Harris, Walz filled with joy
I’m 82 and I feel like dancing on the ceiling ever since President Joe Biden passed the baton to Vice President Kamala Harris, who I believe will become – at last – the United States’ first woman president.
Kama and Tim Walz, as her vice president, radiate joy and optimism – and how much this country has missed joy.
At my age, I have enough aches, groans and challenges, so I’m elated to stop President Donald Trump’s “American carnage,” fear and trembling.
Harris is a joyful, smart and strong woman who will help restore women’s reproductive freedom, helped by Walz’s “mind your own damn business.” Walz is a football coach, teacher, 24-year military vet (heavy artillery) and best shot among congressional shooters.
Walz served six congressional terms before being elected to two terms as Minnesota governor. He’s a hunter, and a dog and cat lover (look up his humane society message). He has two children via IVF (in-vitro fertilization).
He responded to questions about his “liberal” record as two-term governor: “Kids are eating and having full bellies so they can go learn, and women are making their own health-care decisions. We’re a top-five business state and now for the top three of happiness.”
I especially enjoy that he doesn’t wear eyeliner, as does Trump VP candidate J.D. Vance, and he didn’t go to Harvard.
Warm wishes to all.
Joan Tidwell, Murphy
United States of Amnesia?
The president of the United States should be a person of good character. And I don’t mean a perfect person. There was ever only one of those, but certainly someone who cares deeply about others and always tries to do the right thing.
There seems to be quite a strong following in this area for a candidate who exhibits neither of those qualities. For a group of folks who describe themselves as patriotic to support a fellow whose rich daddy found a doctor to sign documents stating he had heel spurs in order to avoid the Vietnam draft defies logic. (By the way, I’m a veteran.)
Service members’ salary and veterans’ benefits come out of the general fund, which derives its revenue principally from income tax receipts. Most years, this fellow pays absolutely no income tax – and even in the years that he does, it doesn’t amount to much.
In 2016-17, he paid a total of $750, but he was able to recoup that loss in 2020 by claiming a $5 million refund.
This fellow had five children by three different wives, the first two of which he openly admits to cheating on. And there’s little doubt that he cheated on Melania as well since his soiree with Stormy Daniels occurred during the time they were married and, in fact, Melania was pregnant.
A jury also found him guilty of sexual assault on Jean Carroll. They heard the evidence and voted their conscience.
Let’s not forget the seven trips he took with longtime friend Jeffrey Epstein, the child molester. He denies them, but flight passenger logs on Epstein’s jet, photos and videos prove he did.
None of his behavior is consistent with Christian principles. The question isn’t whether or not Donald Trump is a person of good character. The question is, are you?
Glenn Kolp, Andrews
Inclusive upgrades
On Aug. 5, the Rotary Club of Murphy hosted a presentation highlighting the urgent need for playground improvements at Konehete Veterans Park. The presentation was conducted by Shelby Golden, parent of a child with learning needs, and Victoria Ivie, director of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce.
The presentation shed light on significant safety and accessibility issues plaguing the current playground. Of primary concern is the pea gravel surface, which poses multiple hazards including choking risks for children, unsafe for children to fall onto, and navigation difficulties for those using mobility aids such as specially designed strollers or wheelchairs.
“This surface material is not only dangerous but also fails to meet ADA compliance standards,” Golden emphasized.
Ivie, spearheading the improvement initiative with Golden’s support, detailed their efforts to secure funding through several grant applications. Their vision encompasses a complete overhaul of the playground, and additional playground features, focusing on creating an inclusive space that caters to children of all abilities.
“Our immediate goal is to redesign the smaller playground area, replacing outdated equipment with modern, inclusive alternatives,” Ivie explained. She presented an overview of proposed equipment and design features aimed at fostering an integrated play environment.
The current layout, which isolates play equipment for children with disabilities, came under particular scrutiny. “We’re committed to creating a space where all children can play together, regardless of their abilities,” Ivie added.
Golden and Ivie invited Rotary members to engage in a Q&A session following the presentation.
This project represents a significant step toward ensuring that Konehete Veterans Park becomes a beacon of inclusivity in the community.
For details, call Ivie at the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce at 828-837-2242 or email info@cherokeecountychamber.com.
Jacqueline Egli, Murphy
The writer is president of the Rotary Club of Murphy.