This is Viewpoints for Saturday, Oct. 17, 2015
Don't like the change
I read Don Duncan's letter in the paper and I agree with him. Why the rush to make this change from federal to state by Robins Federal Credit Union? Why was there no earlier information provided to the members? Why fix what ain't broke?
I am not approving this change. I may only be a voice of one, but let my voice be heard because there are too many unanswered questions regarding this change. Friends and I discussed this issue and one stated that she had heard we would start to be more fees for the services the credit union provides to us. Just like banks and I don't like doing business with banks because they kill you with fees. That is why I have been a member of a credit union for over 30 years and I am very happy with the credit union I have now.
— Cathy Gill
Warner Robins
Easily solved problem
By the mid-19th century most states had started issuing licenses to marry, thereby usurping the previously accepted right of a clergyman or other authority to perform a marriage ceremony when requested by a couple who wished to marry. There is no doubt many valid reasons for the state to regulate marriage due to property rights, benefits, etc. There is, however, no particular reason to call this a "marriage license." The state could call such a license by any name it wished. The license itself does not make it a marriage but only recognition by the state, that if a marriage then ensues, it is a valid marriage by the laws of the state.
It seems to me there is a very simple solution to the current controversy over the issuance of a marriage license. Can the license not be called something else? We have dog licenses, car licenses, drivers licenses. Why can we not have a "license to contract a civil union" or some other neutral term and use it for everyone. The ceremony of marriage is actually a contract between two persons, witnessed by a third party. The ceremony can be performed by a minister, priest, civil authority, etc., as it is now. While many churches do not sanction same-sex marriage, many others do.
This country has so many problems without having such a to-do over an issue that is easily solvable. It wouldn't even require a change in any law, simply a change in the wording of a form.
— Patricia A. Ziegler
Bonaire
Gas for food
The government (Congress) has deemed it necessary not to apply a cost of living raise for Social Security, rather not to give back to senior citizens and those who are disabled their fair share. It is ridiculous. Their basis for this decision is the low gasoline prices. Most seniors do not drive. What about the rising cost of housing and food?
I say Congress will give themselves a cost-of-living raise, as if they really need it. Citizens of this country must stop being complacent and allowing those we put in office to oppress and bully us. Stop putting these people in office. I am sure they have elderly parents or other loved ones who are in the same place as every other person in this country but they have the resources to support and care for them, so the heck with the rest of us.
I don't own a car, so I don't use gasoline, but I do use food and shelter and just as others who live on Social Security, I struggle with decisions. Should I buy my medicine or eat this month? There is no more middle class. We need to stop voting for the status quo. These people do not have the best interest of the United States citizens in mind. I am not sure if they hope all the elderly would just die off.
— Dorothy Henderson
Macon
Don't change
Please either print this or give it to Mark Ballard, as I am not a computer user. Mark, most of us love for you to talk about your mother in your columns. Whoever doesn't like it is probably mentally disturbed or had no mother, or only painful memories of a mother. This person is projecting his or her own anguish upon you. This is only a guess on my part. All kinds of people can get on a computer or a telephone. Don't let that one message change your writing about your mother, please. She is an inspiration to loving mothers who enjoy reading about her.
— Susan Ganus
Warner Robins
Another smart decision
Wow $82 million for parks and recreation for just 73,000 people. Quick math showed it would cost the two of us enough money to cover several years vacations. I'm not against parks, but $82 million seems to be coming from the same group that said it's smart to place the Police Department on the edge of town opposite of the way the city is growing; built a road to somewhere for some lucky rich landowners and called it a frontage road. Thank you Telegraph for pointing out the real and important news to Middle Georgia.
— Gary Gordon
Warner Robins
Losing our Christian culture
We're living in a time of change. Our nation is changing. Some are saying we are in a culture war. When we hear that people of foreign nations are coming onto our shores daily, that stands to reason. But, if we're in a culture war, where does America stand? What kind of culture are we defending? Most Americans will agree that the American nation is a Christian nation. And, a Christian culture. The Christian church dominates all the other religions. There are Christian churches every two blocks in some cities. So, why would our American Christian culture be under such a siege, when Christianity dominates others? We all know the answer. The churches are weak.
When Jesus Christ lived on earth, he trained his followers for three years. The disciples remained weak unto his death. Peter denied the Lord at his trial. But, after the Lord's resurrection and before his ascension into Heaven, he told them to "wait for the promise of the Father." (Acts 1:4-5) On the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit did come and the disciples were never the same. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and sent forth as Apostles for they were empowered for service.
The Christian church today is being taught Sunday after Sunday after Sunday. They continue to be trained. But, they are not going into the "upper room" or prayer places and waiting for the promise of the Father. When the church seeks God's promise of the Holy Spirit with all their heart, they will be empowered to defend our culture and our nation. The promise of the Holy Spirit is the same today, as it was in the apostle's time. If America loses her Christian culture our freedoms will be gone. But, if we believe God and wait on the promise of the Holy Spirit, there is hope.
— Dwight Poole
Hawkinsville
This story was originally published October 16, 2015 at 8:08 PM with the headline "This is Viewpoints for Saturday, Oct. 17, 2015 ."