Editorials

In any subjective evaluation of 2011, the drought and its devastating effects upon the county would have to be at the top of the list of newsworthy events. We had a record number of hot days. We had a record low rainfall. We had a record number of wildfires across the state.

Dear Mason Punchers, via Gerry Gamel & the Mason County News. To Mason's Boys of Fall: Thanks for the Memory - Priceless! Gratefully, Julie Harrison

Last Friday, flush from the Puncher victory at Cowboy Stadium, the town of Mason returned to real life. The students had finals to take. The adults had businesses to run. It was tough to focus on the many tasks at hand as people replayed the high points of the game over and over again.

To the Mason ISD, Coaches, Teachers and most of all Players on the 2011 Football Team.... CONGRATULATIONS!!What an awesome game.We were fortunate enough to get to travel to the Cowboy Stadium to watch you play for the State Title and were overwhelmed by the determination, sportsmanship, and just plain good football you all displayed!

Viewing the State Championship game on TV made me feel proud to have been born in Mason & I send my congratulations to the team, the coaches, and all the Mason fans. The TV commentors could not say enough great things about the team and the Mason community. Again, congratulations on your perfect season and excellent game.

To Aunt Jane Zesch and everyone at Mason County News (and in Mason) Very pleased to see those wonderful Mason Punchers win the state football title. I have been fortunate that myself and my daughter were involved in schools with great teams - the pride and fanaticism that comes along with rooting on the team with friends, family and local townsfolk is just amazing.

Congress is currently in the process of passing a bill that will be more damaging to our Constitution’s Bill of Rights than the Patriot Act.The National Defense Authorization Act of 2012 has been passed in the Senate and the House. This act approves the U.S. military budget for 2012.Included in the bill is language that takes precedence over the 6th amendment to the Constitution which states: “In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public ...

Dear Mason Punchers, Although I do not have kids nor do I follow sports, I have to say I am so proud of you guys for your winning spirt, tough determination and faith. I wish I could go with you to the game but let me just say: GO PUNCHERS and Merry Christmas!! Jerialice Arsenault

For months now, I've tried to remain dispassionate and unbiased while watching the 2011 Mason Punchers. Obviously, I've been supportive, I've been enthusiastic, and I've been there all along the way.However, I tried to never let myself look further than the next opponent. I tried to focus only on the next immediate goal.

Dear Gerry - I agree with last week's letter writer about the "Happy Holidays" signs, but she is mistaken about "Xmas." "Xmas" is simply a legitimate, shortened form of the term "Christmas." It is NOT a disrespectful abbreviation. "X" is the Greek symbol for "Christ" (the letter "chi" from the Greek alphabet) and the initial for "Christos"