|
|
|
|
|
LIGHTHOUSE RELIEF WORKERS ON THE WAY TO LOUISIANA ARE (L-R) Todd Williams, Johnny Gourdon, Brad Jackson, and Tate Glasscock. This was the first crew to leave after Hurricane Katrina. Another crew replaces them this week.
By Larry Ogden Four employees of Lighthouse Electric Cooperative were Gulf Coast bound last week to help rebuild power lines downed in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, a Category 4 hurricane that struck the coast of Louisiana and Mississippi early Monday. The first four volunteers are being replaced this week with 5 more. The first volunteers included Foreman, Johnny Gourdon, Todd Williams, Tate Glasscock and Brad Jackson. The crew left Wednesday, August 31, to drive the 831 miles to Houma, Louisiana, just southwest of New Orleans. They will meet up with other crews to receive instructions and begin their restoration and repair work. The Louisiana Statewide Association requested 300 Texas cooperative workers be available beginning as early as Tuesday morning, said Tiffin Wortham, vice president of member services/loss control for Texas Electric Cooperatives, the statewide cooperative association. "If I were facing the situation they are facing, with power lines down and practically all my members out of power, the best thing I could hope to see would be Johnny Gourdon and his crew arriving to help," noted Lighthouse General Manager, Bill Harbin. "It's something we do as Co-op people. We help each other." Even before Hurricane Katrina pounded the Gulf Coast, Texas' electric cooperatives geared up for deployment to assist linemen in storm-damaged areas. September 6 six more linemen were sent from Lighthouse to relieve the first crew. "Six are driving down there," said Harbin. "One of them, Danny Nixon, will drive the first crew of four back. They are so tired we don't want them having to drive." Replacing the first crew will be: Joel Evans, Larry Smith, Brent Sanders, and Grant Cage, all of Floydada, and Dickie Cloyd, of Hall County. The crew started out in Houna, LA. which is southwest of New Orleans. The fresh crew will meet up with them in Franklinton, LA. "They have been working 14-18 hour days, sleeping on the Co-op floor," said Harbin. "Of course, they have no running water or electricity." "We're hoping to secure commitments from the Texas Electric Cooperative membership to supply 90-100 men and the associated equipment," Wortham said. "The greatest need will be for construction crews immediately after the storm's passing and will begin to shift to service crews within a couple of weeks." Lighthouse Electric Cooperative, based in Floydada serves over 8,000 meters in 12 counties.
RACHAEL CASTILLO
By Darwin Robinson The Floydada Chamber of Commerce has a new manager. Rachael Castillo has accepted the challenge of directing the Floydada Chamber of Commerce. Castillo replaces Iantha Smith, who resigned in August. Castillo is also serving her third term on the FISD school board. Also, she is on her third term serving Floyd County businesses on 15 county Worksource of the South Plains. She is a life long member of Floydada. She moved here when she was three years old in 1953. She married Aurelio Castillo in 1968. They have three married children, Marissa Reyes, Sara Segura and Jaime Castillo, all of Floydada. Castillo recently retired from working with Texas Social Services after 23 years. Castillo is very active in the Assembly of God Church. She is a local Sunday School teacher and is the Plainview District's Director of the Assemblies of God Churches, which involves the training of Christian educators. She helped create the local Impact Literacy Council, which was an extension of her Sunday School class. She had an active part in the building and fund raising for the new Floyd County Library. Castillo said, "I love Floydada. I want the chamber to be very visible. We want the chamber to represent every type of business, such as, agriculture. This includes cotton, grain, sun flower seeds and pumpkins. We are the Punkin Capital USA, but we have so more to offer, such as, the Coronado dig, the library and the museum's genealogy center." According to Castillo, there are already 48 booth locations reserved for Punkin Day on October 8th. "Many more will be signing up right before the day arrives," said Castillo. "We
want all to know that individuals can join the Chamber of
Commerce, along with businesses. We want everyone to get
involved with things happening in our City. The chamber
office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30
p.m.. Come by and visit us at City Hall," said Castlllo.
