By Staff
Everything has changed'
To the Editor:
The words have become clich, but in the matter of a month I can truly say, "Everything has changed." I'm confused. I'm scared. I'm touched. I've seen evil. I've seen heroism. I've seen terror. I've seen compassion. I have questions. I have faith.
They tell us that we will be under attack again soon, but that we are supposed to "go on with our lives as normal." Is this possible? Can we really do that? I feel like my life is anything but "normal."
At night I pray that thousands more won't die tomorrow, that I won't die tomorrow. I look over my shoulder constantly and I second-guess the motives of everyone even the people I once trusted. I'm a hostage to CNN. The news is the last thing I watch before I go to bed and the first thing I turn on when I wake.
I try to be strong, so that "they" don't win by terrorizing me, but I cannot deny my fear. Quite simply, I'm scared. That's not normal.
At the same time, I am comforted by the unity of the wonderful American people and the American way of pure determination, undying strength, and heartfelt compassion. A nation that seemed to be preoccupied with bank accounts, fancy cars and being at the top, suddenly found priority in helping others, unity, and the American flag.
Our strong leaders, especially President Bush, encourage me. When the President talks it is as if he has not only a political and humanitarian need for justice, but a personal conviction to correct the wrong that has been done to America. Good job, Mr. President.
I am comforted by our military. They are strong and focused. Everyone in our armed forces has the prayers and respect of the American public. We thank you for protecting us.
It's amazing. All at once, I lost faith in humankind and gained a great deal of faith in humankind. We are looking at both sides of the spectrum here, the most extreme side of pure evil and hatred and the most extreme side of kindness and compassion.
As we battle an evil that many of us didn't think man was capable of, we are also blessed with a goodness that we haven't seen for a while. We are blessed with the selflessness of firefighters and policeman who risked their lives for others. It's nice to see that American's heroes are once again true heroes, rather than actors and rock stars.
We see children reaching out to other children with open-hearts across the country. We see Americans giving incredible humanitarian relief to Afghanistan's needy. We feel the love as Americans reach deep into their pockets and in their hearts to give whatever they can to help those in need.
We feel the support and loyalty of many countries across the world. United We Stand has never sounded so sweet or been so true.
Right now, the epitome of evil and the epitome of good are going head to head. As the battle heats up, I am sure that goodness and justice will prevail.
Sara Rea
Meridian
Thank you, Mr. Hitt and county workers
To the Editor:
Last week I wrote a letter about the roads being grown up so tall in areas that you couldn't see, which I blamed for the death of my dog. Fact is, dogs roam and cars drive too fast which leads to lost pets.
Two days BEFORE my letter printed in the paper, the road was mowed. Today I received a letter from Mr. Hitt, our supervisor for District 3. He apologized for my loss and let me know he had (County Engineer) Neal Carson inspect the road to ensure it was cleaned up.
I wanted to say thank you for your concern and your help. You all do a great job and my loss was not your fault. It was just a fact of life. Thanks again.
Al Davis
Collinsville
Local weather coverage excellent
To the Editor:
I would like to say thank you for the weather coverage Saturday by WTOK. During the early afternoon, the line of dangerous storms pushed through Lauderdale County and the weather crew at WTOK gave great up to the minute updates. They even lost radar data, but as a public service and with our safety in mind, they went the extra mile to get out the latest information on the weather.
I appreciate the coverage, never before have we seen such a service. Keep up the good work, it is refreshing to know that during impending weather, WTOK will be there.
Tal Robinson
Meridian