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OPINIONS
Voice of the people
Run raises funds for memorial scholarship
I would like for people to know a little about the Adam Johnson Memorial Scholarship. First, there are two $1,000 scholarships to be awarded each year. We call them Second Chance Scholarships. We are looking for kids who have or are battling adversity in their lives. They do not require a high GPA or full-time college enrollment. These kids don't need additional pressure by making the standards out of reach. They also might need help in completing the application.
If you know someone who might qualify, give them some encouragement and help them out. The purpose of the scholarships is to give that person a little boost and support to direct or keep them on a positive path.
I know firsthand how one wrong move or one bad friend can affect or end a child's life. The reason we keep these scholarships private is because they come from ours and Adam's heart. It is much more than money to me. Adam was a dynamic kid. He could keep you in stitches and also teach you a thing or two. He was just too beautiful and intelligent for this world. His mother couldn't live without him, so I am all that's left to tell the stories and fight his fight.
On March 27, the Adam Johnson Memorial 3-Mile Run for Success will be held at Pullman Square at 8:30 a.m. This is the only fundraiser for these scholarships, so we are hoping for lots of support from the community. Adam will smile and the sun will shine on the 27th. We are a non-profit organization, so all the money raised goes to helping kids who need it the most.
For more information about the scholarships or the run, go to the Web site www.runforadam.com.
Teddy Johnson
Huntington
Banning legal activities is wrong
Are we missing the bigger picture in the controversy over the smoking ban in private bars, etc.? As someone who neither smokes nor drinks, I respect the rights of those who do. If these activities are legal, and they are, I find it offensive that any one feels they have the right to prevent adults from participating in same. Will restrictions in our homes be next?
I would particularly refer to service organizations. Patrons there are former servicemen who go to socialize, drink and smoke. These men served our country to protect our freedoms. Let's get real; we are being deprived of more and more of them.
We all agree that smoking is harmful, but so are a lot of other activities, both occupational and recreational. The TV and newspapers are constantly telling us of these risks, such as foods high in cholesterol and/or salt. Will we be prevented from buying and consuming these? As adults, we understand the consequences of our behavior, but the choice should remain the person's. The last time I checked, our country was founded on this principle.
I agree the ban is a good thing in hospitals and government buildings, but there is a huge difference in what is allowed in public buildings versus privately owned ones. Of necessity, we have to go to the former, but we "choose" to go the latter.
With all due respect to Dr. Tweel and the Health Department, I ask that they continue informing us of potentially harmful behavior, but let the people decide if they wish to take the risk. Possibly more would be gained if their efforts were directed toward eradicating staph infections and medical mistakes from hospitals so that sick people don't sometimes become sicker.
Madge L. Morgan
Huntington
It is time to hold elected representatives accountable
The Declaration of Independence declares that "All men are created equal." This phrase seems not to apply to the members of Congress. Americans have been too complacent about the workings of Congress.
There are many proposals made every year to add additional amendments to the constitution, but only 17 have been added since the original 10 were adopted in 1791.
An idea for a Proposed 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution:
"Congress shall make no law that applies to the citizens of the United States that does not apply equally to the Senators and Representatives; and, Congress shall make no law that applies to the Senators and Representatives that does not apply equally to the citizens of the United States."
This amendment could be passed without Congress voting on it. Article 5 of the Constitution specifies that two-thirds of the state legislatures can call for a constitutional convention at which new amendments can be proposed subject to ratification of three-fourths of the states. Not once in the history of the United States has this ever been done.
A second option for amending the Constitution requires the amendment be approved by both the members of the Senate and the House of Representatives by a two-thirds majority in each, and by three-fourths of the states. This option has been employed so far with every proposed or enacted amendment.
The chances of the proposed amendment getting the majority of votes needed for passage is slim.
It doesn't matter what political party you are a member of. This self-serving has got to stop. Amending the Constitution is a good way to do that. It is an idea whose time has come. Our elected representatives should be held accountable, which can be done by our vote.
Thomas F. Lambert
Barboursville
Huntington's orchestra deserves your support
My husband and I attended the recent "Dreams of America" performance of the Huntington Symphony Orchestra at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center. We were blown away, not just from the beautiful music we heard under the direction of Maestro Kimo Furmoto, but from the somber and moving readings about Ellis Island by Beth McVey, Clint McElroy, Bill Neal and Amy Knell.
We both left the theater with a warm and proud feeling after having joined with those on stage and the audience singing "God Bless America."
There is wonderful local talent in Huntington and we miss a good thing if we don't take advantage and give our support for events such as this.
Roberta Watts
Huntington
