Sequim Gazette Editorial and Letters to the Editor
More than ever, let's live united
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It is hard to believe that another summer has passed, students are back in school and the holidays are just around the corner. It also is hard to believe that we are into the 2009 United Way campaign.
There are some signs that the economy is starting to turn around, but it isn't going to happen overnight. Maybe this downturn has a silver lining:
People have started to re-evaluate what is important and necessary. Many have found that family, friends and community have taken a more prominent place in their lives.
Sometimes it takes problems to help us appreciate what is truly important.
In recent months we have lost some truly caring people. Their politics, religion or lifestyle might not have been in step with our own, but you can not deny their dedication and impact on our lives. Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Sen. Edward Kennedy, Michael Jackson all had opportunity - and the resources - to sit back and do nothing.
Instead, Shriver dedicated her life to creating opportunities that became the Special Olympics; Jackson quietly supported multiple causes; and Kennedy focused his long career on programs to help the average family, from the minimum wage to Medicare.
Others, such as Bono, Brad Pitt and Bill Gates continue to make news with their special projects. It may seem easy to get things done when you are famous, wealthy or a celebrity. But the common thread running through these folks, plus many others, is simply an appreciation for what they have and an understanding that it is important to give back and help others.
That feeling, that belief, has nothing to do with wealth or fame. Everyone has the potential to make a difference to someone.
"To those that much is given, much is expected." Words to live by. Those of us who have family and friends, a job, a roof over our heads and food on the table, have "much" to be thankful for.
One way we can express our thanks and appreciation is by sharing and helping other members of our family, friends and community by supporting the much-needed services and programs provided by the United Way agencies here in Clallam County.
The annual campaign kicked off Sept. 11 with a Day of Caring, a call to action where volunteers helped persons and organizations in our community. A great start to the campaign!
This year, more than ever, we ask that you take a look at how you can help. When you get the mailing or are asked to donate, think about a time in your life when someone helped you with a kind word or deed and pass it on. By helping others, you help yourself.
In the end, family, friends, community and how we treat and care about each other are all that truly matter. Live United: We need it now, more than ever.
Sharon DelaBarre is the Sequim United Way campaign chairwoman.
There are some signs that the economy is starting to turn around, but it isn't going to happen overnight. Maybe this downturn has a silver lining:
People have started to re-evaluate what is important and necessary. Many have found that family, friends and community have taken a more prominent place in their lives.
Sometimes it takes problems to help us appreciate what is truly important.
In recent months we have lost some truly caring people. Their politics, religion or lifestyle might not have been in step with our own, but you can not deny their dedication and impact on our lives. Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Sen. Edward Kennedy, Michael Jackson all had opportunity - and the resources - to sit back and do nothing.
Instead, Shriver dedicated her life to creating opportunities that became the Special Olympics; Jackson quietly supported multiple causes; and Kennedy focused his long career on programs to help the average family, from the minimum wage to Medicare.
Others, such as Bono, Brad Pitt and Bill Gates continue to make news with their special projects. It may seem easy to get things done when you are famous, wealthy or a celebrity. But the common thread running through these folks, plus many others, is simply an appreciation for what they have and an understanding that it is important to give back and help others.
That feeling, that belief, has nothing to do with wealth or fame. Everyone has the potential to make a difference to someone.
"To those that much is given, much is expected." Words to live by. Those of us who have family and friends, a job, a roof over our heads and food on the table, have "much" to be thankful for.
One way we can express our thanks and appreciation is by sharing and helping other members of our family, friends and community by supporting the much-needed services and programs provided by the United Way agencies here in Clallam County.
The annual campaign kicked off Sept. 11 with a Day of Caring, a call to action where volunteers helped persons and organizations in our community. A great start to the campaign!
This year, more than ever, we ask that you take a look at how you can help. When you get the mailing or are asked to donate, think about a time in your life when someone helped you with a kind word or deed and pass it on. By helping others, you help yourself.
In the end, family, friends, community and how we treat and care about each other are all that truly matter. Live United: We need it now, more than ever.
Sharon DelaBarre is the Sequim United Way campaign chairwoman.
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Letters Policy
Your opinions on issues of community interest and your reaction to stories and editorials contained in your Sequim Gazette are important to us and to your fellow readers. Thus our rules relating to letters submitted for publication are relatively simple.
• Letters are welcome. Letters exceeding 250 words are returned to the writer for revision. We strive to publish all letters.
• Letters are subject to editing for spelling and grammar; we contact the writer when substantial changes are required, sending the letter back to the writer for revisions. Personal attacks and unsubstantiated allegations are not printed.
• All letters must have a valid signature, with a printed name, address and phone number for verification. Only the name and town/community are printed.
• Deadline for letters to appear in the next publication is noon Friday. Because of the volume of letters, not all letters are published the week they are submitted. Time-sensitive letters have a priority.
• Letters are published subject to legal limitations relating to defamation and factual representation.
• To submit letters, deliver to 147 W. Washington St., Sequim; mail to P.O. Box 1750, Sequim, WA 98382; fax to 360-683-6670 or e-mail news@sequimgazette.com.
Your opinions on issues of community interest and your reaction to stories and editorials contained in your Sequim Gazette are important to us and to your fellow readers. Thus our rules relating to letters submitted for publication are relatively simple.
• Letters are welcome. Letters exceeding 250 words are returned to the writer for revision. We strive to publish all letters.
• Letters are subject to editing for spelling and grammar; we contact the writer when substantial changes are required, sending the letter back to the writer for revisions. Personal attacks and unsubstantiated allegations are not printed.
• All letters must have a valid signature, with a printed name, address and phone number for verification. Only the name and town/community are printed.
• Deadline for letters to appear in the next publication is noon Friday. Because of the volume of letters, not all letters are published the week they are submitted. Time-sensitive letters have a priority.
• Letters are published subject to legal limitations relating to defamation and factual representation.
• To submit letters, deliver to 147 W. Washington St., Sequim; mail to P.O. Box 1750, Sequim, WA 98382; fax to 360-683-6670 or e-mail news@sequimgazette.com.