Pickens makes Texana proud
Carl Pickens was inducted into the University of Tennesee Athletics Hall of Fame on April 15 in Knoxville, Tenn. Carl has always been an exceptional athlete, and his achievements in high school set the foundation for what is now happening.
As a free safety and wide receiver for Murphy High School, he intercepted an impressive 15 passes in just three seasons. But that was only the beginning of his legacy. As a senior, he caught a total of 71 passes, 24 of which were touchdowns earning him the prestigious title of Parade Magazine All-American.
He was also a versatile player, returning punts and kickoffs, and even punting.
Carl’s accomplishments didn’t stop there. We truly enjoyed watching him on the track field and in basketball, where he averaged 27 points per game. This drew a lot of attention from several colleges.
But his heart was set on football, and he went on to play for the University of Tennessee, where he made even more history on the field.
As we celebrate this remarkable achievement with Carl being inducted into the Hall of Fame, I am reminded of
how fortunate it was for me to watch him grow up in Texana. His commitment both on and off the field has been inspirational for many generations living here. We couldn’t be prouder that one of our own is being celebrated at such a prestigious level!
Congratulations, Carl, and may God bless you in this season of your life.
Brenda Blount, Texana
Dementia in Washington
Geriatric politicians have a heightened risk of developing dementia that elevates the risk of physical and cognitive decline. Faltering seniors who are physically and mentally incapacitated should never serve as elected leaders.
The average age of U.S. senators is 64.3. Twenty-four percent of congressional members are over age 70, the age Elon Musk suggests they should be barred from running for political office. Seventy-four percent of Americans back cognitive fitness tests for all presidential candidates.
Elected leaders need to vote; need to visit and engage constituents; need to have physical stamina; need to concentrate and debate vigorously; and they need to be free of brain fog. Holding competent public office requires an ambulatory robust candidate.
Ageist discrimination is a legitimate occupational consideration when screening politicians from risks of marginal mental competence. Dementia increases falling risks and injury due to mobility and muscle weakness. Incidences of cognitive and physical decline are commonplace in Washington politicians.
Sen. Mitch McConnell fell recently, resulting in hospitalization for ribs and a concussion. The octogenarian took a spill in 2019, fracturing his shoulder. Bernie Sanders’ physical agility, balance and mental capabilities are marginal. Sanders possesses dementia prerequisites: age, absentmindedness, and balance deficits.
Don’t forget the Klutz-in-Chief – President Joe Biden. His verbal bloopers, and bizarre attempts to shake hands after speeches with Casper, affirm competency testing of politicians over age 70. One must admit he has mastered the skill of falling up when he ascends the stairs to Air Force One. Biden’s clumsiness and inability to navigate his public personage are symptomatic of deteriorating executive functions.
Age impacts voting records. Examine the 2022 list of top 10 missed vote senators with corresponding ages and see.
Require politicians remaining in office in 2023 to attend the Falls Prevention Awareness Day next September so they’re alert to hazards during all of their meanderings.
Terry Payne, Marble
Every day’s Earth Day
I just want to say thank you to whoever picked up all the litter downtown on the morning of April 15.
With Earth Day coming the following weekend, I’d like to encourage everyone to make every day earth day. There are countless small actions we can all make that create positive change: reducing our plastic usage, consuming less, upcycling and repairing what we already own, second hand shopping and reducing our dependence on factory farmed meat.
We’re so lucky to live in such a gorgeous region of a really great country. Why wouldn’t we want to take the best care of the land?
Please get out this weekend and do something great for this beautiful area that provides so much for us all.
Sarah Wright, Murphy
Praying on the mountain starts
When in the history of civilizations have hundreds traveled from one small country crossing continent and ocean just to pray in and for another larger nation, then return home? Never before, until now.
Why would a church in South Korea send 400 men and women, in teams of 10, to pray in 40 cities across the United States from May 3-7? What could possibly motivate these South Korean Christians to
rearrange their busy lives, families and jobs to make time to come here for a week – and at their own expense? They are not here to preach, teach, entertain or see the sights – they come to pray.
This team picture indicates that college or career young adults, parents of school age children, grandparents and retirees will visit us in western North Carolina. They are grateful to America for Billy Graham coming to them 50 years ago, bringing God’s offer of forgiveness and eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Some who will visit us gave their hearts to Jesus at that crusade or their parents did. They now enjoy living in a largely Christian land that, though tiny, has the 10th largest GDP in the world. They are grateful to America for our sacrifice to help South Korea stay free in the Korean War. They are keenly aware that if the United States falls, their freedom ends.
They see that America needs help. They recognize the only thing that can save America is for the nation to turn back to God.
Come pray with us. Not for the spectacle. Not for entertainment. Not for a one-and-done event. Let’s pray together for an authentic move of God here, across America and around the world with the South Korean prayer team from the World School of Prayer.
Elana Stockman, Hayesville
We need federal money at home
Cherokee County Economic Development Director Paul Worley spoke about “not having the work force,” with only a participation rate of 36 percent, and quality of life issues here in Cherokee County. All of which seem to be correct, but not addressed are the root causes.
1. We have seen good wage jobs with no takers: the reason for some is they could not pass a drug test or background check. Others would not work a second or third shift job and, of course, our biggest export, the young people with an education who are offered see jobs with pay scales that are not seen in this county.
2. Housing – 2 bed/2 bath at $800 to $1,400 per month, plus security.
3. Wages – $15 per hour x 40 hours equals $600, less all deductions equals $360 per week. How could you afford a residence with these wages, even with two people working?
4. Child care – Nonexistent or affordable in most cases, finding a safe reliable place is a must for all our children.
5. Birthing – Going out of the county. Does Emergency Medical Services have a policy to take a woman in labor to another county, or the ER will not accept a woman in labor? I see no indication that these areas are being addressed by your group.
Billions are being given away by the feds for new businesses. Are we going to see any of this money?
Ed Marx, Murphy