Readers' Hotline 7/2/12

First things first
I’m calling concerning the headline about the localities opposing natural gas company’s plans. We sure don’t need the people of Grayson County operating their own gas pipeline. County officials pretty much can’t operate anything. We built a brand new school we didn’t even need and built it without a playground. Operating a gas pipeline is for people that have common sense. A gas pipeline is serious business. They need to learn how to run the county business before they try to start operating a gas pipeline.

Don’t be offended
I am proud of all the Christian people that are trying to stand on God’s word and stand up for it. The Bible plainly says we will be persecuted and that’s what’s happening and that’s a good thing. Homosexuality is wrong. It has always been wrong and will always be wrong. We should stand for what is right and stand for the truth and stand on God’s word. Don’t be offended when people call you bigots or fanatics. If there is anything we should be fanatic about in this day in time, it is Jesus Christ.

Ongoing debate
When is The Gazette going to stop publishing comments about homosexuality in the Bible? This subject can be debated for a lifetime. Who are we to judge? Remember, God is the judge. People do well if they mind their own business. People have too much time on their hands.
Editor’s note: Agreed. After this week, no more calls on the subject, please, unless there’s a new aspect of the issue to debate other than from a religious angle.

Fast and Furious
I would like to compare two government programs, one under Bush and one under Obama. Operation Wide Receiver under Bush tracked American gun sales to Mexican drug cartels. Arrests were actually made and our government was able to track what gangs had the guns and lead to the convictions of these gang members. Under Operation Fast and Furious with Obama, the government lost track of where guns went. No arrests have been reported, and ATF agent Brian Terry was killed in cold blood. Believed to be done here, to drum up support for a total ban on assault weapons. There is also documented evidence that Obama has met with Ronald Reagan advisor James Brady, who was shot years ago. This, folks, is an assault on the Second Amendment, plain and simple, by Obama and the Liberal Left.
Editor’s note: James Brady was press secretary to President Ronald Reagan and was left partially paralyzed when shot during a 1981 assassination attempt against the president. Brady became an ardent supporter of gun control. The White House released a photo in March of Brady shaking hands with President Obama while visiting the current press secretary.

Hire a lawyer
I’m trying to get custody of my kids from my ex-wife and I still owe quite a bit of back child support. Do I still have to pay it or will they just drop it if I get custody?

Anything they want
I have found out one thing. When you’ve got a bunch of Republicans running the state of Virginia, Appalachian Power Company gets anything they want. They get to raise rates anytime they want to and take every dime you’ve got.
Editor’s note: Rates increases for electricity in Virginia are determined by the independent State Corporation Commission, not by elected officials. The process is no different regardless of which party controls the legislative branch or the governor’s mansion.

Obstructed view
Drivers beware: To any drivers coming down Hebron Road, there is a house sitting far off the road but they have a huge boulder on the side of the road. They have painted it with maybe a house number on it. But, to the people that live in that area, I think it is a danger. Accidents could happen and plus it is an eyesore. I’m just trying to keep the Hebron Road safe and pleasant to drive down.

Too late
I am sure there is no doubt about Jerry Sandusky’s guilt. But one of the victims testified that when he was a kid and it was time to go to Sandusky’s house, he cried and said he didn’t want to go. Yet, he was made to go. A parent should have looked into this and seen what the problem was.
 
Nothing to complain about
Our seniors should get recognition. There is money out there for them. They do get Social Security and most places offer a discount. They should get this. People fuss about them not having money. But what about all of the younger people? The ones who are trying to get out there and make a life. Most seniors have no house payments. They have most of their stuff paid for while young people are still struggling, not getting a discount on anything and not receiving any help or anything with house payments, children, daycare, electric bills. We all have the same bills but most of them get more money. I work with people that work full time, draw Social Security, and fuss about not having money when they are getting more money than me and my husband's income combined. We have a house payment, daycare and everything. I just don’t understand what there is so much to complain about.

Thanks for nothing
I called a church in Hillsville about getting a box of food. They tell me they are going to bring it to my place because I am not able to go get it. Next thing you know, they bring you nothing. They have done this the last two times and if you ask me, this church is nothing but a bunch of hypocrites.

Variety, please
Galax needs to get good restaurants in here. I’m tired of going out of state or somewhere else to get something to eat.
Editor’s note: According to the “Places To Eat” listing in our Visitors Guide, there are 80 restaurants in Galax, Grayson County and Carroll County, serving a variety of foods.
 
Just don't speed
This is to the person who posted that the Hillsville bypass is a speed trap. Wouldn’t you think the bypass is only a speed trap if you are speeding? If you are not speeding, what do you care? And of course, they are going to make money. Don’t speed and it won’t be a speed trap. The officers have to do their job and if you are speeding, they are going to catch you. Do you get the point? Don’t speed. Go on the bypass. It’s a scenic drive. You don’t have to look at the old town of Hillsville.

A right to participate
This is in reference to “sore losers.” It’s not a case for sore losers. It’s about ability to lead. Also, a preacher resides in a place, be it a town and/or county. A preacher pays taxes. In other words, a preacher has every right to express his thoughts and opinions about politics and political candidates or people. What makes you afraid to let them voice their opinion?