Letters to the EditorThursday, July 3, 2008
Sumner quote This is a reply to the June 21 letter titled "Poor quote." There's no doubt that Sen. Sumner had a giant intellect that was overburdened with a midget amount of horse sense. Trying to stop Jim Bowie, Davy Crockett, Sam Houston and other Southern heroes from making Texas part of the United States reveals a lack of common sense. Further evidence of irrational thought is the unprovoked verbal attack on Sen. A.P. Butler of Edgefield. That lack of judgment resulted in a severe beating from a gold-headed walking cane swung by Butler's hot-tempered nephew, who was a congressman from Edgefield County, the hometown of political heavies Pitchfork Ben Tillman, Strom Thurmond, and several South Carolina governors. Right-thinking people know better than to talk ugly in public about Edgefield County folks or their kin. I agree with Ms. Tigner that a quote from one of our own common-sense country boys would have been more appropriate. FRED M. ROBINSON Voters remember Many Americans don't like the way Congress has gotten away from the Judaic/Christian principles on which the founding fathers based our laws. It is time to end most of the subsidies that cost the American taxpayers. Keep only the subsidies that are needed to help those unable to work. This would help supply the workers needed to help reduce the number of immigrants needed. The border should be closed to all immigrants unless they are coming here to work on a temporary basis or want to become American citizens. Before they are given the opportunity to become American citizens, they need to be required to know enough English to understand what our country stands for and be willing to adjust to our cultural practices. If Congress and judges don't enforce our laws, I hope that our governors and local law enforcement agencies will step up and enforce the laws already in existence and, if needed, make laws to protect citizens. Most of the voters will remember when they go to the polls in November who voted to support the global-warming theory espoused by Al Gore. I saw a sign when walking up the mountain to Ruby Falls outside of Helene, Ga., that stated there were no mountains there 500 million years ago. In putting down a well in Summerville, the driller brought up shark teeth at the 500-foot level. I wonder if Al would go on national television and explain how his global warming theory could cause these things to happen. It would be nice to have a cleaner environment but at a pace that would not produce an unbearable cost to the taxpayers. The taxpayers will remember those who supported the compromise on the subsidy to encourage farmers to grow more corn to make ethanol, which will increase our taxes, and the cost of gasoline, food and many other items. Many would like to "compromise" our tax system and support the fair tax plan. HOWARD HARTMANN Go back I am a Charleston native, born here in 1954. Both of my parents were born here, and on my mother's side, we have been here since before the Revolution, so I took it very personally when I read a letter to "Ask Elsa" in which the writer states, "We've just moved here and cannot believe how backward this place is." My thought to the letter writer is to go back, please go back. Go back from where you came as fast as you can. Having grown up in Charleston, I have seen my quality of life go down with the ever-increasing population, but I have always welcomed anyone who has chosen to live in our paradise. But to this person, I say you are not welcome if you think we are that backward. Why would you want to stay? How rude is it for a person to enter someone's home and tell them that they are backward? So get in your car, get on the interstate and hit the road. JOHN LEITCH Danger of tanning This letter is being written to express my opposition to the article about tanning beds by Bryce Donovan in the Preview section on June 19. I thought I would use this opportunity to remind your readers of some important statistics. According to the American Academy of Dermatology: -- There will be an estimated 116,500 new cases of melanoma diagnosed in the United States in 2008. -- Melanoma is the most common form of cancer in young adults 25-29 years old and the second most common cancer in adolescents and young adults 15-29 years old. -- More than 75 percent of all skin cancer deaths are from melanoma. -- One American dies from melanoma almost every hour (every 62 minutes). -- An estimated 8,420 people will die from melanoma in the United States in 2008. --The estimated total direct cost associated with the treatment of melanoma in 2004 was $291 million. --Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation is the most important preventable cause of all skin cancers, including melanoma. -- More than 1 million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year. -- Reviewing all available worldwide data — 19 international studies — a Working Group of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC, a branch of the World Health Organization) found a strong association between tanning bed use and melanoma risk. Although the dermatology community as a whole believes that all forms of tanning using ultraviolet light causes permanent skin damage, the FDA has set "safe" UV limits for tanning salons. The average salon patron in North Carolina was recently found to exceed FDA limits by 95 percent. With many cards stacked against the use of tanning beds, and with all The Post and Courier seems to publish on health news and information such as the improved school lunch program and the helpful information in the Tuesday Health Section, it seems odd to publish an article that makes light of an unhealthy practice. TODD SCHLESINGER, M.D. Call a friend Regarding the recent incidents of boaters running aground and running out of gas, etc., and the ensuing rescues by various law enforcement agencies: Where I come from, you call a friend to "rescue" you and hope the rest of the town doesn't find out. ALICIA HORRY LELAND Nice to help Thank you, Deputy Sheriff R.B. Craver, Constable Cheri Hubert and Deputy Bates of the Charleston County Sheriff's Office. You were so nice to come out and watch over the young heron that was lost and could not find its way back to the water. You kept watch over him in the hot sun for two hours or more until Deputy Bates was able to come and rescue him. I really appreciate what you did. BETTY SHANNON Bring back GMLC Just returning from a glorious two-week "garden tour" in southwest England, we couldn't wait for our civilized morning newspaper with our "house coffee" and our favorite GMLc. Elsa McDowell just delivered the obit and we are devastated. Bravo to you, anonymous GMLc, your wonderful talents will be sorely missed. You are the finest since Ashley Cooper and added the "joie de vivre" in our hallowed Lowcountry for The Post and Courier. I do hope the powers that be will correct their poor judgment and that your admiring public will see you soon, revived and refreshed from a well-paid sabbatical. RHODA K. BUTLER |
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