Letters policy



The News Courier encourages letters to the editor. Submissions should be no more than 400 words and should include a name, address and telephone number for verification. Submissions that do not meet requirements are subject to editing. Send letters by noon on Thursdays to PO Box 670, Athens, Ala., 35613, or e-mail to kelly@athensnews-courier.com.





Alzheimer’s group honored

Dear Editor:

On behalf of the Athens Limestone Alzheimer’s Support Group, we would like to say thank you to the Woodmen of the World for their generous donation. They chose us as the Organization of the Year and it was an honor. We are extremely grateful to be recognized for what we do in our community. We are here for all who need us. Joe Johnson, from Woodmen of the World, provided the check to be given to us by Clare Andrews, from the Department of Human Resources, on Sept. 5. Again, many thanks.

Sincerely,

Amanda Duffield, Sharon Griffis, Charlotte Orr and Margaret Richey

Athens Limestone Alzheimer’s Support Group



People with limb loss need coverage

Dear Editor:

Over 1.8 million Americans are living with limb loss or limb deficiency as a result of a disease, trauma of birth defect. In return for premiums paid for group health insurance, consumers expect to be covered for catastrophic illness or injury. I sadly say that without legislation to ensure coverage, many people living with the loss or absence of a limb are facing discouraging obstacles when they try to obtain prosthetic care.

When individuals discover that the prosthetic care is not covered, they will resort to using retirement funds or their children’s college savings to purchase their prosthesis in order for them to keep working. This has a devastating effect on the amputees and their families. It also has the same effect for people who are disabled who have lost an arm or leg. The biggest concern anybody has about passing a new mandate is cost.

Americans fear that increasing the cost of insurance will reduce access to health care. The fact is, data has shown that prosthetic parity actually results in savings in medical cost. The provision of a prostheses results in a variety of benefits, which some are fiscal in nature; and some of which are related to the quality of life, and issues such as reduction in the secondary conditions caused by the sedentary lifestyle and ability to live a productive life. Financial and social benefits provide a strong case for coverage. That is why we need the prosthetic parity here in Alabama.

We need the Legislature to consider making a bill to ensure prosthetic coverage here in Alabama.

I urge people to contact their legislators in support of this important bill, as it will benefit myself and other amputees who can’t afford he expense of the prosthesis.

Sincerely,

Jackie Chambers

Athens





October is ‘Adopt a Shelter Dog Month’

Dear Editor:

It is about time that Americans take more responsibility for the health of their pets and for the pet overpopulation problem by learning about the importance and benefits of spaying or neutering their pets.

The Limestone County Dog Pound is trying to raise the public’s awareness about responsible pet ownership and the unfortunate truth that every year 8 million to 12 million companion animals enter our nation’s shelters each year.

They are doing this by promoting October as “Adopt A Shelter Dog Month.”

Pet owners need to realize they have within them the power to make a difference in reducing these staggering statistics by spaying and neutering their pets. Unfortunately, because of a lack of responsibility and misguided beliefs about spaying and neutering, far too many pets are multiplying, creating thousands of puppies and kittens. These unwanted animals either die painful deaths on the streets or end up in overburdened community animal shelters.

The fact is, spayed and neutered pets are usually healthier, better behaved, and living an average of two or three years longer than unsterilized pets.

Specific benefits of spaying or neutering include:

• Reducing the risk of some forms of cancer and other medical conditions

• Eliminating many types of objectionable behavior

• Reducing urine odors and spraying

• Eliminating bleeding, which occurs during the heat period

• Creating a calmer, more people-oriented pet

For more information on the importance of spaying and neutering, pet owners can call their veterinarian.

Sincerely,

Amanda Taylor

Director of the Limestone County Dog Pound





A veteran is a veteran

Dear Editor:

I believe there is a continuum of veterans down through generations of Americans moving from one war to another from the beginning of our nation’s history. It is a seamless process of veterans helping veterans.

The results have been evident. In seeking to serve all, we’ve ensured the needs of the few were met.

The leaders of each of our organizations have a significant role in each of the organization’s aggressive, vigorous posts and chapters realize that there are lots of factors that can provide an added success to your organization.

Sincerely,

Wilburn Moore

Athens





Won’t vote for Caylor

Dear Editor:

I am a Democrat, however, I prefer to vote for the man or woman who has the voters in their mind. I will not vote for Mary Jane Caylor, who is seeking her third term on the state board of education. At this time, certain individuals may be indicated on hiring their close relatives for state jobs. Mary Jane Caylor’s husband is employed by the state board of education. He is making in excess of $83,000 a year. Many public school teachers would have liked that job, however, they were not Mary Jane Caylor’s husband.

Sincerely,

Ellis C. Kennedy

Athens



‘Country Living’ at its best

Dear Editor:

Usually we only get “fired up” enough to write to complain, so this may catch you by surprise. This is to compliment you for a wonderful addition to The News Courier. The new section, “County Living,” is truly a wonderful addition to your Sunday paper. The articles about what has been and what is happening in Limestone County are truly exciting. Please, keep them coming.

You are to be commended and congratulated for the wonderful articles telling about our past and present that truly make us appreciate your paper. Keep up the good work.

Sincerely,

Edsel E. Bates Sr.

Athens



English as the global language

Dear Editor:

The former President (Bill) Clinton issued Executive Order 13166 in the last days of his time in office. It effectively elevated the inability to speak English as a protected civil right.

The executive order stated that each federal agency shall work to ensure that recipients of federal financial assistance provide meaningful access to their LEP (Limited English Proficient) applicants and beneficiaries.

Recipients must take reasonable steps to ensure meaningful access, both oral and written, to their programs and activities to LEP persons. The official opinion of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division is that failure to provide translation services constitutes discrimination by national origin prohibited by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.

The order, as interpreted by the Civil Rights Division, covers every recipient of federal funds including hospitals, doctor’s officers, public libraries, universities, etc. including theaters or a zoo.

The world is moving to the adoption of English as the global language of politics, commerce and travel. America’s immigrants should realize English is the language that can connect them to mainstream America, academically, economically and culturally.

So, why are we allowing our elected bureaucrats and ACLU lawyers to undermine English usage in the United States?

Quentin D. Anderson Sr.

Athens