Dear Editor:

I appreciate the fact that we still have freedom of speech. Other important freedoms have been taken away. For example, God has been voted out in many places.

First, let me make it clear that I am not an ax-weilding Carrie Nation out to rid the world of alcohol. Found in the bible, which is truth, are some examples of beneficial drinking, but many more references to the sin of over-indulgence. There are some people who can enjoy a drink with their meal without harm. There are many more who cannot. Driving through town this morning I noticed a young couple walking together. Their extreme unkept appearance indicated they were not in control of their lives. This sight is common in cities where alcohol is readily available. On the other end of town while turning around I had to avoid an empty glass beer bottle that had been tossed in the street. These scenes will be multiplied with the unresticted sale of alcohol.

Alcohol is available to all not 5 minutes west of the city limits. For those who enjoy alcohol with a good dinner, again, they can have it not 5 minues east of town. Why allow our clean little town to become like the big cities where alcohol, drugs and every kind of perversion and corruption abound.

Liquor: So much evil - so little good. Like Pandora's Box - we are opening a door with a vote yes. By our example and approval, we lead our children to, or away from danger and temptation. In previous letters to the editor, all have agreed on the great harm abuse of alcohol causes - in wrecked homes, abuse of children and spouses, wasted money that is needed for food and etc. and even loss of life.

With a vote, yes, we are inviting "beer joints and ice houses", etc. (with only the purpose of drinking and all of the untold harm and misery that goes with that) to come into our town at any time in the future. Is that the inheritance we want to leave our children and to all future generations to come? My heritage goes back 5 generations on both my father's and mother's side. I love San Saba. I will not no to more availability of alcohol with a clear conscience and with no doubt I'm doing the right thing for San Saba now and in the tuture.

Mary Frances Herrington

San Saba TX

Dear Editor:

Well, this will be my last letter before election day. First, I would like to say thank you to the 200 or so people who signed the alcohol proposition petition, some of you on all three attempts. If it hadn't been for you all, it would have never gotten on a ballot. Now all that is left to do is vote. Early voting at the courthouse if over Friday, October 29th and election day is Tuesday, November 2nd. I had a gentleman comment to me how hard it is to get younger people to vote. He and I would both be happy to see you prove us wrong. If you are registered, go vote, if not, get registered for your next opportunity to vote.

As for the assumption that passage of this proposition would corrupt the town, if this is true then Llano County and Gillespie County to our south must be really bad. The mixed beverage tax paid to the state is 14% of gross receipts.

Llano County: 2010

Approximate gross receipts - $510,000.00.

14% tax paid to state - $71,357.24

Gillespie County: 2010

Approximate gross receipts - $534,000.00

14% tax paid to state - $74,737.84

San Saba County: 2010

Approximate gross receipts - $21,500.00

14% tax paid to state- $3,004.74

Any beer or wine not sold under a mixed beverage permit is not taxed at this rate and is not included in these numbers.

Thank you,

Reagan Burnham

San Saba TX

Dear Editor:

Why should we oppose liquor by the drink? Why do I consider making strong alcoholic drinks easily available, unwise? This is my opinion, not only based on God's Word, but on the results of such a policy played out in the real world.

What has liquor by the the drink done for our society? Is it really wise to support such a policy? Is it really wise to make this substance so readily available? Alcohol abuse is a factor in 40 percent of violent crimes committed in the U.S. More kids try alcohol than cigarettes. When youth between the ages 12 and 20 consume alcohol, they drink on average about five drink per occasion, about six times a month. Underage drinking is associated with academic failure, illicit drug use and a range of physical consequences.

Alcohol is a Gateway Drug! A gateway drug opens the door to the use of other, harder drugs. Some make the jump from these gateway drugs to far more toxic and dangerous drugs such as marijuana, methamphetamines, cocaine or heroin. Very few kids jump right into hard drugs. Keeping our children free and clear of this gateway substance is critical.

What kind of message does it send to the youth in schools - who are being taught to "Say No To Drugs," - and remaining "drug free" through programs such as DARE, etc. - when an alcohol referendum is approved in their community? This is a clear example of double talk!

I urge every citizen to say yes to our children and community, and vote No on the alcohol option on Tuesday, November 2, 2010. Please consider the consequences and be a wise voter.

Michael Taylor

San Saba, Texas

Dear Editor:

We are a class of third grade students living and learning in Gages Lake, Illinois We are studying about the different areas of our country. We'd like you to be part of our learning by sending us a postcard from your state. Please tell us about yourself, your profession, why you live where you live, what wildlife lives in you area, what your weather is like, what types of outdoor activities are popular, tell us about special landmarks, etc.

We will be unable to answer everyone who helps us with our project however we want to take this opportunity to give you a big THANK YOU for helping us with our learning! We LOVE our United States!

Ms. Kristina Rudolph's Class

Woodland Elementary West School

Gages Lake, Illinois 60030