editorials | Crestview News Bulletin

EDITOR’S DESK: We've prayed for Drew; now let's find #justicefordrew

Written by archive on July 23, 2014. Posted in editorials, Opinion.

Have you ever noticed which topics and content trend on social media?

It might surprise you.

YouTube's trending videos, as of this writing, are "Kids React to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," 25.9 million views; "Weird Al" Yankovic's music video, "Lame Claim to Fame," 966,000 views; "Moon Animate Make-Up," 225,000 views; "Moon Pride … / SailorMoon Crystal OP theme," 1.2 million views; and "Dave Franco & Conan Join Tinder," 2.3 million views.

These aren't the top five YouTube videos of all time, of course; "trending" just means these are the videos holding most viewers' interest right now.

First of all, I didn't know "Sailor Moon" was still that popular; that show was on when I was a child. Ditto for "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles." And "Weird Al" has been around for awhile, too! Then again, so has Conan O'Brien.

You could conclude, from this data, that these brands have endured the test of time.

Another thing each has in common with the others? They're all entertainment. Well, one, I'm sorry, is unnecessary viewing and caters to people with too much time on their hands. (That would be the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles one. It's not "Ninja Turtles" the show; it just shows kids watching the show's theme song and, well, reacting to it.) But I digress.

Twitter trends, for a newsman, are more encouraging.

The hashtags MH17, AIDS2014, WorseMoonLandingQuotes, Gaza and Hamas are in the top five. (Of course, the list will look completely different when you read this.)

A number of these topics actually affect a significant number of people.

There's plenty of discussion about the Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 crash; a Buk surface-to-air missile purportedly shot down the plane, which carried 283 passengers and 15 crew members, according to the Associated Press.

People also are talking about the death count in Gaza exceeding 500 and Hamas's civilian death strategy; they're discussing the 20th International AIDS Conference in Melbourne, Australia and the importance of spreading HIV awareness — and, on top of that, they're sharing humorous alternative moon landing quotes, thanks to a prompt from Comedy Central's "@Midnight" series.

All in 140 characters or less.

Never underestimate the power of a hashtag.

Atlanta resident Lacy Gatlin, 23, grew up in Crestview, was spiritually fed at Emmanuel Baptist Church, and just wanted to help her friends, the Barefield family, after learning that 12-year-old Drew was critically injured in a boating accident. He was hit by a boat propeller on June 28 while snorkeling in shallow water off Walton County’s Choctaw Beach. The boat driver left the scene of the accident.

So Lacy created a graphic for her Facebook profile photo. It said "#prayfordrew Hebrews 10:23." The referenced Bible passage states, "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;"

The next morning, 100 people used the graphic as their profile photo.

Shortly later, the hashtag caught on. It's on BBVA Compass Bank's and McDonald's signs in Crestview, respectively. It's on T-shirts, bracelets and coffee mugs.

It's on social media, too, with a Prayers for Drew Facebook page, and on Twitter, although other residents across the country are praying for other Drews and have used the same hashtag.

Locally, though, a large number of residents understand who we're all praying for: Drew Barefield.

Something as simple as a hashtag, along with goodhearted residents' support and some movers and shakers' involvement, started what I'd have to call a movement. The Barefields have support that far surpasses their family, friends and church. They have the community's support, in large part, due to this hashtag going viral.

It's all surprising to #prayfordrew's creator.

"I can't believe it," Lacy, a worship leader, said when I interviewed her on Thursday. "I was for sure my church would pick it up, my friends (too) … but I had no idea … it's very humbling."

It's very inspiring, from this vantage.

But while Drew appears to progress toward recovery, based on family and friends' accounts, the question remains: What about the boat driver who allegedly fled the scene of the crime?

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission investigators confiscated a boat in Okaloosa County as part of their investigation, according to Tom McLaughlin's report in the Northwest Florida Daily News.

The owner is cooperating, but there's no confirmed evidence yet that this boat was involved in the Barefield incident, according to his report.

