Opinions

Dear editor,
In regards to the pubic outcry over T-shirts in the Dodge County newspaper dated September 19 ,2018 I respectfully would like to share my thoughts on this matter of absolute silliness.
First, what are we talking about here? Apparently, a group of high school teenage girls who just happen to be the cheerleaders for Dodge County High School with well intentions had the lofty idea in a fund raiser to raise money by selling t-shirts emblazoned “In Dodge County, we stand for the flag, kneel for the cross. That’s Indian Pride”. From my read, apparently, the board of education had to stick their nose into it by presumably arguing separation of church and state with a religious connotation on the t-shirt would infringe on other non-Christian students rights and feelings.
This so called public outcry by the good citizens of Dodge County with approximately seventy people attending with one in particular (Mr. John Battle) making a spectacle of himself in his soliloquy drama speaking without invitation and coupled going over the allotted time to speak and had to be stopped! Let me guess, with a racial component.
I can remember during my school years in Eastman, class of 1965, schools, courts, the public square were often overtly Christian in themes of love, gatherings, teachings and ceremonies since the birth of Eastman in the 19th Century. Believe me, the good citizens back in my day wouldn’t have tolerated a coercive school board infringing on kids posting Christian writings as innocuous as a t-shirt to raise money for a fund raiser.
Well, welcome to the 21st Century Eastman and America too in this ever-so present political correctness non-sense. Whereas, the school board is within it’s right to curtail students’ speech if school officials have reason to believe that the speech (“t-shirts”) will cause disruption in what otherwise would be a safe and civil learning environment, or if the speech (“t-shirts”) violates the rights of other students. i.e. atheist, Muslims, or kids predisposed in debauchery of homosexual behavior, which goes against the ethos of Christianity. These cheerleaders sure have my families support and I for one, will send a cashier’s check for their fundraiser.
Please keep in mind, the principles that government must maintain an attitude of neutrality towards religion. If you really want to be honest about it then, that interpretation of the same principle is ambiguous at best. For example, the Supreme Court in it’s infinite wisdom told God to take a hike, you’re not welcome anymore in our schools with your Bible reading and prayers, but by the same token, that same court has accommodated every which way but loose to have Muslims do their abomination in a false gods which is an anathema to this nation that was founded in Christian principles.
That’s my opinion.
TSGT. Joseph Bryan, U.S.A.F. Ret

Dear editor,
To the citizens of Eastman and Dodge County.
It has come to my attention and I feel that the citizens need to know, the City of Eastman and the city council has allocated $300,000.00 dollars for an outdoor event space.
This is fine, but the City of Eastman pays our firefighters $8.40 an hour to put their lives on the line to save the citizens. It is ridiculous and we should all have a problem with this. No disrespect, but the greeters at Walmart make more than the firefighters in the City of Eastman and all they do is tell me hello and come again. They are not putting their lives in harm’s way.
If we are going to ask these firefighters to risk their life to save ours, we should try and compensate them for it. Every city around us pays their firefighters well above what the City of Eastman does and they all, except Dublin, have a lot less industry. I have witnessed our firemen run into burning buildings, cut people out of horrific car accidents and even perform CPR on someone in which they survived to tell about it.
They help save lives. When we run away from danger, they run towards it. When we call them in our time of need, they answer that call 24 hours a day 7 days a week. They even do so on holidays. We call them heroes. I believe they are so; let us treat them like the heroes they are.
This is a call to the community to make your voice be heard and help get the people who help others every day what they deserve. Talk to your council member and go to the council meetings. This is nonsense.
I know we cannot pay them what they are truly worth, but their worth is more than what they make presently. Please show them you appreciate what they do. Let us help them get what they so much deserve.
Thank you.
Doug Conley

Dear editor,
I am writing this letter to express my gratitude to Dodge County Hospital and specifically Dr. Stringer for his intervention in my life threatening situation. I was taken to the emergency room at Dodge County Hospital on July 13, 2018. I initially went to the med stop in Eastman for flu-like symptoms. They could not get a blood pressure reading and called the ambulance. All of the staff at the emergency room responded perfectly to the situation. I cannot remember all the names. However, I do remember that Miranda, a nurse, went over and above her call of duty while I was in the emergency room. She also called to check on me many times after I was sent to Augusta.
I cannot put into words how grateful I can that Dr. Stringer was working at this time. He quickly identified that I was suffering from flesh eating bacteria. Dr. Stringer took action and I was in the operating room within minutes. He also expedited the process of having me air lifted to Augusta. The surgeon at Augusta Burn Center told me that Dr. Stringer did an excellent job. I have no doubt that Dr. Stringer saved my life! I am very grateful that he helped me. I would not be here today had this man not responded in the way that he did. With that, I give my thanks to Dr. Stringer and the staff at Dodge County Hospital.
Glynn Thompson

