It seems to me that if the city officials were all that concerned about the city of Anniston they could have done more to promote Anniston as something other than an ideal location for a chemical weapons incinerator in the first place. While surrounding areas have been endowed with automobile plants, Anniston has the dubious distinction of being a place where a chemical weapons incinerator could be slapped together in short order before the citizens closest to said facility could be provided with the necessary protection from the results of an accident should such a thing occur.
Never mind the fact that we can’t really be certain about the potential daily exposure to levels of contamination that will be produced under circumstances considered to be “safe.”
If the deterioration of chemical weapons at the Anniston Army Depot is such a threat, why weren’t these citizens of Anniston provided with protective hoods long ago? Why weren’t “escape routes” provided to the public long ago? Why wait until the incinerator is up and running? Isn’t that a bit like shutting the barn door after the horse has escaped?
If someone out there was concerned with something other than padding their pocketbooks, the welfare of the people who live in Anniston, not to mention the image of the city, would have been the first things on their agendas So, now we are told there are plans for boosting the city’s image, including a tourism marketing effort.
I have a slogan for you: “Come to the beautiful city of Anniston, where natural resources abound. Just don’t forget your gas mask.”
Lauren Wilson
Jacksonville
Pot smokers are us
Across the nation marijuana consumers are joining forces and coming out of the “cannabis closet.” And what do you know? As it turns out we do not all fit the stereotypical ’60s stoner-without-a-clue image of pot smokers that has long been portrayed by the media. People who admit to using marijuana include former presidents, mayors, teachers, lawyers, doctors, policemen, judges, celebrities, business owners, suburban housewives and most likely your nextdoor neighbor.
We are not criminals who rob, steal, or otherwise cause harm to the fabric of society and it is time to stop treating us as if we were.
It is time to demand an end to cannabis prohibition and the harsh drug laws that do more harm to society than the drug itself will ever do.
It is time for change.
Loretta Nall, Alabama Marijuana Party
Alexander City
Question and answer
I read on the “Speak Out” page of The Star the question:“Why are the people who are running for office slinging so much mud at each other?” Look at politics and social history for the past several decades and a clear answer emerges like oil rising to the top of water.
Both political parties are under the thumbs of big business and the politics of big money!
Both parties lean more and more to the idea of globalization of the market place and the idea that big business should run or govern the mass — public rather than civil governments.
Both parties serve big business, so that only leaves them the option to sling mud at each other.
P.J. Miller
Munford
Gambling
The churches are so against gambling in this state. One of the poorest states in the nation. Some of the elected officials and citizens seem to want to keep it this way. The lottery, and other gambling would be an asset to this state. If the big shots can’t think about their state, think of your children, our next generation.
People will go wherever they want to gamble, I know I do, and will continue. No one can tell me how to spend my money.
The churches would like for you to give them the money, although we contribute to the House of God, that’s still not enough. While our schools and towns continue to go down, down, down, and our kids are left with zero.
I agree with the gentleman who wrote and said if he should ever be so lucky to hit the lottery he would move away. I echo it.
Wake up, Alabama! Make up your own mind and see what’s going on.
Evelyn Crawford
Anniston