“The best way to characterize it is that this is going to be a lengthy investigation,” Stan Kirkland, FWC spokesman, told McLaughlin.

Here's hoping investigators learn the identity of just who didn't accept responsibility for this incident.

And on that note, I think another hashtag should spread: #justicefordrew.

What's your view? Write a letter to the editor or tweet News Bulletin Editor Thomas Boni.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: EDITOR’S DESK: We've prayed for Drew; now let's find #justicefordrew

EDITOR'S DESK: We're moving closer to Crestview's heart

Written by archive on July 17, 2014. Posted in editorials, Opinion.

The Crestview News Bulletin's office is coming home!

At least, that's how I feel.

You see, ace reporters Brian Hughes and Matthew Brown; Randy Dickson, North Okaloosa's sports authority; Dale Robinson, our circulation district manager; and our wonderful media sales consultants, Sherrie Stanley and Melissa Tedder, get out more — in some cases, much more — than the CNB's office dwellers.

This group includes Dawn Barnes, our receptionist; Cristina Splawn, our circulation assistant; Renee Bell, our editorial assistant; and yours truly.

It's especially challenging for an editor, who mostly works from the desk, to justify 20- to 30-minute trips into town to make the rounds and visit the hot spots.

Our Ashley Drive office, which is just off PJ Adams Parkway, is a great office, and our property manager has been wonderful.

But a newspaper has special needs. And come Monday, we're getting them.

TAKING THE PULSE

Over the years, I've made mistakes in this business; I'm only human. Unfortunately, some occurred because I relied too much on social media to take North Okaloosa's pulse.

After all, when you're managing the newspaper, its website, all of its social media channels and the paperwork that entails, those valuable trips into town become unrealistic.

Sure, I can attend Crestview Area Chamber Commerce breakfasts, Professional and Inspired Leaders of Tomorrow meetings and a couple of other things each month, but it's like I told Randy, working on the outskirts of town makes it difficult to truly take the community's pulse.

That means seeing Bulldogs' "FSU bound!" markings on the backs of trucks at graduation time; watching downtown regulars pass in and out of places like Hideaway Pizza on Main Street; passing many of the roadside vendors; dining at restaurants that all the movers and shakers eat at; and so much more.

Many evenings, even after 6 or 7 o'clock, I take a detour from home and turn down Main Street just to try to imagine that spirit.

Soon, with our 638 N. Ferdon Boulevard location, I won't have to imagine it.

MUCH TO MISS

Despite relocation, there's plenty to miss about our PJ Adams Parkway location.

There's the proximity to Hub City Smokehouse — convenient on long days without lunch! — and the Barber Shop — great for long months when you can't break away, and being just up the road from Antioch Elementary School.

Not to mention the great people; they're not exclusive to just one area!

Heath Childs, the Crestview Force basketball team's assistant head coach, says it best: “Crestview might be the biggest city in Okaloosa County now, but it still has a small town’s heart."

Childs refers to the community's financial support of his team's trip to a Memphis tournament. But I've experienced that small-town heart numerous times.

STRANGERS' KINDNESS

A few weeks ago, I was leaving work, headed toward Antioch Road and started feeling ill. I was hot, nauseous and my heart was beating out of its chest.

That seemed like a good time to turn onto Cadle Drive and park at Palm Chapel Primitive Baptist Church. (House of God? Best place, this Catholic says, for such situations.) Now, doctors have run every test and say I'm healthy; I just have occasional, unexplainable anxiety attacks.

Luckily, emergency medication was nearby (left over from an ER visit last fall; oh, this former Boy Scout is always prepared— and thank you, North Okaloosa Medical Center.) I took the pill and phoned a friend to talk me through it, but medication without water? Not great.

I waited 10 or 15 minutes to drive, slowly steered to the closest house in the neighborhood beside the church, swallowed my pride, and carefully walked toward the front door.

