8 • Piedmont Shopper© • FEBRUARY 18th - 24th, 2016
Obituaries
“For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.” - Romans 14:8
Adolph Vereen
Adolph Vereen, 72, of 511 W e s t view Dr., Danville, VA, died, T h u r s day, February 11, 2016 at the Danville Regional Medical Center. Born October 10, 1943, in Longs, SC, he was the son of the late Lisander Vereen, Sr. and Clydie Patrick Vereen. He was married to Joylette Glass Vereen, who survives. He was a Veteran of the United States Army and the last survivor of his generation. In addition to his wife of the residence, survivors include two daughters, Cherese J. Vereen of Danville, VA and Chelbry L. Borland (Tesfa) of Henrico County, VA; one grandson, Ti-Que Borland of Henrico County, VA and a host of other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by five sibling, Genevieve Vereen, Clidie Mae Vereen, Lisander Vereen, Jr., Ammon Vereen, and James Vereen. The family will receive friends at the residence. Funeral services will be conducted on Friday, February 19, 2016 at 1 PM from the Chapel of Fisher and Watkins Funeral Home with Min. Beverly Simmons officiating. Interment with Military Honors by American Legion Post 29 will follow in Highland Burial Park. Fisher and Watkins Funeral Home is assisting the Vereen family.
Lucious Taylor
Lucious Taylor, 87, of 1300 Industrial Avenue, Danville, Virginia died Friday, February 12, 2016 at the Piney Forest Health Care Center. Born July 29, 1928, in Pittsylvania County, VA, he was the son of the late Arthur Taylor and the late Mary Eliza Mabin Taylor. He was a veteran of the United States Army. The family will receive friends at the residence of his sister, Ella L. Henderson, 1318 Industrial Avenue, Danville, VA. Survivors include two sisters, Ella L. Henderson of Danville, VA and Sallie Valeria Taylor of Winston Salem, NC; and host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday at 1:00 PM from the Chapel of Fisher and Watkins Funeral Home with Rev. Ronnie Walters officiating. Interment will follow in Danville Memorial Gardens with full military rites by American Legion Post 29. Fisher and Watkins Funeral Home is assisting the Taylor family.
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Isaiah 40:29
OAKES
Calvin Wade Hipkins
Calvin Wade Hipkins, 71, of 575 Chaney Store Rd., Ringgold, VA., died on Tuesday, February 9, 2016 at his residence after being in declining health for the past nine months. Mr. Hipkins was born on December 27, 1944, in South Boston, VA. son of the late Doris Hipkins. He spent the last three years of his life in Gate City, VA. He was a veteran who proudly served his country in the U.S. Marines. He was retired from C&K Painting. He was of the Jehovah’s Witness Faith. Survivors include the mother of his children Catherine Stewart; four children, Sherry Pennell, and husband Elisha, of Ringgold, VA., Teresa Furguson, of South Carolina, Timothy Wade Hipkins, also of South Carolina, and Michael T. Hipkins, and wife Connie, of Eden, N.C.; a sister, Dianna Coon; a brother Charles Zeider; eight grandchildren, Kenneth Russell, Jr., Abigail Pennell, Alana Pennell, Brendan Pennell, Jonnie Box, Heather Vincent, Amie Sims, and Michael T. Hipkins, Jr.; and one great-grandchild, Charley Russell. In addition to his parents he is predeceased by one sister, Debora Zeider. A memorial service will be conducted on Saturday, February 13, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Wrenn-Yeatts Westover Chapel with the Elder Nathaniel Jeffries officiating. The family will receive friends at the residence. Wrenn-Yeatts Westover Chapel is respectfully serving the Hipkins family.
