Below is the OCR text representation for this newspapers page.

THE MADISON COUNTY (GA) JOURNAL. THURSDAY. NOVEMBER 12, 2009 — PAGE 5A Opinions No reason to fear separation of church and state Dear Editor: Unless the Madison County Journal has made an error, it seems the Hudgens’ have made a glaring over sight in their collection of historical documents, which were accepted by the county to be displayed in the gov ernment complex building. I haven’t had time to go there to view the collection, but where is the Preamble to the United States Constitution? I memorized it in fifth grade and still remember it now, 50 years later. “We, the people of the United States of America, in order to form a more per fect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquil ity, provide for the com mon defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” It doesn’t mention any thing about religion and I wonder if it was left out (if, indeed, it was) for that rea son. Our National Motto has had many alterations over the years since the found ing of our nation, particu larly during the War of 1812 and during our own Civil War, usually in response to claiming to be on the side of right (as in the Christian Crusades). Our current National Motto, “In God we trust,” was established in 1957 in response to the Communist Cold War. Communists were consid ered atheists, therefore we felt the need to establish clearly that Americans were not. Commissioner Bruce Scogin’s insensitive com ment that some day we all “may have to side-step a Buddha statue” failed to consider the growing num ber of Americans who con stantly “have to side-step” Christian crosses, Christian churches around every cor ner, our money, our pledge of allegiance, our national anthem, the Bible in oath taking and on and on, not to mention the impossibility of holding public office with out proclaiming a Christian faith, whether true or not. He was rightly concerned that the inclusion of the Ten Commandments and the National Motto might be construed as promoting religion. He was smart to question the legalities of this on behalf of the county. Our fundamental separa tion of church and state and the guarantee of religious freedom are historical ideas that seem to leave room for everyone as long as we all obey our basic civil laws. As Mr. Scogin suggested, there’s nothing to be afraid of. Sincerely, Virginia Moss NEWS IDA to meet Monday The Madison County Industrial Development and Building Authority will meet at 6 p.m., Monday, Nov. 16, in the historic county courthouse in the center of Danielsville. Agenda items include: •Financial report. •Water requests. •Utility director report: a. billing report, b. 2007 and 2008 water system expansion update, c. Harrison water sys tem update. •Other IDA-related issues: a. Hull/Sanford Sewer Project Update; b. Hull/Sanford force main; c. MADICO Park lift station. r€> M ^ Goo$ e $ Home Decor & More ^ On the Square In Danielsville Proudly Featuring The Work Of Over 30 Local Artists/Craftsmen • Everything from jewelry, to woodworking, stained glass, scarves/hats and so much more! • Just in - New Shipment of Phickles Pickles. • Adorable Diaper Baby - can be custom made in your color choice. • Great one-of-a-kind gifts for all occasions. Come By & Visit Us This Saturday, November 14 During The Madison Arts Festival Open Monday ■ Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. 706-795-0034 Thanks to all who helped make Special Olympics a success Dear Editor: The Local Winter Games for Madison County Special Olympics were held Oct. 29 at the Hull-Sanford Elementary School Gym. The games were a great success, thanks to the community support we received from the many vol unteers. The Madison County Pilot Club and Madison County Rotary Club provided vol unteers to assist with the games. The Madison County High School Anchor Club members volunteered their time at the games and were accompanied by their spon sor, Allison Clarke. The High School Anchor Club mem bers who did such a great job are: Connor Boyett, Dylan Chandler, Lance Chandler, Breana Croya, Jessica Croya, Kyle Dean, Lea Dellinger, Brianna Dills, Brandon Doolittle, Juleigh Fouche, Rachel Howard, Reagen Hudgens, Morgan Langford, Amber Martin, Mallory Miller, Hanna Moon, Jeremiah NeSmith, Jacob Owens, Morgan Pierce, Alexia Supakorndej, and Daniel Vaughn. The students' teachers who helped in preparations for the games are: Kate Brinson, Amanda Frary, Carol Watkins, Ashley Witters, June Martin, Libby Loftis, Connie Washburn, Kelly Carr, Allison Clarke, Jan NeSmith, and Buffy Wennersten. The opening ceremony began with a marching song by members of the Madison County Middle School Band led by the band director Phillip Smith. Members of the Madison County Middle School Honors Chorus sang the Star Spangled Banner. Special guests who wel comed the athletes dur ing the opening ceremony were: Dr. Mitch McGhee, School Superintendent; Cathy Gruetter, Principal of Hull-Sanford Elementary; Joyce Fleeman, Pilot Club President; Bruce Azevedo, Rotary Club President; and Louise Watson, Madison County Tax Commissioner. Several people who put in many hours to make this such a successful event are Kathy Colwell and Buffy Wennersten (Local Special Olympics Coordinators), Becky Hutchins (Pilot Club liaison to Special Olympics) and Michelle Strickland (treasurer of Madison County Special Olympics). The Hull-Sanford Elementary physical educa tion teacher, Mike Osborne, helped with the set up and refereed an exciting basket ball game. Many Pilot Club members provided snacks for the athletes and volun teers. The Rotary Club pro vided the drinks and cups and Commissioner Mike Youngblood donated snack packs of chips. Our athletes will go on to area games in several weeks and quite a few will attend the state games in January in