By that point, I was on my knees, feeling like a beggar, asking for water. (It was very humbling.) But the man who answered the door, and his family, did much more. They gave me water, took me inside, fed me snacks and, a few hours later, drove me home.

True Good Samaritans — but not unexpected.

MORE LIKE NEIGHBORS

I've repeatedly experienced Crestview residents' kindness since I arrived here almost two years ago.

In the fall of 2012, I was photographing Covenant Hospice's Blue Jean Ball when Councilwoman Robyn Helt approached me, introduced herself and sent a warm welcome to town. That was the first indication that I made the right decision to leave the Alabama town my family helped settle and move to Florida. (Leaving not just your hometown but also a 100-year legacy? No easy decision, as all of you long-time Crestview natives know. But I love journalism that much.)

With time, I saw that Helt's example was no isolated occurrence.

On weekends, strangers, young and old, would strike up conversations with this introvert who's just trying to grocery shop as fast as possible (and they're brightening my day because of it).

Soon, I realized these strangers were more like neighbors.

I loosened up, changed the newspaper's tone (especially on the Opinion page) and started to take the community's pulse better; at least, based on readers' countless emails, phone calls and Facebook and Twitter comments I did.

Still, something has been missing these past two years; for Brian and many of our other associates, that absence has been felt even longer.

We're moving closer to Crestview's heart; and soon, you'll see, on these pages and our social media channels, what a difference a move makes.

What's your view? Write a letter to the editor or tweet News Bulletin Editor Thomas Boni.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: EDITOR'S DESK: We're moving closer to Crestview's heart

HUBBUB: The only solution for traffic, dog's death isn't Walmart's fault

Written by archive on July 16, 2014. Posted in editorials, Opinion.

Editor's Note: Featured comments are the most thoughtful or eloquently stated comments from our Facebook page and crestviewbulletin.com and do not necessarily reflect the newspaper management's views.

•••

The only solution for traffic

The better idea would be to create a complete interchange bypass south of the Shoal River bridges at Rattlesnake Bluff and Colonel Greg Malloy Road. One bypassing Crestview to the east, and the other to the west connecting with Highway 90.

That way, over half the traffic will avoid the city entirely.

This would require two interstate overpasses (which can cost up to $100 million each) and would need approval from Eglin, as it would cut through reservation land.

But it really is the only real solution to the problem.

By 2040, self-driving vehicles will be commonplace and will help alleviate a lot of the traffic issues without the interchange.

Jonah Irvington

•••

Traffic relief plan questioned

So you want to take the traffic from "there" and put it "there," on an already overworked road.

Yeah, that's a breakthrough.

Jon Bell

•••

Horse situation could have been handled better

Disease or no disease, it doesn't take a medical degree to see that this animal was dying a slow death.

He should have been receiving supportive care for his condition or humanely euthanized.

Shame on everyone that let the poor animal get to the point that he was a walking bag of bones.

Deb Edwards

•••

PETA's suggestion unrealistic

Signs in every spot telling you not to leave your pet in a hot car? Seriously?

Yeah, that's cost effective and realistic.

Debbie Bailey

•••

Dog's death isn't Wal-Mart's fault

So PETA is basically saying it is Wal-Mart's fault this woman wandered around their store for 13 hours, of her own free will, leaving her dog in her personal vehicle to die in the heat.

I'm slightly confused.

Try being a responsible member of society.

Kristin Lehr Caro

•••

Passersby should have notified police

I'm sure people who walked past the car saw the dog, and it would be alive still if people noticed and called and notified the PD.

Jocelyn C. Ramirez

•••

Was the 13-hour trip necessary?

Who spends 13 hours in Wal-Mart if they don't have to?

Richard S. Singleton

•••

License to own a pet?

Hey, PETA, go after the owner. This could have happened anywhere, regardless of what store they parked their car in front of.

Maybe people need to be qualified to own pets or children these days.