By Darwin Robinson Floyd County may be receiving evacuees soon from the New Orleans hurricane aftermath, according the Sudy Cochran, Executive Director of the Floydada Housing Authority. Cochran told the Hesperian-Beacon, "People in Floyd County need to start thinking about taking in refugees. Any space, whether in vacant buildings or in homes, will be needed." There are 58 units available in the Farm Labor Camp, according to Cochran. "They will need to be 'rehabbed' before anyone can stay there," said Cochran. Cochran has contacted FEMA already and said she will also contact the Red Cross and the Salvation Army. "We
will conduct background checks on these people," said
Cochran. "If you can help with housing, linens, towels, wash
cloths or blankets, call me at 983-5165."
REMEMBERING THE END OF WWII--Marine Honor Guards presented a solemn a dignified ceremony of lowering the flag to half mast and playing taps at a ceremony, in Lockney, September 2, commemorating the end of WWII. Marine Honor Guards were part of a commemorative ceremony, in Lockney, honoring Texas veterans and the end of WWII. The ceremony was hosted by the Texas High Plains Veterans Association in conjunction with a statewide event planned to commemorate the signing of the documents that ended WWII. The event, was held Friday, September 2, at Lockney City Hall. The Marine Honor Guard lowered the American Flag and played taps. Lockney High School teacher, Sam Moore, brought brief remarks concerning the 60th anniversary of the formal surrender on the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. "On September 2, 1945 Japan was defeated," said Moore. "World War II was over. General Douglas MacArthur had returned as promised. "I cannot forget the sacrifices made by the Veterans that allow me to stand before you and exercise our 1st Amendment Rights of Freedom of Speech, Assembly, and Press." Moore stated that although MacArthur made all the news it was the veterans who made it all possible. "We must also remember the sacrifices made at home," said Moore. "Then, as today, families have their loves ones on foreign soil to ensure that America is safe." Dr. Carl Moman, pastor of First Baptist Church of Lockney, sang the last verse (referred to by many as 'the forgotten verse), of the Star Spangled Banner: "Oh! thus be it ever, when freeman shall stand; Between their loved home and the war's desolation! Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land; Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation. Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, And this be our motto: "In God is our trust." And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave; O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave. The Texas Historical Commission also hosted the main statewide event at the State Capitol in Austin. Members of the Floyd County Historical Commission and Floyd County Historical Museum attended the Lockney ceremony. They included: Joyce Williams, J.D. Copeland, Don and Wilma Gowens, Henry and Olive Hinton, J.A. and Norma Welch, Janet Milam, Don and Carolyn Hardy, Nancy Marble, and Frank Potts. World War II Veterans who were seen in the audience were: Paul Teuton, Duard Reves, Henry Hinton, and J.A. Welch. Teuton served in North Africa and Italy with the Army. Reves served four years in the Army Signal Corp with two of those years in the S.W. Pacific Theater. Hinton served in New Guinea, the Philippines, and occupied Japan. Welch was in the Army Infantry serving in Italy. Approximately
320,000 WWII veterans live in Texas.
On Friday September 2, the Floyd County Commissioners Court voted unanimously, 5-0, to raise property taxes from .45300 to .48296. The increase would cost $29.96 on a home valued at $100,000. The Commissioners held two public meetings on the proposed increase. Only one citizen appeared at the meetings and voiced support for the tax increase. In
other matters commissioners approved four farm contracts: 2
miles east on CR110 & FM 97 - Grade Ranch Road - W.R.
Ware; 3 miles north & 1 west of Lakeview - Bury old
improvements - Jimmy McGaugh; 3 miles north of Lakeview -
Bury old improvements - Leonard Alexander by Jimmy McGaugh;
3 miles north of Lockney - Fill in low areas for soil
erosion purpose - Leonard Gilroy.
