An act of compassion deserves recognition
In a world that seems uncaring, it renews one’s spirit to know that there are still compassionate people. I saw one of these people on Saturday.
I was driving down Klumac Road when I saw something strange in the middle of the road. At a distance, I couldn’t make it out. But, as I got closer, I saw a young man putting himself in harm’s way to pick up the object. The traffic was heavy. Yet, everyone stopped to allow this man to proceed. At this point, I recognized what it was in the middle road. It was an orange and white cat with his head stuck in empty, ravioli can! This man picked the cat up with care, moved him from road and plucked the piece of trash from his head. The frightened cat took off running whence he came.
I didn’t have the opportunity to speak with this gentleman. Yet, I still feel the need to tell him “thank you.” His act of compassion toward another living creature was appreciated by others, too.
— Tammy L. Walser
Rockwell
Scholarship issues addressed
Consider Tim Deal’s objection to PFLAG scholarships noted, though it seems an absurd notion that such a small scholarship would influence important life decisions. Salisbury-Rowan PFLAG is equal to any other organization that offers scholarships to whomever they choose. For a government agency to decide what is appropriate would lead to endless political battles.
Scholarships are for high school seniors, hardly an early age. I am sure most teens who read Mr. Deal’s letter found his notion of the timing of sexual development as amusing as I did. This desire to maintain an imagined innocence robs both gay and straight youth of honest, realistic preparation for adult life.
There was also an argument to adverse consequences. Most of the alleged consequences are imposed by the ignorant, bigoted, and intolerant, which makes the argument an indirect form of bullying. If a young person comes out to her family and is thrown out on the street, it is the family that has a problem. If a student is bullied because of his orientation, it is the bullies that have a problem. If someone’s right to pursue happiness is denied, it is everyone’s problem. Anyone who uses the phrase “homosexual lifestyle” has an image in their mind about how gays live their lives, but it is only a stereotype. Real people’s lives are diverse and complex. There are risks to the heterosexual lifestyle, too, though nobody uses the term.
Mr. Deal perhaps has a point, best addressed to the scholarship committee, about the scholarship requiring an identified orientation. In general, PFLAG and GSAs do not require anyone to identify their orientation, and maintain confidentiality for those who wish it.
Finally, Salisbury-Rowan PFLAG is here in the community. If Mr. Deal is willing to discuss his concerns respectfully with an open mind, he should contact us (www.salisbury-pflag.org).
— Luke Hamaty
China Grove
Cabinet raises were needed
Kudos to Gov. Pat McCrory for giving Cabinet members a more competitive and much-needed raise. Not only will all Cabinet members work extra long and stressful days, but they also carry the burden of the mess Gov. Bev Perdue left our state.
A salary of $135,000 for these positions is actually quite low. Most of McCrory’s Cabinet members have made much more than $135,000 in the private sector. They are in office to serve the state, not to fatten their wallets. This is why Art Pope and Dr. Aldona Wos are taking salaries of $1. If anyone deserves a small increase at the expense of the taxpayers, it is surely needed for McCrory’s stellar Cabinet members.
— David Title
Raleigh