The Alabama State Department of Education recently recognized four schools in the Selma City Schools for gaining the status of Torchbearer. The institutions of learning are Sophia P. Kingston Elementary School, Knox Elementary School, Edgewood Elementary School and Cedar Park Elementary School. The teachers, principals, students, staff and supportive parents are commended for their efforts.
The Torchbearer School Program was created to recognize high-poverty, high-performing public schools in Alabama.
The Selma City School System has A+ teachers, administrators, instructional support and classified personnel in all of its schools. Selma's teachers share some common characteristics with the country's successful classroom teachers: sense of humor, a positive attitude, high expectations, consistency, fairness and flexibility. Every day is Teachers' Day in the Selma City Schools.
School principals and teachers consider themselves successful when their students achieve success in their respective careers. This is a good time to be associated with the Selma City School district. Good things are happening in our schools.
Selma City Schools
LaPierre firearm quote not explained
A recent article quoting Wayne LaPierre from a 1998 congressional hearing failed to point out the quote was concerning the instant background check versus a three-day background check.
One of the "loopholes" the quote referred to was including in the database individuals with mental challenges who were precluded from purchasing firearms. For years, the NRA's efforts have been stymied by privacy rights and mental health advocates, states' reluctance to collect and share information and a less-than-stellar leadership from the Justice Department.
The article also failed to explain how private purchase background checks would be implemented. Would it be an honor system with downloadable .pdf files containing a toll-free phone number and a list of the information needed for the background check on the FBI and ATF websites? Would buyers and sellers impose on Federal Firearms License holders to run the checks? Would it be voluntary or mandatory for the FFL holder to run the checks? Could the FFL holder charge a poll tax-type fee?
Would local police and sheriffs run the checks? If the check fails, would the person be immediately detained or, like immigration laws, would federal law enforcement personnel be the only ones allowed to detain people who fail the background check? NBC reported over 70,000 background checks failed last year with only 66 prosecutions. How about fully enforced current laws before enacting new laws?
J.W. Guier Jr.
What about Bush's executive orders?
Ronnie Knight says President Obama is acting like a king. Knight's example was that President Obama said if Congress does not act to combat climate change for the sake of our children and the future, he will direct his Cabinet to take executive action.
Really, Mr. Knight? Where were your letters with President George W. Bush's 291 executive orders?
Knight goes on to say, "Our founders set up a system of government that provided for the passing of laws in such a way as to allow for the rights and voices of the citizen to be heard through duly elected representatives."
Where was his outcry when the Republican-controlled Congress signed an agreement, led by Eric Cantor, to vote to obstruct anything suggested by President Obama? Why did Mr. Knight not think Cantor and the Republican Congress were to follow the system set up by the founding fathers and work for the voices of all the citizens?
Did Mr. Knight vote for his Republican representatives to only go to Washington to obstruct the president?
Col. Kamena's conservative views refreshing
How refreshing to read the column from Col. Kamena. It is so nice to have the conservative view to read every now and then in the Advertiser.
I could not agree more with Col. Kamena, but I also feel sorry for him. Beware, colonel. You will be bombarded with hateful remarks because you dare to speak the truth and disagree with the liberals. You will be demonized as a right wing nut because you dared to tell the other side, but please don't be discouraged. Thirty years in the military will have made you strong.