The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Dear Editor,
October, which is designated in many sectors as Respect Life Month, is a good time to evaluate where we are as a nation.
When our forefathers framed our Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they guaranteed the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness to all people, while also affirming at the same time, that all men were created equal.
Although this was true on paper, in reality some groups of people, namely the Indians, women and the African Americans were denied many of these civil rights.
Through horrendous struggles and wars, eventually each of these groups obtained their civil rights.
However, in recent decades it appears we have taken a step backwards. Another group, the unborn children, are written off as unworthy of these protections.
Each day over 3,000 innocent girls and boys die, even up to the moment of birth, as a result of abortion, despite the fact that the Declaration of Independence says all are created equal.
What other segment of society will soon be in danger? Will it be the disabled? Will it be the elderly? Will it be the unproductive?
When we allow one segment of our society to be written off as unworthy of having their right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness protected, soon another group can be chosen, for that same distinction.
Edmund Burke said, "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."
This October make a decision to do something. As a first step, we encourage you to attend the Festival of Life, which is sponsored by Knox County Right to Life and hosted by Bethel Baptist Church at 1196 N. Academy Street in Galesburg.
Dr. Alveda King, a niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., will speak on Life, Liberty and Justice at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 28.
At 6:30 p.m. the Galesburg Christian School students will perform.
Refreshments will be served.
Bring your family, neighbors, and relatives to this free, informative event.
Dick and Pat Conklin
Galesburg
Proud Of Caring Community
Dear Editor,
I would like to acknowledge the staff of the Henderson County Rural Health Center in Stronghurst.
One of our dearest residents of Stronghurst fell off of her scooter. Dr. Cope noticed her on the sidewalk. He ran and got Joni Dillard and Jana Cole.
They kept her warm and calm during the rainstorm.
Brad Mowen and Amber Henshaw also came and helped. I am very proud to work in a town that has such caring individuals. You all deserve a big thank you.
Jennifer Ewing
Security Savings Bank
Stop-For The Safety Of The Children
Dear Editor,
October 22nd-26th is School Bus Safety Week. Perhaps a more appropriate title could be School Children Safety Week, an event we should observe every week.
That change may bring more attention to a growing problem in our communities.
More and more often motorists are either ignoring the stop arms on school buses, or speeding up to pass the bus just prior to the arm being extended.
The consequences to these motorists are significant.
A motorist that fails to stop for a school bus will have their license suspended for a three month period for the first offense and will be suspended for 1 year for a subsequent offense.
In addition, the fines can range from $150 to $500. More importantly, those violators are posing a serious risk to the children on those buses.
Children entering or exiting the bus may be seriously injured or even killed by those who violate this law.
Let's make every week School Bus Safety Week and celebrate the lives of our school children every day!
Rich Myers
State Representative
94th District