Cody Lawler

•••

Parking lot walking troupes could help

It might be nice … if cops could do a walking patrol around some parking lots on their routes every so often; save a kid or a dog. Or maybe some volunteer groups could get in on this.

DeeAnna Frazier

Join the conversation on our Facebook page>>

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HUBBUB: The only solution for traffic, dog's death isn't Walmart's fault

EDITOR'S NOTES: Mysterious items and Pseudonyms

Written by archive on July 11, 2014. Posted in editorials, Opinion.

Today, watch the official premiere of "Editor's Notes," a weekly webcast that brings even more transparency to the Crestview News Bulletin.

Yes, we have an Opinion page, and yes, we tweet and Instagram and Facebook all the time, but you really can't get any closer than the editor's desk!

And this webcast will feature content and discussions you won't find anywhere else.

—Scroll to the very bottom for this week's webcast—

The webcast unofficially kicked off two weeks ago.

I made a promise to start "Editor's Notes" before July, and although doctor's orders kept me locked in the house all day, I stole a few moments to explain the newsroom's view on a headline that some readers said seemed to unnecessarily inject race.

You can still watch that first webcast, and I hope you'll appreciate that dialogue's civil tenor.

Talking about how the newsroom handles serious issues and the reasons behind certain editorial choices is what you can expect, and more, from the official launch.

"Editor's Notes" takes you behind the editor's desk with a mix of light and serious fare.

Thanks for reading (and watching!) and please drop comments in the box below telling me what you'd like addressed on the next show!

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: EDITOR'S NOTES: Mysterious items and Pseudonyms

EDITOR’S DESK: Businesses' rights raise debate federally, locally

Written by archive on July 9, 2014. Posted in editorials, Opinion.

Much discussion has centered on the rights and expectations of businesses.

In the Burwell v. Hobby Lobby case, the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that some corporations can opt out of a health care law requirement to cover women's contraception.

Some see it as a victory, upholding religious freedoms from government overreach; ensuring employers don't have to compromise their faith or face financial penalty.

Others say it chips away at women's rights, and, like Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, question whether the court's ruling is the real overreach, setting "potentially sweeping" precedent.

"It minimizes the government's interest in uniform compliance with laws affecting the workplace," the Associated Press wrote, explaining Ginsberg's reason for dissent.

North Okaloosa has its own debates about businesses' liberty.

Jerry Miller, Crestview's city attorney, says a smoker that stood on a downtown parking spot for nine months may have been good for Wright Choice Soul Food's business, but it also was "an inappropriate conversion of public property to private usage."

Owner and chef Albert Wright sought permission for the smoker nine months ago, but he said Fire Chief Joe Traylor, building inspector Eric Davis and building official Jonathan Bilby mentioned no ordinance that would have prevented it.

Now, if the council approves a variance allowing the smoker — it currently stands behind the restaurant — it could set a "dangerous precedent," Miller said during the June 23 city council meeting.

Then there's PETA asking the Crestview Wal-Mart to mark all its parking spaces with "Too Hot for Spot!" notices following a dog's death due to heat exhaustion.

This happened after a woman browsed for 13 hours in the store, according to a police report.

REALITY CHECK

Let's look at those three issues again.

What truly just decision could have come from the Hobby Lobby issue?

Why should contraception be covered by employers claiming religious objection?

Why should contraception not be covered if non-Christians can work there?

You can say it's a slippery slope, chipping away not just women's rights but also employee benefits. But then you'd also have to say Hobby Lobby's employers must compromise deeply held, valid beliefs to avoid closing or enduring a daily penalty.

That's a violation of religious freedom.

There are no winners with either judgment.

It's similar with the Crestview smoker situation.

Certainly, Wright Choice's smoker added to the restaurant's character; it was a true landmark for such a young establishment.

But consider Facebook fan Daniel Bowers' comment. He says, "I wonder what the downtown area would look like if every business was allowed to take up a parking space or two, and clog up the sidewalk with whatever they were selling."

