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OPINIONS
Voice of the people
Don't take money from hard workers
A poll recently ran in The Herald-Dispatch asking whether people making over $250,000 per year should pay higher taxes, and 75 percent responded with a "yes." It would be interesting to see an essay contest with people writing their reasons why they think this.
Why should a person who has sacrificed and worked hard at building his or her own dream rather than someone else's be forced to pay higher taxes to support corporate welfare and dubious social programs that support people, and companies, that have screwed up their own lives and businesses?
And don't give me this bunk about being mean and harsh. We are the most charitable nation on earth. The wealthy people of this nation with the disposable income to do so support domestic and foreign charitable organizations more than any other nation on earth. We are a giving people. It's just ridiculous that we should be forced to give through inept government programs that just don't work.
Boy, I can't wait for the liberal backlash on this one.
Rick Shepard
Proctorville, Ohio
McCalla's death leaves huge gap
I want to thank The Herald-Dispatch for its respectful coverage of the death of our devoted pastor and my friend, Mark McCalla. Mark was indeed an avid outdoorsman, enjoying God's earth as often as he could.
However, in addition to being an adventurer, the Rev. McCalla's true calling and gift was with people. His faith in God and unconditional love for everyone was easily and often shared. His ability to be truly with others in times of tragedy or crisis was exercised far too often in the four years that he shared with Highlawn Presbyterian Church.
His understanding of the Bible, the teachings of Jesus and the love of God for all people were the hallmarks of Mark's life. He was by far the most fair-minded person I have ever known, teaching us to respect and understand the beliefs of others, to deeply feel our own faith and to be grateful in all things.
Mark McCalla was active in our community. His quick smile, easy manner and unbounded energy will be missed by all who knew him. His laughter will be heard in the breeze, and his legacy of loving God's people will carry on his genuine Christian spirit.
Jane George
Huntington
What's wrong with local court system?
The June 28 edition of The Herald-Dispatch, page 3A, tells about a federal task force arresting two fugitives. I wonder: How many times the law enforcement folks are required to arrest and re-arrest the same people? Either this article was incomplete about the background of Mr. Johnson's fugitive status, or we have a real hole in the judicial system.
The article states that Johnson was wanted for attempted first-degree murder. This occurred in August 2007. According to the newspaper, Johnson waived a preliminary hearing and his case was moved to Circuit Court, where Judge Alfred Ferguson released him to home confinement in lieu of a $75,000 bond. Apparently, Johnson did not want to stay at home, so about three months later, Judge Ferguson accepted a $1,000 personal recognition bond.
This re-arrest occurred on Thursday, June 26. Is Mr. Johnson still locked up, or will we soon have another hide-and-seek game going? How many re-arrest warrants are outstanding? Maybe the best way to clean up this once proud city would be to arrest and keep or arrest and set the bonds high enough to better ensure compliance. Or maybe we need less compassionate judges.
Denny Cruise
Huntington
