Dogs need vocal cords, like humans
This letter was written in response to Cherokee Scout Publisher David Brown’s column in the June 8 edition.
Thanks for opining eloquently on the matter of cutting a dog’s vocal cords.
I love your Pomeranian comment, as I had a dog named Bea who must have thought her last name was “quiet!” After she died, I realized I should never have raised my voice to her as dogs are sensitive that way, given they are trying their best to communicate and we are too dumb to figure out all the news they are trying to impart.
There’s a lovely story called “What George Taught Me,” or something like it, that was printed in the Washington Post long ago, in which the author, after his dog’s passing, thought about how each bark meant “Someone’s coming, watch out!” or “Someone’s coming, it’s a friend, yay!” or “The dinner’s about to burn” or “Just wanted you to know you are wonderful!” or who knows what.
If someone debarks their dog, it’s like someone declawing a cat: they love the couch more than the cat, and peace more than the dog.
Ingrid Newkirk, Norfolk, Va.
The writer is president of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
Russia the aggressor in Ukraine war
In response to Mary Mason, of Russia? According to the BBC (just the highlights):
The Russian leader’s initial aim was to overrun Ukraine and depose its government, ending for good its desire to join the Western defensive alliance, NATO.
Launching the invasion on Feb. 24, he told the Russian people his goal was to “demilitarize and denazify” Ukraine. His declared aim was to protect people subjected to what he called eight years of bullying and genocide by Ukraine’s government.
Russia’s leader refused to call it an invasion or a war. Moscow continues to coin Europe’s biggest war since 1945 a “special military operation.”
The claims of Nazis and genocide in Ukraine are completely unfounded, but part of a narrative repeated by Russia for years.
“It’s crazy, sometimes not even they can explain what they are referring to,” complained Ukraine’s foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba.
However, an opinion piece by state-run news agency Ria Novosti made clear that “denazification is inevitably also de-Ukrainisation” – in effect erasing the modern state.
And it is Russia that is now accused by the international community of carrying out war crimes. Several countries, including the United States and Canada, go further and call it genocide.
After so much destruction, the Russian leader’s words ring very hollow now: “It is not our plan to occupy the Ukrainian territory; we do not intend to impose anything on anyone by force.”
Fans of Vladimir Putin should consider why they live in America.
I.M. Andrews, Murphy
Post-election sniping quite unbecoming
The county has spoken. County commissioners have been elected. Campaigners stated their positions and won or lost based on them.
Postpartum election sniping of the commission is rather unbecoming. The campaign is over.
Turning the county into a roadside attraction in hopes of paying our bills does not appeal to me.
Make your voices heard.
Ron Gaynor, Murphy
Leatherwood family thanks
Thank you for all the love, kindness, comfort and support shown to us during the loss of our loved one. It will be forever remembered.
A special thanks to Cochran Funeral Home, the pallbearers, Upper Peachtree Baptist Church and pastor Derrick Tilley.
Buster and Becky
Leatherwood
on behalf of the Lillie Mae Leatherwood family
Murphy
Find new life, not the death
Not many folks want to talk about dying, especially how we will die when life is over here, but the word of God is clear on this subject. It is not the end of life, but the beginning of a new life if you are a child of God.
Psalms 23:4 says, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you Lord are with me.”
This is a promise that God will be with us instantly the moment we close our eyes here and open them in heaven forevermore. The awareness of our own mortality often comes with sickness, trials and hardship, but Jesus, our Protector, can lead us through these dark and difficult valleys to eternal life with Him.
There is no need to fear death’s power. Death and the grave were defeated on the cross. Christ’s death fulfilled the penalty of sin, thus by placing our trust in Christ, we can be free from Satan’s evil grasp.
God promises the crown of life to believers who persevere under trials, which will result in the ultimate enjoyment of life in God’s kingdom.
Death is another servant of God that ushers us into the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and there shall we be for all eternity. Embrace death as the only pathway that can lead God’s people into His waiting arms.
Death has no sting for God’s chosen ones.
Whether we tarry here for a while or God calls us home, we have the victory in Jesus to sing about for all eternity with the One who made it possible for us who trust in God when life begins anew in glory. This promise is only for those who have accepted Christ as their personal Savior.
Frank Combs, Blairsville, Ga.
Amendment taken too far
The Second Amendment was written to ensure law-abiding citizens would have the right and means to protect themselves, their families and their property. It also ensures for a well-armed militia to assist in repelling foreign invaders.
I respect and agree with that, but believe it is being badly abused.
It was never intended to be a blanket protection for anyone wishing to own firearms. Those with criminal backgrounds, those with intent to harm others and those with mental health issues can easily –
with no questions asked – obtain a semi-automatic weapon at gun shows across the country.
The Second Amendment is being misused to enable the easy acquisition of lethal
weapons to be used in mass shootings. People with no training or knowledge of gun safety or gun laws – whose sole purpose is the killing of the innocent – are provided easy access to guns and high-capacity magazines.
Guns do not kill people, but people with guns do kill people.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with expecting those who wish to own and use guns to be trained – and licensed – in the safe use of guns, and in the laws governing gun ownership before being sold a gun. We require this from anyone getting a drivers license. School bus drivers must be specially trained and licensed in school bus safety. After being tested, if someone shows they are unsafe on the road or not knowledgeable of the laws, they are not given a license to drive. This is not unreasonable.
And all the while we argue and argue about our rights, rather than our responsibilities.
On June 8, an armed man was arrested near the home of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh and charged with attempted murder, even though he had not entered the home or come near the justice. In a matter of hours, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell was calling for immediate congressional action to increase security to Supreme Court justices and their families.
Why are the lives of children, churchgoers and ordinary citizens not important enough to deserve that kind of attention?
That is hard for me to live with. Something has to give.
Theresa George, Robbinsville