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OPINIONS
Voice of the people
Christmas involves religious aspect, too
Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear has announced that the decorated tree at the state Capitol will be called a "holiday" tree. As a Christian, I am fed up with retailers and the government thinking they can change or do away with the name of one of our greatest celebrations.
Christmas is a Christian celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. No one in history has ever been forbidden from taking part in this joyous celebration. However, some people in the world somehow believe that their participation in the commercial, gift-giving part of this celebration entitles them to the right to change its name because it makes them feel uncomfortable. This is not a man-made holiday as Halloween, Mother's Day, etc. It is a Christian celebration. If non-Christians want to celebrate also, that's fine. But you have no right or authority to change or do away with its name.
Does the world demand that Passover, Yom Kippur or Ramadan be changed? If including the name of Christ Jesus in the celebration of Christmas bothers you that much, then don't celebrate it. Don't put up a CHRISTmas tree. Don't buy CHRISTmas presents. Don't attend CHRISTmas parties. But, above all, don't think you can take the name of Christ out of our joyful celebration of his birth.
Mary Beth Roy
Ona
BOE should listen to who put them there
In response to Robert Pack's letter in the Oct. 21 Voice of the People, Citizens for Preservation of Prestera's Mission, Historic Orphanage and Neighborhood Schools has never opposed building a new school!
Its concerns are for Cabell County Board of Education to legally and morally honor the Bond Levy promises for which the taxpayers voted. The great public outcry against University Heights site, as illegal and unsatisfactory, is well known.
CPPMHONS feels certain that it can be proven that 1990 Bond Levy funds were used inappropriately, thus requesting the court to order the BOE to have a referendum vote in which the citizens can have a choice as to the site.
CPPMOHNS opposes the University Heights site because it is desirable to preserve the Colored Children's Orphanage building, which is on the National Registry, and the alleged cemetery nearby. It believes the affected citizens have a right to a neighborhood school inside city limits. It believes BOE members should consider input and suggestions of voters who put them in office.
It was never a preference of a new rehab facility over a new school. Prestera bought property which abuts its own property mainly to consolidate existing rented housing scattered throughout the community and to utilize the standing buildings at University Heights to house long-term and whole-family rehabilitation.
The BOE's principle may be worthy, but it should follow its own policy of not tolerating bullying in the school system. Many people know that the threat of eminent domain was held in abeyance until such time that Prestera was forced to sell due to honoring its own financial and community obligations.
N. Terri Fullerton
Huntington
Phone calls to HPD remain unanswered
On Thursday, Oct. 15, my home was burglarized. Taken were a new HDTV, my children's PlayStation2 and money. I called the Huntington Police Department to file a report. I was informed that the next day, a detective would call. When one didn't, I called only to discover that detectives only work half a day on Fridays (must be nice) with the weekends off. I was told to call back on Monday.
I called on Monday and was advised that a detective was still not assigned to my case and was asked to leave a voice message. Over the ensuing days, I've left several. I even informed the detectives in my many voicemails that I had additional information pertinent to my case. I left two messages for Det. Young, as well as his supervisor. I tried speaking with the chief of police, but couldn't get past his secretary. I'm still waiting on a return call.
Growing up, I was told that crime doesn't pay. Well, all I can figure is those criminals didn't live in Huntington.
Angela Haller
Huntington
