Letters to the Editor

September 21, 2010

Munson should throw his support behind Shank

To the editor:

I was at a loss when I read about state Sen. Donald F. Munson's feelings after the primary election.

He has served the community well and should be proud of his accomplishments. That being said, he sounded like a child who either didn't get his way or was being picked on by another child.

The people spoke and selected Del. Christopher B. Shank. Munson should now gather all of his supporters and form an allegiance with Shank for the good of Washington County.

Personally, the choice was probably difficult for most voters, but fiscal integrity and unfunded spending have to be considered and Shank clearly will serve the people well in these very troubled times.

Thanks to Don Munson, but let's get on with the future and the 2011 Maryland General Assembly session.

Jim Colombo
Hagerstown

Today is International Day of Prayer for Peace

To the editor:

Today is International Day of Prayer for Peace. It has been celebrated since 2004 as a day to remind people around the world of the great need to pray for peace.

It coincides with the International Day of Peace, the annual opening of the United Nations General Assembly. An ever-expanding number of people worldwide, representing a wide variety of religious and spiritual traditions, have committed to work with other like-minded individuals and groups for a day of peace.

In Washington County, this day of peace will be celebrated today at 6 p.m. at Dunker Church at Antietam National Battlefield. This site was chosen because it was a sanctuary and hospital during the bloodiest battle of the Civil War. It stands as a symbol of peace in the midst of the Battle of Antietam 148 years ago on Sept. 17, 1862. Dunker Church is adjacent to the battlefield's visitors center.

Eleven different religious traditions in Washington County - Baha'i, Brethren, Buddhist, Catholic, Islam, Jewish, Mennonite, Metropolitan Community, Quaker, Unitarian Universalist and Unity - will join in this service of peace. Each will present a song of peace, a brief statement on peace and a prayer for peace. The event is sponsored by PACEM (The Brethren Peace Fellowship) and the Interfaith Coalition of Washington County.

We invite you to join us. In this time of heightened rhetoric and increased animosity because of religious and cultural differences, it is important that people of good will come together in Washington County to pray for peace. May we see beyond our perspectives to the God who desires the human family to live in peace and harmony.

For more information, call the Hagerstown Church of the Brethren at 301-733-3565.

Ed Poling
pastor
Hagerstown Church of the Brethren

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