Fire Department Was

A Community Effort

As a lifelong resident of the Mount Pleasant/Lobelia area, I have read many editions of The Pilot, especially the letters to the editor. A letter regarding the formation of the Crains Creek Volunteer Fire Department (Feb. 14) prompted me to respond.

The letter stated that the fire department was formed during a poker game. That is entirely incorrect. A group of concerned citizens from Riverview Acres, Mt. Pleasant and Lobelia met at Mount Pleasant Church in 1976 to discuss the need for a fire department in the area, based on an idea from Richard Womack and Lacy McPherson, who were serving on the Vass Fire Department at the time.

Meetings were held each week, the firemen started training, and the ladies formed a Women's Auxiliary. The first officers were Chief Lacy McPherson, Assistant Chief Richard Womack, Treasurer Bernice Smith and me as secretary. Everyone in the community worked hard to raise the funds needed to build the station and support the endeavor.

The first station was built by the firemen in Riverview Acres. Later, we were able to build a larger and more efficient building on Lobelia Road with donations from residents like John Sisson, who bought fire suits for those who were unable to afford them and gave considerable money to the department each year.

The community would like it known that the fire department was a community effort, and it takes pride in the hard work that was required to develop such an outstanding station today.

Current Chief Kenny Mackey does a great job leading a hardworking force of men and women in providing fire protection and safety programs for all residents. Many thanks to all the selfless supporters over the years, and God bless them.

Annie Womack Page

Southern Pines

Why So Little Compassion?

I believe virtually no member of the U.S. voting public (including myself) nor our run-of-the-mill Congress has anything resembling even a most modest understanding of the just-passed medical legislation.

Those who probably do have some knowledge are mostly local and national physicians, hospitals, drug and hospital groups, which, of course, should have direct interest. They favor the legislation.

Nevertheless, it seems that groups of "know littles" have chosen sides and availed themselves of the senselessness of joining opposing groups intent on hurling profanity, epithets and shaking fists at one another in abandonment of rationality and good taste.

What strikes me is the apparently undenied fact that 32 million men, women and children in this country are without medical insurance coverage. Most of these adult folks are working yet cannot afford outrageous premiums. Many other citizens are beset with policy exclusions or pre-existing illness conditions.

One would think a wee amount of compassion would overwhelm the selfishness of those against the legislation because they have fine coverage (as do I) or those who do not have insurance who are overcome with the usual propaganda blather of pseudo patriotism, socialism, government takeover, etc., that was used to fight Social Security, Medicare and other social programs that they now revel in.

Charles McCormick

Southern Pines

Coble Cares About Us

I want to thank my congressman, Howard Coble, for standing up against the Obama health-care plan last weekend. At a time when Americans are outraged at their government because it seems the majority of our legislators do not listen to the people they are supposed to represent, I am proud that Coble listens to his constituents and votes accordingly.

Coble comes home every weekend to be with the people he represents so well. He can be found at parades, barbecues, town meetings and grand openings, meeting with constituents and eating breakfast at the local restaurant. He is never too busy to say hello and ask how you are doing. He cares, at a time when it feels like no one else does. I wish we had 434 representatives just like him.

I am pleased and honored to call Howard Coble my congressman, and that is why I will vote for him on May 4.

Kathy Huffine

Greensboro