This is Viewpoints for Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015
Long live France
Vive la France!
— Don Sweat
Macon
Fundamentally un-American
I can write this letter without fear of government retribution because I am protected by the First Amendment, that of freedom of speech — something that cannot be found in Great Britain or virtually any other nation in the world. The very strictest definition of the First Amendment is protection of political speech. Other more liberal interpretations, including variants such as obscene speech and freedom of expression (not speech at all) did not find its way into the law until the 1960s. However, political speech has always been the unassailable core of the American political experiment.
Come now a letter from Quinton Tard regarding Rinda Wilson's recent letter to the editor. He demands her resignation from the Macon-Bibb Board of Elections for speech that he calls "dangerous" and something to be suppressed. This followed by the Chairman of the local Democratic Party complaining that Wilson is partisan since she stated that a vote for a Democratic Candidate would be a vote for the radical agendas of those who have been turning our society upside down as regards abortion, homosexuality, Christianity and the like. Never mind that the Democratic president and congressional caucuses have absolutely and boldly advanced these agendas.
Indeed she is partisan, and indeed she represents me and thousands of other Middle Georgians when she clearly documents how our country is going to Hell in a hand basket and lays the responsibility at the feet of the Democratic Party. The response of Tard and of Swint is to seek to silence her. I am appalled.
Since Tard opposes her positions then he should exercise his rights to discuss his ideas and fight for them. Next year, it will be Swint's turn to appoint a Democrat as chairman of the Board of Elections. I am confident that person will promote the radical agendas that I oppose.
But to seek to silence Wilson is fundamentally un-American.
— Ned Dominick
Macon
Concern but that's all
It is amazing to me the people and organizations that express so much concern for our youth, especially African American. My foundation The vic-ki Foundation which addresses youth violence in Middle Georgia has been offering a free anger management workshop to any group or organization that works with youth. I'm certified by the state to instruct anger management. I have volunteered to teach anger management at state prisons for over a year. I created the workshop from key concepts. I incorporate lessons learned from inmates and I was an instructor in the Air force Reserves.
I have teamed with the former Macon district attorney and the Houston County DA. Only a few organization that work with youth will give the workshop a chance. I'm not saying the workshop is a cure all for every youth, but with many youth it is their temper that gets them in trouble. Anything that might help them think about their actions would be beneficial. No it's not a complete anger management course it's a workshop that might play a small part in turning some youth around.
I have approached school systems to address students in suspension, churches, Boys & Girls Clubs, Greek organizations, the Juvenile Justice Department and while they all say they want to stop the flow of our youth into prison they have all declined my free workshop. It's like one city councilman told me, I've never heard of your organization it couldn't be effective.
— Charles McGhee
Warner Robins
Show appreciation
As a retired federal servant I get annoyed when I read about local veterans like Arthur D. Brook who ineptly try to beat up the VA around Veterans Day. Now those like him who failed to lynch Dr. Romain Dallemand now try to besmirch the VA for not firing many VA headquarters folks and federal civil servants.
Yet Brook and other like-minded folks are obviously blissfully unaware that the CEO of the Dublin VA is doing her utmost to hire more doctors and nurses. In such a rural area she has to try to offer excellent fringe benefits that will make her VA hospital and Dublin attractive enough to take a job there.
It's beyond time to recognize all the excellent services and employees in veterans hospitals across America. They were not likely to be amongst those who spit on Vietnam veterans, etc.
To all the moaners and groaners of the VA who happen to be veterans I can only say to them "Have you no shame?" Try to appreciate all that the federal government and the VA do for you at no personal cost. Tell Rep. Austin Scott, R-Ga., how much you appreciate the Dublin VA.
— Frank W. Gadbois
Warner Robins
This story was originally published November 20, 2015 at 8:26 PM with the headline "This is Viewpoints for Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015 ."