Believes we should stand united

Dear Editor:

I am writing in reply to the article written by Santanna Casey and printed in the March 19th newspaper. I believe everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but not the same way she does. Here's my voice. Please let it be heard.

The decision of Natalie Maines to speak out against our President during such a crucial time for our nation, was in bad taste. Not because she chose to speak her peace, but because of the time she chose to do it.

The Presidential elections are over. During the elections are appropriate times to say what we think about the candidates. Now that George W. Bush has been chosen as the person to represent our nation, it is our responsibility to support him if we want to call ourselves "Americans."

War is inevitable. Whether it happens today or 10 years from now. It is not to be taken so lightly as choosing white or dark chocolate or black or red shoes.

Speaking out against the President only shows our weakness as a country rather than our strength as individuals. I am ashamed to have been a huge fan of not only the Dixie Chicks, but other Hollywood stars that are turning their backs on our leader.

The men and women in the military signed up to defend our country and they trust the President to lead them, so who are we to question his actions. We are not the ones actually having to fight. It is only our place to love our country and to love our military, therefore unfailingly supporting the President.

I find it insulting to be called hypocritical for being offended at Natalie Maine's statements. But again may I emphasize that if we are going to pledge things like "United we stand," then we truly need to be united. If that means keeping negative opinions to ourselves, so be it.

Let me close with what I feel is the most important thing for us to remember during this time.

Ecclesiastes 3 says, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under Heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace."

Now, I say, is the time to search, the time to tear, the time to be silent, and the time to love. Now is the time for war. Let us not divide for the sake of opinions, but unit for the sake of our country.

Charlene Harrelson Griffin