That's no indictment of the smoker, or the restaurant; but it does point out what equal application of the law would provide: a cluttered Main Street, and no parking spaces.

It's unfortunate, because the owner thought for nine months that he had permission to stand the smoker on the parking spot, reporter Brian Hughes reports.

But mistakes happen and confusion arises, even in government. (See the Purl Adams alley debate.)

I feel for Mr. Wright, but like with the Hobby Lobby ruling, no decision would satisfy 100 percent.

There's really no "right" answer and no "wrong" answer; that's why we have judges and city council members and others who determine what makes sense for the general public.

Probably the only issue that most Crestview residents will agree on, among these three issues, is that Wal-Mart is not responsible for the dog's death last week.

The dog's owner must be held accountable for her alleged action: browsing in the store for 13 hours while her pet succumbed to heat exhaustion.

But it's encouraging to know, as regional manager Jon Kurpil tells Hughes, that employees routinely look out for babies and dogs in cars and report such incidents on the store's PA system.

What's your view? Write a letter to the editor or tweet News Bulletin Editor Thomas Boni.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: EDITOR’S DESK: Businesses' rights raise debate federally, locally

COMMENTARY: After a break-in, I wanted to stand up for myself

Written by archive on July 3, 2014. Posted in editorials, Opinion.

June 19, around 8:20 p.m. in Crestview, I woke up to a dark house. After slowly getting out of bed, I fed dinner to the cats.

8:40ish, I heard a noise but also heard thunder in the distance and assumed it was just wind or something else. I heard more noises so I lifted my head up and saw two lights.

"It's just a passing car," I told myself. Besides, the cats are restless and hungry, so it's time to get going.

Then I heard a man's low, mumbling voice, and then another voice I couldn't make out.

Then I saw that the lights were not car lights. They were flashlights — and there are at least two people in my house.

'PLEASE LEAVE MY HOUSE'

I called 911. The phone lit up brightly; I hid it quickly out of fear of giving my position away to the intruders.

Scared and shaking, I couldn't think of what to do. I asked God for strength.

In a raised, shaky voice I said, "Please leave my house."

Fortunately, I startled "them," and I believe they took off.

For peace of mind, I called 911 at 8:51 p.m. The 911 operator called me at 9:10 p.m. to let me know the officer was walking around my house and would ring the door bell soon.

MEDICATION? HALLUCINATIONS?

The Crestview police officer didn't see broken glass or signs of a break-in.

He asked me what medications I was on and whether I take them like I'm supposed to.

Did I dream the incident or could I have hallucinated it, he asked.

I told him I was awake and wasn't hallucinating, but he repeated that he saw no signs of anyone being in my home or breaking in.

I might as well have been blind, and the officer's way to handle me and the situation was to tell me to just keep looking harder!

MISSING ITEMS

I went to feed the cats their dinner and discovered a case of canned cat food was missing.

"Ha!" I thought; proof that somebody was in my house.

I looked out the window, saw that the officer was still parked, and I ran out to tell him about the missing case of food.

He said he could write a report but highly doubted they would recover stolen cat food.

I tried to explain that I was trying to prove there was someone in my house.

IF THEY'D HAVE ASKED…

If the officer would have asked me, he would have found out that my automatic garage door opener doesn't work, so I have been leaving it cracked open at the bottom for two abandoned cats that take refuge there during rain storms and in the winter.

To leave it cracked, I prop it open by putting a screw driver through one of the rungs, so it was pretty easy for the intruders to open the garage door — why they closed it, I have no idea.

The bottom lock on the garage door to the utility room doesn't work well and one can jerk the door open. It is hard to bolt as the door swells (I will never leave it unbolted again).

RESOLUTION

I am a Gulf War disabled veteran, and my parents were emergency room nurses, so I've grown up knowing and respecting law officers.

Fortunately, Crestview Police Lt. Rick Brown stopped by my house on June 26 and we had a wonderful conversation.