An election to pick a new LISD trustee will be held in Lockney, Saturday, September 10, at the Lockney High School. Four candidates have signed up for the vacated position which was last held by Jeff Don Terrell. Terrell resigned when he moved out of the school district. The term will fill the unexpired term of Terrell and will expire for the newly elected trustee in May 2006. Candidates who have signed up for the position are: Cheryl Edwards, Kerry Gardner, Tracy Kidd and Jose Cazares Jr. Only residents of Lockney's ISD District 2 can vote in this election. Battey Family History Recorded in Civil War Diary Descendants of O.F. and Cornelia Battey gathered at the Massie Activity Center, Saturday, for a family reunion and were pleased to find a collection of historical documents written by Batteys during the Civil War and during the wagon journey to Floydada in 1905. Ila Marie Battey Warren, of Floydada, started the process of gathering history of the family and Janice Davidson, of Amarillo, became a partner in recording the history. "We started with a 1932 book from my father, Charlie Battey," said Marie. "Marie had all kinds of loose papers," said Janice. I started putting it together and it just got deeper and deeper." O.F. and Cornelia Battey were some of the very early settlers in Floyd County, having arrived here in 1905. O.F.'s son, Charlie Battey, recorded their travels to Floyd County, and the diary is still a family keepsake. It appears the writing knack may have been passed down to Charlie by his grandfather, Richard Morey Battey. Richard also recorded history with his journal of his time in the Union Army during the Civil War. The Civil War journal was recently found among the personal effects of Lorene Newberry, Richard Battey's great granddaughter. "Lorene is now in a Care Center," said Marie Warren. "Her daughter DeAnne Newberry was cleaning out some things and found the journal. Now this journal will also be a part of the Battey history papers. The Civil War papers told the story of Richard Battey's time in the 23rd Regiment of Indiana Volunteers. Drafted in 1864, Battey was in the Army for 6 months and received his discharge paper July 23, 1865. Entering the Army near the end of the War, Battey told of train rides, marches, and troop transportation by steamers. "We camped three miles from Nashville depot," wrote Battey. "Loading onto 12 steamers bound for Pittsburgh, New York, and Savannah. "Stopped in town of Smithland at the mouth of the Cumberland and took in 600 bushels of coal. Set up the proud waters of the Ohio and saw Illinois for the first time... Went to shore to get bread, butter, and cheese..." Another entry.."Just two months ago today I left the shores of Indiana bound for Dixie and today I set foot again on hoosier soil." In Lewisville, Louisiana Battey told of soldiers suffering from the cold and snow--especially the soldiers traveling on the top deck of the steamers. In Cincinnati, Ohio Battey wrote, "Got presents from businessmen--gloves, thread, tobacco, paper and envelopes, cakes, candy, etc." Battey told of a "splendid vessel" in Baltimore--the steamer, "New York". "It was the largest vessel of the fleet". His daily weather report included the conditions of a frozen Annapolis harbor and his awful trip aboard a small boat called the "Alliance". "If we ever live to get out of this vessel alive we shall surely be lucky". His descriptive detail of cold, wind, and high seas could make a reader standing on land seasick. "We watch the vessel descend into a great basin amid the waves and the next moment mounts high on the pinnacle of a mighty wave, from where we could see all around us on every side far over the top of a thousand foaming billows and again the next instant plunged downward into the deep boiling abyss where the roaring waves on every side were high above the hull of the vessel...Nearly every soldier on board is seasick." Battey docked in North Carolina and marched to Newburn and told of his first taste of oysters. A date of 23rd reads, "reported that Sherman has taken Columbia and Charleston." He records his hardest work as a 15 mile march towards Kingston in 3/4 of a day. We marched through "rain, mud, water, creeks, swamps, loaded down with overcoat, blanket, 3 days ration, and 70 rounds of cartridge, and oil blanket and dog tent. I was so sore through my back and breast and shoulder that I could not get a long breath until after midnight. Many threw away their overcoats, blankets, knapsacks, and ammunition." Battey told of skirmishes and camping close to "Rebs". Camping close to Kingston the troops were joined by General Sherman. In the march for Raleigh the troops heard of the surrender of Lee's army to Grant. "There was tremendous cheering". "Marching into Raliegh (3 months after leaving Dalton) the cheering had all been done up for the advance corps that entered on the 14th and none was left for us." On the 