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The "Las Vegas Advisor," a monthly newsletter, reports that the Las Vegas Monorail has gone into bankruptcy. It ran parallel to the Vegas strip, going in to resorts on and near the strip with stations leading into nearby hotels. It was intended to get visitors out of their cars, eliminating parking problems and traffic. Visitors had short walks from the monorail, eliminating the long treks from parking garages. And a ride on the monorail was a terrific way to see much of the city. There were also daily rates, allowing on-and-off usage. It failed economically because of low rider interest.
The proposed Tupelo bus system is likewise doomed to failure, especially because expectations of passenger usage are ridiculously high. A bus system can only work if people perceive it as more convenient than their cars. To be convenient, there have to be parking places for prospective passengers, fast enough service and maintenance of schedules. Why would anybody stand on a corner on a 100 degree day waiting for a bus when a car is ready to go and probably has air conditioning. Preposterous!
The need for people who don't drive to have transportation for medical and other necessities is very real. The city would be much better served, financially and otherwise, by creating a voucher system using available cab and car services.
Alfred Cohen
Saltillo
America needs to regain its Christian heritage
What has happened to the American way? During World War II and with its successful conclusion many good changes were accomplished. With new or regained freedoms, opportunities for Christian evangelism became common in the Far East and Europe. During these years Christians, who wore the military uniform of the United States of America, established congregations all over the world community. These Christians were following the marching orders of our Lord Jesus Christ.
"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matthew 28:18-20 KJV)
Yes, now we live in a politically correct era. We don't want to offend anyone. We have put aside our God-given rights. I will also add our rights as Americans. Why? To appease those who dislike our way of life and the Christian faith?
To the point, American Armed Forces personnel have been ordered via U.S. Central Command's General Order No. 1; they cannot comply with the Great Commission. Adm. Mullen said, "General Order No. 1 specifically forbids "proselytizing of any faith, religion or practice."
Christians in uniform are faced with a moral dilemma. There is a God-given principle that supersedes the dictates of men.
"But Peter and the apostles answered and said, We must obey God rather than men." (Acts 5:29 ASV) Our Declaration of Independence states in part that we "are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights ..."
By inspiration the apostle Peter understood this God ordained intrinsic concept.
There is an enormous need to regroup and reclaim the American way. We will never soothe those who do not desire true peace. To regain our heritage and standards this must become a primary goal.
Donald R. Fox
Saltillo