Thursday, May 21, 1998

Democrats could help

I see India has conducted nuclear tests, but it is also my understanding that they have no delivery system. Perhaps if they had given a lot of money to the Democrat party, they could have solved this problem. It worked for Communist China for their missile staging and telemetry technology.

Also, I noted the other night that Dan "Kinder and Gentler Communism" Rather stated that the appointment of an independent counsel to investigate Alexis Herman was the seventh one brought on by the Republican Party.

Excuse me, but I believe Janet Reno is part of a Democrat administration and is acting under a law passed by a Democrat Congress and signed by a Democrat president, Bill Clinton.

At any rate, I believe the investigations are brought on by credible evidence of wrongdoing.

Now if we could just find out about the handing over by executive order of technological secrets to our newfound ally, Communist China, improving their ICBM capabilities. What if anyone else did this? Weren't the Rosenbergs executed for giving atomic secrets to Russia? Not attacking the president, just asking.

HARRY WATSON

Cisco

Via e-mail

Honoring teachers

As the school year draws to a close, it is a good time to recognize the service of the teachers in our community. They shape the lives of our young people and help set the course for their future, benefiting us all. We are grateful to them for a job that too often goes unappreciated.

Almost 300 years ago, Cotton Mather wrote on the subject of "The Duties of School Teachers." He had this to say to teachers:

"Whenever a new scholar comes under your care, you may say, ‘Here my Lord sends me another object, for whom I may do something, that he may be useful to the world.' Embrace every opportunity of dropping some honey from the rock upon them."

Mather borrowed the thought, I believe, from God's plea for Israel's obedience and his promise of reward: "I would feed you with the finest of the wheat; and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you" (Psalm 81:16). Honey was highly prized in ancient Israel and was a symbol of prosperity.

Many teachers consider their occupation a calling, believing their own success is measured by the success of their students. They understand the importance of preparing young people for the future and labor long to offer students a quality education. They seek, also, to honor Mather's petition to "drop upon them" some important lessons in life, so that they may be useful in the world rather than a burden and that they may live life to its fullest potential. May God bless them.

PETE LINCH

Abilene

Fruitful meeting

Your editorial of May 1 concerning the meeting of the Strategic Military Planning Commission in Abilene was factual, timely and appropriate.

Once again the astute teamwork of Dyess/Abilene impressed our visitors. Joe and Sharon Allen and Sam Davis entertained beautifully. Gen. Mike McMahan, Col. J.J. Jackson and Maj. Cade Smith orchestrated a tour and briefing at Dyess that was most impressive.

Bill Ehrie, Dr. Jesse Fletcher and Celia Davis presented outstanding statements at the public hearing at City Hall.

All the commissioners left Abilene respectful of the fantastic relationship existing between Dyess and Abilene.

All arrangements were efficiently guided by the Military Affairs Committee and the staffs of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce and the Industrial Foundation.

My sincerest thanks and appreciation to all involved.

FRED LEE HUGHES

Abilene