USEFUL LINKS

Which issue impacts you?

Time to teach the pledge

Whenever the flag of the United States is presented, it deserves our utmost respect and dignified attention. I have witnessed a lack of that displayed at local high school games and activities where the flag is presented. Even when it appears people believe they're showing respect, the knowledge of how to display homage to the flag is not evident.

For some coaches and players to those in the stands, the presentation of colors almost seems to be something they must tolerate to get the game started. However, without the flag and those who have fought and died for it, there would be no game, no choice to play or caoch, no choice to watch.

No freedom.

Those who truly do show the respect the flag deserves must cringe at what they see each time the colors are presented. Watching those with their hands in pockets, talking or looking to the ground is tough to take.

Air Force MSgt. Xavier Sanford, of the Dobbins Air Force Reserve Honor Guard Unit, told me anytime there is a presentation of colors, every American should stand. If a flag is already displayed, any military or former military personnel should salute the flag during the Pledge of Allegiance or National Anthem. Everyone else should place their right hand over their hearts until the presentation is finished.

If a color guard presents the flag, everyone should stand when the ceremony begins and remain standing until the flag is no longer visible or is moved off to the side. This is a respect I rarely see displayed, as most people sit down as soon as the Pledge or Anthem is finished.

Perhaps it's time to better teach the importance of the flag to students and remind adults who fail to do so what the flag represents. And for those who say they have the right to do what they wish, I ironically remind them the very item they are disrespecting is what gave them the right to do so.

Reunited. Does it feel so good?

As seen in our headline story this week, Kell and Pope high schools will join Sprayberry in the Georgia High School Association's AAAA classification. Anyone who sees this as a negative move for the schools needs to take a deeper look at what it means. And doesn't.

First, the change has no bearing on academics or the pursuit of excellence in that most-important area. Sprayberry has been in the AAAA classification two years and is still recognized nationally for academic excellence. The same recognition has gone to Kell and Pope. Both are excellent academic schools, and, like Sprayberry, that should continue no matter what the classification may be.

Some parents have said the move will make it harder for their children to get "noticed" by college coaches. To them I simply say "Herschel Walker."

Playing in the A classification for Johnson City High School in Wrightsville, GA, didn't seem to hurt Walker. You didn't see college recruiters avoiding Walker because his school was too small. And, as a former college track and cross country coach, I know if an athlete runs 47.5 in a 400-meter race, it won't matter where he ran it. That will get some looks and provide some looks at some of his teammates.

Then there's Sprayberry, which has no problem playing up against AAAAA schools. Fact is, six football players from the school just signed letters of intent to play in college.

I believe we will see more Cobb County schools heading to the AAAA classification, where there is excellent competition. As an area grows older or the economy impacts higher-end housing markets, schools go through fluctuations in student population. If anything, no longer competing with some schools that double the size of Kell, Pope or Sprayberry could lead to more high profile events at the state level, more recognition and a better feeling of accomplishment.

Take out an A and ego. It makes for a good decision.

Good news for Kell and Jamerson/Wigley Road drivers

It can be Hell getting to and from Kell High School, but that should improve with road improvements scheduled to begin on Jamerson Road in March. Everday I pick up my oldest daughter up after school, I dread facing the onslaught of traffic caused by everyone leaving trying to pack onto the only exit from there onto Lee Waters Road, which is backed up with traffic trying to get onto Jamerson Road. The other exit from the school onto Jamerson is for buses only.

Jamerson Road is scheduled to be widened to a four lane divided road from Canton Road to Lee Waters Road. Some intersection improvements will take place at that intersection. The rest of Jamerson is scheduled to be widened to three lanes, and that concept will continue where the road becomes Wigely and runs to Sandy Plains Road. While Lee Waters will remain as it is, expanding Jamerson should move traffic faster and alleviate some back up on Lee Waters. Also, a sidewalk will run along Jamerson/Wigely from Canton Road to Sandy Plains Road.

Anyone who questions the validity of SPLOST funds being spent on this project should be condemned to attempting to leave Kell at 3:33 p.m. each day school is in session.

Down to three in commission race

As predicted several months ago in this column, it didn't take long for candidates running for the Cobb County District 3 Commission seat to decide what to do after Dec. 31, 2009, campaign disclosures were filed and made public. That's not to say money alone would lead to any decisions, but by the time January, 2010 rolled around, candidates had a clear understanding of what kind of time commitment and money a campaign would require. Both businessman Troy Welker, 39, and attorney Steve Ellis, 29, have made decisions to withdraw from the race. Both are building new businesses.

While having an opportunity to help mold Cobb County''s future for at least the next-four years is noble, it might not have a long-term future, which building a strong business could. Also, both men are young, at least compared to this old writer. With a lot of time ahead, we may see one or both of them throwing their hats into politics one more time. I wish them well.

As for those left in the race, all three are likable and have good intentions in their hopes of becoming commissioner for our distirct. Now that it looks like we are where we will be in the race, it's time to hear what each has to offer, if they understand the issues facing our district and if they have the time to put in the hours required to properly represent the district's citizens. To candidates Jo Ann Birrell, Stephen Moon and Earl Stine: We have a lot of questions waiting for you. Should be fun.