I have a variety of things to say this week, so buckle up, we’re in for a fast ride.

First, I was saddened last week to hear of the death of the Rev. Jack W. Byrd. He was the Pastor Emeritus at Cashie Baptist Church and was my pastor for many years until he retired.

He was a good man who helped many people during his life. He will be sorely missed.

***

I was away from the office all last week enjoying my first week-long vacation in almost five years. I enjoyed the time my family and I spent in southeastern North Carolina.

Because of that time off, however, there are a lot of sports forms on my desk that coaches have dutifully faxed in. While we’re behind because of the break I took, we will get caught up. I appreciate the patience of the schools, student-athletes and others who look forward to reading the stories.

***

I’m hoping that our local candidates will take advantage of our offer to provide profiles about themselves for the upcoming elections. I think it was good for many people to read the information from the candidate in the primary and I believe they need the same opportunity now.

I encourage everyone to read what the candidates have to say and make up your mind which ones believe what you do and vote for that person without regard to age, race or political affiliation.

***

Speaking of campaigns… I’ve thought this for a long time and now I’m just going to write about it.

It bothers me greatly when I ride by homes with political yard signs and see that the candidates may be Republican, Democrat, liberal, conservative or none of the above and that the only thing in common is they are all of one race.

If your vote is based on race, it is a sincerely miscast vote. Voting should be about electing the best person to represent your beliefs no matter what race or even party they are. If your campaign signs representing candidates with different political views, but are all of one race, I challenge you to really think about the message you’re sending.

***

I’ve had a number of people stop me in the past several weeks to comment on my recent column that we need another McDonalds in Ahoskie. To a person, they have agreed with me.

It’s amazing how many people told me they hate waiting in the line or refuse to do so even though they want to dine there. Maybe the best step is contacting the corporate headquarters.

***

Earlier this week I read an article about a woman in Georgia who was insulted by a manager of a grocery store because of her use of food stamps. It was reported that he told her he was sorry he was busy working for a living to provide her the food stamps or some such nonsense.

It seems to me he was expressing what a lot of people feel. Here’s the problem… when she explained her reasons for being on food stamps, I don’t think anyone would have had a problem with it.

It’s true that some people abuse the system and we should be angry when they do. It is also important, however, to realize some people truly need the help and are just trying to get by until they can get back on their feet.

It would behoove us all to remember that before we make allegations.

 

Thadd White is Managing Editor of Roanoke-Chowan Publications. He can be reached via email at thadd.white@r-cnews.com or by telephone at 333-7211.