Little River Canyon great for outings
Your readers may be interested to know that we have a wonderful resource in our area. The Little River Canyon, near Fort Payne, Ala., is a great place for families and groups to take kids for a practical educational experience.
Although it is not known exactly when this geological resource was formed, it is possible that it was scooped out during the flood of Noah about 4,500 years ago and certainly during a major event in the aftermath of that catastrophe. According to the Bible in the book of Genesis and other references, God sent the worldwide flood to judge the sinfulness of man.
Observing the pristine waters of Little River reminds us of our responsibility to be stewards of the creation God has given us. The book of Genesis tells us to exercise dominion (stewardship) over the earth and all other created things.
A visit to the Little River Canyon will help dispel the atheistic nonsense being crammed into our children’s heads by the elites of the evolutionary secular humanists dominating the educational establishment and the media.
So, please encourage your readers to visit the Little River Canyon with the Creator in mind.
– PHILIP W.
HAYMAKER SR.
Hixson
Author needs course in Islam
With respect to the Free Press editorial of Wednesday, Nov. 3, at the bottom of the right hand page, entitled “Horrifying al-Qaida cruelty,” the author writes: “We cannot imagine what would motivate such brutality.”
Really! Obviously the author has not educated him or herself about the religion of Islam, the Muslim way of life, and Sharia law.
The Prophet Allah, through the Quran, teaches Muslims that this type of behavior is not only condoned but expected. I suggest the author start his or her education by reading “They Must Be Stopped” by Brigitte Gabriel to understand why the Islamic society is so savagely mean to women, and why the American viewpoint will never win against the Muslim/Sharia way of thinking.
The people of Oklahoma have gotten it enough to have voted on Nov. 2 that Islamic Sharia law can never be used in Oklahoma.
Before the author of the editorial writes again about an Islamic related topic I strongly suggest he learn about Islamic life and law so as not to appear stupid again.
The American population of Muslims is growing rapidly, now estimated to be between 2.5 million and 7 million. Our city’s newspaper needs to understand Islam well.
– ROGER W. CATLIN,
M.D.
Educators – the unsung heros
During these uncertain economic times America’s colleges and schools of pharmacy continue to be a significant source of economic stimulation in their local communities, states and regions. The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, College of Pharmacy (UTHSC COP) is no exception.
Faculty and students at UTHSC COP campuses in Memphis and Knoxville and the clinical education centers in Nashville, Chattanooga, and Kingsport have performed a variety of community service projects. These include medication collection and disposal, immunizations, hypertension screenings, and medication education. The UTHSC COP demonstrates significant value to our state and region with an economic impact that exceeds $50 million each year while supporting more than 600 jobs.
In honor of American Pharmacy Educator Week – Oct. 24-30 – I urge all citizens to recognize the important financial and societal contributions of the UTHSC COP. Educators are truly unsung heroes. Our local pharmacy educators are shaping the future of tomorrow’s health care through their pivotal work in research, education and patient care every day.
– DICK R. GOURLEY
Professor of Pharmacy
Dean, UTHSC
College of Pharmacy
Give pre-marriage classes a try
More marriages are ending in divorce in the United States than ever before.
The traditional idea of marriage known to our grandparents is no longer the same. One-night stands and hookups are replacing steady relationships. Sex is becoming a common theme in the media. Marriage is no longer confined to a man and a woman. People are having greater expectations on marriage.
The family unit is transforming before our eyes, and the effects are unknown. Promiscuity is normal for the younger generation.
As more people practice casual relationships, single parenting is now the norm, which can create financial hardships. The expectation of a perfect, happy marriage creates an unrealistic illusion.
To promote healthy families it starts with marriage. There needs to be a high emphasis on marriage and its importance to society. To curb divorce rates, the United States should mandate couples for pre-marriage classes.
Marriage counseling allows couples to effectively communicate which creates long lasting relationships. By explaining that marriage cannot rely on passion but rather about companionship helps couples appreciate one another and provide role modeling for our children. Marriage is an institution that families require. How many times can we say till death do us part?
– JESSICA HONORE
Ooltewah
What was ‘sin’ of biblical cities?
I have been somewhat puzzled by the recent letters from readers debating what exactly was the “sin” of the biblical cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. The Bible really doesn’t tell us.
It does say that God sent two messengers (angels?) to rescue Abraham’s righteous nephew Lot from the coming destruction. After the strangers entered Lot’s house, the men of Sodom demanded that Lot send out the strangers so they could “know” them. Unwilling to abet so grievous a sin, Lot instead offered the townsmen his own two daughters to “know” instead.
Then, the Bible tells us, after Lot and family fled the doomed city (with Lot’s wife becoming salty on the journey), the righteous Lot fornicated with and impregnated these same two daughters. (I can hear the apologists now – “But he was drunk!” – puh-leeze!).
So, if the righteous Lot was the “one good guy” that God considered worth saving in the two cities, I shudder to even think what the “bad guys” were up to.
THOMAS RODGERS
Dayton, Tenn.
Rules of land not just for select few
I’d like to differ with Board of Education member Rhonda Thurman’s words in your paper on Oct. 20.
I am of the opinion that the rules of the land are not for a select few but for all of us. If the kids on the ballfield or anywhere for that matter want to pray, why not do it quietly and not en masse on fields of sport.
Her words about being offended about little girls running around with thong panties is at best distasteful to all.
BILL BUCKLEY
Ringgold, Ga.