He assured me that the matter was taken seriously and addressed. He made sure that I understood to never hesitate to call 911 in the future if needed. I appreciated the gesture and felt better.

After all, I explained to him, my only intent that June 19 night was to stand up for myself.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: COMMENTARY: After a break-in, I wanted to stand up for myself

HUBBUB: Remembering Mark Kempski, there's an app for restaurant inspections

Written by archive on July 1, 2014. Posted in editorials, Opinion.

•••

Problems with pond's mosquitoes

I have called the (county) office twice last week and was told they would have an inspector call me back concerning the stagnant water/pond in my backyard and the yards of my neighbors.

I live in Lee Farms and it is an extreme health hazard, and our large oaks and shrubs have all died. Mosquitoes are a horrible problem as well.

Guess I need to call the EPA in Pensacola because I've been unable to get help at county level.

Kerry Wood

•••

Remembering Mark Kempski

Mark was such a great man — honest, helpful — and a good friend. Our family will miss him.

Raymonda Schwartz

•••

'Great guy … will be missed'

He was a great guy. I felt safe that he wasn't ripping women off. I was one of his customers since he opened the store off (Highway) 90. He will be missed.

Pamela Hannah Apelskog

•••

Oak Hill Road needs serious repairs

This section of road has been repaired and fixed several times within the last 10 years. If it was designed and built properly to a 100-year flood stage in the beginning, this would have never been an issue.

Stop Band-Aiding these projects. Look to the future growth of the area.

Todd Lawrence

•••

Re-defining conservative

Here, I can pull innocuous tidbits from the Internet also.

Historian Gregory Schneider identifies several constants in American conservatism: respect for tradition, support of republicanism, "the rule of law and the Christian religion," and a defense of "Western civilization from the challenges of modernist culture and totalitarian governments."

Jon Bell

•••

Crestview High has outdoor education?

Outdoor education class? Wow. Where was this when I went there?

Andrea Heath Wilkinson

•••

Praise for CHS Principal Dexter Day

Great leader and mentor; he walks the walk.

Kelly Hayes

•••

There's an app for restaurant inspections

I use an app called Restaurant Inspection on my phone. It gives you exact number of violations, dates what for, and you can view the info all right there. It pulls up all restaurants, including fast food, by zip (code) or via the "nearby" tool.

Alia Finch

•••

Road closed signs are for everyone

At Southside Center, there is a road closed sign in the mornings when pre-k students are being unloaded from buses.

People will drive around the sign, pass buses being unloaded and are surprised when the resource officer asks the driver to obey the sign.

It's as if some people think the signs are for other drivers, not them.

Becky Ennis Kannapel

•••

Need more places to take the kids

(Movies & More) was a nice place to take kids. Very few of those places exist in Crestview … It'd be nice to have local entertainment so residents could spend money in our town rather than having to leave.

Erica Perry

•••

Plenty of children's activities in Crestview

God has a plan; this isn't even my church, but I personally think it's amazing. There is another theater, there are more sports stores, and if someone were truly upset or whatever, then who is to stop you from opening up your own business.

I also think there is plenty of stuff for children to get involved in my town called Crestview. Ever heard of Awana? Sports? Dance? Music? Art? Fishing? Martial Arts? Art? I could go on.

We should be supporting this change; just my opinion. Stay blessed!

Luke Leitschuck

•••

Challenging From the Pulpit

We are not sheep to be led; we are individuals who should be allowed to find their own path.

Richard S. Singleton

Join the conversation on our Facebook page>>

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HUBBUB: Remembering Mark Kempski, there's an app for restaurant inspections

HUBBUB: Gay marriage — 1 issue, 2 voices

Written by archive on June 30, 2014. Posted in editorials, Opinion.

•••

Presbyterians are getting with the times

At this point and day in age, who cares, as long as two people love each other; why not?

I mean, really, who is it hurting? Does it really concern another individual who anyone vows to share their life with?

