LETTERS
To the Editor:

In recent years, most presidents have taken the opportunity during the annual State Of The Union (SOTU) address to describe a number of initiatives, strategies, etc., which are to be the focus of the federal government during the coming year; and each year during my exegesis of the SOTU I separate the focus items into those which are authorized by the US Constitution, and those which are not. For example, early in this year's SOTU Mr. Bush stated, "First, we must balance the federal budget ... without raising taxes." Bravo. That certainly is a legitimate and worthy goal. Specifically, he hopes to eliminate the federal deficit within the next five years; but given that he inherited a $284B surplus, which he turned into the fourth largest deficit in history (with the help of a republican Congress) I'm not going to hold my breath. He offered a few other legitimate pursuits, and then listed a host of items for which there is absolutely no Constitutional authority. For example, Mr. Bush claimed, "When it comes to health care, government has an obligation to care for the elderly, the disabled, and poor children," and "We must continue to fight HIV/AIDS, especially on the continent of Africa." Really? I'm sure this would come as a surprise to the Founding Fathers, who, apparently, forgot to include these obligations in the enumerated powers section of the US Constitution. I knew we were in trouble when Mr. Bush opened hisaddress by incorrectly defining the job of the federal government as , "Our job is to make life better for our fellow Americans, and help them to build a future of hope and opportunity." No, Mr. President, the job of our federal government is not to make life better for our fellow Americans (or Africans) by providing health care for poor children or funding effortsto fight HIV/AIDS; it is, as specified in the Congressional Oath, "to support and defend the Constitution," and as specified in the Presidential Oath, "to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution." Perhaps it was said best on the floor of the House of Representatives by William Giles (1762-1830) of Virginia, who insisted that it was not the purpose nor the right of Congress to "attend to what generosity and humanity require, but to what the Constitution and their duty require." Amen.

Cordially, Chuck Esposito

Suches, Ga. To the Editor:

Many years ago, we had to drive to Blue Ridge, Andrews or the drive-in at Peachtree or Blue Ridge so when our lovely theater at Bald Mt. Cinema opened, it was great. Rocking chairs, close parking and first-run movies. What a thrill for all of us movie fans. I feel sad every day that I drive past the empty theater!

With the zillions of realtors which we have lately, there must be one who can find a buyer for this excellent venue. For so many of us, it is much closer to go here. Saves gas also! If I did not enjoy retirement so much I'd search for a buyer. Someone who has plenty of backup money and who wants to keep this nice, convenient movie open.

Louise Hughes Blairsville resident To the Editor:

Congressman Nathan Deal is not voting the wishes of the majority of his constituents but instead bows to the wishes of the special interests lobbies in Washington. Deal, Ninth District Representative to Congress, has voted against Implementing the 9/11Commission Recommendations, against the Fair Minimum Wage, against Stem Cell Research Enhancement, against Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation, against College Student Relief and against the Creating Long-Term Energy Alternatives for the Nation. Congressman Deal collected over $800,000 from Political Action Groups (PACs) in the last election: WALMART, EXXON Mobil, AETNA, AFLAC, American Bankers Association, AT&T, Glaxosmithkline, Merck and National Beer Wholesalers to name a few. Check the Federal Election Commission for a complete list. Let's keep a real close watch on Congressman Deal. In 2008 we need to elect someone who really represents the interest of those in the Ninth District of Georgia.

Frank Maloney Blairsville, Ga. To the Editor:

Thanks to the generosity of our neighbors in Union County, many children around the world have something to smile about. Operation Christmas Child, the world's largest Christmas project, collected 2,679 gift-filled shoe boxes from local residents during last year's collection season. These gifts from right here in our community are now on their way to hurting children around the world.

With the donations of shoe box gifts from churches, individuals, businesses, and community groups, Operation Christmas Child will be able to hand-deliver some 7.6 million gifts to children in more than 90 countries. On behalf of our community, I would like to thank World Harvest Church North for providing a location for collection of the gifts, Roadway for donating a truck and workers to load and ship the boxes (etc.), and all the volunteers who served with this amazing project for children.

We are also grateful for pastors and church members who organized the project within their congregations. Many of the north Georgia area churches donated gifts.

To everyone in Union County who packed a shoe box gift, please be encouraged by the fact that these simple gifts will serve as powerful messages of joy and hope to needy children around the world. Thank you for joining our community in this amazing outreach, and for giving to others at Christmas.

Though the Fannin County drop-off location is closed until November 2007, it is not too late to send gifts to children overseas. Gifts are received year-round at Samaritan's Purse, 801 Bamboo Road, Boone, NC 28607. For information on packing a shoe box, visit www.samaritanspurse.org or call 1-800-353-5949.

Thanks again to everyone who participated in this project. We look forward to seeing you next year!

Sincerely,

Debbie Dockery Area Coordinator Operation Christmas Child