17th, Battey wrote, "heard today that Lincoln had been assassinated. Hope it is only a grapevine dispatch." On the 22nd, Battey wrote of official word of Johnson's (a notorious rebel) surrender. "The whole camp was frantic with joy. Old North Carolina was shook to its foundation with thunderous cheers. Cheers upon cheers rent the air for 2 hours. Bands played. Rockets fired as well as hundreds of muskets." Battey recounted beautiful farm land, and a statue of the "immortal" Washington in Richmond, Virginia. When passing through Fredricksburg, Battey wrote, "We passed through the City of Fredricksburg just in the middle of the day in the middle of the month. The city is small, quite narrow, and lies lengthwise with the river. The houses nearly all bear the marks of canon shot and musketry and a great many of the brick houses are entirely demolished. The city is well adorned with the jewels of treason. Shame has set its mark." Arriving in the Capital of the United States, Battey wrote of camping along the Potomac and viewing the "proud edifice of the nation." They marched across the Potomac bridge, marched through the city and stacked their arms. "The capital exceeded in beauty and size what I expected to see." While in the nation's capital, Battey recounts the anger from the soldiers of half rations and no pay. "Soldiers are all mad to think they are used so shamefully right here in the Capital of the Union, where everything is plenty. Government will neither give proper amount of rations, nor any money whereby we can buy us a little something to eat. It is a shame and disgrace for the government to use poor soldiers thus." Battey's journal does continue with descriptions of the monuments in the Capital City and of his travels home. Forty one years later, Richard Morey Battey's son, O.F. Battey would set out with his family to Floyd County. O.F. Battey's son, Charley, recorded these travels. The journey to the Panhandle began in Waverly, Texas in Montgomery County in November and December 1905. The trip was made by O.F., 46, and Cornelia Battey, 45, and their eight children and two in-laws. Charley was married to Carrie Heaton, Cinda was married to Arthur Pratt. The others were Bert, Fred, Linda, David, Lloyd, and Nina. Charley was 22 and Nina, the youngest, was 4. Charley's diary was later recorded by his daughter, Ila Marie Battey Warren. November 11, 1905 the family left their homes and friends "in the piney woods and bound for the plains for west Texas. We left the old home at 10:00 a.m. we had lived there for 10 years." Camping in Huntsville Charley recorded, "we camped near a gambling house and they gambled most of the night". This dairy also told of cold and wet weather and muddy roads making traveling difficult. On the 3rd day of travels, Charley wrote, "I shipped my walking cultivator which lessened my load 544 lbs. Got some feed and chuck and started on our journey for Anderson City--45 miles. November 14 told of their failing efforts to buy corn. Charley told of his wife, Carrie (who is pregnant) being tired of traveling. November 15 Charley wrote, "This is the first day Carrie has laid on the bed all day while traveling. When we got to Williho she was asleep and work up just before we left town, so I had the joke on her...Camped a mile west of Williho by a pond of wiggletails and Carried strained what she drank. Purchases along the trip included corn for 50¢ a bushel, oats for 40¢ per bushel, and a pound of pecans for 8¢. December 1st, the group was approached by a party that offered them $1.00 per 100 (cotton picking), pasture for the horses and a house to move into. The Batteys decided to keep moving as they were 82 miles from the Caprock. "Drove through the prairie and brush. Shot several rabbits but they all fell into dog holes." The "pulls" were getting steeper for the Batteys in December and teams had to be doubled. Wolfs were howling and Charley recorded the family being "kinder out of sorts". December 6th, the family "started up the cap on to the beautiful level plains of Floydada. Got there at sunset, drove to John Owens free wagon yard and got some hay and feed." Two weeks after arriving, December 20, 1905, Carrie gave birth to a baby girl, Lila May. She died in 1910 of diptheria. All the children of O.F. and Cornelia are deceased. Surviving grandchildren still living in Floyd County are Ila Marie Warren, Charlene Alldredge, Faye Bertrand, David Battey, Kenneth Willis, and until recently, Lorene Newberry. Like many families, the Battey history is a record of U.S., Texas, and Floyd County history. The cousins are now trying to make sure the history stays intact.  BATTEY GRANDCHILDREN--The grandchildren of O.F. and Corenelia Battey in attendance at the Battey reunion were: (l-r) Kenneth Willis, Faye Bertrand, Charlene Alldredge, David Battey, and Marie Warren. O.F. and Cornelia Battey came to Floyd County in 1905 in a covered wagon.