Danny Daves Yates
Danny Daves Yates, 80, of 135 Mountain Hill Road, Danville, VA died on Friday, February 12, 2016 at Duke University Hospital in Durham, NC after being in declining health for several years. Mr. Yates was born on April 17, 1935 in Danville, VA, son of the late Woodrow Sanford Yates and the late Mary Ella Shelton Yates. He was raised on the Yates farm where he worked for 28 years in tobacco, he also worked for Sears as a department manager until his retirement after 30 years of service. Mr. Yates was an active member of Ringgold Baptist Church, where he joined in 1947. He served as a Deacon and also taught Sunday school for many years. He was also a member of the Danville Masonic Lodge. Mr. Yates enjoyed life, hunting, bowling, golfing and playing cards. He was always there to brighten the lives of others and will be greatly missed. On December 23, 1954 he married Lucy Faye Hamlett Yates who survives of the residence. In addition to his wife, Mr. Yates is survived by three daughters, Sherry Shively of Ringgold, VA, Vicki Ellis of Ringgold, VA and Penny Hudgins and husband
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Keith of Sutherlin, VA; two sisters, Sandy Murphy of Danville, VA and Sherren Shelton and husband Jimmy of Sutherlin, VA; nine grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; and a special friend Spot. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by a sonin-law, Mark Ellis. Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Ringgold Baptist Church with the Reverend Duane Caldwell and the Reverend Carl Burger officiating. Interment will follow the service in Highland Burial Park. The family will receive friends on Tuesday night from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Wrenn-Yeatts North Main Chapel and at other times they will be at the residence, 135 Mountain Hill Road, Danville, VA 24540. The family suggest the memorial donations be made to the Ringgold Fire and Rescue at PO Box 10, Ringgold, VA 24586 or to St Jude Children’s Hospital at 501 St Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105. Wrenn-Yeatts North Main Chapel is respectfully serving the Yates family.
Patsy Russell Wilson
Patsy Russell Wilson, age 70 of 398 O v e r b y Street, Danville, VA, died on Saturday, February 13, 2016 at Danville Regional Medical Center after a decline in health for the past five years. Mrs. Wilson was born on August 3, 1945, in Danville, VA, a daughter of the late James Edward Carter and Louise Russell Carter. She lived most of her life in Danville, VA where she retired from Dan River Mills. She was a member of Temple Baptist Church. In addition to her mother, she is survived by a son, Ronald Wilson and wife Kathy; a daughter, Lisa Dianne Wilson; a granddaughter, Emily Nicole Wilson (William Love); and a great granddaughter, Kaylee Love, all of Danville, VA. Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at 2:00 PM at Wrenn-Yeatts North Main Chapel with the Reverend Richard Allen officiating. Interment will follow the service in Highland Burial Park. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at the funeral home. Wrenn-Yeatts North Main Chapel is respectfully serving the Wilson family.
434.836.5888 oms@chatmosscable.com oakesmemorialsandsignsinc.com
Ronald Noel Davis
Ronald Noel Davis, age 59, of 2725 Brookside Rd., Axton, VA, died on Monday, February 08, 2016 at Danville Regional Medical Center. He was born on February 03, 1957 in Danville, VA, to the late Cedric A. Davis and Jean Shelton Davis. Mr. Davis was disabled. Also, he was of the Baptist faith. He is survived by his brother, Steven Davis and wife Martha of Providence, NC. A memorial service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 11, 2016 at Providence Baptist Church with Rev. Mitch Cifers officiating. Interment will be private. Swicegood Funeral Service is respectfully serving the Davis family.
Edney Harrison Lail
Edney Harrison Lail, age 88, of 275 A r n e t t Blvd., Danville, VA, died on Tuesday, February 09, 2016 at Danville Regional Medical Center. He was born on October 23, 1927, in Danville, VA, to the late William Harrison Lail and Elizabeth Buckner Lail. Mr. Lail worked as an electrician and was of the Baptist faith. He was a veteran of the United States Navy during WWII. He is survived by his daughter, Susan Lail of Danville, VA. In addition to his parents Mr. Lail was predeceased by his wife, Elsie Motley Lail; half-brothers, William, Lee, Zollie, Ollie, Raymond, and Jesse; and half-sisters of NC, Arey, Lola, Essie, and Dessie; and of VA, Beatrice Buckner McDowell. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 12, 2016 at Swicegood Funeral Home with Rev. Johnnie Jones officiating. Visitation will be held from 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 11, 2016 at the funeral home. At other times, the family will be at the residence. Interment will follow in Highland Burial Park. Swicegood Funeral Service is respectfully serving the Lail family.
