Opinion

I am sad that it has come to my attention that the Waxhaws Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, has experienced "automatic disbandment" from the National Society.

Waxhaws Chapter was organized in 1941 with Mrs. E. Lee Skipper as organizing regent.

Another regent, Mrs. Ben C. Hough Sr., was largely responsible for the establishment of Andrew Jackson State Park.

Many of the historic markers in Lancaster County are the result of work by the members.

Constitution Park at the corner of Main Street and Woodland Drive was dedicated by Waxhaws Chapter.

Well, it's happened again. Despite Indian Land residents now having a different ZIP code than our counterparts across the creek, Fort Mill's Rescue Squad is still hitting us up for donations.

And it's no wonder Lanny Bernard, director of Lancaster County Emergency Medical Services, is seeing red over the issue.

Bernard has repeatedly asked Mark Garrick, captain of Fort Mill's Rescue Squad, to stop soliciting from Indian Land residents, whom Fort Mill's squad do not serve, except as a rarely used backup.

February is Black History Month, a time for us to celebrate the contributions of African Americans throughout our history.

Many pivotal African Americans have exemplified through their lives the power of advocacy and volunteerism, from Frederick Douglass to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Black History Month is a time to reflect on how we can help change the lives of others less fortunate by speaking out on their behalf.

Everyone can be great because everyone can serve, King said.

Carter G. Woodson, a noted African American historian and educator, poignantly said, "When you control a man's thinking you do not have to worry about his actions. You do not to tell him not to stand here or go yonder. He will find his 'proper place' and will stay in it. You do not need to send him to the back door. He will go without being told. In fact, if there is no back door, he will cut one for his special benefit. His education makes it necessary."

I would like to thank Lancaster residents Mary Reimers "Time to change animal abuse laws" and Barbara Small "Writer proud of legislators for protecting animal rights" and John Goodwin from the U.S. Humane Society for their replies to my letter "Anti-cockfighters seek to take away rights."

Thanks for proving my point that people are personifying animals with human emotions and souls that they don't have. Thank you for proving that rash emotions are superceding common sense and empathy for your fellow man in regard for laws and accompanying penalties.

They are the first to help after a house fire. They are the first to help after a natural disaster. They provide training for lifeguards who watch our children in area pools.

They are the staff and highly dedicated volunteers of the American Red Cross.

They distribute food, clothing and shelter for those who have lost their homes through fire, flood, hurricanes and tornadoes.

The Lancaster County Chapter of the American Red Cross has provided these services since 1917.

Beach trips, no matter the time of year, most often result in fun.

Buford High School head football coach Mike Wells has a beach business trip planned for next December and he's elated with what's in store.

Wells, the seven-year head football coach at Buford High School, has been selected as a coach for the annual North-South All-Star football game at Coastal Carolina University.

Wells will serve as a North assistant for the 61st annual clash.

After reading the article regarding animal fighting in the Feb. 17 issue, it made me even more grateful and proud of our legislators for the great things they are doing to move our state forward. Especially by protecting those who can’t help themselves. Has anyone ever pictured themselves in the animal’s place, especially a dog? How they would love to have a good home with someone to love and care for them. But they have no choice. The “good old country boys” as described, have control, and the animal has no rights. What are the heart and soul and feelings?

I am writing about the article “Man being held for having sex with a horse, official says” in the Feb. 8 edition of The Lancaster News.I know this may be newsworthy to some folks, but that was something that could have been left out of the newspaper. The paper could have just put the man’s name and that he was arrested for indecent acts.Children use newspapers to look up events for school projects or discussions. I was around some teens after the article was in the paper and they were laughing and thinking the incident was funny.