HAZEL W. ALEXANDER Funeral services for Hazel Wilson Alexander, 71, of Plainview were held Wednesday, August 31, 2005 at Bartley Memorial Chapel. Rev. Neil Unwin, Pastor of First Assembly of God Church in Childress officiated. Burial was at Lockney Cemetery under the direction of Bartley Funeral Home of Plainview. Mrs. Alexander died Sunday, August 28, 2005 at Covenant Hospital in Plainview. She was born November 21, 1933 in Lockney. She grew up in the Lockney area and graduated from Lockney High School. She then moved to Plainview in 1951. She married James Alexander February 14, 1954 in Plainview. She was an avid painter and a member of First Assembly of God Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Mary Ellen Wilson; one brother, J.T. Wilson; and one sister, Dean Harrison. Mrs. Alexander is survived by her
husband, James of the home; one daughter, Toni Brinkley with
husband, Danny of Houston; one sister, Avanell Kuykendall of
Alvin; and four grandchildren.
DORIS DRYSDALE Funeral servies for Doris Drysdale, 84, of Lubbock (formerly of Floydada) were held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 7, 2005 at the First United Methodist Church in Floydada. Reverend Les Hall officiated. Burial was in the Floyd County Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Moore-Rose-White Funeral Home of Floydada. Mrs. Drysdale died Friday, September 2, 2005 at Whisperwood Nursing and Rehab Center in Lubbock. She was born on May 18, 1921 in Glidewell, Missouri to the late Frank and Olga Owen. She married Howard Alexander Drysdale on January 5, 1943. He preceded her in death in 1996. She moved to Floyd County from Santa Monica, California in 1946. She was a loving mother and wonderful homemaker. She enjoyed her participation as a member of the Order of Eastern Star and found of the Floyd County Library. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Floydada. She sang in the choir and taught Sunday School. She also enjoyed fishing, knitting, crocheting and rose gardening. Two brothers and three sisters preceded her in death. Survivors include two sons, Dan Drysdale and wife, Sue of Lubbock and Tom Drysdale and wife, Toni of Pinchurst, Texas; a daughter, Patricia and husband, Ray Raybin of Schertz, Texas; 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. The family suggests memorials be made to
the Floyd County Library, 111 S. Wall Street, Floydada,
Texas 79235.