“...for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.” 1 John 5:4
Charles W. Smith
Charles W. Smith, age 78, of 1939 Gravel Hill Rd., Cascade, VA, died on Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at Riverside H e a l t h Care. He was born on August 31, 1937, in Danville, VA, to the late Peyton Smith and Nora Jennings Smith. Mr. Smith worked at Dan River Mills as a supervisor. He attended Hickory Grove United Methodist Church. Mr. Smith was a veteran of the United States Army during the Korean War. He is survived by his loving wife, Louise Hazelwood Smith of the residence; daughters, Teresa Pruitt and husband Alan of Pelham, NC and Tina Gatewood and husband Bobby of Cascade, VA; sister, Remona Jean Hancock of SC; and grandchildren, Justin Pruitt and wife Carla of Cascade, VA, Amanda Motley and husband Ryan of Danville, VA, Willow Gatewood and Skye Gatewood both of Cascade, VA. Graveside services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 13, 2016 at Hickory Grove United Methodist Church. The family will be at the residence, 1939 Gravel Hill Rd, Cascade, VA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Danville Cancer Society, 223 Riverview Drive, Ste. J, Danville, VA 24541 or the Bachelor’s Hall Volunteer Fire Department, 1301 Berry Hill Rd, Danville, VA 24541. Swicegood Funeral Service is respectfully serving the Smith family.
Tony Lynn Martin
Tony Lynn Martin age 53, of Danville, VA departed from this life on Thursday February 11, 2016 at the Memorial Hospital of Martinsville VA after months of declining health. Tony passed from this life into the arms of our heavenly Father with and awesome smile on his face. Tony worked as a carpenter his whole life. He enjoyed gardening and cherished his time spent with his grandchildren. He was born on November 06, 1962 the son of Edna Creasy Martin and the late Earl Junius Martin Sr. He was predeceased by his oldest brother Earl J. Martin Jr. He is survived by his mother, Edna Creasy Martin; daughter, Stephanie Thaxton (Curtis); grandchildren, Victoria, Alexandra, Kimball, and Stormie, brothers, Dennis Martin, Bobby Martin, and Curtis Martin; many nephews and nieces; and special close friends Randy and Vicky Inman. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 14, 2016 at Swicegood Funeral Home. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in Danville Memorial Gardens.
Earl Wayne Goforth
Earl Wayne Goforth, age 75, of 211 Setliff St., Danville, VA, died on Thursday, February 11, 2016 at Danville Regional Medical Center. He was born on December 17, 1940, in Danville, VA, to the late Joseph W. Goforth and Ethel Gentry Goforth. Mr. Goforth worked at Goodyear for 30 years before his retirement and was of the Baptist faith. He was the last member of his immediate family. In addition, Mr. Goforth served in the United States Army. He is survived by his special friend, Linda Scearce; and many friends and relatives. In addition to his parents Mr. Goforth was predeceased by his brothers, Bruce and Curtis Goforth. Graveside services will be conducted at 2:00 p .m. on Wednesday, February 17 2016 at Mt. View Cemetery with Rev. David Turbyfill officiating. The family will receive friends at 209 Setliff St., Danville, VA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Danville Life Saving Crew, 202 Christopher Lane, Danville, VA 24541. Swicegood Funeral Service is respectfully serving the Goforth family.
Sylvia G. Berry
Sylvia G. Berry, age 70, of 1713 Glenn St., Danville, VA, p a s s e d away on Saturday, February 13, 2016 at Danville Regional Medical Center. She was born on March 24, 1945, in Danville, VA, to the late Howard Lee and Cora Lee Graves Garrett. Mrs. Berry worked at Roman Eagle as a CNA and was of the Baptist Faith. She is survived by her brothers, Felix Garrett and wife Janice of Delaware and James Garrett of Danville, VA; devoted niece, Kathryn Garrett; nieces, Crystal Hester, Keisha Garrett, and Montoya Garrett; and special friend and God niece, Rhonda LaGail Davis. In addition to her parents Mrs. Berry was preceded in death by her husband, William “Bill” Henry Berry; sister, Katie Garrett; and brothers, Herbert Garrett and Earl Garrett. Graveside services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 19, 2016 at Oak Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 18, 2016 from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at Barker Funeral Home. At other times, the family will be located at the residence of Mrs. Berry’s brother, James Garrett, 132 Capri Court, Danville, VA. Barker Funeral Home is respectfully serving the Berry family.
“Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
Hazel Martin “Birdie” Adams
Hazel Martin “Birdie” Adams, of 400 Seeland Rd., Danville, Va., went to be with her Lord and Savior Friday, February 5, 2016 at Danville Regional Medical Center. She was born October 6, 1957 in Danville to the late James Martin and the late Mary Carter Martin. Mrs. Adams was married to Gerald Adams. “Birdie” was an assistant teacher for CIC Head Start, Inc. for 22 years before retiring due to her decline in health. She was a member of Christ Temple Apostolic Church. In addition to her husband, Mrs. Adams is survived by her brother, Clarence James Martin, Sr. and her special friend, Ricky Chaney, both of Danville. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Adams was predeceased by her sister, Sandra Clements and her nephew, Marco Banks. A memorial service will be held 12:00 noon, Friday February 12, 2016 at Christ Temple Apostolic Church, 180 Kentuck Road, Danville, with Elder Carl Clement officiating. Norris Funeral Services, Inc. and Crematory, Mt. Hermon Chapel, 3995 Franklin Tpke., Danville is serving the Adams family.
