CHEERS: To Frank McClain for standing up for his values (Gazette 7-26-08). I’ve never met Mollie Beth Malcolm, but to my way of thinking, the TC board should follow advice from Danny DeVito and “Throw Mama from the Train.”—L.A.W., Texarkana, Texas



CHEERS: To the young inmates of the Miller County Correctional Facility for clearing the brush and vines/briars that had taken over the creek behind (North of) Hermitage Drive. We homeowners appreciate your efforts in the 95 degree heat and working among the snakes and critters. Most people think all you do is eat three meals a day, lift weights or work out and watch TV. This type of service to the community and society proves otherwise. Thanks again for your efforts.—J.C.G., Texarkana, Ark.



CHEERS: To the Gazette for the article on Dale Watlington. It is good to see the righteous man getting recognition.—J.A.F., Fouke, Ark.



CHEERS: To the Texarkana Gazette. Recently I wrote a jeer to Texarkana Gazette for not giving the Gunslingers the coverage they deserved. Well, the Gazette has come through before my jeer was printed. Everyone should be supportive of anything that helps the Texarkana area.—K.G., Simms, Texas



JEERS: Once again to the sports department for not giving adequate coverage to swimming teams and events. Why does the Texarkana Gazette continuously ignore the efforts of these young athletes? I don’t know of any sport that practices 5 days a week at 6 a.m. and then returns to practice that afternoon for another grueling 2 1/2 hours 11 months out of the year. These kids work hard just to qualify to compete in the state finals and then when they do and accomplish this hard task the only recognition from you is a little article that you need a magnifying glass to read. What a shot in the foot that our 16 swimmers that made state final time had a smaller article than one athlete’s article. She did a great job and deserves recognition for it but so does the other 16 swimmers from this area who did a great job. They at least need to have their names spelled right when we do get out the magnifying glass to read it. These kids worked hard and they need the recognition they deserve.—J.A., Texarkana, Ark.



JEERS: The front page article, of July 29, on Rev. Maddox, reveals the sad spiritual state we are in, when so many would ask whether he was a heretic. A definition of a heretic is, “ A person holding opinions different from orthodox beliefs.” Orthodox defined as “Following established traditions and beliefs.” Believing, that “Christ’s purpose for coming to the world was to lead humans in developing their naturally good instincts,” alone, places one in the category of being a heretic. Jesus came into the world to further reveal the truth that our instincts were not “naturally” good, which puts us in a position that prevents us from being “led” by Christ. Jesus’ ultimate “purpose” for coming was to die as a sacrifice, that we, by faith in Him, can have a spiritual rebirth—salvation. Yes, Dr. Maddox was a heretic, and an early leader of the rampant heresy we have today.—D.H.M, Texarkana, Ark.



JEERS: Why has the rock wall in front of the downtown post office never been completed? This native rock wall would look fantastic if it was finished. It is such an eyesore when approaching the post office and focusing on the fountain but all one can see is the unfinished rock wall. How can we get the rock wall filled in?—L.M., Texarkana, Texas



JEERS: To M.P. of Texarkana, Texas. Hunters and fishermen pay billions of dollars each year for the privilege to harvest animals and fish. We pay for this privilege. I consume everything I harvest, just in the same way you consume your store-bought chicken, meat and vegetables. I teach my children respect, firearm safety, love for nature and love for the animals that live in it. These children are gaining positive life experiences with their parents. You teach your children one way and we teach ours another.—W.D.A., Texarkana, Texas