Published: May 08, 2008 10:36 pm         

Our Readers Speak - Friday, May 9, 2008

Doesn’t anyone care about the children?



I am the grandmother of a boy and a girl who play football and cheerlead for Independence Youth Football (IYF). They also play baseball for Sophia Little League (SLL). My grandchildren are not the only ones. There are approximately 75 to 100 children that belong to both leagues.

Until after the 2005 football season, these children, plus about 75 or more, played on the football field at Sophia at the Alternative School. At that time, the Raleigh County Board of Education (adults) sold the facility.

Then IYF teams and cheerleaders were accepted at the SLL field in 2006. They had to work hard to try to raise money to build a field house, goalposts and bleachers. They built their field house, but they still did not have bleachers or goalposts, so they practice at SLL and play games at Independence High School, but the children were not allowed to have their homecoming at IHS because the adults said the children were messing up the field.

For the 2007 season the town of Sophia (adults) asked for $100 before the children could have their homecoming parade, because they make a mess throwing candy. So the children did not get to have a parade.

Soon it will be 2008 season and the SLL has asked the IYF to leave their field and start over again. Where are they to go? The streets? This is not about the parents, coaches or managers. They are adults. This is about the children! Doesn’t anyone care about the children anymore?



Mary Cochran

Sophia



Reader not chicken; she has new number



I just wanted to address James Dick of Jumping Branch and the letter he wrote April 20.

The reason he couldn’t get me to answer the phone was very simple — I moved. I would assume he could’ve contacted the editor for the address to forward a request to me or to the others. There is a reason some people don’t answer the phone. I for one do not answer the phone to unavailable phone numbers. But I can only respond for myself. I give the newspaper the right to give you my number or address. It is a local number and the phone company has the number.

But I still feel the same about the cross. The cross has been on display for all of these years, and now people are making noise about covering it up. It is through the blood and the way of the cross that is our salvation. God doesn’t hide from us and we as Christians have the right to our beliefs, just as you, Mr. Dick, who does not believe in the true meaning of the cross.

Now, to answer the way you said we were chicken in not taking your call. I have answered that clearly. But I will say it again. I moved and still believe in the cross, salvation, freedom, veterans, coal miners, unions, and proudly support my country!

I may not agree with the war, but I support the troops. May God bless you in spite of your unbelief in Him. I look forward to hearing from you.



Connie J. Gillian

Beckley