It's a personal choice … There are a lot of things people do that I don't agree with, nor do I make the same personal choices, but who am I to say one can't do (it) just because it's not my choice?

…So if a pastor is willing to marry anyone, be happy that two people, regardless of their choices, has found a person to commit to. Obviously, the church has come to terms with the times and is accepting.

Erica Asble

•••

It's in black and white

Read the Bible, people. It is there in black and white, just before 'don't mark up your body,' that a man shall not lay with a man. That is why (God) created man a mate: to go forth and replenish the earth.

Margarette Ann Butler Faircloth

Let people do what they want

We need to let people be who they want to be and let them marry who they want to marry. It's not our decision; it's theirs.

Sherrie Mitchell

•••

Remember the church's true meaning

I think if more people worried about their life and not what other people choose to do, the world would be a better place.

It's okay if you choose not to live the way I choose to. I am happily married to my husband, but if someone else chooses to be with a woman or man, shouldn't that be their decision?

(Most churches) are always talking about how people live their life and what they do and how they do it; they should be focusing more on God…

People forget the true meaning of God and church.

Shelley N Blake

•••

No matter what, sin is sin

… I find hypocrisy in those that quickly condemn a homosexual as they sit eating in excess, or turning a blind eye to their children's promiscuity.

Sin is sin … we are to have internal reflection before we choose to point out the speck in our brother's eye.

However … the Bible is clear that sexual immorality, whether same sex or heterosexual, is considered sin.

…Christian walk is about sacrificial living, and not having it be all about one's self.

Mark Welton

•••

Marriage: Really between just two people?

"Marriage is between one man and one woman" — says the man or woman on their third marriage with stepchildren.

Ryan Mabry

•••

Judge not, lest ye be judged

Ironically, homosexuality also poses a challenge for heterosexual Christians. We may let feelings of contempt or fear lead us into the sin of self-righteousness.

But Jesus and other New Testament leaders taught by word and example not to be self-righteous or shun or discriminate against those we consider to be "sinners" (Matthew 9:10-13, Luke 7:36-48, 18:9-14).

Further, Jesus told us to eliminate the sins in our own lives rather than passing judgment or looking down on others. For if we judge other people harshly, we will, in turn, be judged harshly.

Amanda Kay

•••

Gay marriage: a slippery slope

It absolutely hurts other people and it's not love. It is lust. A "church" who gives in to the ways of the world is not the true church.

God says homosexuality is an abomination. It is not of God. If we continue to allow these "little" things in, things will just continue to get worse.

Sheena Faircloth

•••

About pastors who would marry same-sex couples…

I would have a problem with a pastor marrying a same-sex couple. He is not obeying God's word if he performs that marriage.

Shirl Griffin Long

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HUBBUB: Gay marriage — 1 issue, 2 voices

EDITOR'S DESK: They don't make 'em like they used to

Written by archive on June 26, 2014. Posted in editorials, Opinion.

These sure are nostalgic times, just based on some of this week's headlines.

A number of residents recalled simpler times over the weekend in Baker. (See "Baker Memories Day draws crowd to Baker Block to reminisce.")

North Okaloosa residents can attend workshops on Friday to learn more about their genealogy. (See "Workshops help family genealogists use resources.")

The News Bulletin's June 28-July 1 edition, which hits the streets Saturday, will feature the first part of our monthly history series leading up to Okaloosa County's centennial.

Yes, we all seem to appreciate knowing where we come from, and many of us have a special appreciation for days gone by; simpler times.

News editors aren't exempt.

Over the weekend, I looked at the alarm-clock-radio on my nightstand and started thinking:

The glowing orange numbers are distracting.

This device has a radio I never use.

The thing's plugged into the wall, hiking up the electricity bill, even when it's not in use!

When you use a ton of technology— a laptop computer, a camcorder, a smart phone, a tablet — for work, if you're like me, you unwind by unplugging. Finding simpler solutions. Connecting, in that way, with the past and with our ancestors.

