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OPINIONS
Voice of the people
Tolls don't pay for Tamarack
I've written to The Herald-Dispatch in support of Tamarack before, and I was gratified that you published my guest column. However, I was disappointed to see the recent editorial regarding the turnpike toll increases and the paper's position that they should not be used to speed up the payment of the bonds used to build the Tamarack.
Are you aware that no toll revenue goes to support Tamarack and never has? It is my understanding that the bonds for the turnpike limit the use of the tolls to turnpike operations and maintenance, specifically. Tamarack's bond and subsidy is being paid from concession revenues earned from the travel plazas, such the sale of gasoline and sales at Starbucks, Burger King, etc.
This means Tamarack is funded by tourism-generated dollars.
I think the slant of the editorial leads readers to think otherwise and denigrates the value of the showcase for our state's artisans as well as ignoring the economic impact their sales have on the state. One of the best revenue streams for any state is money from out-of-state visitors. It's that market that Tamarack appeals to best.
Carter Taylor Seaton
Huntington
Take time to teach kids about abortion
In response to a letter on Nov. 23: "Church sign was not appropriate for kids," you described a disturbing situation when your children asked you to explain the church lawn you passed filled with 4,000 crosses and the sign saying: "4,000 babies killed each day."
"This thrust me into a terrible quandary as to how to best explain such a statement." A parent should take advantage of a situation like this and use it to teach. Parents can't shield their children from everything that isn't good and happy in the world. A child is never too young to learn.
"What was the minister of this church thinking when these words were being placed for all to read?" They were making a statement, getting attention of passersby for just a brief moment. Open eyes; start conversations. It worked.
"Would a lawn full of symbols not convey their purpose?" A church lawn filled with crosses could stand for Christians murdered for their beliefs, soldiers killed in war or people killed by drunken drivers.
I also drove by that church with my 8-year-old, discussing thoroughly in terms he could understand. Each little cross represented the life of an unborn baby who is killed each day. He was shocked and couldn't understand how anyone could kill a baby.
I said, it's very sad that most of those murdered babies could have been born and been in a loving family through adoption. All the mothers had to do was let them be born. When we were done, he said, "You and I think the same about that."
Grasp moments like that when they come. Be thankful we live in a country where we can speak openly and teach our children about the things we believe.
Denise McIntyre Gossage
Huntington
Don't praise Obama presidency just yet
There was a letter recently in your paper from a so-called reverend that talked about us going into the millennial kingdom during the Barack Obama presidency. If this were true, then I guess that we are now in the tribulation period. Where are those things that are to happen during this time? Have you seen hail stones the size of a talent? Have we been plagued with stinging locusts?
If you think that we will have peace because of Obama, you, although you say you are 80 years old, haven't learned what happened in 1938 when Mr. Chamberlin thought he could trust a person called Adolph Hitler. Words do not bring peace; they didn't then and they will not now. An untrustworthy person will promise you the world and give you the shaft.
Also, now the presidency and both houses of Congress are in the hands of the Democratic Party. When we lose all our freedoms, don't blame the Republicans. However, they will still get the blame, even though the congressional leaders are Democrats and have had their way the last two years. Look at their record of approval (around 11 percent). This tells me just how good they are.
Now since they will be in total control, let's see how you like them.
Homer Campbell
Ironton
