Letter to the Editor

Forum coordinators urge citizens to vote

Dear Editor:

The "Insight & Issues 2006" committee would like to express our thanks to the many local citizens who helped with the Soroptimist/Chamber of Commerce Voter Forum Oct. 19. We had a wonderful turnout at the Fox Playhouse and apparently there were even more folks at home who had their ears pressed to the radio, just like the good ole days. A big "Thank You" to KNEM and to the very talented CCPA techies who made a live radio broadcast and videotaping possible. Be sure to watch for the video broadcast on Cable channel 3. It was because of the very capable efforts of the forum committee, Cindy Thompson, Martha Sander, Cindy Johnson, Nancy Kerbs and the Cottey student newspaper staff, that area residents had the chance to look past the looming yard signs and take a hard look at candidates and issues on the ballot. We also appreciate the generosity of Hertzberg Furniture and May's Floral for their help in making the stage so attractive.

We are indebted to the candidates for State Representative, Vernon County Associate Circuit Judge, and Vernon County Presiding Commissioner for the articulate airing of positions on questions critical to our future. The ballot issue speakers (for and against Amendments 2 and 3) who traveled a combined 700 miles for the event, added a new and informative dimension this year. Finally, it was the enthusiasm of county clerk Tammy Beach that made it possible for us to distribute sample election ballots and to showcase a new voting machine in the Fox lobby.

This forum was not a debate; it was not a rally; it was not an effort to sway local opinion. It was simply an opportunity to come together in a dignified setting and learn about candidate positions and ballot issues. It is our way of stimulating interest in the upcoming election. You see we believe a democracy simply cannot exist without the participation of informed citizens.

Rama Adams, forum committee chair,

Soroptimists International of Nevada, Nevada/Vernon County Chamber of Commerce

Stem Cell Initiative a national crisis

Dear editor:

Our country today is facing several national crises. One that is of extreme, utmost importance is the topic concerning embryonic stem cell research. It is a terrible atrocity for a nation to kill its own people, yet that is exactly what the United States is doing.

Abortion has been a common practice for several years and now there are those who are trying to take it a step further. Embryonic stem cell research is creating new life and, when having harvested the desired outcome, the life is then brutally murdered for the sake of "research."

This must be stopped. One bumper sticker says, "Free choice? A baby does not choose to die." How true this is.

Concerning the embryonic stem cell research, a living, healthy baby is created and grown; the child grows in the natural process of development and then suffers a brutal and painful death. This must be stopped. Our nation as a whole is disgusted when suicide bombers use infants as bombs, and yet we allow innocent children to be tragically murdered everyday; even now there are those who are trying to pass Amendment 2; those supporting amendment 2 say that we should say "no" to cloning and therefore yes to Amendment 2; yet, if this amendment is passed, the death of thousands of innocent children will be on our heads, and we will be unable to do anything about it. Yes, that is right. If this amendment is passed, we the people will have no more say in the matter. The governor, the state legislature, and we, the voters, will be exempt from any decisions concerning this so called "research" and still we will be paying the bills.

We must take a stand here and now. WE are the people; WE are the choosers. What will YOU choose? Vote no on Amendment 2.

Kylie Kitsmiller