I searched the web, determined to find an old-fashioned wind-up alarm clock. The kind with keys that you routinely wind up to set the time and alarm.

It's a more environmentally green solution, but it also reminded me of the gold-and-black Westclox Big Ben that once sat on my nightstand more than two decades ago.

I'd completely forgotten about that until now.

It's funny how time and technology advancements can create new lifestyles and replace memories of old ones.

But I'm a little too stubborn to fall for it.

Late Saturday, I was up all night searching for information about wind-up alarm clocks.

To my dismay, most of the websites — mostly with old-timers' comments — said they don't even make the Big Ben, a classic, like they used to.

"That thing was build like a tank," one commenter said.

It really was.

The comment also reminded me of many products' declining quality, ironically, as technology progresses.

I thought of my mom's new printer-copier-scanner-fax machine — a beast she will never use, but for some reason, acquires these things — and how it's all plastic, and sounds like it could come apart when opening the scanner's lid.

Good brand, but poor quality.

I remember playing office as a child, with my grandparents' old adding machine.

That thing was built like a tank too! It was from the 1950s or 1960s, rough, tough, heavy and still printed fine, to my surprise.

Unfortunately, they don't make 'em like they used to. Even the Big Ben, countless reviewers' comments note, hasn't evolved so well.

Part of that, I'm sure, is because of planned obsolescence, two words I never forgot once I heard them in a high school economics class. It's many manufacturers' conspiracy to continue driving product by deliberately setting expiration dates on products.

They could make the products better; they just don't.

Honestly.

I still plan to remove that monstrosity of an alarm clock-radio from the nightstand.

Perhaps I'll just let my smart phone rest on the window ledge opposite the bed.

Maybe I'll buy one of those battery operated twin-bell clocks that mimic the old-fashioned windups.

But it won't be the same.

—

Are you nostalgic for a certain product or way of life that has been lost with time? Drop comments below!

What's your view? Email News Bulletin Editor Thomas Boni, tboni@crestviewbulletin.com, or tweet @cnbeditor.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: EDITOR'S DESK: They don't make 'em like they used to

HUBBUB: Defining conservative; Praising K-9s for Crestview

Written by archive on June 24, 2014. Posted in editorials, Opinion.

Join the conversation on our Facebook page>>

Defining conservative

noun: 1. a person who is averse to change and holds to traditional values and attitudes, typically in relation to politics and religion.

In other words, one who is afraid of change in the status quo.

Richard S. Singleton

Praising K-9s for Crestview

How refreshing to see donations requested instead of higher taxes!

Loree Arrington

About that SRO award…

OK, hold on a minute. We have a Florida Association of School Resource Officers?

This is better than the Grammys.

We have an association that gives itself awards to have police in schools? Outfitted by taxes.

Stop the madness.

Jon Bell

Self-fund League of Municipalities conference

If they want to go (Crestview City Council members) should pay their own way.

Cheryl Bunyan

Happy for no downtown strip clubs

Even though everyone just keeps on complaining, I am glad that there won't be a strip club!

Nicole M. Pettay

Excited for CHS's Day era

You could not ask for a better individual to run this school … Mr. Day knows his students and his students know him.

I have personally seen Mr. Day at the grocery store speak to a student by name.

Alas, this will be my son's final year at Crestview High as we are moving. However, I wish Mr. Day the best of luck.

I also hope he holds his teachers accountable as well. Some of them need as much discipline as some of the students.

Terrie Denmark

No to Northwest Florida Music Festival

Here's a festival that I (wasn't) attending. No. 1, the fundraiser isn't even for our local community. No. 2, it's local bands! Why am I paying $25 (per day)?

Deborah Bulger Brown

Gratitude for 100-year-old's advice

Happy Birthday, Miss Vera! I admire you for sticking to your values. May God bless you with continued good health and wonderful family. Thank you for your sage advice on living life.

Mike Bee

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HUBBUB: Defining conservative; Praising K-9s for Crestview

850.682.6524