Houston times-journal. (Perry, Ga.) 1994-1999, August 31, 1994, Page Page 4A, Image 4

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Page 4A Wednesday, August 31,1994, Houston Times-Journa Houston Times-Journal P.O. Drawer M • 807 Carroll Street • Perry, Ga. 31069 Phone: (912) 987-1823 Th« Houston Timoo-Journai (USPS 000471) to published semi-weekly tor SIO.OO por yoor by Houston Publications. Inc., SO7 Carroll Street, Parry, Ga. 3106».Sacond Claaa Postage paid at Parry, Ga.,POSTMASTER: Sand addrass changes to the Houston Times Journal, P.O. Drawer M.ParryGs. 31060. ISSN:IO7S-tB7« Bob Tribble Daniel F. Evans Julie B. Evans Mitch Tribble President Vice-President Treasurer Secretary Jim Kerce Editor and General Manager Eddie Byrd Advertising Manager News: Jimmy Simpson, Pauline Lewis Sports: Veto Roley Composition: Melanie Bullington Classified Advertising: Melanie Bullington Bookkeeping: Judy Morrow Your Opinion 'Dixie' letter truly appalling Dear Editor: I’m still fuming everytime I think about the letter written by Dr. Locke in regards to the Dixie Demon band and the song “Dixie”. I grew up in Warner Robins and attended school there during the 50’s and 60’s. Our band was named the Dixie Demon band and we played the song “Dixie” with a lot of pride. I consider being from the south and loving the song “Dixie” as part of my heritage and I feel very strongly that Dr. Locke should respect that there is somebody else in this world that has rights. I don’t have any problem with Dr. Locke and all his group getting them a flag and I promise you that I will not say a word and will respect their rights as free persons to do whatever they wish to do. However, when they start infringing upon my rights then I think they are dead wrong. I feel very strongly that the black leadership needs to set an example for their race and quit this finger pointing and complaining about every little thing that happens. What they are doing is dividing the races and the race relations today are a lot worse than they were back in the 50’s and 60’s because of this reason. Blacks have enough to worry about with the unemployment issues and the 75 percent illegitimacy rate to work for the next hundred years to solve those problems. I do have a strong recommendation for Dr. Locke, if you don’t like the Dixie Demon band and the song “Dixie”, I strongly suggest that you go north. 1 will be happy to help you pack and will pay the cost of transportation to get you back up where you probably belong. If everyone would spend their time in trying to get along and respecting each other’s rights, we would probably have a better world in which to live. I have a lot of non-white friends and I respect their rights and all I am asking is that they respect my rights. Thanks, Steven V. Wiley City worker restored faith Editor: On Friday of last week, a man by the name of Reginald Norwood found and returned my billfold containing SBS in cash. He is a employee of the City of Perry. His honesty has helped restore my faith in mankind. In this modern-day time of "dog eat dog" it is so refreshing to find a good, honest man such as Reginald Norwood. When my wife asks him to what he attributes his honesty, he replied that he "was brought up right..." Since my wife knows his mother, Marjorie Norwood, I also went to thank her. The Bible verse that says "Bring up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it" was certainly demonstrated here. Thank you again from my heart. Emory Wilson Perry Hospital appreciated Dear Editor: On Friday, August 19, 1994, my mother had what was later diagnosed as an inferior heart attack. After calling 911 the paramedics were on the scene within minutes. They were magnificant. Upon arrival at the Perry Hospital Emergency Room, the staff was excellent. These people were very professional, yet so very caring. The emergency room receptionist, Judy, was superb. This women was fantastic. She was so very loving, a very special thank you Judy for all the words of encouragement. After the emergency room, my mother was moved to ICU. The entire staff was nothing less than splendid. Dr. Palmer was her doctor and needless to say she couldn’t have had a better doctor. A very special heart warming thank you to Dr. Palmer, the paramedics, the entire emergency room staff, the ICU staff and, of course, the Dietary staff. May God nicely bless each of you. Thanks, The Mary Lester Family Keep up the improvements Jim: I wanted to drop you a note and say “Welcome Back” to the Journal. I’ve noticed improvements in each edition since your return. Keep up the tradition of producing one of the best weeklies in the state for our community. Janet McElmurray Perry It's time to back campaign Dear Editor: I am impressed with die outcome and election of J. B. “Jim” Carter as Republican candidate for Houston County Commissioner, Post 2. I, for one, fully support his efforts. I’ve seen Jim and his family going from house to house, installing stakes for signs, and performing many other tasks with just a few dedicated supporters. Jim has paid his way with very limited donations (less than $50.00). I think it is time for us, the citizens of Houston County, to lend Jim a helping hand, either in the form of financial contribition or just plain going out and helping him knock on doors. Let’s ensure that we elect a county commissioner this November who comes with no strings attached. If you want to help Jim, call me at 987-7185 or Jim, at 987-4801. Thank you for your forthcoming response. Ron Howard Perry THE PBMWT 6AUEUT ,J. I. 1" l'~ f WHAT'S THE Bl<sG£St'\ / ABOUT 83 MILLION) DIFFERENCE BETWEEN I ( DOLLARS. J Racism making unwelcome visit to society in times of confusion One of the