This is Viewpoints for Sunday, Oct. 25, 2015

Sanctuary bill

The current talk is about the sanctuary bill, which Democrats blocked with a filibuster. The weak Republican Majority Leader Sen. Mitch McConnell used the same tactics when Democrats were in power. Democratic Minority Leader Sen. Harry Reid said the bill would mean longer sentences for criminals and "15 new, huge prisons just to handle the people that would be arrested. Huge prisons, costing billions of dollars. It's not smart police policy, it's not smart budget policy."

But, the sanctuary bill would actually provide safer neighborhoods. When I worked as a deputy sheriff, I did statistics before and after our jail went from 585 to 966 beds. The crime rate dropped significantly in all areas as a result of keeping more criminals in jail and off the streets.

The sanctuary bill also means thousands of jobs for constructions workers, companies that supply building materials, new roads and many jobs for new staff, new jailers and more money for local businesses: uniform shops, eateries, new pensions, more tax dollars to government and more money for everyone. Instead, the Democrats promote economic loss, desperation, poverty and unsafe neighborhoods for everyone, except themselves.

— Charles Sanferrare

Byron

The way to Christianity

Once again Jim Costello has offered his difference of opinion. Like my own, his opinion still equals only one. David Burkovich is correct when he so eloquently stated the fact that we all have thoughts and opinions. I do not know where Costello got the information that, "90 percent of our population are Christians divided among 100-plus different and distinct denominations, each with its own doctrine." My research indicates that in the year 2014, 70.6 percent of polled American adults identify themselves as Christian, down from 86 percent in 1990 and 78.6 percent in 2001, which clearly shows Christians on a decline. And according to the World Christian Encyclopedia published in 2001, 1,200 different Christian denominations exist in the United States alone. However, Christian doctrine is defined as the study of the revealed Word of God. Therefore, one must remember that anyone, including Satan himself, can call themselves a Christian. Simply being a member of a church, getting baptized, performing church duties, or doing good work for others does make you a good person but does not make you a Christian and certainly does not pave your way to eternal salvation.

As defined, a Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, which is based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ as presented in the New Testament. There is only one way to eternal salvation and that is by confession of your sins by mouth and acceptance of the gospel of Jesus Christ in the heart.

— Gary McCall

Warner Robins

Pedestrian improvements

With all the interest lately regarding pedestrian safety, I would like to point out what is happening in Warner Robins regarding this issue. Mayor Randy Toms and his administration have been very proactive in facing the problem. Here are a few examples on my side of town: A new sidewalk has been added on Greenbriar Road. This is the road in front of the skate center. Prior to this, youngsters going to and from the center had to walk on the lawns or in the street. The sidewalk makes for a much safer situation. Nearby a new sidewalk has been added alongside North Houston Road. This is a busy four lane avenue with a 55 mph speed limit. Prior to the sidewalk, I had seen many a person struggling to push a baby carriage through the weeds along the road. Not the most desirable situation.

Most recently, crews are in the process of installing sidewalks along Carl Vinson Parkway, a very busy road leading to the shopping areas. In addition to the walkways there has been a lot of added signage installed to warn of pedestrian crossings as well as new or repainted crosswalks. These types of improvements are going on all over town. What a wonderful use of tax dollars. Thank you Mayor Toms. As the kids say, "You rock!"

— Randal D. Duckworth

Warner Robins

Keep Jon Nichols

This is the first time I have ever written a letter to the editor, but I feel very strongly that someone needs to address the false information that has been printed recently about Jon Nichols, Post 4 city councilman, for the city of Centerville. My family has known Nichols and his family for over three years since we moved here from South Bend, Indiana. During that time, we have witnessed Jon work tirelessly for the citizens of Centerville. His dedication to this community and his unwavering conservative values have always been very evident in his decision making and leadership choices.

We purchased a home in Centerville because we love the community, love the schools and believe in the integrity of the current leadership in Centerville. I would encourage all Centerville residents to do the research on Jon Nichols and his record on the City Council and not listen to any untruths. If you take the time to do the research, you will find that Jon is a strong leader that makes decisions based on what is best for the people he serves and a man of integrity and good judgement. Citizens of Centerville, if you want to keep a community we can be proud of, vote for Jon Nichols, incumbent, Post 4, city councilman on Nov. 3.

— Paula Ludwig

Centerville

School prayer

I write in agreement with Jim Costello's "Prayer allowed in schools" in the Oct. 21 "Viewpoints." In fact I often find myself in agreement with his sound and thoughtful letters.

I grew up in rural Georgia (near Augusta) in the 1940s and '50s. We not only had prayer in the schools, we had scripture readings as well — from grammar school right on through high school. Guess what? I could not tell that it made any difference in my classmates over all those years. The "good kids" stayed good and the jerks stayed jerks. Zero effect.

One the other hand, I can't see how having a public prayer before a football game or any similar event as long as the prayer is an affirmative one and not one calling down fire and brimstone on any group or individual is harmful. In these situations, public prayer is like saying the pledge to the flag and singing the national anthem. All of these are rituals affirming and celebrating a sense of community.

People who get their noses out of joint about this should focus on things that truly deserve outrage, like the number of homeless vets in this country and people sleeping in cardboard boxes under bridges and underpasses. I assure you there is still prayer in the schools, just show up around exam time, and those who pray the hardest are, in general, those who have studied the least. And even the best of teachers have at some time or another have had to pray they would not tear the heart out of some stupid administrator or whining parent or smart-mouthed student.

— Charles J. Pecor

Macon

For the pipeline

As a former Richmond County commissioner and as someone who spent 35 years working as a pipefitter, I have a unique perspective on Kinder Morgan's proposed Palmetto Pipeline project. While this project has generated much controversy, the truth is it will bring a number of benefits to this region and should be supported.

Number one, pipelines are the safest way to transport fuel. No matter which interstate runs through your hometown — Interstate16, Interstate95,Interstate20 or Interstate75, there always seems to be a tractor trailer accident in the news, often fatal. Without the Palmetto Pipeline, tanker truck traffic will continue to escalate each year as demand and population grow. Fewer truck miles driven means fewer accidents, decreased traffic and lives saved.

Finally, I support the pipeline for the economic impact it will bring our region. The pipeline won't just bring pipeline jobs, it will bring jobs for those in the materials business, installation industry and local mill supplies. It will mean hotel rooms in the community and table space in restaurants.

I encourage your readers to educate themselves about the facts of the pipeline and not get caught up in emotional rhetoric. The choice is simple. If you're in favor of safer highways, energy independence and increased economic impact, you're also in favor of the Palmetto Pipeline.

— Moses Todd

Augusta

This story was originally published October 24, 2015 at 9:01 PM with the headline "This is Viewpoints for Sunday, Oct. 25, 2015 ."