Dear editor,
If you were to visit two different cornfields, finding the corn in one field white and the other was yellow or whether you cook the corn together or separately, the taste will be the same.
That is a lesson this nation has forgotten. God created us all as one in his image. This nation has been blessed. She does not feel the need of God. Americans have become good at saying, “What one wants to hear is forgetting the truth.” Our greatest downfall stem from the homes and school. Homes no longer believe in biological parents with children that are God fearing and have religious morals.
Many churches are turning to the ways of the world to “attract” our younger generation. We have heard, read my lips, make no mistake about it, yes we can and we will make America great again. It seems as if we have forgotten what the founding fathers believe in.
Jesus Christ is Lord of all or not Lord at all. Why worry about prayer in the White House when we do not have it in our house? America is a great Christian nation but not Christ like. It is impossible to rightfully govern the world without God and the bible.
The cornerstone of modern civilization must continue to be religion and morality. Inherent rights are of God and the tragedies of this world originate in their attempted denial. Separation of religious values from the lives of public servants. America was built on religious values.
This nation can be sure God’s justice will not sleep forever.
Lord bless.
Johnny L. Blacke, MSG

Dear editor,
After a hard-fought primary and runoff, Georgia Republicans have our nominee, Brian Kemp. I supported Brian in the past as member of the Kemp Capitol Club and eight years ago in his run for Secretary of State. Now is the time to unify behind Brian. He is a person we can trust, a bold leader who will put Georgians first.
Brian Kemp is a straight talking, conservative who will fight for us as Governor. Brian is a small businessman who started his first business 30 years ago with a shovel and a pickup. He has created hundreds of jobs throughout his business career. Kemp has a record of doing what he says he will do – both in business and public service. As Secretary of State, Brian visited all 159 counties in Georgia, so he understands the issues and challenges facing every corner of our state.
As governor, Brian Kemp will implement his 4-Point Plan to ensure a bright and promising future for Georgia families. Brian will make Georgia not just #1 for business but #1 for small business. He understands that small businesses make rural Georgia strong. From lowering taxes to keeping our families safe from violent criminals and gangs, Brian Kemp is the person we can trust to always put hardworking Georgians - not the special interests - first.
This election is critically important for our state and our future. Brian Kemp is the right person to build on the successes of Governors Perdue and Deal. He will work with the Georgia General Assembly to spur job creation, lower taxes and healthcare costs, and enhance educational outcomes.
I humbly ask you to join me in voting Kemp for Governor on November 6th.
Greg Kirk
Senator
Georgia Senate District 13

Dear editor,
Like anything else now a days in the world and even our own country, so much has been watered down from standards in once elite units in our military. Females were able begin serving in army green berets and even the navy seals by lowering the physical rigors for political expediency or better known as “political correctness”. Thank you Barrack Obama.
Well apparently, even God’s word is going to take one for the team if our friends the Catholics have something to say about it as the Roman Catholic are becoming more liberal than other churches. Since Francis became the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, this denomination of faith seems more liberal than any other church. Consider the actions recently, as the Pope seeks to abolish the death penalty. The Pope says “that life is sacred and even when a person has committed a heinous crime, the state should not execute him or her.” Other teachings by Pope Francis have also watered down the gospel. For example, he the Pope wants to include those who are atheist when they pass away to enter into heaven. Also, the Pope tells those who continue in same sex sin that God will accept them and now he includes unrepentant murders to think they will gain entrance to heaven. 
Well Mr. Pope, my degree is not in theology, but even this hey seed hick from Dodge County can discern the written word from our Creator. In both the Old and New Testament is replete with canonical text by God’s own mouth that “Whosoever sheds man’s blood by man shall his blood be shed, for the image of God made He man” (Genesis 9:6) The Pope may think that since Christ came, this longer applies. Last time I checked God’s word this New Testament scripture comes to mind that is still in effect. “For he is the minister of God for good. (speaking of those in authority over us.) But if you do that which is evil, be afraid, for he bears not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that does evil”. (Rom.13:4) The really terrible thing about murder is that it strikes at the very image of God in man which makes it of vital importance to God. I seriously doubt that God has not changed His mind about what He expects of man. Scripture says “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today and forever” (Heb13:8) Yes, Christ nullified the ritual, ceremonial and dietary laws because He came to fill them, but His righteous principles have not changed. No, this is not college anymore where some professors graded you on the “Bell curve” God will give you a flat pass or fail. So, don’t listen to this guy with the cone hat and funny shoes, listen to God.
The old saying comes to mind. “A wolf in sheep’s clothing, now, with this guy the Pope, a wolf in shepherd’s clothing and yes, we Baptist have our morons and creeps too!
TSGT. Joseph Bryan, U.S.A.F. Ret  

