Open Forum

Cut other jobs

Dear Editor,

An open letter to the McCook Board of Education:

Please read carefully the ... Open Forum letter to the McCook Daily Gazette on Aug. 28, 2003, from Sheila Berls.

It would appear to me that she has very good first-hand knowledge as to why the art program here in McCook should continue as before, not be allowed to die a slow death because of you not funding this program.

There appears to be no thought whatsoever to cut out or decrease the number of coaches in the high school football program. There are about as many coaches here as there are in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. I'm sure these coaches here do not work for free.

I also feel like there should be a lot of thought given to reducing the higher-paid positions in our school system.

The athletic director's job should be done by the head coach of the individual sport involved.

Why can't the superintendent and businesses manager (jobs) be done by the superintendent?

There are also principals and vice principals everywhere; why in the world can't there be a lot less of them?

Please give this letter some very serious thought so the students can get a well-rounded quality education and we taxpayers pay less by doing some of the things I have suggested.

Respectfully yours,

Joseph W. Knight

McCook

Evolution dead

Dear Editor,

Evolution is dead. The author of evolution is dead. If you have been gambling your eternity on evolution, you have crapped out. Recent scientific findings reveal that the "simple" single cell is not so simple. In fact, the theory of a big bang creating the universe is likened to an explosion in a wrecking yard creating a new Lincoln. Fifty billion explosions will not even create a go cart.

Everyone, sooner or later, becomes a believer in Jesus Christ, the name above all names. One split-second after your heart beats its last time (life is in the blood) you will become a true believer, if you're not already.

Even Satan believes, and he trembles. Rebirth is actually very simple. If you can honestly speak these words out of your mouth, you will be instantly reborn: 1. I am a sinner. 2. I want to be forgiven, Father God, please forgive me. 3. I believe Jesus died on the cross for me and rose again. 4. I am willing to surrender my life to Jesus ("surrender" means "Jesus, the devil is a liar; I don't want to follow Satan anymore, I want to follow you instead. Jesus, you are right, I am wrong.") 5. Jesus, I invite you into my heart and into my life. Nobody is guaranteed tomorrow. All of us are on our deathbeds, so to speak. Jesus will change your heart. The false gods that you love and tithe to will fade and you will begin to love Jesus more every day. As you pray, read the Bible, and He shows you your church, you will recognize His voice speaking to your heart. his voice is beautiful. God wants His children to prosper. There is nothing wrong with having nice things, as long as nice things don't have you. (The Love of money is the root of all evil). God's yoke is easy and His burden is light. Jesus will show you what "peace of mind" is. Jesus will show you freedom, no matter what your circumstances. God creates miracles. Do you want to see a miracle? Look me in the eyes, you will see one of God's miracles!

Sincerely,

George R. Anderson

McCook

Military update

Dear Editor,

It is hard to explain the kindness that has been shown from the giving to the soldiers through the Military Shower! The soldiers are so tickled that they have gotten packages.

When Jarod called Monday, he told his mother "When I was walking back from mail call, a soldier that I don't even know came up to me and teasingly asked if there was a box for him?  Jarod tossed him a box and he was so excited!"

Tongay asked how the Adopt a Soldier was coming along, Jarod's reply was "There is not a shortage of those who want to be adopted!"

There are around 15,000 soldiers at this camp, so submit your name and address and adopt a soldier!

We are still sending off packages, there have been 28 boxes sent and 467 pounds mailed to Kuwait.

You may still leave your donations at Budke Motors, McCook, Budke Power Sports North Platte or Scott's Grocery, Hayes Center. We have also receive $520 which have purchases hemorrhoid cushions, eye drops, instant ice packs and food items.  We will do the shopping for you if you'd like.

To adopt a soldier, leave your name at one of the businesses or mail to Char Hamilton HC 62 Box 39 Hayes Center, NE 69032 (308) 286-3388 for more information.

Charlynn (Budke)

Hamilton

Hayes Center

EDITOR'S NOTE -- Suggested donations include hard candy, dried fruit mixes, granola bars, trail mixes, crackers, crackers and cheese, beef jerky, sunflower seeds, gum, power bars, individually wrapped cookies, small cereal boxes, single serving chips or a big bagged repackaged into ziplock baggies, and little Debbie snacks. Please, no chocolate because it melts in 130 degrees. Sugar-Free Kool-Aid, powdered Gatorade, tea bags, and coffee bags are welcome. The soldiers request that these are individual servings or the smallest servings possible as it is easier for them to mix up, they pour into 1 liter bottles of water. Consumable toiletry items or personal care items that are needed are: lip balm, Sunblock, Clorox wipes /hand wipes, hand Sanitizer, razors, shaving cream, foot powder, shampoo, conditioner, after shave, lotion, soap, body wash, mouth wash, deodorant, laundry detergent, eye drops, big fluffy towels, dental floss, and toothpaste.

They have plenty of toothbrushes. The soldiers request that these are in the smallest containers possible.

Other items that could be used are disposable cameras, writing utensils, tablets, envelopes and, paperback books (used ones are fine). Please put a heavy rubber band around these because the heat melts the glue. Only 3 soldiers get to read one book before it falls apart because of the heat. Magazines (used fine too), phone cards, foam balls (Nerf type, football, etc.), gel insoles, odor eaters, AA batteries, stress balls, and hand held games are also welcome.

Do not send pork or pork by-products, fruits, alcohol, chocolate, or anything else that would melt in 100 degree plus weather (like gummy worms).

If you would like to adopt a soldier, include your name and address. indicate if you would like to adopt a male or female, and a soldier who would like to be adopted will get your package and hopefully write back to you.

If you would like to donate cash for items to be purchased, mail the cash and what you would like purchased to the address above.