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Your Views: Focus on rights for people, not just for animals
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Although I realize that opinions are opinions and everyone is entitled to theirs, but some opinions can just be downright disturbing.

In response to Kelly Reagan’s outlook on animal cruelty: She asked pastors if they were teaching about animal cruelty in their pulpit. I was absolutely offended as a Christian. The pulpit is merely for men of God to preach about God’s will and way for His people and not about animal cruelty. In looking at the state that the world is in today, I say leave those distractions out of the church and leave that time to glorify God.

Next she had the audacity to ask the teachers if they are teaching about responsibility and accountability in regards to pets in the home. As if the teachers don’t have enough to teach. I believe falling behind on the national level on test scores in comparison to the national average takes precedence over animal rights.

If parents are teaching respect and kindness as a holistic approach, then their would be no need to waste precious time on preaching about animal cruelty. She stated " What level of cruelty would possess a person to commit such an act (throwing a dying kitten on side of the road wrapped in a plastic bag)?"

I would ask what level of cruelty would possess a person to place a day-old newborn baby in a storm drain who then died a few days later? What about an NFL player getting drunk and then making the choice to get in a car and drive, then later killing a person? We did not hear about it all over the news for months or splattered all over the radios, newspapers, magazines, etc.

But when another NFL football star funds a dog-fighting ring, he gets his name dragged through the mud, he gets everything he worked for taken away from him along with prison time, probation and a judgemental society who refuses to forgive him. As if the rest of us are perfect.

I am only encouraging our community to look at the bigger picture and that life of another human is far more precious than any other animal, because we, unlike any other creature, have a soul that needs saving by our all forgiving Father in heaven.

Although I love animals and I do not support animal abuse, but the love and respect for mankind is far more important.

Jezzeree Lott
Gainesville

Medical Center golf event raises funds for youth clubs
It’s a challenging time. When the 2009 Medical Center Open Golf Tournament committee came together for the first meeting in May of this year, the economy was one of the big topics of discussion. How would a volunteer committee of just over 30 people be able to meet a $140,000 goal for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hall County this year?

With lots of commitment, determination and the tremendous support of this community, that’s exactly how that $140,000 goal was first met then exceeded.

On the evening of Oct. 1, under a big tent behind the Chicopee Woods Clubhouse, a giant check for $202,060 was presented to the Boys & Girls Clubs. Those tournament proceeds will be used to build an outdoor recreation complex for the new Joseph Walters Club, currently under construction next to Lyman Hall Elementary. The complex will include a soccer field, basketball court and playground and will play an important role in the Boys & Girls Clubs efforts to promote health and wellness through activity-based programming and organized social recreation activities in a safe, supervised environment.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who made the tournament a success: the hundreds of golfers, volunteers and sponsors who gave of their time, energy and finances to make a difference in the lives of countless young people in this community.

The Open is truly a communitywide event. Since 1997, nearly $2 million has been raised for community health improvement projects by the Medical Center Open thanks to the overwhelming support of so many individuals and businesses.

We are proud to be a part of a community willing to give so generously of themselves to help others. On behalf of The Medical Center Foundation and golf committee, thank you for your support.

Lorry Schrage and John Darden, M.D.
co-chairmen, 2009 Medical Center Open, Gainesville