Letters to the editor: 09/20/01

Scotts Creek beautified by volunteers

To the Editor:

On behalf of the Scotts Creek School PTA, I would like to thank the Landscaping Committee, volunteers and businesses that donated their time, labor, money and materials for beautifying our campus.

We extend an invitation to those who would like to participate in our next planting date scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 13, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Lois Newbold

PTA President

Scotts Creek School

Barbecue was a great success

To the Editor:

The members of the Canada Volunteer Fire Department would like to thank all who helped make our 11th annual barbecue, raffle, and cakewalk a great success.

We grossed $ 11,121, surpassing last year's income by more than $1,000. Our raffle winners were Joyce Zimmer, the hand-tied log cabin quilt; Clyth Brown, the gun; Melody Norris, the saw; and Larson Alexander, the gift certificate from Jimmy's Mini Market.

We would like to thank the following without whose efforts this event would not be possible: Neil and Peggy Dawson (our chefs supreme); the Fiddling Dills Sisters; The Brown Family; the Cullowhee Valley Boys; and the Redeemer Quartet from Waynesville.

Without the help of the following area businesses, our costs would have greatly increased, reducing the amount of funds available to operate: Jerome Hughes with Ingles supermarket; Tommy Beutell with Wolf Creek Tree Farm; Lee Ewart with Smoky Mountain Grill; and Terry with Terry's Produce.

Last, but certainly not least, a special thanks to our favorite newspaper reporter, Lynn Hotaling, for her continuing efforts to support the "Little Canada" community.

Sincerely,

Canada Volunteer

Fire Department

members

Don't stop praying

To the Editor:

It is a shame we have to have a tragedy in our country before it is O.K. for us to have public prayer. We can't have prayer in our schools or functions, speak of God in our work place, or hang the Ten Commandments in public. They even want to take the best show off T.V. for this reason, "Touched By An Angel."

If we had been praying all the time, maybe this would not have happened. We should be praying for our leaders that they in turn would pray for guidance from above and not from somewhere else.

Our forefathers put their trust in Him and He is still the same God. We have gotten too comfortable and think we don't need God for anything. Anyone who thinks this way better stop and think where their next breath is coming from.

When this is all over, don't stop praying; our Father wants to hear from us regularly.

Doris Frady

Sylva

Small group was responsible for attacks

To the Editor:

Last week's tragic events in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania have left all Americans shocked and angry. We are not alone in these feelings. People from all over the world have been equally appalled, and messages of sympathy and support pour into the United States daily.

Our government is currently trying to formulate a strategy to attack terrorism where it exists in our world. This will undoubtedly be a long and difficult struggle. Hopefully our leaders will act with wisdom and restraint as they take up this daunting task.

It is important that we remember these terrible acts were committed by a small number of fanatic extremists. There are many innocent, peace-loving people in Afghanistan and other Middle Eastern countries who admire the United States and would like to live in a country such as ours with peace, prosperity, and civil liberties.

Unfortunately they have little choice, as their countries are very poor and led by repressive, dictatorial regimes. As our country acts, I hope it will not unnecessarily alienate this good will and further destabilize this politically fragile region of the world.

Let us also not take our anger out on loyal American citizens of Middle Eastern descent who have come to our country in search of peace and a better life. If we act with religious or ethnic intolerance toward others, we are in danger of losing the very qualities that make our country, with its wonderful diversity of cultures and religions, so threatening to extremists and terrorists around the world.

Sincerely yours,

Suzanne A. Fullar

Sylva

Ammunition sale decline disturbs reader

To the Editor:

When I was just 9 years old, my dad taught me how to shoot a Rim Fire 22. I enjoyed plinking targets, tin cans and squirrel hunting.

During my 14 years of military service, I found the boys from the Appalachian mountain that were raised the way I was were the toughest competition I had on the rifle and pistol range. I knew the ones before my time had won two wars because they could shoot.

I was talking recently to a friend who works in an ammunition plant for Remington Arms. He said that more than a decade ago the company made more than a billion rounds of 22 ammo a year ago. Now the bad news is that sales of 22 ammo have declined steadily over the past 10 years, to the point that it is no longer profitable.

This is an early warning system for the health of the shooting sports. The decline in sales highlights the difficulty we have in getting and keeping young people involved in shooting. Even the parents and youngsters who want to shoot often have a hard time just finding a place to shoot.

The National Sports Foundation has put up a webpage (www.wheretoshoot.org) to list places to shoot.

Also, remember the 12-year-olds who you take shooting this year will be able to vote in six years and so will the 12-year-olds you don't take shooting. When they become a mom or dad, how are they going to protect your grandchildren from a criminal or terrorist attack? What will they do?

Remember that guns were taken from law-abiding citizens on aircraft first. Now the terrorist can make do with a box cutter. Just think what could have been prevented with a concealed pistol.

Burt Farmer

Whittier

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