This is Viewpoints for Monday, May 30, 2016

‘Dear soldier’

My thoughts of you are always with me, and that’s the way it should always be.

For a soldier’s strength is not just in his arms but in love of country keeping it from harm.

For to everyone he gives his all, and for all he answers freedom’s call. Please God protect him for another year, keeping him safe from harm and fear.

For we are thousands depending upon him, to keep the light of freedom from growing dim. He also fights for cultures of other lands, keeping them safe by forces of hands.

A soldier is just one in forming many military bands, with all fighting for their fellow man. So you and yours are always on my mind, and I pray God will bless you till the end of time.

Let’s not forget the sailor buried in the ocean’s deep, may the sea embrace and always keep, Until God almighty takes him into the world to come, when all earthly life is done. Thank you all for defending our air, land, and sea, keeping safe this land of the free. On this Memorial Day for all who fought and died, Americans so honor with such pride.

Research before speaking

I see from Walter Williams’ column this week that he knows nothing about transgender people, just like most who are commenting on the issue. I suggest he, and everyone else, read Mark Wingfield’s Op Ed from the Baptist News at https://baptistnews.com/2016/05/13/seven-things-im-learning-about-transgender-persons/. Listen to his radio interview by typing his name in the search box at npr.org. He is a Baptist pastor in Texas who is trying to learn something about being transgender before he weighs in on the subject. It would be nice if those who pass laws and shout about it took the same approach.

No place for pets

This Memorial Day weekend, countless Americans will head outside — flocking to parades and picnics and pools — to enjoy some fun in the sun alongside family and friends. As we kick off the warm summer season, American Humane Association — the country’s first national humane organization — is reminding pet owners that leaving animal companions in hot cars can be lethal.

Even when it’s a comfortable 70 degrees outside, the temperature inside a parked car can climb to 90 degrees in just 10 minutes — and up to 110 degrees in less than hour — exposing our furry friends to serious risks of discomfort, illness and even death. Responsible animal lovers can also do their part to help other pets in danger: Concerned observers who see a distressed dog inside a parked car on a warm day should immediately call local animal control or law enforcement for help.

To keep your pets safe and happy this Memorial Day weekend and beyond, just remember: Hot dogs belong on grills, not in parked cars.

Loud commercials

I have a request for our local radio stations, especially for the classic rock station that has had me as a loyal listener for many years. Please turn your commercials’ volume down. There's just no need for them to be so much louder than the music and programs. It just sounds obnoxious and trashy.

Our best?

It's a sad commentary on our country, our society and our times when you think that the best candidates we can come with for president of the United States are Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton. We should be ashamed of ourselves.

The point

Aren't the violent, flag-burning protestors outside Donald Trump's rally in New Mexico just helping to prove his point?

Is he honest?

India's saintly Mahatma Gandhi once said, “It is difficult but not impossible to conduct strictly honest business. What is true is that honesty is incompatible with the amassing of a large fortune."

Donald Trump likes to boast about how wealthy and how great a dealmaker he is. In amassing his large fortune, was he always totally honest in his business dealings? If it is possible to find out, prospective voters deserve to know ahead of the presidential election if Trump is an honest man, one we can trust.

If Trump has nothing to hide, he should be more than willing to release his tax returns. The political party he represents and the media should continue to insist he does it before the election. It is risky to vote for candidates who won't release their tax returns. It should be required of every candidate.

Don’t believe it

I can’t figure out a person who takes $1 million and turns it into $9 billion is not a person to be president of the U.S.A., but a community organizer is. Something is wrong with this picture. Congressmen slowly show their true colors. The senator from South Carolina raised his hand to support the person who was going to be the GOP choice to be the next president but instead has changes his mind. Things like this go on more than we know. I just hope the people of South Carolina put him out to pasture next election. You just can’t believe anything they say.

Stamp Out Hunger

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Loaves and Fishes Ministry, I would like to express our sincere thanks to the letter carriers and staff at the Zebulon Road post office as well as all of the postal patrons served by this office for their participation in the Stamp Out Hunger drive May 14. Thanks to the generosity of all involved, more than 12,000 pounds of food was collected for Loaves and Fishes to be distributed to those in need in our community.

It is through programs like “Stamp Out Hunger” as well as contributions from local churches and members of the community that Loaves and Fishes is able to continue this important ministry of providing much-needed assistance to our clients in their time of need.

Thanks again for your assistance.

This story was originally published May 29, 2016 at 5:00 PM with the headline "This is Viewpoints for Monday, May 30, 2016."