Letters to the Editor for Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Who will stand up for the animals?

From the Feb. 19 story in The News & Advance, we learn more about the deplorable conditions at the Lynchburg Humane Society’s city-owned animal shelter. We also are given the facts and figures regarding the clear need to build and maintain a modern no-kill facility in Lynchburg.

Animal lovers and other caring citizens are well aware of the consequences for dogs and cats if we do not respond positively and soon to this community need. Regrettably, when George Dawson, the person heading up the fundraising committee to help make a new shelter a reality, and others approached City Council for their support, they discovered a split among council members over providing that support at the higher level required.

Indeed, Dawson, retired CEO of Centra and a man known for his history of community service, remarked that not providing the needed support would be a “serious departure from past practice ... and outside the expectations we believe the public has.”

Speaking in favor of the request, Councilman Mike Gillette astutely noted that it would be “fiscally irresponsible” to not do it, since working with the humane society, a nonprofit program, in a continued public/private partnership will actually cost less than if the city ran the program on its own.

Alas, while Gillette and three other council members are supportive, they face the usual opposition from the naysayers whose sole purpose it often seems is to reject any request for expenditures that do not fit their narrow definition of what is essential. Councilman Turner Perrow is quoted as saying “we can’t afford to do anything more” than pay for what is legally required, which it turns out is simply to offer a public pound. We know how that works and what it would mean for our helpless animals. Sadly, they can’t vote!

Then we hear from Councilman H. Cary, who whines that the city was never given a say in whether the shelter should transition to a no-kill policy, and “now we are being asked to pay more for it ... that doesn’t wash well with me.” Perhaps Cary, who appears to be opposed to a no-kill policy, will volunteer to help euthanize some animals if the status quo is maintained.

These two council members, along with Jeff (Dr. No) Helgeson, who was not quoted but will very likely vote the same, have once again demonstrated that they are “tone deaf” when it comes to matters where at least a modicum of sensitivity to citizens in need — and now animals in need — is appropriate.

NEAL SUMERLIN

Lynchburg

Stop evil; vote Republican

In a two-way race between Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney, I chose Gingrich. In a three-way race of Rick Santorum, Gingrich and Romney, I would choose Santorum. 

I will support any Republican on the bases — the worst Republican is better than the best Democrat — but I would like to see Santorum win if all Republicans will really get behind Santorum. If any Republican fails to vote in November, they will be re-electing Obama. I believe Santorum could lead America back to prosperity by returning America to a nation that honors our motto of  “In God We Trust.”

I wish I could convince blacks and poor people the policy of rewarding good and punishing evil of the Republicans is better for them than the policy of rewarding good and evil of the Democrats. The Democrats’ policy of rewarding good and evil has led to evil flourishing in America. The flourishing of evil has led to a massive increase in socialism.

I have a feeling Gingrich will be the Republican presidential candidate, and I hope Herman Cain will be the vice presidential candidate. Cain is needed to lead blacks and poor people off the Democratic Socialism/Slavery/Welfare Plantation.

CLIFFORD D. RUSSELL

Forest