e-sound off for the week of October 7, 2010
Your source for community topics and thoughts
Sounding off on alcohol sales
Why do people say if you are a church member you cannot voice your opinion about political issues? Why do people want to lash out at Christians because they take a stand in what they believe in? I am proud of our pastors who stand out, leading us members or just joining us who take a stand. I would be disappointed if they didn’t.”
“I want to respond to a few comments. First, those of us who are Christians are not trying to judge individuals that choose to drink. We are saying that it is not a way to honor God, and we will not participate in it. Stating our beliefs on the subject is not the same as being judgmental. And, as citizens, we have the right to campaign against it. It’s not the same as endorsing a particular candidate. Read the law.”
“I am a member of a Southern Baptist church in another state. Our preacher does not preach against drinking alcoholic beverages. He says the leaders (pastors) shouldn’t imbibe. Also, the deacons should be sober minded. I find it disturbing that people use their interpretation of the Bible to run others’ lives. Here is a novel idea…worry about you and your family. If an adult wants to purchase alcohol, it’s his or her own business. Hartselle is not dry. Sorry to bust your bubble. I grew up there and lived there until 2004. People who want to drink will drink regardless of where it’s sold. Leave it up to the business owners whether they will sell it or not. Just because the town may be wet, doesn’t mean all businesses have to sell it.”
“To date, I have never seen in Hartselle any church or church affiliated group standing alongside a street, waving at people driving by, holding signs that read:
Eradicate meth!
Death to those that make meth!
Stop child abuse!
Feed the hungry, won’t you help?
Please help restock our pantry!
Need money for the homeless!
Deport the illegals!
Wonder why that is the case?
These things don’t register high enough on their grand scale of priorities. They campaign to stop a legal product from being sold in Hartselle, yet they don’t campaign when it comes to drugs, abuse, illegals, homeless, etc.
It’s obvious the reason, and it should become a part of their doctrine. Keep booze out, but all the rest of life’s sin, neglect, abuse, etc., is quite alright.
Wonder how far all this donated money to their opposition would have gone to feed the hungry, pay someone’s utility bills or rent, or provide a place to rest for people in need?
Is there’s a 11th commandment that I haven’t ever heard or read? “Thou shalt control thy neighbor or fellow man as thy self!”
“Why would anyone waste time standing on the roadside trying to tell people to stop doing something already illegal (meth)? Why would they hold signs for issues that they already prioritize in their church (feeding the hungry, stocking the pantry)? Illegal aliens? That one doesn’t even merit a comment. These people are Christians who devote their lives to helping others such as the homeless and the abused. Alcohol isn’t legal in Hartselle yet, so they are not campaigning for something legal. They certainly aren’t trying to control thy neighbor. It’s their opinion….which they are entitled. Their opinion is no different than yours, they just have a more mature way of dealing with it. Now that I think about it, the entire previous post isn’t worth a comment. It doesn’t make any sense at all.”
“To those who want restaurants and the convenience of liquor here in Hartselle have you considered the fact that the ordinance that has been proposed can be changed by a simple majority vote of three council members? This means that the next time Hartselle leaders decided we need more tax money they can vote to allow bars, lounges, nightclubs, etc. without the vote of the people. Do you really want to put the quality of life we have here in Hartselle in the hands of three council members? The mayor has absolutely no control over allowing bars, lounges, nightclubs, etc. into Hartselle. Please vote no Nov. 2 to keep the bars, lounges, nightclubs,etc. out of Hartselle!”
“So having alcohol in the city, instead of a few miles up the road, will cause all of these things to happen? I forgot that addicts don’t drive or go to all kinds of lengths to get their drug (or drink) of choice. People who want to drink already go to the Decatur line to get their alcohol. People who do not want to drink or are against in, will continue to not drink alcohol. Don’t worry. Last time I checked, there aren’t door to door liquor salesmen, and they won’t convert an ice cream truck into a booze truck to go around and sell to your children.”
Sounding off on alcohol sales
“To those who say that those opposing the sale of alcohol in the city of Hartselle are pushing their moral beliefs on others. Have you thought that by pushing for the sale of alcohol, you are also pushing your moral beliefs and idealogy on those who do not want alcohol? Before accusing others of pushing their moral beliefs onto you, think about what you are pushing on others.”
“How can going wet in Hartselle add to Hartselle’s problems. Statically and theoretically, by a town going wet, it lowers DUN and alcohol related accidents involving vehicles. The illegal drug problem in and around trumps this legalized alcohol referendum tremendously.
Here’s a perfect example. Let’s look at Athens. When they were dry, people traveled to Tennessee, Decatur, Madison or Huntsville, and purchased alcohol. They couldn’t wait until getting home, began to drink while driving, and either got into accidents, or got caught for DUN. Now, they stop by their local convenience store, or liquor store, purchase their preferred drink, and go home, ergo eliminating the accident and DUN problems.
The ordinance available for the council to approve was carefully crafted with help from current and former emergency personnel along with the former mayor, councilmen, the city attorney and other intelligent individuals. It wasn’t something thrown together overnight.”
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