the president, but I would like to read about other news besides the president. Also, I would like to let everyone know that Obama is not the first black president, he is the first biracial president. Not black, bi-racial. Everyone say it with me. I'm glad everyone's excited about the new president, but get over it. It has gotten old. I want news on someone besides Obama.
Sandra Johnson
Sharon
Why worry about a cold?
In response to the letter, "Smokers could catch a cold": Why worry about a little thing like catching cold when smoking signs your death warrant from such things as lung cancer, emphysema, COPD and heart disease just to name a few?
Harry J. Williams
Tega Cay
Obama is trying to bring us together
Thank God for President Barack Obama, a Christians leader who embraces everyone, regardless of race, religion or background. His vision for our country, unity, dignity, respect and love for each other is vital. This is why it was disturbing to read Steve Stotts' recent letter, "Biracial is more accurate term," where he stated that it's a shame President Obama doesn't take pride in his white heritage.
With all due respect to Mr. Stotts, where in the world has he been? Does he read? Watch TV? Better still, please read our president's inaugural address.
I have one even better for him: Look at the beautiful rainbow that surrounded Washington, D.C., and thousands of places on inauguration day. There were so many beautiful colors present from every corner of our nation and the world. Look around, our new president is embracing every race, religion and gender in composing his cabinet and seeking solutions for the desperate situation our country is in. He needs us and he needs us together as one, now.
It has been time-out for backward thinking and prejudice for so long. With the problems our nation now faces, we need to come together and help find solutions. After all, progress begins with each of us. A new day has arrived, and a new way unlike anything we have experienced is needed desperately.
I surely did not want to go there, but I don't remember seeing any articles in The Herald requesting President Bush to embrace his white heritage, or any other former presidents.
God bless President Obama and our beautiful first family, and God bless our nation as we come together as one, despite color, race, religion or gender.
Rosa Beckham Wilson
Rock Hill
County's voters won't forget
York County Council members continue to insult and underestimate the intelligence of York County citizens. The members waited until after the election to force-feed residents with the complete smoking ban (as if we wouldn't notice). They insulted us with assuming that we did not possess the mental capabilities to decide for ourselves whether we want to eat, drink or work in a smoking environment. They limited our freedoms by taking those decisions away from us, and now, after giving freedom a black eye in York County, they want to extend their terms from two to four years.
The insults just keep coming from this arrogant group! Could it be that they now realize we noticed? Do they think that by the time four years have passed, we will forget these insults? I think they know and I think they realize they made a huge mistake by assuming Americans in York County are ready and willing to give up their freedoms! We will not forget in two years; we will not forget in four years. We will not forget, period.
Jon Neigenfind
York
Water bill vital to economic growth
This is a big thank you to state Sen. Wes Hayes for introducing the Fair Share Water Bill (S.275), which will ensure the public's right to clean, abundant water while, at the same time, allowing responsible economic growth. The latter is especially important in this bad economic downturn.
We need this legislation to protect our water supply in regional water negotiations. We need to know who is using our water and how much is being taken out, and establish an equitable system for withdrawals. It is essential to get our own house in order before we even attempt to settle our dispute with North Carolina over withdrawal from the Catawba.
Twelve other senators have signed on as co-sponsors of this critical legislation. Let us hope that they succeed this time and not be thwarted by special interests working to obtain more than their fair share.
Joe Zdenek
Rock Hill
This story was originally published February 1, 2009 at 11:45 PM with the headline "Voice of the People - February 2, 2009."