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<p><strong>Christmas parade better without ‘icky politics’</strong></p>
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<p>This year has been terrible. Last year was terrible. With vaccinations rolling out, it’s getting better.</p>
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<p>We were able to take our young children to a crowded public event for the first time in a while. It felt nice. Then the parade was kicked off with some hateful divisive politics.</p>
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<p>We left. We took the kids for ice cream. Maybe next year, we can celebrate Christmas without the icky politics and just let families enjoy their neighbors.</p>
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<p><em>– Amber Faust, Beaufort</em><br></p>
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<p><strong>I agree with Ms. Rodgers</strong></p>
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<p>Thank you for publishing a Letter to the Editor written by Ms. Edie Rodgers in the December 2 edition (of The Island News). Her comments and observations on a recent column by Mr. Jim Dickson and the letters published in response were outstanding.</p>
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<p>Ms. Rodgers expressed my thoughts on the subject far better than I could have done. I especially appreciate her pointing out how Social Security and Medicare are not well meaning government entitlement programs as often portrayed by those defending socialism. I am confident many more of your readers feel as I do.</p>
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<p>I read all of the columns published on your Voices page and almost never agree with the liberal, socialist, or anti-"anything not Democrat" opinions. A few of your writers have insinuated or just stated as a fact that I am racist, a terrorist, heartless, and selfish all because I don't toe the Democrat line or watch and read the "right" news. I wonder why they feel this way but I respect their right to their opinion.</p>
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<p>The Island News is a great publication. I commend you for keeping your coverage and opinion columns so interesting.</p>
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<p><em>– Lawrence V. Francese, Beaufort</em><br></p>
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<p><strong>Beaufort loses another special citizen</strong></p>
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<p>Our community has lost another of its special people. Learned, talented, kind, and giving are a few of the words that applied to Sonny Bishop. My children had the privilege of knowing him at Beaufort Academy, as well as his beloved Mary. I always turned to him when I had a piece of furniture that needed expert care, such as the dining room table left with the imprint of a reindeer after a bazaar project back in the 70s.</p>
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<p>My daughter was regularly quoting Sonny in the last few years, thanks to the Facebook posts he shared with his many fans, and he did have a group of regulars who trusted his every word of wisdom. His was a life well lived and we’re a better community for having him among us for so many years, thanks to his love of “A PLACE CALLED HOME.”</p>
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<p><em>– Edie Rodgers, Beaufort</em></p>
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<p><br><strong>Thanks for VA articles</strong></p>
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<p>I have to say again how much I enjoy and use your informative and interesting Island News articles on veterans’ benefits. As a veteran and the President of Carolina Lowcountry AFRA Chapter, I have found these articles so helpful in understanding VA benefits.</p>
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<p>Thank you again for supporting our Marines, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and women, and Coastguardsmen and women and veterans.</p>
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<p><em>– Betty Collins</em></p>
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