Letters to the editor

Fund established for Crane family

I ask that you please take a moment to read the following tribute to the Hunter Crane family. With help from my cousin, Cindy Mongold, I was able to put my thoughts and feelings into these words.

As it was snowing with frigid temperatures last week, I thought to myself what a cold and dreary day it was and how I had to push myself to get motivated do anything. Within seconds, my thoughts went to Tina and Derrick, and how hard it must be on them on these cold and dreary January days and the months to come with them just losing their only son,

I thought about the pain, the sadness, the unfairness of it all, and then I thought about the unanticipated stress from the financial setback as the monthly bills continue to pile in along with the additional ones due to the accident. So with my thoughts consumed with them, and my heart still heavily aching, I searched deep within my soul for what I could possibly do to help the Cranes, in some way, through this unthinkable heartache and financial setback. My thoughts and my heart have led me to this: “The Hunter Crane Memorial Fund.”

A memorial fund for Hunter Crane’s family has been set up at the Bank of Clarke County. A donation can be made at any Bank of Clarke County location, and a receipt along with a message for all individual donations will go directly to Hunter’s parents. All donations are tax-deductible.

I know that everyone whose life Hunter and his family have touched has been deeply affected by his loss. The outpouring of love, support, and prayers have been overwhelming, and I know it is in times like this that we wish there was just one more thing we could do — and now there is. Remember no donation is too small, a dollar will go a long way . . .

I’m sure that Hunter will be looking down on us all, smiling that well-known smile, and the outpouring of his love and gratefulness we shall surely be able to feel within our hearts.

I personally would like to thank each and every one of you for everything you have done and been to the Crane family. I pray God blesses you as much as you have blessed them.

Barbara Sweeney Pence

Frederick County

Is Hillary being held accountable?

Although most of Hillary Clinton’s testimony before the Senate on the Benghazi attack was anything but revealing, her question, “What difference does it make?” was very revealing.

It is, in fact, the mantra for the Obama administration and, maybe the entire Democratic Party. Their intent is to do as they please and be held accountable for nothing. That’s why they won’t produce a budget.

With the help of the incredibly cooperative liberal media, scandal after scandal gets ignored or downplayed to the point of “What difference does it make?” When I was young, I was told this was called propaganda, and that it was popular in places like Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union.

Benghazi, Fast and Furious, New Black Panther Party, Bill Ayers, the Reverend Wright, birth certificate, college transcripts, recess appointments, and on and on — you could produce a desk calendar, with a message of some questionable activity for each day of the year.

I know Mrs. Clinton says she accepts responsibility for the Benghazi shortcomings, but accepting responsibility and being held accountable are two different concepts. I’m sure, for example, that defendants at the courthouse would like to accept responsibility and not be held accountable.

“What difference does it make?” With the secretary of State’s unwillingness to be held accountable or hold anyone else accountable, and with the president not being held accountable for much of anything, it raises another question, “Who is answering the phone at 3:00 in the morning?”

Bruce Carter

Middletown

Recycle tours?

Considering that there are folks in the city who could recycle more, and realizing that far too many do not set out recycle materials at all, it would seem that more awareness of the full process would serve well the need for increased participation. Would it be possible for the Public Works Department to work out a plan for tours by our citizenry to see the process firsthand?

Viewing the procedure would demonstrate just where the weekly pickup goes, who handles it, how it is separated and processed, what becomes of materials that perhaps should have been shredded, and how do the products get back into use. These tours could be entirely beneficial in achieving the purpose of reducing landfills.

Wilbur S. Johnston

Winchester

Let’s help Cam

When I read the article in Tuesday’s paper about Cam, it just broke my heart. Unfortunately, he had no control over how his life would be. Shame on those who originally had him.

We all know everyone is having hard times, and basically living day to day. But if we could all give just a few dollars to help Cam, just maybe he can live a normal life.

And, as Erin Brogan said, if he can get well and be used to give kids a pony ride, it may just be your child that gets that ride he or she will never forget.

Please, let’s help Erin give her “child” a better life.

Jean Moore

Berryville

Freedom to work  ‘somewhere else’

It seems that these days we as a nation try to overanalyze and outthink ourselves. Why is it necessary for a few to dictate policy to the many? Why is it necessary for any institution, religious or secular, to allow practices that do not match their beliefs or values?

There is one freedom seldom mentioned in this debate. That is the freedom to work “somewhere else” if you do not like your employer’s policies. If you don’t like wearing a head scarf, then don’t work at a Muslim-affiliated hospital. If you desire services, such as contraception or abortion, that go against an organization’s policies and beliefs, don’t work there! There are plenty of other organizations that cover these services.

We still have freedom to choose to work where we wish. Personal responsibility and common sense seem to be diminishing concepts in society today.

Greg Demski

Stephens City

Help appreciated

Children’s Home Society in Romney, W.Va., has been providing services to children and families since 1984. This agency helps our children and families with community support.

During this holiday season, our community participated in our Little Red Stocking Campaign. Thanks to all who supported this campaign.

In Winchester, these donors were: Jill’s Barber Shop, Jo Gail’s Country Cookin’, NB Market, and Sunnyside Cafe.

We also thank those who made Christmas brighter for our children. We send many thanks to Team Waldo Realty for their ongoing financial support. One of their most generous contributions enabled us to purchase wonderful Christmas gifts for our youth residing at our emergency shelter in Romney.

“Thank you” does not seem to be adequate to convey how much your support means to us and to our children and youth.

Sally Johnson

Regional Director

Children’s Home Society

Romney, W.Va.

Vogel a ‘statist’?

Once again it seems Sen. Jill Holtzman Vogel wishes to impose her “Mother knows best” beliefs through the Virginia legislative process.

Recently, Sen. Vogel supported a measure to restrict a person’s smoking in their automobile. Violating this proposed law would carry a $100 fine. That legislation has been moved to the full Senate for disposition.

What will come next? How will Sen. Vogel vote on Second Amendment issues?

The above may seem minor, but when one considers Sen. Vogel’s propensity to support other statist initiatives, including tax increases for Virginians, we need to take a hard look at who will get our vote when her current term expires in 2015.

Richard Quinn

Winchester