We shouldn’t pay for others’ bad choices



We fought a war in this country some 235 years ago not so much for freedom alone, but for freedom of choice. No other country on this planet offers to its citizens the choices we all take for granted. We decide what religion to practice, where to live, where to go to school, what to work at, etc. The choice we had to make 235 years ago was: Do we live under the rule of a king and a large oppressive government, or do we live as free men choosing their own destiny? This is why I am a conservative Republican and not a liberal Democrat.

There are too many success stories in this country for me to believe what Mr. Rapp had to say in his letter. Every day in this country men and women rise from nothing and make something of their lives. People who have been poor for generations in this country are poor because they have not put forth the effort to succeed.

Every day I marvel at the legal immigrants in this country, many who cannot speak English. Instead of moaning and groaning about how unfair it is in this country, how hard it is to be a minority, they get to work. They take advantage of the school and work opportunities that are available to all Americans and they become productive, responsible citizens. They choose not to be a liability.

People like Nancy Pelosi, Sally Susman and Tom Rapp do not seem to understand that the people in this country who have something have worked very hard for it. They have no right to expect hard-working, taxpaying Americans to pay for other people’s bad choices. Drugs are a bad life choice. I refuse to be an “enabler” by supporting somebody’s drug habit, be it by food stamps or any other means. How can drug testing be considered racist? Drug-induced workers cost this country billions of dollars every year in illness, poor productivity, injury on the job and loss of life. All Americans should refuse to support anything that has to do with illegal drug use. If you are clean, what do you have to worry about?

I feel a great deal of empathy for children caught in the middle. A drug environment is a hostile environment and the children should be removed. More than any other, these children need the love, nurturing and guidance that can only be found in a drug-free home. I understand the cost to do this. But do we take the chance of raising more drug users and criminals, or do we save a life?

 

John Fuller

Daniels



Thanks for helping the humane society



When the staff of the Fayette County Animal Control Center arrived for work on Feb. 9, they noticed that two of the buildings had been broken into, and the entire supply of dog food had been stolen. This naturally had to be replaced immediately. When a volunteer with the New River Human Society appeared on WOAY on Friday of that week with pets from the center, she mentioned the break-in. Almost immediately, the public responded with donations of food, cleaning supplies and money to purchase food. A broken washing machine was also mentioned. A new washing machine was then donated by someone who wished to remain anonymous.

The staff at the center and the New River Humane Society, Inc. that operates and manages the center, wish to thank the citizens of both Raleigh and Fayette counties for their prompt and generous response to this need. They would also like to thank them for those that can not speak for themselves, the animals. Thank you so much; you are greatly appreciated. We would like to take this opportunity to remind the public that there are many animals at the center that need forever homes. If you have questions, call 304-574-3682.



Gloria King

Oak Hill