most disturbing problems in America today is racism. While many feel the need to express their opinions, others merely sit back and just observe, wondering all the while when this ugly problem in society is going to end. Well, I just wanted to let the public know when that problem will be remedied- never. I was never brought up to be prejudiced. I bad friends, both black and white in color, and never experienced the kinds of problems this world is going through today. It's almost like a certain segment of people are adding "fuel to the fire" with every passing day. There're schools that are being burned to the ground, there's a vindictive person declaring that one certain segment of our population in a southwest Georgia town was being discriminated against after recent flooding, and there's even a group saying that they won't patronize certain businesses if they're flying the Georgia state flag. I've never been a supporter of the NAACP or the KKK. I believe the two groups serve the same purpose: represent your respective group the best that you can. But if burning crosses on an individual’s lawn or screaming that someone didn't get "this or that" because they were black is the one thing to remember if a member in these groups, then I would rather have amnesia. The fact that a white principal told his student body that if a mixed couple was planning to visit a school prom then the event would be cancelled is a reason for concern. But while I, personally, may not agree with certain issues, such as gays or interracial marriages, I certainly don't go around telling others what their views should be. And I certainly wouldn't go bum down a school because of the statement. I'll be one of the first persons to admit, the principal was wrong. But what possibly could burning down a school building solve. The man still receives a paycheck, is still eligible for retirement and is still capable of saying what's on his mind. What did this senseless act prove? It proved that those responsible are still learning what racism is all about in the 1990'5. Another perfect example of true racism is the Rev. Jesse Jackson. I've never known any person with "Rev." in front of his name to act like he does and then refer to himself as a Christian man. God taught us all, black or white, to love one another. This man, however, either forgot that message, or conveniently chose to ignore it. (The following article is from the archives of the Houston Times-Journal composed by Pauline Lewis) 50 Years ago ♦STATE ELECTION. Only 139 votes were cast in Houston County in the State Democratic Primary election held Tuesday. There was opposition in only one race, that of U. S. Senator. Senator George received 121 to 18 for his opponent, Goolsby. ♦Lt. Grant Honored by Kiwanis Club. Lt Dan L. Grant of Perry, bomber pilot of the Eighth U. S. Air Force, was the honored guest of the Perry Kiwanis club Tuesday at its luncheon meeeting. Lt Grant, a member of the 390th Bomber Group, has been on 33 bombing missions over fortress Europe. He is spending a 30-day furlough with his foster-parents, Dr. and Mrs. H. P. Dobbins. ♦Richard Ogletree, president of the local F. F. A. chapter, was elected first vice-president of the Georgia Association of Future Farmers at the State F. F. A. convention held at Lake Jackson last week. (He has won many other titles.) Local delegates to the State Convention were Richard Ogletree and John Teal Lewis, secretary of the Perry Chapter A Glance Back 25 years ago ♦H. A. Hutcherson, principal of Perry High School, has announced that 11 new teachers have been assigned to the high school for the school term 1969-70. ♦Quality Motel will add 16 units. ♦Five directors named by Chamber members. Elected to serve 3-year terms were; J. Y. Green, New Perry Hotel and Motel; G. Francis Nunn, George C. Nunn & Sons; Joe Poole, Qwik Stop Food Shop; James B. Stubbs, First National Bank of Perry; and W. K. Whipple of Whipple and Parkinaon Insurance. ♦Thirty-eight Pink Ladies receive caps here The first capping of the Perry Houston Auxiliary was held Tuesday, Aug. 2 6 in a beautiful and inspiring candlelight ceremony at the Agriculture Building. Of the original 57 at the time of the Hospital opening, 3 8 received caps at this time for completing 50 hours of volunteer work. Austin Click, hospital administrator, recognized Carmen Smyth, president of the Perry Auxiliary, and special guest Houser Gilbert, chairman of the Hospital Authority, as “Mr. Hospital”. Carmen Smyth paid tribute to the Idaka Club and Janice Walker, as president , for sponsoring the Auxiliary for the new hospital, and to the families of ~0 Jimmy L ill frrl What does Mr. Jackson gain by "passing through" Albany, Ga. and creating havoc. The man has probably never even cared to step foot in that city before. But then again, how could anyone resist the urge to get into the spotlight? Jesse "Mr. Create Problems" Jackson certainly can't. Then there's the issue with a flag that's been flying over the state capitol for more than a quarter of a century. No one ever said a word. Enter Gov. Zell Miller- and his "tricks" to get re-elected to that position. Just goes to show that some people will do anything to get what they want. Just where were all of these people when the flag went up years ago, the same ones that are so hastily jumping on the "burn the flag" bandwagon. And just when you think it's getting back to normal... there's the issue concerning a high school band playing "Dixie” at football games on Friday nights. Seems some doctor in Warner Robins thinks the song is too discriminatory. Come on, it's only been played three thousand times. Where were you years ago when things were "normal" in society. My friends, wake up. In a day and age when we are supposed to be teaching our children to avoid discrimination, we’re teaching them just the opposite - "Do whatever you can to get what you want" Morals are declining, childbirth is on the rise, and violence is at an all-time high. We have kids killing kids, mere children becoming parents, and drug dealers brainwashing our future generation. Don't people honestly think that we have enough problems to solve in this wide world without screaming "discrimination?!" Take a look around. Do you know any of these people, the ones who would fit into this category of greed, deception and racial chaos? It's time to wake up. It's time to produce friends, make amends and quit this ridiculous game of disarray in society. If we don't, we're a ticking time bomb about to explode. each of the Pink Ladies. 