This is Viewpoints for Thursday, January 7, 2016
Light of the world
Christians in today's world, living in a somewhat fearful but stressful time have ignored the Lord's command to be "the light of the world." As a result, the world has affected the church more than the church has affected the world.
Now we have a "worldly" church trying to influence a secular society. Christian songs have been rewritten in a contemporary style or "beat" to suit the world. It won't work. There must be a godly church affecting an ungodly people.
We forget, God, the Holy Spirit, is the one that convinces men to adhere to the truth or repent. Our job is to be "Christ like" ourselves and give them (the world), the word of the gospel in a loving spirit. The world (those outside the church) must see God working in our lives. If not, they will turn to other things to fill the void. Unfortunately, many will turn to drugs or alcohol or some radical religion with even more dangerous consequences.
Many a ship in a dark, troubled water have made it safe into the harbor because of the shining light from the lighthouse. And to be a help in this ever-changing world, the Christian must have their lamps burning and shining brightly.
— Dwight Poole
Hawkinsville
SPLOST results
I am highly impressed with the way in which the SPLOST money is being used in Macon. It seems that everywhere I go in this great city, I see signs posted for SPLOST projects being implemented at these locations. Thanks both to the managers of this money and to the people implementing these projects for doing a great job.
— Chris Westbrook
Macon
His thoughts?
I'm sure the citizens of Macon-Bibb would like to have C. Jack Ellis give us his reaction or reasons behind the terrorist killings in San Bernadino, California.
— A.E. Rydeen
Lizella
Casino concerns
Aaron Hufstetler presented interesting statistics. I think if the legislature uses the lessons learned from the states that have authorized casinos that generate tax revenue and provide jobs, many of the problems that Hufstetler has identified can be avoided. The licensing procedures should ensure that politicians and state bureaucrats cannot enrich themselves, family members or associates. This can be a major problem if not controlled. Rigid control and accountability are the prime administrative procedures to establish and monitor a tax revenue producing casino.
One casino north of Atlanta and one south, and a casinos near Savannah, Columbus and Augusta should be adequate. The other area of concern is how tax revenues will be spent? Any money earmarked for tuition at a state college or a university should not pay for remedial classes. The cost of remedial classes is the main reason why HOPE is underfunded. In order to receive funding, a scholar must have a B average in each semester. A scholar would receive funding after completing their first semester with a B average. Then they would receive funding as long as they maintained a B average. If a scholar does not maintain a B average in a semester they would not receive funding until they completed a semester with a B average. Any student who has to take remedial courses is not ready for college.
Any money earmarked for other areas such as public safety should also have transparent procedures on how the money is expended and tracked.
— Jim Costello
Perry
The greatest political hoax
As I watch the GOP election polls tally up leaders in the presidential race, I shake my head in bewilderment at the favorable responses for Donald Trump. It's as if we are living in Bizarro World (a situation or setting which is weirdly inverted or opposite to expectations).
Let's analyze the situation: Donald Trump, a "real estate developer," who has no patience, no self-control, insults anyone who disagrees with him and makes juvenile facial expressions and gestures when he gets bored. He regurgitates ideas as if they are one-liners in a comedy show but can't explain his implementation plan, just reassures us "he's a great negotiator." He has plans to round-up 11 million illegal aliens for deportation, and now his latest; a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States.
Trump is neither presidential nor one who puts the country ahead of his own self-interests. I scratch my head at those who really think this guy is a serious presidential candidate, in a field fat with qualified candidates. I agree with the vast majority of conservatives and independents — the next president cannot be Washington establishment repackaged.
Thirty percent of Republican voters are currently supporting Trump whose claim to fame is standing up to the media, violating every rule of political correctness, and whose devil-may-care approach to national issues all boil down to a mere minor league negotiation opportunity? Folks, you are falling for the greatest political hoax this side of global warming.
My prediction: Trump will part ways with the GOP, violate his nonbinding agreement and run as an independent and achieve his ultimate goal of fooling angry conservatives into believing he is a Republican, splitting the conservative vote, and assuring Hillary will continue the Obama legacy.
P.T. Barnum said it best, "Many people are gullible, and we can expect this to continue."
— W.J. Butcher
Newnan
GHSA reclassification
The Dave Hunter/Buford/AA Football rule (3 percent rule) was designed to move all private schools out of AA. It worked as intended. The lone exception is Benedictine, an all-male school that does not have to adhere to the 3 percent rule. Other than Benedictine, all other private schools were moved out of AA.
As long as this rule stands, AA will never have to compete against additional private schools. That is a huge slap in the face for AAA and AAAA public schools, schools that will continue to be forced to compete against private schools.
I think it is safe to say that every person familiar with the 3 percent rule expected all private schools to move up from the classification where they currently play. Out of 14 private schools currently playing in AA-AAAA, only three private schools actually moved up: Greater Atlanta Christian, Lovett and Blessed Trinity. It's a shell game to move many private schools down, then back up, and claim the rule worked as intended.
The vast majority of city schools got a break because the service areas of every school in the state was changed to accommodate the 3 percent rule. Four out of 22 AA-AAAA city schools moved up. Hardly a victory for traditional public schools.
— Alan Henderson,
parent of a public school athlete,
Watkinsville
This story was originally published January 6, 2016 at 9:21 PM with the headline "This is Viewpoints for Thursday, January 7, 2016 ."