AMERICUS — First I would like to commend our County commissioners and the group that put the Ten Commandments and the other documents in our new courthouse. Some may disagree, but I think it was very appropriate. The courthouse does not belong to any group; it belongs to the people of Sumter County. As for the editorial about our founding fathers, you need to contact Newt Gingrich; he has written a book about the people that came to America and their Christian beliefs. Those who don’t believe in God need to get a Bible and read it (not just read it, study it).

Now I would like to mention the story about the retreat (for City and County). It is good to know that our City leaders want to improve Americus, but I think they focus too much on tourism and recreation. Both of these are great, but I think we need to put more thought on our unemployed and our schools. Tourism is good, but we need to have our people at work when tourists come visit. Tourists come a few days at a time, but if there were job opportunities, some could get the word out, and maybe bring some permanent business. Recreation is great, but our young people need to know when they get out of school that the world is not a huge playground.

Now, back to our schools. We need to locate and fix the problem. I know you probably want to disagree with me, but just look around and see for yourself. We have nice school buildings and gymnasiums and all that, but it takes more than a building for our children to get an education. We are not only seeing parents taking children to other schools (even out of the county) so they can get proper education, but our teachers are also leaving, so there has to be a problem. I do not know if it is working conditions or better pay; it still needs checking out. These children are our future and they deserve more consideration. As I said, our children need to know that life is more than a game. If one county can pay the teachers more, why can’t we?

Let’s all do some serious praying and ask God for guidance. If we did more praying and less partying, we could have a better place to live.

Thank you and may God bless us all.