Category Archives: Opinions
Letters to the Editor
Truth, honor, integrity
Dear Editor,
Truth, honor, integrity … these and others like them are valued qualities. Rather, they used to be, and maybe they still are among a few … a dwindling few. I suppose throughout history their value has risen and fallen, or been treasured by one group while being despised another.
The knights of middle-age Europe had their code of conduct. They valued such. But then along came the pirates on the high seas, and they had an opposing kind of code. In China, it was Confucians versus Khans … truth, honor, integrity opposing wealth, power, influence. Perhaps that has always been the
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Seniors going back to work?
A small recent survey revealed that 51 percent of the retired senior respondents are considering going back to work, also known as “unretiring.” The reason, of course, won’t be a great surprise: They need to 
go back to work because the cost of everything is going up. The amount of money they’re trying to earn is $500 per month on average.
To be considered before you rush into unretirement:
— If you’re collecting Social Security and are under full retirement age, your benefit amount might be reduced while
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Create your own Veterans Legacy Memorial page
The Department of Veterans Affairs has just expanded the use of the Veterans Legacy Memorial (VLM) — the online digital platform dedicated to the memory of veterans who have passed away. Until now, a 
page for a veteran was created, usually by family, after that veteran died. Now the new feature — “Your Story, Your Legacy” — means that living veterans can create their own
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Your co-op is here for you
Beginning in the latter half of 2024, Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative shifted how its members are billed.
I’ve received more feedback about this than anything else throughout my years of service to Blue Ridge. 
Most of it has been positive, as many of you see that you have ultimate control over how much money you can save and that
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Time to end excessive school board spending
I have written about this in the past, and the recent article titled, “Old Pickens Middle set for renovations” made me realize school board spending on capital projects would be worthy of an update.
First, some history. In 2005, the citizens of Pickens County voted down a $197 million bond referendum to build new schools. The people sent a clear message that they wanted the schools to be built a little at a time. Instead of listening to the voters, the next year the
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Courier Letters to the Editor 2-12-25
On true love and romance
Dear Editor,
When it comes to romance, here is something to think about.
On “The Andy Griffith Show,” Andy, Barney, Aunt Bee, Gomer, Goober, Helen and Thelma Lou are not married. Only one main character I know of is married. Guess which one? That’s right, it’s Otis! Otis is the town drunk!
In the animated world, you have Mickey Mouse, who has a girlfriend named Minnie. Donald Duck has a girlfriend named Daisy. The only character that has a wife is Mickey’s friend, who is a dog. His name is
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Lord forgive me and I will be clean
God’s love and His provision of eternal salvation is the greatest peace and security we could ever hope for.
We heard His truth, became convicted, we saw our need for a Savior, and by faith we repented of our 
sin, and cried out for Him to save us. Second Corinthians assures us that when we receive Jesus as our Lord, our old spirit becomes
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AARP membership: It’s worth having
After many years at the same cost, AARP increased their membership fee to $20 at the beginning of this year. But it’s still a bargain when you consider the additional benefits, savings and discounts that are available, as well as the newspaper and magazine.
The website (aarp.org) lists discounted gym memberships, travel and vacation packages, insurance, flowers and so
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Understanding is not necessary to appreciate
The vast complexity of the human mind has fascinated mankind since the beginning.
As our divine book of instruction, the Bible says that as a man or woman thinks, so are they. Since we are the accumulation of our thoughts, we cannot overly stress the importance of believing what is true in order to live in God’s favor. This sounds easy and I guess it could be if we lived in a
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Courier Letters to the Editor 2-5-25
MLK and Pickens County
Dear Editor,
I saw the recent front-page articles on Martin Luther King Day in Pickens. I salute the participants, but Pickens County has work to do.
There is no way King would be pleased with the rot in the MAGA GOP presently. The public school system, trustees and others of influence are doing a miserable job, or the white male population
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