CARL O. "DUTCH" LYLES Funeral services for Carl Olen "Dutch" Lyles, 85, of Floydada were held Sunday, September 4, 2005 at the First United Methodist Church in Floydada. Rev. Les Hall officiated. Burial was in the Floyd County Memorial Park under the direction of Moore-Rose-White Funeral Home of Floydada. Mr. Lyles died September 2, 2005 at Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock. He was born July 24, 1920 to the late Carl and Ruth Lyles. He was a lifelong resident of Floyd County. He married Josephine Britton on March 6, 1944 in Floydada. He served as an Army Infantryman in Germany during WWII. He was a farmer and rancher, served as President on the Floydada Co-op board, and Floydada Rodeo Association in 1972. He enjoyed raising his horses. He was Parade Marshall for 25 years for the Floyd County Pioneer Association and a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by a brother, Floyd Lyles and a sister, Marjorie Jones McElyea. Survivors include his wife Josephine
Lyles of Floydada; two sons, Tommy Carl Lyles and wife
Sallye of Floydada; Gary Dale Lyles of Arlington; a
daughter, Lori Jo and husband Paul Lloyd of Floydada; two
brothers, John Lyles of Hale Center and Marvin Lyles of
Rogers, Arkansas; one sister, Rena Mae Baxter of Plainview;
three grandchildren, Jeffrey Thomas Lyles of Houston, Jeremy
Todd Lloyd of Lubbock and Tana Jo Lloyd of Floydada and
numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
MONA SAMPLES Memorial services for Mona Samples, 69, of Helena, Montana were held Wednesday, September 7, 2005 at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Windsor, Colorado. Her son, Rev. David Samples, Pastor of the church, officiated. The body was cremated and a separate memorial service will be held in Helena, Montana. Arrangements were under the direction of Marks Funeral Service of Windsor, Colorado. Mrs. Samples died Saturday, September 3, 2005 in Windsor, Colorado. She was born October 23, 1935 in Floydada to the late Raymond and Blanche Ramsey Williams. She graduated Floydada High School and received her B.A. degree from the University of Wyoming. She married Ted Samples in Floydada January 26, 1953. She and Rev. Samples were Southern Baptist Missionaries for twenty years. She was a housewife, mother and artist. She was active in Baptist Women's work. They also served as beloved pastor and wife of Grace Fellowship Church in Lockney. During this time both she and Rev. Samples also worked for MHMR in Plainview. After retiring, they owned and operated Christian Crafts in Lockney, where they designed and created sandblasted wooden signs. They also travelled the Craft Show circuit selling their signs and ministering to the others there. They moved to Montana and were living in Helena. Mrs. Samples is survived by her husband, Rev. Ted Samples of Helena, Montana; two daughters, Sandra Evans of Seattle, Washington and Cynthia Stauffenberg of Helena; two sons, Mike Samples of Reno, Nevada and Rev. David Samples of Windsor, Colorado; nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and one sister, Carolyn Ramazani of Lubbock. Memorials may be sent to: Mona R. Samples, % Marks Funeral and
Cremation Services, 9293 Eastman Park Drive, Windsor,
Colorado 80550.
ROMA E. WILKINSON Funeral services for Roma E. Wilkinson, 104, of Waco were held Wednesday, September 7, 2005 at First United Methodist Church. Rev. Jeff Symonds officiated. Interment was at Wilbarger Memorial Park, under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home. Mrs. Wilkinson died Saturday, September 3, 2005 in Waco. She was born April 7, 1901 in Peaster, Parker County, Texas. She was the daughter of the late Miles P. Swan and Katheran Stimpson Swain. She married Harl Leon "Lee" Wilkinson August 2, 1926 in Floydada. They moved to Vernon in 1943 and lived until 1996 when she moved to Roanoke, Texas. She lived there until 2004 then moved to Waco. She was a member of First United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School Classes K - 12. She was a member of the Lloyd Bible Class in Vernon. She made draperies in her home, was a member of Porcelain Art Club, Vernon Story Telling Club, Home Science Club, B&PW Club, Women of the Year in Vernon, Wilbarger General hospital Auxiliary and the United Methodist Women. She was a retired telephone operator for South western Bell and a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harl Leon "Lee" Wilkinson January 31, 1969. Five brothers and four sisters also preceded her in death. She is survived by two daughters, Kathryn Hindman of Hewitt and Carol Baldwin of Roanoke; three sons, Lee E. Wilkinson of Monte Vista, Colorado, Tom F. Wilkinson of Leonard, Texas and Ted M. Wilkinson of Watkins, Colorado; 16 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren.
