The recent letter “Incineration and War” showed that many people living on the east side of Anniston could care less about the fate of the people of west Anniston, who I represent. My constituents live in the shadow of the chemical weapons stockpile at the Anniston Army Depot, and they would only have a few minutes to protect themselves in the event of a chemical accident.The writer wonders what good protective hoods will do for 3,000 of my constituents at a Wellborn football game. Protective hoods may not be a perfect solution, but they sure beat the duct tape and plastic sheeting the Army has been peddling for the last five years. Furthermore, thanks to the good work of Sen. Richard Shelby and Gov. Bob Riley, we now have a gymnasium next to the football field which can be over-pressurized to seal out any chemical gas which might escape from the Depot.
The writer asked whether “protective clothing” will be provided for “all of the tourists and industrial prospects Calhoun County hopes to attract.” By asking this question, he is simply demonstrating how ill-informed he is about our emergency preparedness activities. The level “A” protective suits Calhoun County has received funding for will be used by our first responders — police, firemen, sheriff’s department and civil defense — who must have this equipment for rescue and recovery activities. Our need for this equipment has been verified by no less an authority than the U.S. Fire Administrator, who visited Anniston last year.
Finally, regarding potential new business development for our community, I suggest everyone already knows about the stockpile, the lethality of the 660,000 munitions, and the 10-year destruction timetable. Should there be any doubt, just go to any computer search engine and type in the words “Calhoun County.” What potential new industries want to know is whether we are fully prepared for any potential problem over the next decade. What they do not want to hear is the same old tired bellyaching from people like the recent letter writer.
James Eli Henderson
Commissioner, District 3
Voter I.D. bill
If the governor has not already done so, I personally do not think he should sign any voter I.D. bill that does not include a picture of the person voting.The thought of a utility bill or Social Security card being used as identification for voting and registering is not very wise.
An illegal alien can have a utility bill. Out-of-state residents have Social Security cards, and with a touch of fraud and deception they too could also register to vote. The whole purpose of voter I.D. is to prevent fraud and not leave any more loopholes than necessary.
The right to vote is a precious one, and all Alabama citizens should have the right to vote without fear or intimidation.
I think the Alabama driver’s licenses should be the first and primary source of identification. The Alabama driver’s licenses would cover the bulk of voters. For the elderly and disabled, mobile units should be made available to go to nursing homes and local homes within the state to make photo I.D.s.
Our Senate and House of Representatives will never solve or correct this problem unless they bite the bullet and begin.
Voting is our most precious right. Let the people stand up and demand that this right be protected.
Bob Thornton
Opelika
