I dont wish to start a Schutzenfest, oops, shooting match with a citizen of Ehrhardt, but I have obviously been called out. I read Waldene Edingers letter on Sunday grumbling about the closing of a school in Ehrhardt and naming me as the spokesman of Bamberg, which I am not. I speak only for myself and fairness.

Before I wrote my letter asking Ehrhardts citizens to think before asking for a Bamberg boycott, I drove the 12 miles to the school in question. It is the size of the gym at a regular school and the class size was six or more. It was not feasible economically to keep the school open. As for the churches that Ms. Edinger states are the hub of the community, St. James has five members. I know, I used to be one of them. Common sense dictates that when economics become the first priority, then something must give way.

It is unfortunate that children are bused into another school area, but my children were bused from the time of prekindergarten to high school. This is a big world and we must all learn to spread out and integrate with other societies and stop smother loving our children.

Instead we must give them a sense of entitlement to become part of a larger world. Ehrhardt has its Schutzenfest coming up in August. I am sure they want all to participate and not boycott over witless and pointless arguments. Bamberg has the Treasure Fest in September and all are invited. I live in the community and my number is in the book.

I invite Ms. Edinger to rid herself of anger, call me if you wish, join in the whole of society, encourage your children to embrace change and enjoy life. In other words, exit the pity party and burn the victim shirt. It serves nothing and no one to harbor resentment over a constantly changing world. My husband is 80. He went to a one-room schoolhouse with sand gnats and mosquitoes and walked to get there. He joined the military and traveled the world and now he is home and he loves all things different. Change is the key, Ms. Edinger listen to Obama.

- Sandy Rhoad, Branchville

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