By The Way | by Alice Gilroy
A View From The Lamplighter | by Ken Towery We see by the papers where Pat Robertson, the once-upon-a-time religious leader-turned politician, says that Hugo Chavez, the present "president" in Venezuela, should be "taken out." To "take out" the political leader of a foreign country has always been a nice way to say the guy ought to be killed, or "assassinated" In this case, we will not quarrel with Robertson's private comments, only with the wisdom of his public utterances. It was a stupid thing to say, publicly, for all sorts of reasons. (Pat has since apologized, sort of. He claims, among other things, he was misquoted, which prompted t.v. types to go back and get the tapes if his comments. Most people would say…a la Dan Rather… he was quoted accurately.) It makes one wonder if Robertson was speaking publicly to followers as a religious leader, or publicly as a religious leader who also, once in a while, is known to dabble in politics. In fact, he has been deeply involved in politics, primarily in the business of championing Israel in any of that country's official endeavors. He started out as a penniless broadcaster and is now worth an estimated $500 million, so he must be smart, even if he says stupid things once in a while. The reason we will not quarrel with Robertson's comments…when made in private… is very simple. That question, the question of whether the political leader of this country should secretly tell his agents to "get rid" of a foreign leader, is an old philosophical question that has been around cocktail circuits since Hector was a pup. It makes for good conversation after several drinks. One can argue, for instance, that the world would be much better off if Joseph Stalin, or Adolph Hitler, or Tojo, had been killed by some unknown agents before World War 11. Millions may have been spared an early death. Or just about any other political leader, including Pol Pot, who insists on liquidating his citizens as the only solution to differences of opinion. We used to make that argument under similar circumstances. It simply makes sense to bump some bad guy off, and save countless good lives in the process. The answer is about as simple as the question. It is illegal. Where would it stop? The death of one "leader" would generate the death of another, and on and on, on the order of the Balkan incident that blossomed into World War 1. If it is going to be done, it should be done in the dead of night in a manner where blame for the killing can be placed elsewhere. It should not, in our opinion, follow some public comment by a "religious" leader, especially one who makes such a big deal of Moses and the 10 Commandments, or who implies to followers that he can (with a little financial help from his listeners) control the path of hurricanes. What would we say if some ayatollah had said the same about George Bush? Pat Robertson would be among the first to decry "Muslim extremism," in the process of asking for more money. The influence Pat Robertson has over this President, by virtue of the Israeli connection, is perhaps indicated by the mild, almost tepid, response this Administration had to Robertson's comments. The response, such as it was, had to come from a spokesman in the Department of State, who said Robertson's comments were "inappropriate." The only other comments we've heard was from Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, who said, in answer to a direct question, that Robertson is "a private citizen," and private citizens pop off all the time. There is no doubt, in our mind, that Hugo Chavez ought to be gotten rid of. He is leading his country, he says, "into socialism", and many people in Venezuela object mightily to that effort. They may remember the socialism of Stalin, or the "national socialism" of Adolph Hitler, or the fascism of Benito Mussolini. A few people may even remember that the recent Iraqi leader, one Saddam Hussein, was the leader of the Baath Socialist Party, a pan-Arabic socialist endeavor that, like all socialist outfits, knew no national boundaries. Still fewer may recall the former President John Kennedy, and his dust-up with Fidel Castro back in the '60's. That was all about getting rid of Castro before he caused too many problems. The effort failed, and Castro still caused the problems everybody knew he was going to cause. So it's a mixed bag. We got rid of one Iranian leader and replaced him with another, who got sacked and now we have the spectacle of a country run by a crazy band of ayatollahs intent on manufacturing a few nuclear devices in order to counter those already on hand in Israel. I am sure, or rather, I imagine, that many in World War 1 actually thought they were engaging in a "war to end all wars." As the political leaders of that day said, and as hundreds of thousands of youngsters flocked to the colors to make it happen. And I know many of us in World War 11 thought we were making the world safe for democracies to exist. While many of us might have been motivated by wonderful ideals, our political leaders aligned themselves (and the country) with one of the most oppressive regimes in the world (Joseph Stalin's Soviet Union) in order to achieve a goal, and I don't remember many of us turning down the help we saw when the Red Army locked horns with the armies of Nazi Germany. Since then we have had wars hither and yon. We suppose the Bible is right when it says, (somewhere in there) that there will be wars and rumors of wars until the end of time. About all we can do, in my feeble estimation, is remain prepared for any eventuality. We can be most thankful for those youngsters who still feel a touch of patriotism when their country is involved, and are prepared to prepare themselves in case worse comes to worse. Robertson was entirely right when he said "we don't need" another expensive war that might be prevented by a single act. But we don't need, either, a purported religious leader to go on t.v. (on his fund-raising program) and call on his country to kill a foreign leader. Besides, there are plenty of people in Venezuela who want to do the job, can do the job, and probably will do the job. The problem now being: if some Venezuelan finally takes Chavez "out", the U.S. will be blamed, thanks to Pat Robertson's big mouth, and his desire for big bucks.
