Published: March 29, 2008 10:12 pm            

Letters to the Editor 3/30/08

Open your eyes, Corsicana

To the Editor: I have a strong affinity for Corsicana and after living in both Georgia and California, I can proudly say that there’s no place like home. Having said that, I must address a problem that cannot be ignored or overlooked any longer.

For years, wonderful people of different ethnicities have come to our area, bringing with them trades and talents. Corsicana is now fairly culturally diverse, a trait that, if embraced, could benefit the city greatly. However, manmade barriers from the past still loom large, decaying far too slowly to enable us to fully embrace the blessings of diversity.

It is appalling to see racial barriers continually reinforced by blacks, whites, Hispanics, and others. Despite the efforts of many friendly, open people, I daily witness separation in the churches, separation in the arts, separation in government — a separation that is discussed by few and accepted by most. For example, during the recent election, I witnessed a situation in which many black voters waiting to caucus were asked to wait outside while several white and Hispanic voters were invited in. Sadly, I’ve also witnessed blacks refusing needed assistance from a white person simply because of race.

Individuals of all walks of life are guilty of the racial profiling that is negatively affecting our community and sustaining a culture of separation, an attitude that is also being passed on to our children. Do they deserve the injustice of being exposed to learned prejudices?

Until we can work together to tear down these barriers, I have little confidence in the competence of our community in making unbiased, informed decisions that affect all our lives. For example, while we had a town hall meeting to discuss a power plant, teenage pregnancy needs our attention, minors with STDs and gang influences deserve our attention, unemployment rates should have had our attention by now, drop-out rates should catch our attention, single parents await our attention, and teachers are discouraged — they lost our attention years ago.

As a young resident of this fine city, I urge everyone to set aside the petty attitudes that keep these barriers in place and these problems unsolved by working to implement programs and cultivate attitudes that will bring our community together. It may not be easy, but it must be done. There is no other way to achieve a better future.

Aaron L. Myers II



O’Brien vigil moving experience

To the Editor: The beautiful gold glow of a full Central Texas moon shown brightly as it hung over the flag-draped goal post at Bulldog Stadium. It was, as if, the eye of God was winking down on the crowd below. We all know that there is a special place in hell for certain evildoers. I also believe that God has a special place in heaven for people like Cpl. William David O’Brien.

Will was one of many of our fine men and women who wear our country’s uniform. Sadly, I did not get to know this fine young man. I do know his mother Dawn. Since I’m a single man, and don’t enjoy cooking, I frequent Mom’s Meal Vault in Rice where I live. Dawn always has a nice word to say to every one of her patrons. The news on the front page of Monday, March 17, Daily Sun put a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes.

The crowd at Bulldog Stadium circled the whole football field with folks holding a candle for Will. It really made me proud of our small town. Many thanks to the Patriot Guard there also. They do a nice thing for our veterans. All of the different bright colors, and styles of their bikes, reminded me of the diversity of Rice’s citizens circling the field.

I, sometimes, at the grouchy age of 59, get a sour attitude about young people today. When I see people like Will serve and defend this nation, I soon get a much-needed dose of reality. God bless Dawn for raising such fine young men. I think Tom deserves some praise also. God bless America and all the rest of our warriors who defend our freedom.

Mark Fleischer



A matter of opinion

To the Editor: Navarro County Judge H.M. Davenport questioned the right of my son, Jason Truitt, to express his opinion about the proposed power plant or plants to be located on Pisgah Ridge. Both my sons, Bill and Jason, are Navarro County land owners. The ranch on which I live belongs to the three of us jointly. While both sons now live in Houston, practicing in their respective careers, the law and architecture, they plan one day to return to the ranch they, and I, treasure. This issue has nothing to do with Democratic and Republican politics. It has to do with what we value more, our health and our lifestyle, or money...

My children were raised by the same principle by which I was raised. That principle is the Golden Rule. If we follow that, we don’t need anything else.

Eddie Pevehouse



Service to all

To the Editor: In response to Valerie Chilton’s letter in the Daily Sun on March 23, there seems to be a lack of communication somewhere along the line. To her, we say how much we appreciate and applaud the service of her Marine fiancé as well as her friend’s husband, and how much we regret that she was not aware of the Angels of Corsicana program. Had we known about Lance Cpl. Daggs and Lance Cpl. Patrick, I assure you we would have gladly added them to our mailing list! Hopefully, both Marines are home by now!

Members of the American Legion, SAL (Sons of American Legion), and the Auxiliary, all part of Unit 22 in Corsicana, have supported our troops serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Korea for the last four-plus years through a program called Angels of Corsicana. Monthly (on the second Saturday), boxes of donated items are packed and mailed to the troops; these boxes include hygiene items, snacks, socks, magazines, paperback books, pillows, etc. Occasionally, we include special items they’ve requested such as fly paper! Our “Christmas” mailing each November is a true bonanza for the troops!

The public is invited to join us on April 5 (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.) when members of the American Legion, SAL, and Auxiliary are having a garage/bake sale fund-raiser at the legion post on North Beaton Street. Barbecue sandwiches, chips and drinks will also be on sale. A portion of the proceeds will go to support the troops. Additionally, anyone who wishes to donate items can drop them off that day with any auxiliary member. If a family member or neighbor is currently serving in these combat areas, or possibly aboard an aircraft carrier nearby, and you want to add them to our mailing list, we will be happy to do so. All we need is the name/address, number of people in his/her unit, how many female members there are, if any, and anticipated length of deployment.

Valerie, we hope you will stop by and let us thank you and your Marine personally!

Shirelene Seiber, president

American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 22



A thanks to all

To the Editor: What a wonderful city! What a marvelous community! I will never forget “my day and birthday” last Friday. From the bottom of my heart, there are not enough words to express my thanks, gratitude and love to each and every one of you. Blowing out the candles, my wish was that I will be able to continue to do for my city and friends for many more years.

Babbette Samuels

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.