"As a Christian and Chair of the Haywood County Democratic Party, I have some thoughts I would like to share.

Freedom is precious! Many wars have been fought and much blood shed
in the name of freedom. At the present time, young Americans are in
harm's way bringing freedom to the people of the Middle East.

We should not take these rights and privileges for granted.

I salute the veterans of Haywood County who have fought to maintain our freedoms.

I salute the people of this county who are standing up for their rights to worship and their rights to vote.

Freedom to worship God is very important to me. It is part of my
daily and weekly activities and I am truly thankful for this privilege.

Freedom to vote is another precious freedom. We have the
responsibility to think for ourselves. Voters should vote for more than
one issue. They should consider all the issues deeply rooted in our
faith. Jesus taught us many, many things: tell the truth; care for the
poor; provide for children; love your neighbors. The list could go on
and on as we are taught to be responsible.

It is both shocking and troubling to have t he right to worship and the right to vote challenged in Haywood County.

I urge the citizens of this county to resolve these issues and
protect our freedoms, so that our county will remain the unique place
that it really is."

Nancy Evans Fish
Haywood County Democratic Party Chair
Maggie Valley

Published in the Waynesville Mountaineer News
5-11-2005