Classifieds
1993 FORD PROBE--Needs transmission work. $500. Call 983-5003 or 292-2994.
FOR SALE--Lon Davis Grain Elevator operation. 2 buildings, 5 tanks, property. Will sell part or all. Call 983-2323.
WANTED: Farm land for lease. Call 983-7259.
FOR SALE-- Alfalfa, small squares. $4.50 each. Call 983-2724 or 292-3772.
RYE SEED FOR SALE--Rye is an excellent cover crop and great for grazing. Rye matures earlier than wehat, so it can be terminated earlier to plant cotton. 806-292- NO-TILL DRILL--Custom drilling of wheat in milo. Inter-seeding of grass, cotton stalks, etc. 806-292-9723.
WHEAT PASTURE WANTED--Call 806-292-9723.
PRODUCERS COOP ELEVATOR is expanding its retail fuel business and is taking applications for Station Manager. Knowledge of service stations or convenient stores a must. Knowledge of tires, warranties and supervision experience preferred. Salary based on knowledge and experience. Benefits include health insurance, retirement, vacation and sick leave. For more information pick up an employment application and job description at 301 E. Missouri, Floydada or send resumes to Producers Coop Elevator, P.O. Box 69, Floydada, Texas 79235.
FLOYD COUNTY APPRAISAL DISTRICT is now accepting applications for Clerk/Receptionist. Experience with PC-based computers, calculators, balancing/payments for collections, answering phone, drafting letters and filing is necessary. Floyd County Appraisal District is an equal opportunity employer.
Floydada HOUSE FOR SALE--3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage, storm cellar. 812 S. Wall. $20,000. Call 783-0742.
READY TO MOVE IN--All electric, 3 bedroom, 1 bath. 118 W. Mississippi, New Price. Call 983-5556.
720 W. TENNESSEE--2 bedroom, 1 bath, nice neighborhood, all appliances included. PRICE REDUCED! Call 983-0711 or 983-5000.
HOME FOR SALE--230 W. Marivena, Floydada. 2 bedroom, 1 bath, 2 car garage,central heat and air, dishwasher, fenced yard. REDUCED! $19,900. Call 512-293-3885.
HOUSE FOR SALE--2 bedroom, 1 bath and carport. South Plains Texas -16 miles north of Floydada - REDUCED!! $6,000.00. Call Rhonda 979-733-8843 or 979-966-7943.
1104 S. RALLS HIGHWAY--2 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage. Home has living and family room. Close to High School. Call Assiter and Associates for more info or to set up viewing times. 806-983-3322.
HOUSE FOR SALE--3 bedroom. 123 J.B. Avenue. Call 983-3334.
ALPHATEX KENNEL, AIKEN, TEXAS offers superior quality AKC Registered, DNA Certified Collies, Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds. Puppies and stud service available. www.alphatexkennels.com
LARRY OGDEN AUCTIONEERING--Estates, Farm, Ranch, Business, Liquidations, State Licensed and Bonded. (806) 983-5808. TX. #9240.
FRESH VEGETABLES-- Cucumbers, squash, jalapenos, okra, tomatoes, cantalope and watermelon - Lots of okra and canning tomatoes. (We pick or you pick) Location Lockney, Texas. Call 806-652-2727 or 292-2204.
|
 |
|
