Can’t we help these students?
In response to Megan Braun’s letter Oct. 8:
Most often we think of teachers inspiring students; however, many times it is a student who inspires the teacher. I was so moved to read Megan’s letter in response to the cancellation of school field trips that I decided it was time for me to stand up for what is right. I am not only disturbed but also saddened by the dissolution of these important trips. Can we not find some fund, grant or such to pay for the trips these children not only need but deserve? How about cutting the excess somewhere else.
As Megan explained in her letter, these students not only benefit socially from these trips but academically as well. So often these children are shunned and pushed to the side. Maybe they are included in regular trips with the mainstream population such as a trip to a Shakespearean play. How much will a child who has limited communication skills and auditory sensitivity get from a trip like that? Set that same child on a horse at Saving Grace Farm and watch their face light up and a transformation take shape.
We as a community need to stand up and speak for these children who don’t have a voice. I am urging anyone who has contact with a special needs child in Rowan County to let their voice be heard.
Kudos to Megan for using her voice and for inspiring me. I am so proud of you! Thank you.
ó Joy Childers
Salisbury
Vital contributionsMost of us are seeing tough times as the uncertainty of our economic future grows. There should be little doubt that we will persevere and become a stronger community for it. As we work in that direction, please remember how your contributions to the United Way of Rowan County support the 16 member agencies that provide assistance and vital social services to you and your neighbors who are in need.
Most of these agencies could not continue the same level of services without the aid of the contributions you make to the United Way of Rowan County. The annual campaign is now under way. You can give individually or through your workplace program, but by all means, please give.
For information, go to www.rowanunitedway.org. When times are tough, your help is even more important than ever.
ó Steve Simpson
Executive director, Elizabeth Hanford Dole Chapter of the American Red Cross
New profit stream
The recent gutting of our VA center’s inpatient surgery and emergency room is a result of the hospital lobby in Washington and the last throes of the corrupt Bush regime.
Our regional hospitals would like you to think they are grimly determined to treat the influx of new patients when, all the while, with their overbuilt capacity, they are really salivating for new VA “meat,” and the federal bucks that come with it.
ó Hugh Deadwyler
Salisbury