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Government spending with wisdom would be nice

Your Voice

Letters to the Editor

Published: June 22, 2009

The reason the Medicare System, the Social Security system, or almost any other government program needs reform is a result from Washington bureaucrats spending our money. The blame falls on the Republicans and Democrats alike.

That is the biggest reason most people don't want universal health care. It would only be another bottomless pit to throw away good money. Most people would welcome fiscally conservative politicians from either side who spend with wisdom and common sense.

As far as paying into the system that is not negotiable, everyone gets that deducted from their pay every pay period. This was set up by the government and not by referendum. No one actually voted for or against it.

I resent comments about liberals saving the day and self-righteous remarks about liberals being the only ones who care about the planet, safety or health is absurd. Check the facts. For example, the Clean Water Act from the 1970s. This was championed by conservatives.

Jeff Lippard
Hickory

School system dismisses its finest English teacher

Catawba County Schools and Challenger Early College High School have dismissed their finest English teacher.

Paul Bonham has been with the school since its inception (2006). The very first year of the school, 100 percent of his students passed the end-of-course testing at level three or higher. These results contributed to the school being the first ever to post double one hundreds — 100 percent tested, 100 percent passed — a state record.

According to a link on Catawba County schools web site in June 2007, his students passed at a rate equal to or greater then 95 percent. In 2008, 94.9 percent passed level three or higher. This year, I know that 100 percent of his students passed again.

Bonham is very much a conservative, an Eagle Scout, as well as a devout Christian. I have known Bonham since the first year of the school; he was my son's Personal Adult Advisor as well as English teacher.

Bonham inspired my son so much that when he received his Eagle Scout he gave Mr. Bonham his Mentor Pin. I know Mr. Bonham and the school very well. I have served as either president or president-elect of the Parent Support Organization for the last four years.

I have never seen anything but professionalism from Mr. Bonham.

He challenges our students to think why they believe things to be so on many issues including politics, evolution, abortion and others.
Mr. Bonham presents evidence on both sides and tells them to decide for themselves.

He challenges them to support their opinions with facts.

One complaint about him was that he has the Ten Commandments posted in the closet in his classroom as well as his Bible. How do we stand such heresy?

Our board of education and our superintendent always say how important educating our children is. Rather than dealing with a few complaints, they release a teacher with one of the best records in the state.

It is a shame we let people who do not like their opinions challenged win at our children's expense. I find it sad that we are in the age of political correctness where we are told to be tolerant of everything but Christianity.

I challenge Catawba County Schools to show us how they will replace Paul with a teacher who has demonstrated better results.

The saddest part of all is that our children are the ones who pay the price for their lack of courage.

Footnote: Challenger Early College High School was formed in cooperation with Alexander, Catawba County, Hickory and Newton-Conover schools and Catawba Valley Community College. It is located on CVCC's campus.

During the information session for all rising freshman applicants, it is clearly stated our school is on a college campus.

If you are not willing to expose your child to the free exchange of information and ideas, then Challenger is not the place for you.

Larry Skinner
President ECHS, PSO
Hickory

Obama promise on cutting fraud a lie

President Obama briefly paused his jihad against the American economy recently to fire the inspector general of AmeriCorps, Gerald Walpin.

Walpin had investigated St. Hope Academy, a "non-profit" organization founded by Kevin Johnson, mayor of Sacramento, Obama supporter and Obama's fellow community organizer.

Walpin found that Johnson used taxpayers money to pay teenagers to run personal errands, wash his car and do landscaping. Johnson and St. Hope have agreed to pay back more than $400,000 over a period of time.

This is not Johnson's first scrape with the law, as he has been accused twice of inappropriate behavior with underage teenage girls.

By firing Gerald Walpin, President Obama is giving us an insight to his true agenda. The president supports fraud as long as its in the name of community organizing and does not support the watchdogs of our tax money.

Obama has stated many times that he is going to cut out waste and fraud.

He is lying through his teeth.

Buzzy Lowe
Hickory

Thanks for excellent care for the elderly

I just completed a survey from the Lutheran Home, and decided to write something I have thought about for several years.

I would like to call public attention to those who work with our elderly. The wonderful people who staff our nursing homes cannot receive the pay they deserve because none of us have enough money for that. What price can we pay to take good care of our loved ones?

I would like to thank the people at the Lutheran Home who have been unbelievably good to our loved one. I am sure there are other dedicated workers in other nursing homes, but I can speak only about those I know personally.

Becky Goode runs a top facility and probably could write manuals for others to follow. The home is always clean and the grounds well-manicured. There are a variety of activities and an atmosphere of real community.

I was describing some of my aunt's typical activities including a whirlpool, manicure and physical activity to my students, and one of them said, "Oh, I get it. She's at a spa."

Every time I read about abuse in a nursing home, I am so thankful for the quality care the Lutheran Home provides. I hope that all those who have loved ones in care facilities will include the workers there in their daily prayers.

They provide a service that truly enriches our community.

Vicki Moats
Newton