That hypocrisy

“Mr. Walden, thanks for the commentary on tobacco and the hypocrisy that  many of us grew up in. Much like you, I worked in the tobacco fields and was very familiar with all the chemicals put on this crop … deadly chemicals … as well as the inherent dangerous qualities of smoking tobacco. Yes, it was a big cash crop but as you said, education and evolution helped shed much more light on the dangers of this product. I read the letter from the man from Thomasville who also grew up here and worked in tobacco. My guess is, many people have similar sentiments that you expressed on this issue.

Not ignorant on guns

“The ranter said we are ignorant of firearms. Sir or madam I’ve been around firearms all my life. I’m still an avid hunter. I used firearms in Southeast Asia many years ago. At this moment I possess a carrying license. But I’m not a gun nut afraid of reasonable restrictions when it comes to rapid fire and teflon-type projectiles. Perhaps you haven’t noticed but there have been changes in our Constitution. It’s no longer ok to own other people. As well, women can vote and it’s now illegal to beat a confession out of someone. The Constitution is a living document.

Immigrants

“A response: The ranter said that people come here from other countries and bring with them their laws and culture. Yes they bring their culture with them as did our forbearers. But they are subject to the same laws that you and I must adhere to. That’s not to say that we should not be concerned about people coming in here who would harm us but just a clarification of sorts.

Road kill

“With reference to the beaver carcass on the road. I’ve seen dead dogs and cats on the road and they would remain there many days before anyone moved them. And quite often they were in front of someone’s house, perhaps their very own pets. Now that’s sad.

Security

“About those lights being on at the new high school that the ranter talked about. This is a matter of security. That’s a very large, expensive structure and to keep it safe, it must be lighted. Many public facilities this size are kept well illuminated at night.

Me, too

“Mr. Walden, we must have gone to different churches together. I also recall preachers who talked about a whole lot of sins but left out smoking and its harm to our bodies. I also suspect it had a lot to do with where much of the church finances came from. Always enjoy your columns. You make me smile and think. 

Who cares?

“So Steve Harvey called out the wrong name as the winner of the pageant. I guess it was a bit of a shock to the winner and first runnerup. But beyond that and perhaps a handful of people, who really cares.