Atlanta. Due to the support provided by the Madison County community, our ath letes will have these addi tional opportunities. Thanks to everyone who makes this possible. Sincerely, Joan Baird Student Services Director, Madison County Schools and Chairperson, Madison County Special Olympics Veterans can never receive enough thanks By Chris Bridges “We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.” As Veteran's Day arrives again, I find it hard to express just how thankful I am for every American who has ever worn the unifomi of our armed forc es. These brave men and women are the truest of heroes, never asking for praise, but certainly worthy of any they receive. It’s as true now as it ever was. It seems for more years than I can even recall off the top of my head, our nation has been involved in some conflict, some war. Bravely, these men and women answer the call when I can only imagine how difficult it must be to do. I know most feel it's their calling, a sense of patriotic duty, still it has to be hard. It has to be hard to say goodbye to family members, to friends, to homes and venture abroad unsure of the return date, if there is one. Yet, they do it every day. In our communities they answer the call. Young men and women, many of whom were in high school not that long ago, answer the call no matter how danger ous, how threatening or how long it may take. They do so for one reason: the greatest country on this planet. If you ask people, they'll tell you they are thankful for vet erans. They will tell you they appreciate all they’ve done. Yet, how many donate money, even a little, to veterans’ groups? How many write letters to their elected officials demanding bet ter benefits for our men and women once they call of duty is complete? How many wonder if wound ed veterans are getting the nec essary care they need, whether it be physical or mental? What do we do for those family mem bers who have had loved ones taken away from them or will not have a reunion at the air port? It doesn't take much to get people riled up these days. Republicans bash Democrats for being Democrats. It's same on the other side of the aisle as Democrats bash Republicans for, well, being Republicans. Madison County Board of Commissioners REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL Madison County Board of Commissioners is seeking “Request for Proposal” for Building Inspection Software. Sealed RFP’s will be accepted until 12:00 noon on December 11, 2009 in the Madison County Commissioners Office: 91 Albany Avenue, PO. Box 147 Danielsville, GA 30633. “Request for Proposal” should be marked “SEALED RFP”. For further information contact: Cheryl Jensrud at 706-795-6305. The Madison County Board of Commissioners reserves the right to reject any and all bids. There is debate about whether we should be in this war or whether this conflict is worth sacrificing American troops. For as vital it is to debate those things, we must never forget those on the front lines of these battles, day in and day out. Week in and week out. Month after month they serve, some times multiple tours of duty. Oh, we say we're thankful and some may even fly an American flag at their residence. Yet, how many really speak up on behalf of veterans? How many take their actions beyond talk and demand better treatment, better pay, better benefits, better care for those who have served? On this day in 2009, we honor those who have served. We salute them with our thanks and may even tell some how much we appreciate them. Yet, isn’t it time we did more? Isn’t it time to all came together across the political spectrum and demanded more from Washington when it comes to the brave men and women who serve and have served? I long for the day when thou sands turn out with signs filled with slogans demanding more for veterans. That’s a cause I think all Americans should get behind, regardless of political persuasion. Oh, how I long for that day. Chris Bridges is an editor with Mainstreet Newspapers. E-mail comments about this column to chris @mainstreetnews. com. The Physicians of Athens Cardiology Group, P.C. are pleased to announce the association of Jonathan R. Murrow, M.D. D Hamilton Magill, III, M. James S. Miller, M.D. Robert D. Sinyard, M.D. Thomas J. Murphy, M.D. Jared T. Griffis, M.D. David A Woodard, M.D. Parker C. Grow, M.D. i Photo by Terri Allen A native of Oconee County, Dr. Murrow trained at Harvard, Johns Hopkins and Emory University. He now specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of heart disease. 700 Oglethorpe Ave., Athens, Georgia 30606 706-546-8510 Founder’s Corner by Buhl Cummings VETERAN’S DAY...On Nov. 11, we observe Veteran’s Day across America. We honor all veterans of all wars, living and dead, who have stepped forward to help preserve America's freedom. My dad served in our pioneer Army Air Force in WW1. I had the honor of serving in the Navy in WW2. A good number of ACS grads are veterans and several are now serving, some in harm's way, in the Middle East. One recently received the Purple Heart for wounds received in Iraq. We like to feel that some of the character it takes to be a good soldier, airman, or sailor was developed here at ACS. ATHENS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL “Affordable Quality Education Since 1970” K3-12TH CALL (706) 549-7586 www.athenschristian.com HOLIDAY AD DEADLINE Classified and Display Ads 12 Noon, Friday, Nov. 20 for the Nov. 26 publication The Madison County Journal LORD &Qftteph 'ens FUNERAL HOMES MADISON CHAPEL 963 Hwy. 98 East • Danielsville, GA 30630 706-795-5116 EAST: 4355 Lexington Road Athens, GA 30605 (706) 546-1587 FAX (706) 548-7984 WEST: 1211 Jimmy Daniel Road Bogart, GA 30622 (706) 549-3342 FAX (706) 549-3499 OGLETHORPE CHAPEL: 503 Main Street Crawford, GA 30630 (706) 743-5030 FAX (706) 743-3994