Letters to the Editor, April 26

To the editor:

So, Donna Eyman and her friends had a tea party. Good for them. I'm glad the right-wingers have found something to get themselves roused up again; after their November trouncing I've felt lacking in entertainment.

While they're out there with their signs, trumpeting non-existent issues, I sure wish one of them would tell me where they were for the last eight years, while Bush and his rubber-stamp congress were shoveling billions in tax-breaks to millionaires and big oil companies. Where were the angry tea-partyers while more billions were being shoveled to defense contractors through no-bid, closed door contracts? Where were the protesters when Dubya and company started a war based on lies, trampled international law, violated human rights agreements, tortured prisoners, wiretapped, invaded Americans' privacy, and raped the environment?

I hope Ms. Eyman and her friends enjoyed their tea party. I've got news for them: Their eight-year party is over. If Obama is spending a lot of money, he's doing it for a different reason: To help working-class folks recover from eight years of failed "leadership." Put that in your teacup and swallow it.

Bill Davis,

Shelbyville

Shelbyville native unhappy with park upkeep

To the editor:

Recently, on one of my trips back home to Shelbyville, I carried a friend by H.V. Griffin Park in hopes of showing her how much fun I used to have at that park and a reason why it was one of my favorite places in the city. I remember park day field trips to Celebration Station that were so much fun that I would not want to leave and would eventually be forced away only to return home with bruised knees, sand in my shoes, and a sunburn.

However, as I carried my friend by the park the other day, I was met with a sight that made my stomach queasy. The park I and many others once loved is now home to a large amount of graffiti, run down and even broken equipment, a missing slide, several wasp nests inside the playground, and it needs to be replenished with both wood chips and sand.

Even the nature trail is in horrible shape with graffiti all over the bridges and rocks. It makes me sad to think that the children growing up in Bedford County now are not getting the same experience that I had. Instead, they are being put at risk because the park is not doing a very good job of upkeep. I understand that spring has just begun, but that is no excuse for why it looks as it does. I'm not so sure how happy Mr. Griffin would be to see his park in such awful condition.

Courtney Ray,

Murfreesboro

Trip to D.C. was marvelous experience for all involved

To the editor:

I had the honor to travel with our local World War II veterans to Washington, D.C. last week. During the trip, hearing the veterans reminisce and share their experiences of the war was very emotional. Seeing the veterans' response to the World War II Memorial and The Marine Corps Iwo Jima Memorial was a heartwarming experience.

The war heroes were overwhelmed to observe the memorials constructed as a testament to their sacrifice and bravery.

It was inspiring to observe tourists interacting with the veterans by shaking hands, thanking them for their patriotism, and taking their photographs.

It was an awesome day spent in Washington and a trip that none of us will ever forget.

We left Washington with a renewed pride in our great nation and for the courageous veterans that sacrificed dearly so we may enjoy our freedom in this wonderful country.

Thank you to everyone who made this trip possible, we appreciate your generosity and kindness. The trip was a marvelous experience for these heroes and their families exceeding all our expectations.

Jennifer Henderson,

Unionville

Tea baggers got it wrong

To the editor:

The tea baggers sure got it wrong. The only increase in taxes was on cigarettes. My paycheck has went up some due to the middle class tax cut by president Obama. The tax increase was on the 5 percent who make so much more money than me. It went back up to the level we experienced during the Clinton era, by letting the Bush tax decrease expire.

I am glad that people want to protest high taxes, but they need to learn to educate themselves. Even if it would require them to read the newspaper once a day.

I guess this kinda proves that we need to spend more money on education in this country. So that people can learn how to read and educate themselves.

John Owens,

Shelbyville

Next Step Home chairs thank community

To the editor:

Our special thanks to the Times-Gazette for the wonderful coverage given to The Next Step Home for the recent Brunch and Fashion Show.

What a terrific day we had celebrating the Woman-to-Woman campaign on the square last weekend! The women of the Next Step Home are immensely thankful for your support. The brunch and strolling fashion show was a great success and wouldn't have been possible without the talents of Geneva Smith, Whitney Danhof, Barbara Morgan, Jean Raby and Tamra Smith, who planned and served a delicious brunch, along with the help of fifty women volunteers and students from Cascade and Community High Schools. Together, these ladies volunteered to serve the nearly 300 supporters who came to enjoy the food and fashions. The always needed clean-up crew was headed by Andy and Edna Lee Borders and Margaret Hicks. Table decorations were provided by a committee headed by Becky Nichols. Special thanks to J. Jordans, Jo Jo's, Carolyn's Dress Shop and The Pomegranate for coordinating the fashion show and thanks also to the twenty lovely models.

More than 400 women have signed on to the Woman-to-Woman campaign, and every one of them received a phone call from the telephone committee personally inviting them to the brunch festivities; that telephone committee of 20 women was lead by Linda Lovell.

At noon on Saturday, April 18, the supporters of the Next Step Home joined hands and circled the court house to prove to women leaving jail and drug rehab that the people of the community care deeply for them and their future. What a wonderful sight to see that chain of people, walking to the music of the Cavaliers. It was led by none other than Mayor Eugene Ray, and included ladies from the Red Hat society, girls from the dance studio, county officials, the Rev. Drew Hayes and men and women of all ages.

Words cannot express the gratitude we feel toward each and every volunteer and supporter. When the people of the community join together, great things can happen.

Nancy June Brandon

and Linda Vannatta,

Co-Chairmen, Next Step Home

Editor's Note: See additional photos from this event on Page 8B of today's Times-Gazette.

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