Letters to the editor

Speak Out: Another freedom gone

noreply@annistonstar.com (our readers) — Thu, 23 May 2013 17:46:00 -0600

I agree with Speak Out writer Phil Holliday. I served this country for 23 years to protect our freedoms, as many others have. Now Anniston’s elected officials have taken the right of every restaurant and bar owner to have their place a smoking or non-smoking place, posted on their entrance.

Speak Out: Boston Marathon horror

noreply@annistonstar.com (our readers) — Thu, 23 May 2013 17:45:00 -0600

America was still grieving over the horrific incident in the Newtown, Conn., school shooting when the recent bombings at the Boston Marathon killed three people and injured more than a hundred, some severe. The waves of violence don’t stop in this country. It’s like an infestation. It gives the sick feeling of a lack of safety.

Speak Out: Bentley should stick to his word

noreply@annistonstar.com (our readers) — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:32:00 -0600

When Bob Riley was governor, the Supreme Court gave him ultimate power over the gambling issue. That move by the court was unprecedented, but a lot of rulings by the Supreme Court concerning gambling have been unprecedented when it comes to siding with Riley.

Speak Out: We can learn

noreply@annistonstar.com (our readers) — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:31:00 -0600

As the sounds of the Lt. Dan Band floated up to me Sunday evening, I had bittersweet thoughts of mothers everywhere receiving telegrams or visits. I imagined holding the yellowed Western Union that my mother, eight months pregnant with me, got in 1950 announcing the death of her husband in Korea, less than two months after he had said goodbye.

Speak Out: Progress in civil rights

noreply@annistonstar.com (our readers) — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:36:00 -0600

The news has been full of the Boston bombing and the rapid identification of the suspects. Contrast this with the 50 bombings of black homes in Birmingham in the late 1940s and 1950s. Police reports continued to state there was “not enough evidence” to enable them to search for the perpetrators.

Speak Out: Reason behind HB57

noreply@annistonstar.com (our readers) — Mon, 20 May 2013 17:37:00 -0600

Gov. Robert Bentley and state legislators have been praised for passing the Women’s Health and Safety Act, HB57. The bill, now law, has nothing whatsoever to do with women’s health or safety.

Speak Out: Alabama’s National Guard

noreply@annistonstar.com (our readers) — Mon, 20 May 2013 17:36:00 -0600

While I support the men and women of the Alabama National Guard, I question the use of money from the Alabama Trust Fund to build, maintain or repair armories. The Alabama National Guard ceased being state militias in 1958 when state control was subjugated to federal authority.

Speak Out: State lottery better than food tax

noreply@annistonstar.com (our readers) — Sun, 19 May 2013 02:55:00 -0600

When are you, Gov. Robert Bentley, going to take a stand on the most oppressive and sinful tax imposed on the people of the great state of Alabama?

Speak Out: The best and worst of May

noreply@annistonstar.com (our readers) — Fri, 17 May 2013 17:23:00 -0600

The month of May presents significant events that have impacted Alabama nationally and locally, with the preservation of a positive or negative image. Two events are celebrated nationwide with high honors like Mother’s Day on the 12th and Memorial Day on the 27th.

Speak Out: Setting a standard

noreply@annistonstar.com (our readers) — Fri, 17 May 2013 17:22:00 -0600

Recently, I had a family issue involving document changes that I could not get resolved no matter who I turned to. I went to see Eli Henderson, the new Calhoun County Circuit Clerk.

Speak Out: Too much ‘big brotherism’

noreply@annistonstar.com (our readers) — Thu, 16 May 2013 17:13:00 -0600

I recently read in The Anniston Star that the city of Anniston has imposed further restrictions on smoking throughout the city. The total ban of smoking in restaurants and bars is what I take umbrage with.

Speak Out: What is truth?

noreply@annistonstar.com (our readers) — Thu, 16 May 2013 17:11:00 -0600

Even a simple-minded person knows the opposite of truth is a lie or bondage. In the Bible, John 14:6 Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life; no man cometh unto the Father but by me.” John 8:32 says, “And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free. You will not be in bondage any longer.”

Speak Out: A tribute to law enforcement

noreply@annistonstar.com (our readers) — Wed, 15 May 2013 17:19:00 -0600

The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office saw the need for a better way to recognize law enforcement officers, their families and other community members. In January 2007, that need was filled by the creation of the Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard and Pipe and Drum Corps.

Speak Out: Bury the bomber at sea

noreply@annistonstar.com (our readers) — Tue, 14 May 2013 17:38:00 -0600

I wish to express my deepest heartfelt feelings concerning the burial of Tamerlan Tsarneav in American soil. Too many servicemen and women have given their lives to ensure that we can live in a country as great as America. Their bodies have been buried all over the world, not to mention other great Americans that helped to preserve the great freedoms that are guaranteed to each of us.

Speak Out: Misunderstanding Islam

noreply@annistonstar.com (our readers) — Tue, 14 May 2013 17:37:00 -0600

Star Publisher H. Brandt Ayers is an erudite world traveler, but his Sunday column showed an astounding naiveté on the nature of today’s Islam, an ignorance which is part of the problem of dealing with the small minority of Muslims who are radical jihadists.

Speak Out: Building on Jacksonville’s heritage

noreply@annistonstar.com (our readers) — Mon, 13 May 2013 17:24:00 -0600

Jacksonville is watching a new level of teamwork develop between city leaders and the school system. Their efforts will likely lead to much needed improvements in school facilities. Much of the credit goes to Mayor Johnny Smith, for his experienced fiscal management, and to Superintendent Jon Campbell, for his collaborative leadership style.

Speak Out: Bike races were great

noreply@annistonstar.com (our readers) — Mon, 13 May 2013 17:23:00 -0600

Many thanks to all the folks who made the Noble Street Festival and bike races possible. A special thanks to Mike Poe, who has done so much for several years to foster and work huge numbers of hours to bring us these world-class events.

Speak Out: Thanks for support of United Way

noreply@annistonstar.com (our readers) — Sun, 12 May 2013 02:56:00 -0600

On behalf of United Way of East Central Alabama, it is with heartfelt gratitude that I write this letter. I am overwhelmed, although not surprised, at how our community came together to support the Whirlwind of Color 5K celebrating the recovery from the devastating storms of April 27, 2011.

Speak Out: Moral standard comes from God

noreply@annistonstar.com (our readers) — Sun, 12 May 2013 02:55:00 -0600

Pain and turmoil exist in every one of our lives, and lately much of the wrong that we suffer is coming from the hands of young people.

Speak Out: History that will no go away

noreply@annistonstar.com (our readers) — Fri, 10 May 2013 17:33:00 -0600

I remember growing up as a kid in Anniston. I have seen my family members get sick each year. I remember the smell that came from the former Monsanto plant. I remember the water tasting bad. I remember how the land was poisoned. I remember how life expectancy was short.