Published: December 22, 2007 01:08 am            

LETTERS: December 22, 2007

What can one person do?



December should be a magical month, for out of all the months of the year it is the month in which kindness, love, compassion and most of all giving should exist. Although there is much of it there certainly is not enough. We tend to try and put the bad things out of the picture because we don't want to think about them and we don't want to see them because after all we can't do anything about them anyway. What if by recognizing these things we should make someone angry? What if those someone’s are the rich and popular people or Heaven forbid we should step on the Governments toe’s, that would never do? My sister asked me a few months ago, “What can one person do?” My answer was anything they set their mind to, my inspiration? Rosa Parks. We are slowly sitting back and letting people tell us how to live our lives. The sad thing is we’re not happy about it. Yes, it’s easier to agree than to fight it but if you believe in something you have to fight for it.

I have seen so many tears cried recently and have cried many myself over things that have slowly tore me a part. People being denied fuel because they have had illnesses and less then perfect credit, yet their son fights for us in Iraq how ironic he has given them the freedom to deny someone in need. A mother fighting a school system for her autistic daughter because she is not getting the treatment she deserves, however no news media covered it, not because they weren’t asked. Perhaps light up Louisville was more important. A State Representative was also asked to help this little girl but sadly he has no authority over such matters, his presence at a meeting would have been enough. However I’m sure he had more important matters, maybe a campaign dinner surely something more important. Grandparents raising their grandson with a yearly income well below poverty level the child’s father doesn’t pay support though well over thousands of dollars behind. The goodness of the people are building the father a home for free, if justice had prevailed he would have a home in a county facility. Oh, I could go on but I need listeners not just readers. I will say, however, that my family and I will celebrate Jesus’ birth together, God willing, I will say Merry Christmas instead of ‘Happy Holidays,’ though presents may be few they will be under our Christmas tree, we don’t have a holiday tree and never will. We will keep saying One Nation Under God with liberty and justice for all. I’ll still show the Ten Commandments plainly. I will still pray when and where I wish to.

I will still respect our flag and country and honor all those who served and are still serving for our Freedom. And if I had a preference as to who I had to share the highways with, it would be a cigarette smoker instead of a drunk because I am offended by second hand alcohol, it can cause death by lethal driving, crossing the line invading my side of the road. We have freedom of speech and I am going to use mine, so far there is no expiration date on it.

— Mary Smith, Nabb



Miller: Athletic program is in good hands



I am glad to see that our Greater Clark School Corp. has come to terms with its Athletic Department budget shortfall at Jeff High. It appears that a common sense addition prevailed.

I work with Tony Branch, Jeff High’s Athletic Director. He is a super person that our school was fortunate to attract to the position. Obviously, his athletic credentials are sterling. He is a national champion who networks very deeply into our local basketball scene.

I’ve watched him at work. He’s very personable. He treats every individual as if their question or their concern is important to him. Though he’s not from Southern Indiana, he attempts to relate to everyone as if he’s grown up on Middle Road.

I believe that Mr. Branch began his tenure as athletic director among some people who decided to stand back and watch him sink or swim. Though they had no intentions of causing problems, at the same time they weren’t stepping-up to offer their support.

The citizens of Jeffersonville care a lot about their school. Every game night here they come with their season passes and their seat cushions. They laugh and joke with each other. They feel at home as 60 and 70 years olds watch teenagers play ball. They bring their snacks. They read their programs.

For all those great and loyal fans, I want you to know the athletic program is in good hands. Tony Branch is trying hard to win your faith in him. My hope is that the support you give so freely and frequently can spill over to our new athletic director. He is a class act that picked a class high school to share his talents. Why don’t we all help him do just that?

— Ken Miller, Charlestown



Appreciate the Wii’s in your life



I am writing this at 10:30 a.m. after getting up in the Wii hours of the morning to beat the rush of folks hoping to purchase a Wii, the game device that is hot on many shoppers’ list. This is my fourth “Wii” hour in the morning adventure at trying to purchase this item. After waiting three hours for the store to open, finally, I’m the first in line. My blood was pumping fast and the adrenaline was flowing like that of a player on the free throw line waiting to shoot the game winning basket for the ultimate championship. For those not familiar with sports analogies, I was nearly as excited as a mom and dad just about to see their newborn for the first time or as excited as a college student awaiting the e-mail to arrive with my final grades. So, the pleasant manager unlocks the door and I do a Wii-bul wobble walk to the electronics section of the store. People are cutting through the clothes aisles to pass me, but I still manage to make it to the electronics area first. I eagerly ask the sales person “Do you have any Wii’s?” She kindly replied, “No, I’m sorry, wii don’t.”

As you may imagine, I felt as though I just missed the game winning basket; passed out during the arrival of my newborn; and received undesirable grades on my finals. After the shock, I became a Wii bit angry. So, as I drove home, I asked God to forgive me for the feelings of greed and for my borderline Wii Idol attitude. When I walked into my house, I had an overwhelming sense of peace. God revealed to me all the Wii’s I have already in my life. You see, I have three most powerful wiis:

• I have a display that shows the “Wii Three Kings” — a reminder of the real meaning of the season.

• I have a wii little toddler who looks to me daily for encouragement, unconditional love and guidance.

• I have photos showing that Wii are family.

I challenge each of us to remember the real reason for the season and to recognize and be thankful for the many Wiis in our life.

Wii wish you a merry CHRISTmas and a happy new year.

— Lee Ann Wiseheart, New Albany



Food ministry thanks Caesars Foundation



The Hour of Power Food ministry would like to publicly thank the Caesars Foundation for its gracious grant of $5,000. The Hour of Power operates out of the church kitchen which dates back to the ’50s. Needless to say, appliances are sadly in need of replacement. This grant from the Foundation will provide a commercial stove and refrigerator for the mission. We thank the director, Jerry Finn, and the dedicated Board of Directors of the Caesars Foundation for making this possible. Thank you.

— Thank you, Jeannie Freiberger, New Albany

        

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