This email was sent to the Eagle after the April 27, 2007 article attacking the supporters of Mary Kaye Moore. Whether it will be printed is anyone's guess.
Courage and Persistence
I know how difficult it is to fly an airplane. I used to fly a Cessna 152 Aerobat. Flying a helicopter is twice as hard. Flying a helicopter in a combat zone would be unimaginable for the average person. Have you seen Mike Southerland's resume on the City's website? (http://www.bryantx.gov/departments/?name=council-southerland) "While in Vietnam, he logged more than 600 combat hours as a helicopter pilot." The bumper sticker on Councilman Southerland's car says it all -- "Service Above Self."
In any normal community, this man would be respected as the true hero that he is, and honored for his service to our country. Have you asked yourself why the Eagle continues to spin stories about him which are intended to damage his reputation, portraying him as an obstructionist, instead of the Councilman who is committed to listening to the needs of the average citizen? Why did our only local newspaper not report on the numerous people who spoke at a council meeting, praising Councilman Southerland for his willingness to help them? Do the needs and opinions of over 1,200 people who voted for him not count? Didn't they send a message loud and clear by voting him into office?
Mike Southerland is one of the most honest people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. His unquestionable integrity and commitment to the well-being of our community is a gift for which we should all be thankful. There is a black cloud hanging over this city, and if our leaders continue to attack good people who are trying to do the right thing, then may God help us all.
This email was sent to the Eagle after the April 27, 2007 article attacking the supporters of Mary Kaye Moore. Whether it will be printed is anyone's guess.
Courage and Persistence
I know how difficult it is to fly an airplane. I used to fly a Cessna 152 Aerobat. Flying a helicopter is twice as hard. Flying a helicopter in a combat zone would be unimaginable for the average person. Have you seen Mike Southerland's resume on the City's website? (http://www.bryantx.gov/departments/?name=council-southerland) "While in Vietnam, he logged more than 600 combat hours as a helicopter pilot." The bumper sticker on Councilman Southerland's car says it all -- "Service Above Self."
In any normal community, this man would be respected as the true hero that he is, and honored for his service to our country. Have you asked yourself why the Eagle continues to spin stories about him which are intended to damage his reputation, portraying him as an obstructionist, instead of the Councilman who is committed to listening to the needs of the average citizen? Why did our only local newspaper not report on the numerous people who spoke at a council meeting, praising Councilman Southerland for his willingness to help them? Do the needs and opinions of over 1,200 people who voted for him not count? Didn't they send a message loud and clear by voting him into office?
Mike Southerland is one of the most honest people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. His unquestionable integrity and commitment to the well-being of our community is a gift for which we should all be thankful. There is a black cloud hanging over this city, and if our leaders continue to attack good people who are trying to do the right thing, then may God help us all.
Vivian A. Schroeder