Published: May 28, 2006 04:24 pm            

5/28/06 Letters to editor

Party information an interesting read



Dear Editor:



In an article on Page A6 of the Cleburne Times-Review dated May 7, Matt Snider wrote that the agitators for the Republic of Texas party had changed to be part of the Constitution Party. The wording of the article made it hard to understand that was what he meant, but it did cause me to do some research. Here are some interesting facts I came up with on names of parties and other tidbits. I hope you find it as interesting as I did.

In 1792 a Congressional caucus was formed to fight for the Bill of Rights. It changed its name to Democratic-Republican Party in 1798. This party split four ways in 1824, and one of the splits became known as the Jacksonian Democrats. Then, according to which page of the Democratic Web site you are reading, either in 1840 or 1844, the name was changed to the Democratic Party, which it remains today. This is a national party. Their nickname, DNC, stands for Democratic National Committee. The first Democratic Party president was Woodrow Wilson, who was elected in 1912. Reference: www.democrats.org/a/party/history.

On July 6, 1854, the Republican Party was formed and has never changed its name. This is a national party. Their nickname, GOP, stands for Gallant Old Party, not Grand Old Party. The first Republican Party president was Abraham Lincoln, who was elected in 1860. Reference: www.gop.com/About/AboutRead.aspx?AboutType=3.

In 1992 a party was formed called the U.S. Taxpayers Party. They changed the name to the Constitution Party in 1999. This is a national party. Reference: www.constitutionparty.com.

In 1995 the Republic of Texas party was formed, and it retains the name today. This is a one-state party. Reference: www.republic-of-texas.net/.

Perusing the history of all these parties has been an interesting read, which I recommend to all citizens.

Thank you,



Sarah Chapman

Cleburne



Thanks from Brent Easdon



Dear Editor:



I want to thank all of those who voted in the Cleburne ISD school board election. Your involvement is appreciated. I am grateful to the League of Women Voters Johnson County MAL Unit and the Cleburne Times-Review for their unbiased efforts in trying to inform the voters about all candidates as well as increase voter participation.

I am both honored and humbled by those who put their confidence in me. The school board decisions will be something that I will take very seriously. My decision to run was not a quick one, as I have been considering it for several years, however, the timing for my family was right this year. Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to serve our children and community.

Congratulations go to Jennifer Dugger and Teddy Martyniuk for their victories. I look forward to working with them with great anticipation. It is my belief that this board can continue to achieve great things.

I also want to thank the other seven candidates who ran. It takes a lot of courage to risk your name by running, not to mention the time, money and effort.

Sincerely,



Brent Easdon

Cleburne



Cemetery roads are in bad shape



Dear Editor:



I read with considerable interest the article in the May 15 Times-Review regarding the headaches for the cemetery staff and the remarks by Community Service Director Mike Claunch when he said, “Cemeteries are one of our greatest assets.” Claunch said “They show the pride of the community and a community is judged by the way it takes care of the deceased.”

I am in complete agreement with Claunch, but not a word was mentioned regarding the deplorable condition of the cemetery roads at Rosehill that are almost impassable in places. These roads have been allowed to deteriorate to a disgraceful condition as we all well know.

I urge everyone who visits the cemetery, or has a loved one buried there, to contact our city officials and demand action. It is a disgrace and should have been taken care of long ago.

Sincerely,



James A. Hutchison

Cleburne



Remembering those who died on Memorial Day



Dear Editor:



My brother was a 1992 Cleburne High School graduate. He died in 1998. With the holiday weekend coming up, my family thought it would be fitting for me to forward an e-mail that I sent to my friends. This is that e-mail:

My little brother, Jeff Abel, would have been 32 today. He died in 1998.

He was driving home from a party, with a friend. Both guys were drunk, very drunk. Haven’t we all been? Anyway, it was night. They rounded a corner that is posted at 45 mph. They were going about 70 in an ’80s model Bronco. There was also a lot of stuff in the back of the Bronco. And it appeared they weren’t wearing seatbelts. He didn’t survive the one-vehicle rollover accident.

Something from the back of his Bronco hit him in the back of the head. Then both passengers were ejected. Brian was dead at 24 years old. Single, well, divorced, but that is another story, and no kids. Just his father, his mother, his big sister and his little brother and a handful of friends. We donated his organs. Several lives were saved. But not the one I miss so much. His life was gone forever. And our lives were changed forever.

Eight years later there is still such a loss. It is like it was yesterday that I was at the hospital kissing my little brother good-bye. Laying my hand on his chest to feel his heart beat. Touching his arm, just so I would remember how it felt to feel him.

This is a big weekend — Memorial Day. There will be a lot of drinking going on. In fact, I am sure I will be drinking but you can bet I won’t be driving. I hope you think of my little brother, Jeff Abel, if you think about getting in the vehicle after a few too many.

Heck, after even one too many. Remember my brother if you think about getting in the car with someone you drank with this weekend. Remember my brother if you see someone thinking of getting on the road impaired. And maybe, just maybe, you or your family and friends will not still feel such a loss eight years later.

My brother left a hole in my heart when he died. A Jeff-shaped hole that will never be filled. Never is a long time.

Please, don’t drink and drive.

Feel free to pass this on to those you don’t want to miss, either. What if it happens to save their life?



Stephanie St. John

Copperas Cove



Edwards shouldn’t question Taylor’s service



Dear Editor:



I recently saw a newspaper article where U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco, made some critical comments regarding his Republican opponent in the November election Van Taylor’s service along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Instead of attacking Taylor’s service to our country, perhaps Edwards should reconsider his campaign tactics and instead thank God there are people who are willing to risk their own lives to protect his freedom.

Even though the Mexican border is not always violent, Taylor saw extended combat duty in Iraq, and I don’t believe Edwards has ever carried a rifle for our country. And further, Taylor’s 30 days on border duty is at least 29 more than Edwards has spent.



Pat Linkenhoger

Cleburne

        

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