Published: May 21, 2007 07:03 pm            

5/20/2007 Letters to the editor

Thank you, voters and supporters

Dear Editor:



I would like to thank the 1,676 voters who participated in the recent Cleburne ISD school board election.

I would especially like to thank the 740 who voted for me. Words cannot express my gratitude for those who worked alongside of me, passing out door hangers and fliers, manning the booth at Antique Alley, and those who stopped by to visit at Camp New Voice, located at Gerard Elementary on Election Day. For those in the Santa Fe and Cooke voting districts, I am grateful that you once again placed your trust in me. Thank you all for respecting my wishes and not using negative tactics. I used Texas Education Agency figures in answers to questions and did not presume to know what my opponent felt or thought. I may never win an election this way, but I would not want to win any other way.

To the more than 17,000 who did not vote, I would have rather been slaughtered at the polls and seen you there. I hope the next time you have an opportunity to vote you will consider that at this time locally, statewide and nationally we are being governed by the wishes of 8 to 12 percent of voters.

Please consider that in the Revolutionary War there were 184,000 soldiers engaged, resulting in 4,435 casualties. In World War I we had 4,743,826 soldiers with 116,708 casualties, and in World War II we had 16,353,659 engaged with 407,316 casualties. What were they fighting for? Think about it.

Thank you once again.

Sincerely,



Teresa J. Blackwell

Cleburne



Presidential campaign thoughts

Dear Editor:



My grandparents told me a long time ago to beware of actors and politicians. Politicians recite to captive audiences and have salaries and hairdos like they are on camera, while Hollywood pros spout trash and condemn the leaders of our country as if they expect us to follow their advice and example. It was wonderful hearing Jon Voight recognizing how un-American this action has been. He must have watched some old John Wayne and Jimmy Stewart film clips. Pass them around, Jon. Use your celebrity for good things.

May religious freedom be observed as long as a religion is peaceful and not teaching treason. Freedom of speech has been interpreted to mean “say and do anything profane and nasty that your parents should have taught you not to say or do!” May all candidates be sincere in their religious claims and may the Supreme Court reread and interpret wisely, without outside influence, the original wishes of our Constitution writers regarding freedoms.

How can a religion whose basic tenets are aimed at destroying this country be allowed this freedom? The mosques and their all-powerful clerics should not be considered as inviolate holy sanctuaries. Are our leaders asleep? Secrecy does not jibe with love, trust and forgiveness.

From my standpoint, sweet Hillary’s drawbacks are not based on religious orientation although her mean and vindictive personality is enough to lose my interest. Let’s face it, we have a personality conflict. She’s smart, maybe, but it takes a sincere heart to be a national leader. I can close my eyes and perceive Hillary dictating from the Oval Office with memories of Willie and Monica while Willie plays with new toys in the Blue Room.

Now, supposedly, some town in Ireland is claiming that an O’Bama left the olde sod for America many years ago and Obama’s Kansan atheist mother is the result of that Irish bloodline. Sounds like a tale the Kennedys would dream up to help put Obama into the vice presidential chair with Irish-American votes.

His father and stepfather were Orthodox Muslim. He was early educated in orthodox Islamic schools, and now he and his wife and daughters claim membership in a black Church of Christ in Illinois? I think that this presents too much gamble for us to take!

Although Christian and Jewish personalities and groups have committed unscrupulous and horrible acts against God and humanity over the centuries, these deeds have been publicly admitted to and aired out. The main obstructive differences in this world, as I see them, are cultural and not racial. I remember the saying, “He or she wasn’t raised right?” Love and forgiveness versus vengeance and the sword! Sounds like an easy choice but depends on one’s raising, in my way of thinking. Legal immigration does not guarantee pro-American immigrants!

In either party camp, I see several other weak-eyed runners. I am not looking for one with pretty teeth, tailored suits, nor who rate high in the “polls.” Actually, I would prefer one with common sense, although that may be asking too much. A little chili on his shirt wouldn’t bother me if he used good English and was well-mannered. I think some candidates are running because they have plenty of others’ money in their hands and had nothing else planned this year. The appearance of a statesman would be plumb invigorating.



Monte Swatzell

Cleburne



Thanks to Liberty Ford

Dear Editor:



To Liberty Ford:



The reason I am writing is to show my appreciation for the hard, honest work done to our borrowed red Mustang. My daughter hasn’t been able to afford a car yet, so since it is not ours we try to keep it in the best condition possible. We will be using it more often to go to San Antonio. I have a granddaughter, 5, and a grandson, 3. My granddaughter has special needs. Their mother is in the military and was sent to Iraq. I can’t bring my granddaughter with me to care for her this summer because she has to be close to her doctors at the base. My daughter and I will be going as much as possible to be with my grandchildren this summer. The car needs to be in good condition. So, thank you all very much for the honest good work done. A special thanks to April for replacing the recalled cruise control last week.

Sincerely,



Rosa Rivera



Thanks from Susie Sarchet

Dear Editor:



I would like to express my appreciation for 13 wonderful years as the principal of Coleman Elementary School. I have had the honor to work with wonderful students, encouraging parents, outstanding staff and supportive community members.

Thank you to the awesome Coleman PTA for hosting a great event last Saturday.

The privilege to work with Coleman Colts has brought me much joy and pride. I will forever cherish our time together, and I wish you continued success.

Congratulations on getting Mr. Boles as your new principal. He is a capable and enthusiastic leader!

Sincerely,



Susie Sarchet

Cleburne

        

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