James Earl Perry
James Earl Perry, age 90 formerly of Danville passed away Sunday, February 7, 2016 in Sumter SC. He was born March 11, 1925 in Kannapolis, NC to the late John Ellis Perry and the late Beulah Ketner Perry. Mr. Perry was married to Derothadeane “Dot” Shaw Perry for 62 years who survives of the residence. James proudly served his country as a member of the US Marines Corp. After serving his country he worked for and retired from the US Postal Service. He was a member of Rivermont Baptist Church where he served as Chairman of Deacons, Sunday School Teacher and many other capacities in the church. In addition to his wife he is survived by a daughter Deane Perry Lotts and husband Rick of Sumter, SC; a son James Kenneth Perry and wife Lauri of Waynesboro, VA; four grandchildren, Michael Perry Lotts and wife Jamie, Carter McCrae Lotts, Emily Elizabeth Perry and James Ellis Perry; a brother John Ketner Perry of Fieldale, VA; two sisters, Margie Perry Clark of Richmond, VA and Ann Perry Wilson of Columbia, SC. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by a sister Dot Perry Powell. The family will receive friends 11:00 a.m. till 12 noon, Friday, February 12, 2016 prior to the service at Rivermont Baptist Church, 122 Sunset Pl., Danville, VA 24540 and other times at the residence 424 Brooke Dr., Danville, VA 24540. Funeral services will be held 12 noon, Friday, February 12, 2016 at Rivermont Baptist Church with the Rev. Wayne Johnson, Rev. Jerry Parker and Rev. Joel Fletcher officiating. Interment will follow at Danville Memorial Gardens, Danville, VA. Memorial donations may be made to Rivermont Baptist Church building fund, 122 Sunset Pl., Danville, VA 24540. Norris Funeral Services, Inc. and Crematory, West
Piedmont Shopper© FEBRUARY 18th - 24th, 2016 • 9
End Chapel, 511 Church Ave. Danville is serving the Perry family.
Danny Ray Craver
Danny Ray Craver, 64, of 214 Northwest Blvd., Danville, Va., passed away Monday, February 8, 2016 at UVA Hospital, Charlottesville, Va. He was born July 21, 1951 in Danville to the late Minnie Frances Talbard Craver and the late John Howard Craver. He is survived by his wife, Diane Winn Craver. Mr. Craver worked at Goodyear for 10 years, and worked for himself as a truck driver for more than 30 years, retiring at age 62. He enjoyed racing go-carts and NASCAR, fishing and old time rock ‘n’ roll. Mr. Craver was of the Baptist Faith. In addition to his wife, Mr. Craver is survived by his step-daughter Joann Bradley; his special daughter Sara Bradley; his son Danny Ray Doyle and wife, Angie; his step-sons, George Daniel “Danny” Bradley and wife, Wendy, and Bryan Lewis Lee “Bud” Bradley; and his special friends, Steven Berger and James Updike; as well as thirteen grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 13, 2016 at Timberlake Baptist Church, with Rev. Walter Yancey and Lee Ricketts officiating. The family will receive friends at the residence. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial donations be made to the Danny Ray Craver Memorial Fund, c/o Norris Funeral Services, West End Chapel, 511 Church Ave., Danville, VA 24541. Norris Funeral Services, Inc. and Crematory, West End Chapel, 511 Church Ave., Danville is serving the Craver family.