10 years ago ♦Councilmen, blacks in support of federal voting-plan approval. ♦Jack Steed, marketing manager for Ist National Bank of Houston County, named United Way Chairman ♦Rev. Ford Wilson steps down from Second Memorial Baptist Church pulpit after six years. ♦The Perry area Ministerial Association sponsored the annual PraiSing Sunday evening at First Baptist Church. Nine churches participated. More than 100 choir members joined together for the musical presentation. Larry Wood, director of music at First Baptist, was in charge of the evening’s program. The Rev. Tom Arledge is president of the Ministerial' Association. The appreciative audience of 900 plus filled the sanctuary and overflowed to the church grounds. 5 years ♦Dr. Felix Smith, Sr. was guest speaker at the General Daniel Stewart Chapter, DAR meeting, Sept. 13, profiling his ancestor, Abraham Baldwin. ♦The Bank of Perry celebrated its centennial. First known as Perry Savings & Loan, it was officially . begun by a regulation adopted by the Mayor and City Council on July 1, 1989. Staff Writer I L =Z——J And Daniel prayed... When Daniel looked around him, he saw few things but his enemies. Daniel, one of top leaders of his nation, had aroused the suspicions and the jealousy of his fellow gov ernors. Everywhere he turned were people who were looking to get him killed. One day they went to the king, and they persuaded the king to issue a decree. The decree called for any one who prayed to any other god or person except the king for a period of 30 days to be thrown into a lion's den. Daniel was a very religious man. He prayed often, and his enemies thought that they had him trapped. They stood near his dwelling, watching to see what Daniel would do. "When Daniel learned that this decree had been issued, he went into his house. He had had windows made in his roofehamber looking towards Jerusalem; and there he knelt down three times a day and of fered prayers and praises to his God as his custom had always been. His enemies watched for an opportunity to catch Daniel and found him at his prayers making supplication to his God." (Daniel 6:10-11 NEB) And Daniel prayed. I am always amazed at the peo ple who fight the school prayer bat tle, a battle that is ongoing in Georgia, where an Atlanta-area school teacher was recendy fired for refusing to have a moment of si lence in his classroom. First, I am not a proponent of organized school prayer. One reason for my disagreement with school prayer is the question of who writes the prayers that will be used in the schools. A Muslim, and Islam is fast becoming one of the major religions in America, would no more like my conserva tive Christianity foisted on him than I would like his Islam foisted on me. While in Houston County, the prayers would be of a "Christian" nature, could we say the same thing about certain areas of Detroit, or Atlanta? Most supporters of prayer in public schools automatically as sume that the prayers in question will be "Christian;" but, would not the majority decide which flavor they would hold? Rest assured, there would be many schools searching for the eastern side of the building. But, the main reason that I dis agree with prayer in the public schools is that such prayers have to say nothing. The prayers must be chosen from a few platitudes, with the idea of not offending anyone. The words must be chosen very wisely, for the prayer that meets with glowing praise from the Baptists will be quickly condemned by the Methodists. The prayers that meets approval from the United Church of Christ will meet with swift disapproval from the Church of Christ. "In your prayers do not go bab bling on like the heathen," said Jesus on the mountain. The words of a state sanctioned prayer would say little and mean even less, and prayer should never be so. Of course, those who oppose prayer in school also miss the point. It is possible to bum my Bible; it is possible to nail the doors to my church close; it is even possible to make sure that I do not commu nicate my faith with another be liever or non-believer through word or song; but, it is impossible to stop my prayers. Prayer is my deep conversation with my God. I do not have to voice my prayer for my God to hear. "But when you pray, go into a room by yourself, shut the door, and pray to your Father who is there in the secret place." The person who thinks that he can stop a believer's prayer to his God thinks a fable beyond the fur thest reaches of illogic. Only a be liever can stop his communion with God, only a believer, by not praying, can end the conversation. And, that is what Daniel proved centuries ago in the great kingdom of Persia. For when nothing was going right in his life, Daniel, in the quietness of his room, would pray to his God three times a day. No man, no task, no law, no will could stop Daniel from praying. And Daniel prayed.