Saturday, Nov. 07, 2009

Letters to the editor

Gilland's actions

Council leader sets poor example

Horry County Council Chairwoman Liz Gilland appears to be above the law. I find it appalling that she is allowed to proceed as an elected official without paying the consequences for her actions. To further make my case I am 71 years old, a resident of Garden City and never had a traffic ticket. On a clear sunny day, April 27, 2008, I was issued my first ticket (for speeding 52 mph in a 35 mph zone) with a fine of $180 (which I paid) and four points off my driver's license. I paid for my actions.

I only expect that Ms. Gilland be charged and treated as any other Horry County resident.

How can our children and grandchildren learn to respect the law and expect there are consequences for their actions with our public officials acting irresponsible?

Luther Tilghman

Garden City Beach

Arts festival

Thanks for generous support

Thanks for helping - to the many people who supported the annual Arts and Craft Festival held at Precious Blood of Christ Catholic Church by the Women's Club.

We want to thank all the people who came out to browse and to shop at the festival, and the vendors who displayed and sold their art work and their craft items.

The donors and sponsors who assisted us in putting on our festival helped make the event possible. Their contributions along with proceeds from the various booths will help us to provide many services through our club to the larger community.

Many people in the parish and throughout the community helped out, promoted the event and came by to enjoy the food, baked goods, and many arts and craft items and gently used books.

The support of all these kind people helps make it possible for the Women's Club to reach out beyond ourselves to serve others throughout the community.

For all that you did in helping us by promoting our event, we are most appreciative.

For the ladies - and their men - who helped set up, serve and clean up afterwards, we are thankful.

All of the support helps financially and lifts our spirits so we in turn can serve others.

Thank you to all who lent a hand in any way.

Ruthann O. Howard

Georgetown

The writer is publicity co-chairwoman.

awards

More appreciation needed

In reference to Jamie Sanderson, I worked in the Georgetown County school system, in the cafeteria, for over twelve years. I retired from Waccamaw High cafeteria. I agree 100 percent with support awards for all workers. I was always surprised when they gave me a plaque, or an award. I received so many, and yes, it made me feel proud and happy and I loved every minute of it. They certainly could show more appreciation for all workers. The way the children are today, they have their hands full. So let's all listen to Jamie Sanderson and let's all write or call our congressman about H.R. 2377.

Barbara Newman

Murrells Inlet

Stimulus funds

Incompetence rules at state level

The state of South Carolina just broke the tie for the state in which elected officials have no regard for its electorate. We were tied with Alaska in that we both had governors who did not think that the people who elected them were entitled to any of the stimulus package. On Friday, emergency unemployment benefits affecting 6,900 residents were terminated because our current administration did not do the paperwork that was required. At a time when people are losing their homes and being forced into bankruptcies, this is totally unacceptable. The Federal government is trying to help people, but unfortunately has to go through the state government to do it.

James Rome

Longs

EARTH'S DOWNFALL

Pollution continues to destroy planet

Our planet is being destroyed by pollution. The world as I knew it for 70 years is not the same. It has changed drastically in the wrong direction. The beauty of our own country described in songs no longer exists. It is so sad to know our future children will never know how beautiful and healthy the environment was and how many different animals and plants they will never see.

Carol Maghakian

Myrtle Beach

Traffic light pain

Poor planning means more signals

I have never been fond of traffic lights, as they are a result of poor urban planning. When you combine poor planning with un-synchronized traffic signals, chaos and rage will follow. In well-managed areas, lights are timed to allow traffic to flow smoothly, eliminating the need for five-minute waits in 90-foot turn lanes. With poor planning, drivers are forced to travel a short distance from one red light to another. This causes traffic backed up from one light to block traffic back at the previous light. Sound familiar? If I didn't know better, I would think that area motorists are intentionally made to stop, sit and wait at each and every light, needlessly wasting thousands of gallons of fuel. Perhaps fuel distributors are nice campaign contributors. It might take a bit of effort on the part of the DOT and other agencies to correct this problem, but saved time and tempers, along with fewer accidents, injuries and deaths are certainly worth it.

John N. Stillwell

Myrtle Beach

Sen. Graham

Senator has done well by S.C.

I would hope that the electorate of South Carolina recognizes the abilities and accomplishments of our senior senator and returns him to the Senate in the next election.

Lindsey Graham demonstrated his considerable abilities in the confirmation hearings of justices Roberts and Alito and in his efforts at immigration reform as well as his knowledge and acumen in military affairs. His recognition that governing in a republic such as ours requires compromise as a necessary ingredient rather than the attitude of the current administration which fails to realize that 46 percent of the people voted for the opposition and their opinions should and must be considered in any legislative initiative.

Our state is lucky to have such an outstanding individual in this position rather than an ideologue who doesn't recognize that there are valid opinions other than their own that should be considered.

L F Leonard

Longs

Cell phone use

Stop talking on phone while driving

Well, you've done it again. Another close call because of cell phone use in a car. How many people have to be injured or killed before a law is passed to prevent this? What is the holdup? People of my age made it through the years without having to talk on a cell phone or text while driving a car. If it was so important we pulled over and used a public phone somewhere. What in life is so critical that it can't wait to take the time to get to a land line? Nothing! Think about it. Cell phones are wonderful technology, but not while operating a vehicle. Those who do are risking my life and others and I want it stopped. And now, not later, while politicians sit on their hands and stew over it. Consider the lives you will save. You had the courage to pass helmet laws, do you have the courage to do the same with cell phones?

Lou Ellis

Myrtle Beach