our readers write

I am writing to you as a 2019 Eagle Scout Candidate with Troop 306 at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Lexington. One of my merit badge requirements is to write a letter to the Editor of my local newspaper to express my opinion on a topic of choice.

The recent crime wave in Lexington County has got me thinking about how little some people respect other people’s lives, and their property. There seems to be bad news every day, and the situation is continuing to get worse. We once had a friendly, sleepy little town untouched by these things. In my opinion, some of the reasons that people are turning to crime is because of the decline of the family; God being taken out of homes and schools; and punishment not fitting the crime.

Trying hard to keep me on a good path, my mom and other family members and church members supported me when I joined Scouting several years ago. It has taught me many things, to include being more responsible, being more disciplined, honoring authority, and being around peers who have the same interests and background as me.

In the future, it is my hope that Scouting will continue to grow and others will see the need and get involved.

It is an amazing opportunity to get off to a good start in life. Thank you for allowing me to submit this.

Ryan Shirley, Troop 306