Dear editor,
To the good citizens of Dodge and surrounding counties, what is wrong in America when children cannot sell Kool-Aid at roadside stands to raise money for a just cause as well as our athletes not being able to sell t-shirts for a just cause? Why are one or two individual’s feelings more important than the majority? If you do not like something you do not have to participate, purchase or attend. That does not give you the right or privilege to deprive me or anyone else of the privilege to choose if we buy or participate.
It was stated in the news article, the sale of the t-shirts was a violation of separation of church and state. This is not true based on the fact that the state was neither promoting nor selling the t-shirts.
These shirts were being sold by choice to raise money to support the particular sport they are involved in. Were they forced to sell them? No, we encourage our children to work for what they want, but when they do, someone comes along and says, “I do not like that”. So, to protect your right, you are willing to violate mine?
Reference the first amendment to the constitution—Pride; one, a sense of one’s own proper dignity or value, self respect; two, pleasure or satisfaction taken in an achievement, a possession, or an association; three, a cause or source of pleasure or satisfaction, the best of a group or class; four, the most successful or thriving condition.
These shirts represent pride in our flag, in our freedom of religion, guaranteed by the United States Constitution and in our local school.
A quote from the preamble to the constitution, “We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish a common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish the constitution for the United States of America.”
The first amendment to the U.S. Constitution of only 27 amendments approved throughout our 250-year history. Congress shall make no law, respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof: or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or of the right of the people to peaceable assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
The U.S. Constitution guarantees us freedom of religion not freedom from religion. Have a little bit of pride and support our children. Quit complaining about your feelings being hurt.
I am not sorry that these things offend you because they do not offend me. I am proud to be a U.S. citizen and the rights it affords me.
Ken Little
Veteran USAF

Dear editor,
This letter is not a complaint, but an accolade for the staff of Dodge County Hospital Emergency Room. Recently, I was admitted for treatment and I could not have asked for any better.
Dr. Parikh gave me the impression he was fully dedicated and attentive to my needs. When he spoke with me, he spoke in a way, which assured me I was in good hands.
Registered Nurse Amber seemed to be aware of everything going on in the ER. I believe she was classified rightly as charge nurse. As I was being wheeled in on a stretcher I shouted jokingly, “I want a nurse who is both pretty and sweet.” She was the one.
Licensed Practical Nurse Max stayed close to me almost all the time, about seven or eight hours. He had the duty of drawing my blood, giving me all kinds of medicine shots and acted as a gofer. I asked Max how long he had been doing this work. He took a deep breath and said, “Thirty-four years.” He took another deep breath and said, “They have let me stay this long not because of my brilliant knowledge. They have let me stay because of my good looks.” He has a great sense of humor.
X-Ray Technician Summer came to take pictures of my insides. I mention her due to a big wide smile, sweet words and overall beauty.
Manager Miranda gave me a clear understanding of how the staff can carry out their various jobs as they work together as a professional team.
Others are also necessary for such an operation. I wish there was time and space to give a deep and sincere thank you.
Joe Stevens

Dear editor,
Approximately six or seven years ago (I do not remember exactly), our county commissioners stepped up and began a recycling program wherein residents could recycle a number of items. This did not include everything recyclable, but it was a really good beginning. I, as well as many others, was very excited that we had, in this respect, joined those seeking to do something about the waste we create.
My first knowledge that we are no longer recycling was when I read Ms. Flannagan’s question to the county commissioners at their meeting reported in the Dodge County News the week of August 8, 2018. She asked when would we be able to begin recycling again.
That very same week I had taken two large bags of recyclables and the gentleman in charge of the station helped me put them in the recycle bin. I have since learned that anything in the recycle bin at that time was not recycled but sent with the other trash to a landfill. Needless to say, I was upset and concerned.
According to my county commissioner, we are now being charged to recycle and it costs less to just send everything to a landfill. It initially cost nothing but required us to take the recyclables to the recycling station. Then they began charging a fee and have since raised the fee. To me, this sounds like price gouging, simply because the options are limited. Regardless, it is a fact.
We are all stewards by appointment of God for all he has given us. The county commissioners are stewards of our monies. We all are stewards of God’s earth, but we treat it so casually. When we fail to obey God’s statutes and commands, we suffer consequences and this is what has happened.
We need to open our eyes and look at what we have failed to do. What we do identifies who we are and who we are determines what we do. So, we ask ourselves, “Who am I”?
Do we abide by our laws and regulations; do we throw trash out car windows onto the streets and roadsides; do we put items that should go elsewhere at the dumpsters; are we guilty of putting out animals—to live or die? Have we lost all compassion? If we have animals, they are our responsibility not someone else’s. It is for sure they cannot care for themselves.
Please let us care about our world, our country, out state and our county. Let’s treat our county with respect. It belongs to us and how it looks and functions is a reflection on what we do, and us—who we are. Our children and grandchildren deserve our being responsible and we should set the example in this as in all things.
This is not just the county commissioners’ problem; it is our problem. We created the problem and we are responsible for correcting it. The county should not have to put up fences and hire guards (with out tax money) just so we can have somewhere to take our household trash. As grown individuals we should be intelligent enough to know right is right and wrong is wrong and behave as such.
My county commissioner is an ethical, intelligent, caring person who sought election hoping to make a difference in our county. Our county commissioner cannot control the residents of the county, but they can control the decisions they make by prioritizing according to God’s standards. Nevertheless, it takes all of us to truly make a difference. Remember, every good and perfect gift is from God and we praise Him for those gifts by our actions.
Jackie Strickland