Speak Out

Forty-four years ago, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law the Voting Rights Act of 1964, which played a major part in the election of Barack Obama. I have heard many people say that they can now tell their children that someday they may grow up to be president, but there are other things that need to take place before such a dream may become a reality.

Children must have a strong family background. Family is the basis of all success. If the child has someone who believes in him or her and is a loving encourager, the child may develop the attitude that they are worthy of success.

The child must be willing to work from birth to old age. The child must be reared in a family where talk occurs, where the child is read to and encouraged to read on their own.

If a child has athletic ability or is an attractive child, these things should not supplant the work ethic. Abilities and looks change and others have these attributes to maximize the benefits of natural gifts, but one must develop the mind. Recently we have seen an example of a person who has the looks, who has the position, and who has the exposure to be successful in her chosen field but she did not have the necessary education.

In order to reach lofty goals, a person must have natural intelligence that has been nurtured by a loving family, appreciated by a supportive community, encouraged by the greater society but ultimately grounded in a personal desire to excel and being willing to work to gain that which the person desires.

Robert Chambless
Auburn

Thanks to Lea Fite

Re "Don't steal Porta-Jon" (Speak Out , Nov. 11):

I would like to thank State Rep. Lea Fite for coming to our rescue.

I recently wrote a letter to Speak Out telling about someone stealing a Porta-Jon that was set up for our annual turkey shoot for which the proceeds are given to various community need projects. We knew we would be working that Saturday just to pay for this rented Porta-Jon.

After reading the letter, Fite had Dennis Lipham call us and tell us he was sending $700 to cover that expense so that the kids we help out would not have to suffer from this theft.

We need to recognize anyone who comes to the aid of those who are in trouble; that is why we appreciate Fite for taking money out of his pocket to help us out. Lea, you're tops!

Stan Barnwell
White Plains

Corporate criminals

What is the difference between organized criminals and organized corporations? Criminals break laws to rob and pillage and corporations make laws allowing them to rob and pillage.

How voters could return any senator or congressperson to office last Election Day after they voted to take trillions of dollars from We the People and give it to financiers who are leeching parasites baffles me. That's a crime that should be punished, not rewarded with re-election.

Pogo said it best, "We have met the enemy and he is us."

Our pledge should be changed to, "I Pledge Allegiance to the flag of the Corporate State of America and to the Plutocracy for which it stands, one Nation under Mammon, divided, with liberty and justice for sale."

Joe Boyett
Montgomery