If what Mr. De Neef said in his letter of March 28th about the Macon County Board of Education's proposed budget is accurate, I, too, am appalled. Certainly we could expect the school leadership to have to tighten their belts too.

It does make one wonder what the board's priorities are when the band and athletics aren't having their budgets cut, too. Not to say that both activities aren't worthy of participation, but to my mind, academics in a school situation trump them in terms of importance.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all of those who helped my family and me during my time of illness. I would like to thank the churches, ministers, my friends, extended family members and anonymous brothers and sisters in Christ that upheld me in their prayers.

I appreciate the thoughtfulness and support everyone has given me; not only through prayers, but visits, phone calls and cards of encouragement, food and continued offers of help during my recovery.

When I look at the proposed budget cuts for the school system I can not help noticing a few things like:

— There are no proposed cuts in pay for the superintendent's pay.

— There are no proposed cuts in pay for the adjunct-superintendent's pay.

— Both pay checks are open to some trimming, they make too much as it is for such a small school system. Besides when half your family works within the system, you have no lack of income

I had an invite several years back to a party to welcome Mr. Jeb Bush to Miami. Mr. Bush moved to south Florida to be in charge of the Republican party. Having a father whom was president didn't hurt.

The powers to be knew the governor’s election was coming soon. All the powers there knew Mr. Jeb Bush couldn't win this time, but he ran anyway and lost. But next time his chances were greater. It was all well planned. From a pipe salesman to governor in a short time with the right connections works. With his family name and the help of the runaway Cubans he was a big winner.