Published: July 07, 2008 02:43 pm            

In Your View — 07/08/08

Dad had chance his victims did not

I am the daughter of William E. Lynd, who was recently executed by the state of Georgia.

It was two months ago, but it still breaks my heart. Twenty years ago, Dad did a horrible crime and two women ended up losing their lives. Dad was a drug user who let his poor judgment and violent temper take complete control of a heated situation.

What brings me to writing this letter is the fact that these women didn’t prepare for that moment to be their last. No, they were not as fortunate as my dad was. After losing all of his appeals, he knew he was going to die at 7 p.m. on May 6, 2008. He knew that he’d be strapped to a table and injected with medicine that would ultimately kill him.

He spent those 20 years living in guilt, shame and pity. He knew he’d get one last chance to speak to a chaplain and he asked our merciful God for grace and forgiveness. Those women did not get that chance.

We are only a moment. Anything can happen to any single one of us at any given time. Are you ready to go? Don’t hold back friends! Make things right while you still have breath. In a flash, in the twinkling of an eye...(1Corinthians 15:52 ), it could all be over.

Candy Goldie, Ashland



Cartoon defames all gun owners

The editorial cartoon in the Sunday Independent regarding the Supreme Court’s decision on the Second Amendment defames gun owners in general and Associate Justice Clarence Thomas in particular. It implies gun ownership appeals to reckless idiots and sexual harassers, while those in favor of “reasonable restrictions” on gun ownership can now only watch with expressions of horror.

The ultimate response for those folks who believe that firearms ownership should be restricted or even banned is still an option that they have never pursued. That is the repeal of the Second Amendment. Once it is removed from the Constitution, there would be no basis on which pro-gun rights people could claim a legal right to own and use firearms, regardless of purpose. From that day forward any permission to own or use firearms for self-defense, hunting, or sport would be at the sole discretion of those in power in state and federal governments.

So why have those on the side of stricter gun laws not gone this route? It is a simple and straightforward method of achieving their goal. Could it be their fear that a repeal amendment would never garner the support needed to pass and its failure would demonstrate the beliefs of the majority on this issue?

Donald Fleu, Ashland



Representative sets the record straight

In a recent story about the Greenbo campground improvements, a quote attributed to me took the Lord’s name in vain. That part of the quote was not correct.

In fairness to the reporter, it was an outdoor ceremony without microphones and it was probably difficult to hear clearly.

I do not take the Lord’s name in vain, and those who know me would know this. However, it was important enough to me that I wanted to write to set the record straight.

Tanya Pullin, State Representative, 98th District



Mall store finds forgotten package

I was shopping at the Ashland Town Center on July 5. I purchased an item at Penney’s and then went to Belk’s. While at Belk’s, I laid my bag from Penney’s on a chair while trying on dresses.

Around 4 p.m., my friend and I finished shopping, got in the car and drove home. Upon arriving home, I realized I did not have my package from Penney’s. I called Belk’s and asked if anyone had turned in a lost package and was told they had not. However, she would look to see if the package was still there. I told her I believed I left it at the dressing room. She returned to the phone and told me that it was not there.

Then she took my name and phone number and assured me that, if found, they would contact me. I thought, “Oh yeah, I’ll never see that package (it was a household item anyone could use).”

About 30 minutes later, a gentleman called from Belk’s to say he had spotted the package in the shoe department. He assured me that I could pick up my package any time during store hours.

I want everyone to know that the employees at Belk’s are honest and very courteous. Thank you, Belk’s!

Carol Caudill, Portsmouth

        

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