Thursday, Nov. 05, 2009

Letters to the editor

Response

HOAs don't have racial role

I am very disappointed to read Patricia Buck's Oct. 19 letter concerning homeowners associations. To suggest that HOAs exist "to keep black people out of predominately white communities" shows her ignorance and raises again the deplorable practice of using the race card.

The "race card" has been a travesty of justice, most notably in the first O.J. Simpson trial in Los Angeles. Fortunately that tactic didn't work in Nevada, and the good judge and jury put him where he belongs. I find prejudice and discrimination deplorable, not to mention, in the case of discrimination, a violation of federal laws in most cases. I find it equally deplorable to attribute a circumstance to race, sex, ethnicity, or something else when those are not factors.

HOAs exist simply to enforce pre-existing covenants and restrictions. They have no control over who buys property in their jurisdictions (also a federal law).

Ted Van Weeren

Longs

Bridging divide

What I can do for my church, country

I am worried about my church and my country.

Both seem more divided than united these days.

Both point fingers more than hold out hands and their divisions reflect weakness rather than strength.

A church is meant to reflect the love of Christ and that all are welcome. A country is meant to draw together different viewpoints into a common union, and all are welcome as well.

What can I do as a Christian and as a citizen: Stand up; speak up; shut up; get involved; be and do my best.

God forgives sins. My country accepts me. Both are where I can do a lot to be a better citizen and Christian. I owe it to my church and my country.

Alan Houghton

Pawleys Island

safety

Carry ID at all times in case of mishap

A reminder to joggers, bikers, cyclists and walkers, etc.: A friend lost her son, age 38, father of two young boys, while jogging due to a car mishap. It took hours to identify him at the accident site and the trauma center because he had no identification with him. Authorities were unable to reach the family until after discovering an abandoned car.

I encourage each of you to carry some ID with you when you are out of your home, no matter where you go, or what you do.

Lorelle Frushour

Murrells Inlet