Dealing with the untruthful …

Dear Editor:
My subject is untruthfulness.  Defined it means a falsehood/falsity/lie.  

I use the term in order to provide civility (politeness) to my letter, all in hopes that lots (a whole bunch) of people read what I have to say. Rep. Joe Wilson used the term “You lied,” during a session of congress and was castigated severely. I am not looking for that.

I would, however, like very much for our current administration, or more directly, our president, to answer the people as to the many untruths being exposed on a daily basis.

What really propelled me to the word processor was the recent receipt of my retirement pay statement from the Army. It gave me the figures for my retirement pay for 2010. This pay along with Social Security fell into the no increase category (no increased cost of living allowance).  

My withholding taxes (income tax) increased by $17 per month.  I knew this had to be a mistake because my president said that if I made less than $250,000 that my taxes would not increase one dime.

So, I checked with a few of my retiree buddies only to find out that theirs increased also.

So now we have PROOF in writing that an untruth has been spoken. This was done by my Commander-In-Chief/Leader/#1 Top Dog.  

I guess due to my military background and the strict code of honor which always includes truthfulness, I am taking this rather hard. But, I see a pattern here that I believe the American People are catching on to.  

When the promised transparency, “no increased taxes” and other “biggies” manifest themselves, I’m afraid everyone will see the light.  

As the congressional leaders who have brought us to the end of their leader’s first year in office begin to bow out (retire), it is obvious they have lined their pockets and can now go home and spend it. We are left to pay for it.  

I believe that honesty (not Republicans or Democrats) will have to be the coat that all our new leaders wear.  I know that will come hard to some politicians but that is what we need.  

What say you, Mr. President?

Sincerely,
Jack Justice
Summerton, S.C.

Roses while living …

Dear Editor:
I want to take this opportunity to express gratitude to a number of folks for an event that took place in my life several weeks ago.

I want to thank The Manning Times for publishing in its Times Extra edition the article written by Cathy Gilbert concerning the 75th birthday/55 years ministry celebration planned by my wife and daughter for me on Nov. 14 at the Free Will Baptist Home for Children in Turbeville.

I want to thank Cathy for the excellent article she wrote. I was deeply honored and humbled by both the article and the event.

I want to thank Brother Mike Wainright for the excellent job he did of emceeing the program for us and the Free Will Baptist Home for Children for allowing us to use their fine facilities.

I want to thank my dear wife, Vivian, for wanting to “give me my roses while I was still living.”

I want to thank Senator John Land for having the S.C. Senate issue a proclamation on my behalf and in my honor. I was deeply humbled by the gesture.

I want to thank dear family friend and former long-time mayor of Manning, Ms. Pansy Ridgeway, who, when she finished a meeting she had in Columbia, returned home via Turbeville to spend the last half of the program with us. I appreciate her kind words.

I want to thank dear family friends Ranny and Shayne Stephens who, in the midst of taking care of funeral home business, took the time to stop by and visit with us and wish us well.

And I want to thank all those other family and friends who attended, called or sent cards, and gave personal gifts to me and designated gifts to the Children’s Home in my honor.

Lastly, I want to thank the many fine citizens of Clarendon County who, when they encountered Vivian, my daughter Patara, or me in the public square, extended their congratulations and wishes for continued success and prosperity.

Most of all, I want to thank my dear Lord and Savior for allowing me to serve Him these many years, and for being pleased to use me to some degree to touch the lives of so many for good.

Sincerely,
Rev. Isom Bennie Turner
Manning, S.C.