This is Viewpoints for Tuesday, March 22, 2016
'Touch of heaven'
Following the Cherry Blossom Parade on Saturday, I posted on my Facebook page a few photos my husband had taken. A friend who lives in South Africa responded with this comment: "Thank you so much for sharing all these great pictures of that happy event, Bettie. I especially liked seeing all the different races getting along together in what appears to be happy unity. Praise God... a touch of heaven!"
— Bettie R. Addleton
Macon
Outdated system
Georgia has 159 counties which is more than any other state except Texas which is much larger. We have both a city and county government in the same county of 15,000 or less residents which is a waste of taxpayer money in duplication of offices. Florida, on the other hand, has far fewer, which works fine. Of the 159 counties, 99 percent have two governments.
Lets look back in history to see how this situation came into being. In the 19th century, travel was by mule and wagon which was a day's travel over poor roads coming and going to the county courthouse to pay taxes and serve on the jury. Small counties were carved from larger ones for local convenience. Will this situation ever change? No. Why not? It is because officials will not permit it because it might cost them their titles. This change is necessary to rid taxpayers of an outdated system. Logic, not fear of change, is our future and we should not be held prisoner to the outdated past. That is my belief, what is yours?
— Bob Evans
Cochran
Hiking trail boost
Since I was a Boy Scout, in Phenix City, Alabama, I have been fascinated with hiking trails. There is a hiking trail along both sides of the Coosa River in Alabama from the Georgia/Alabama border along to Mobile. I'm originally from Hawkinsville.
I think that a hiking trail on both sides of the Ocmulgee River from Lake Jackson to the coast would be a financial boost for the counties from Lake Jackson to the coast.
— Jack Dorsey
Mount Zion
Great production
I just wanted to say how much a friend and I enjoyed the Macon Little Theatre's production, "Nunsense Jamboree." It was good, clean fun. The music was so delightful. Thanks to all who had a part in this. I look forward to attending many more of these outings.
— Faye Cooper
Byron
Called a ...ist
The current trip wire, in discussions, seems to be to fall back when you have no more argument and then call your opponent a racist, a feminist, a sexist, a ...ist. I have found a way that works to defuse this type of situation. I think we need to step back and reassess what these words mean.
First off, we need to stop being afraid of the ... ist word. Oh don't come back at me and say I don't understand. I do. I grew up, 60 years ago, practicing a different religion in a very northern Democratic town. I, and a couple of friends, were beat up several times because of our background and religion, so your moaning means nothing to me.
Let's do this, someone tries to win an argument that they are losing by calling you some sort of ...ist, step up and say, "Yes, I am." That leaves them with nowhere to go. That deflates their hot air balloon. If they had the guts to admit it, they are, too.
We have seen it too much lately that a person must go along with everything someone else wants. I fear it may be getting worse. If Hillary is the Democrats nominee, we are going to be called sexist if we don't go along with her supporters. Names don't bother me.
"Some of my best friends are minorities." Ever heard that one? Some of my best friends are generals, professors, doctors, judges and lawn men. I bet you've never heard that one. My rambling dissertation brings me to the point that surely we have more important issues than worrying about being called an ...ist.
— James Huber
Centerville
Excellent service
Last week while out walking I noticed a car in my neighborhood that did not have any license tags or signage on the dashboard or rear window explaining why. So I called 911 and they quickly sent out a patrol car to check the VIN number for registration, etc. He then spoke to the owner who said the wind had blown her paper temporary tag away.
The officer informed her that if she drove on the interstate she could be cited for not having tags, etc.
Then he drove to my home to inform me of the results of his investigation of my 911 call. This all took place in less than an hour. This was excellent customer service by the 911 staff and our city police.
— Frank W. Gadbois
Warner Robins
Trump for president
In response to Ronald Cain's question: Is this really the person I want for president? With all due respect, my answer is yes, most definitely. He is the one that is standing up to the Republican establishment. He is messing up their playhouse and they don't like it. As far as the violence you talk about, these people go there looking for trouble and when they find it, they want to blame Trump. Go Trump.
— George Scoville
Macon
This story was originally published March 21, 2016 at 7:49 PM with the headline "This is Viewpoints for Tuesday, March 22, 2016 ."