Letters 03/28/12

Cut the grass and the budget

    Well, it’s that time of year again; time for the highway department to cut the grass on the roadsides. I’ve seen several already. You probably have too. A guy on a tractor with one of those mechanical arms hooked to it and on the end of the arm is the mowing/cutting unit.
    What bothers me is his two assistants. I usually see two big state-owned dump trunks with those large bumper car thingys attached to the back of each; lots of flashing lights and arrows. One is following about 200 feet behind the mower and the other is about the same distance from the first truck. They slowly follow the mower as he cuts the grass.
    My question is, are they necessary? I do agree that some protection is necessary. But it seems to me that having two gas-guzzling trucks doing this is a waste of tax payer money. Can’t they come up with a less expensive and equally safe alternative?

David Goode
Bedford

The Bedford Five lose at their own game
 
    A month ago five of the seven Bedford Supervisors—three of whom had been in office only weeks—forced the resignation of County Administrator Kathleen Guzi, an experienced and competent leader.
    They offered no justification for their new-found wisdom, leaving only “personal differences” as the basis for their action.  Just a little wiser than any one of the five, Ms. Guzi negotiated a severance package worth well over $100,000.
    Meanwhile, supervisors of neighboring Botetourt County—apparently a pretty savvy bunch—witnessed  the shenanigans going on just up the road and see in Ms. Guzi a golden opportunity to replace their retiring County Administrator.  Again the negotiator, Ms. Guzi lands the same job just down the road in a county with half the population and with a nice salary increase.
    The game has played out.  Botetourt County Supervisors and Ms. Guzi win handily.  The Bedford Five lose  big time at their own game. 
    What game will they play next?  Perhaps citizen-funded health insurance for one of their own?

Brody Franklin
Huddleston

Grateful for Company A

    As an Englishman - now in my 70s - may I say  I have recently read a copy of “The Bedford Boys” by Alex Kershaw.
    I wish to convey how moved I was by the accounts of the horrific events of Company A of the 29th Division’s landing on Omaha Beach on D-day 1944. Their stories are as vivid now as 68-years ago. To all who took part and did not return and those at home. I salute you all for your courage and sacrifices - God Bless America !

A.Marshall
North Shilds, England (UK )

Appalled by
rhetoric

    The most recent letter by Mr. Russell again gives light to the types of messages that we should be leery of when it comes to the concepts of state and country.
    As a liberal, a Democrat, and a believer in Christ and his message, I am appalled at the rhetoric Mr. Russell believes is Christianity. This should be seen as a PSA to all Republicans out there who read Mr. Russell and see him as a mouthpiece.
    First and foremost, the most devout Christian president of our nation was Jimmy Carter, and he is a Democrat, and although many disagree with how he handled the nation, no one can discredit his devout faith in God and Jesus Christ as they led his charge for Human Rights and other decisions while he was in office.
    To continue with this one needs to look at the central message of Mr. Russell’s so called “Christian” warning. Jesus Christ exclaimed to love they neighbor as thyself …  as Mr. Russell rails against homosexuals, Democrats, and atheists he fails to see the message of his Savior which was and is love.
    Secularism is not an atheist ideal in the slightest. … The third U.S. President suggested the initial separation of Church morality leading the state. Mr. Russell believes Christian morality should lead our country … this is in fact the definition of theocracy. Governmental decisions being led by religion is Theocracy.
    The Savior I have come to know has taught me to love all and work to help all because we are all brothers and sisters under God’s love. I believe it was Jesus who stated he who is without sin may cast the first stone.
    While Mr. Russell sits in the position of the Pharisee, it is evident he forgot to read the Bible and understand Jesus associated with the lowest common denominator of his time period and not those spouting about who God hates and condemns. Separation of Church and State and love of thy neighbor are what this country needs … not someone who spouts hate and bigotry as the message of my Lord and savior!

Daniel Rezai
Forest

With appreciation
 
    The Montvale Rescue Squad would like to extend their sincere appreciation to your readers for the super turnout and support for the St Patricks day Pancake Breakfast— a great time and super tasty food.
    We will be advertising soon for a “Womanless Beauty Pageant” which will be a “don`t-miss” show with about 25 VIP`s from our community  taking part in this hillarious contest.
    Watch this space.
 
Colin McRoberts
Montvale Rescue Squad

Preventative screenings
available

    With health care reform being reviewed by the Supreme Court and a presidential election this fall, the Bedford Parish Nurse Ministry wants to make all seniors aware of new and existing preventative screenings that are available under Medicare this year. Some were not available last year. And since we don’t know who will be President next year there is no guarantee they will all be there next year.
     We encourage all Medicare recipients to take advantage of these free preventative screenings.
     2012 Free Preventative Screenings covered by Medicare:  Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening, Bone Mass Measure-ment, Cardiovascular Screenings, Colorectal Cancer Screenings  (certain alternative tests you still pay for), Diabetes Screenings, Flu shots, Pneumococcal Shot, Hepatitis B shots, HIV Screening, Mammograms, Medical Nutrition Therapy, Pap tests and Pelvic exams, Welcome to Medicare Exam, Annual Wellness Exam, Smoking Cessation (counseling).
    We suggest you cut this list out, take it to your next doctor visit, and see which of these your family doctor recommends you take.
    If we can be of further help, please call Parish Nurse Pam Willoughby at 540-875-8655.

Rev. Geoff Hubbard, Chair
Board of Directors
Bedford Parish Nurse Ministry