Letters to the Editor

I grew up in the South at a time when, as a general statement, most of the Southern states voted Democrat. McClellan and Fulbright were the two senators from Arkansas back in the ’40s.

There were issues between the two parties but never a question as to whether the individuals of each party supported the Constitution of the United States, the Bill of Rights or the laws that govern the country we live in.

Both parties loved our country. I still believe that there are many all across our nation who vote for someone from their area to represent them in Washington, who will best support their ideas.

However, it appears to me that the party I grew up supporting has been hijacked by those in the position of leadership in Washington today.

That leadership sets the rules as to what can be discussed and voted on. Individuals elected to represent their districts have no voice unless they are in agreement with the leadership.

So, I ask you, has your party been hijacked?

Dale White

Tyler

Appropriate placement

I found it both fitting and amusing that the Tyler Morning Telegraph chose to print the article “Democrats announce impeachment charges” (Wednesday, Dec. 11) under Obituaries.

Deborah Smith

Tyler

Coming to the rescue

Recently my wife, Kathy, wanted to go to Florida for the second visit in a month because her son who lives in New York was going to be there for a wedding. I declined to go.

The same day I made that decision, I heard from an old friend in Texas and decided to visit him while Kathy was in Florida.

Wade is 85 years old and has been in declining health, but encouraged me to come. He said he had two hospital stays in the 10 days between the invitation and my arrival.

He met me at the airport and wanted to have lunch on the way home. This was successfully accomplished with him driving. We did jump one curb turning out of the restaurant.

The next day (Saturday) he wanted to go to Shreveport, Louisiana, which is 100 miles from Tyler, where he lives. I agreed to drive both ways and said I would visit an uncle who lives nearby while he visited Binion’s casino.

That all went as planned. I had a good visit with my uncle whom I had not seen in four-five years.

When I got back to the casino I found Wade at a craps table with a rack of chips before him. He said he wasn’t ready to leave and suggested I play blackjack awhile.

I found a $5 table and waited for a seat. I had two $100 bills tucked into the secret pocket in my wallet. I played for one hour (my limit) and cashed out up $95.

Wade had cashed in so after I did we ate two comped meals he earned by playing. We then drove home without incident. All in all a pleasant day.

Sunday we stayed around the house watching golf, the news and playing cards and dominoes.

Another pleasant day.

Monday I had an early flight that required us to leave the house at 5:30 a.m.

Wade decided to drive so he could drop me without having to exit the car with his cane or walker. After driving several miles, Wade realized he had made a wrong turn and kinda panicked. He took the next break and swerved into a U-turn very close to oncoming traffic.

He hit the curb on the other side and burst his front tire. We limped on the shoulder straddling the curb to the next intersection, where he pulled over and put the flashers on.

A man who had seen us hit the curb pulled around us to make sure we were OK. I told him Wade was going to call AAA but that I was trying to call a taxi or I was going to miss my flight. He stayed long enough to hear that the taxi said they were too busy to get to me in time but said he was on his way to work and didn’t have time either.

I waited about five minutes in a panic myself when a car went by, suddenly stopped and the driver said, “I can take you to the airport.”

I was surprised but grateful and got in his car heading in the direction Wade was going before making the U-turn.

As it turned out it was the same man who had stopped originally. He said God told him to come back and take me to the airport.

I left Wade waiting for AAA.

The man said he lived in the area and knew a shortcut to the airport. He called his work and told them he was coming but would be a little late.

Upon arrival in plenty of time I asked him if he had time to listen to a short story. He said sure.

I told him about the casino trip and winning $95 while waiting for Wade. I also told him that God told me to give him the money I won. I gave him one of the $100 bills. He asked my name and I told him. I asked his and he said John.

So all I know at this point is that John (the respiratory therapist) is one of the good guys in Tyler. And I am eternally grateful that he is.

Mike Emily

Greenwood, South Carolina