Burton Neal Phelps
“Nancy, I made it home with the greatest man that ever lived.” B u r ton Neal Phelps, 65, of 1622 Buckhorn Drive, Danville, Va., went home to be with Jesus on February 9, 2016 from Danville Regional Medical Center. He was born on March 5, 1950 in Pittsylvania County, Va. to the late Walker and Callie Wilson Phelps. On June 6, 2011, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Nancy Lee Montgomery Phelps. Mr. Phelps proudly served two tours in Southeast Asia with the US Marines during Vietnam. He attended Danville Community College for 2 years, where he studied appliance repair. Mr. Phelps worked both with Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. for a number of years and with UPS for ten years. He also worked for Pittsylvania County Waste Management Dept. for ten years prior to retirement. Mr. Phelps was a member of The Virginia Carolina Car Club and a member of Shermont Baptist Church. Mr. Phelps is survived by his sons, Bryan Phelps and wife, Tracy of Dry Fork, Va., and Erik “Squeaky” Phelps and wife, Angela of Danville; his brother, Robert Phelps of Cascade, Va.; his grandchildren, Alena Gail Phelps and Teagan McCall Phelps; and his special pet: Tasha. In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Phelps was
predeceased by his sisters, Ethel “Ikey” Phelps, Della McDaniel Phelps, and Josie Phelps; and his brothers, Johnny “Cook” Phelps, Raymond “Humpy” Phelps, Lester Phelps, Rudy Phelps, and Mosey Phelps. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 11, 2016 at Norris Funeral Services, Mt. Hermon Chapel with Rev. Ryan Riley officiating. Interment will follow at Floral Hills Memory Gardens, Danville. The family will receive friends Wednesday, February 10, 2016 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the funeral home, and at other times will be at: 464 Sunset Drive, Dry Fork, Va. The family respectfully suggests memorial donations be made to: The Wounded Warriors Project, PO BOX 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or www.woundedwarriorproject.org. Norris Funeral Services, Inc. and Crematory, Mt. Hermon Chapel, 3995 Franklin Tpke., Danville is serving the Phelps family.
& Rescue, 4268 Franklin Turnpike, Danville, Va. 24540. Norris Funeral Services, Inc. and Crematory, Mt. Hermon Chapel, 3995 Franklin Tpke., Danville is serving the Rigney family.
Email comments to: 2knowhim@cbc-web.org
“Socialism, Scripture, and Common Sense” It is a bit of a discouragement to see that, in the current race for president, the failed, discredited, and damaging doctrine of socialism is being regarded favorably. It is even more discouraging to realize that many decades of indoctrination have made socialism much more than a passing fad but have actually elevated it to a level of respectability that it does not deserve.
1. Is the book of 2 Samuel in the Old or New Testament or neither? 2. From Daniel 4, who dreamed of a tree that reached into Heaven? Obadiah, Joshua, Nebuchadnezzar, Matthew 3. Jesus referred to Timothy Wayne the attendees of what Rigney event as “the salt of the Timothy Wayne Rigney, 43, of 16261 earth”? Daniel’s visions, F r a n k l i n Sermon on the Mount, T u r n p i k e , Rebuilding temple, Holy Dry Fork, congregation Va., went 4. From Judges 9, who home to had 70 of his brothers be with the killed on one stone? Lord on Belshazzar, Naboth, February 12, 2016. Hanun, Abimelech He was born on November 5. What’s the only Jesus 26, 1972 in Danville, Va. to miracle reported in all Mary Jane Hammock Ri- four gospels of the New gney and James Addison Testament? Water to Rigney. He was married to wine, Feeding of the Angel Oakes Rigney, who 5,000, Raising Lazarus, survives, at the residence. He was a member of Swan- Red Sea parting sonville United Methodist 6. From 1 Timothy 5, Church and was an avid what was the minimum lover of hunting and fishing. widow age to be put on a He was a self-employed log- church’s support list? 40, ger and he owned and op- 50, 60, 70 erated Rigney Logging for many years. In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Rigney is survived by his two sons, Steven Nicholas Rigney and Matthew Christian Rigney of the residence, as well as two brothers, Troy Rigney and wife, Sherrill of Chatham, Va. and Terry Rigney of Danville. The family will receive friends Tuesday, February 16, 2016 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Norris Funeral Services, 3995 Franklin Turnpike, Danville, Va., and at other times they will be at the home of his mother-inlaw, Rita Oakes, 136 Ripley Lane, Danville, Va. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at Danville Memorial Gardens, Danville, Va. with Rev. Linwood Cook officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial donations be made to the Mount Hermon Fire
Dr. Bo Wagner is pastor of the Cornerstone Baptist Church of Mooresboro, NC, and the author of several books. His books are available at www.wordofhismouth.com
ANSWERS: 1) Old; 2) Nebuchadnezzar; 3) Sermon on the Mount; 4) Abimelech; 5) Feeding of the 5,000; 6) 60 Comments? More Trivia? Visit www.TriviaGuy.com (c) 2016 King Features Synd., Inc.
I write a faith column. But the book I have devoted my life to is not just spiritual, but also incredibly practical. The Bible will teach you how to be saved and will also deal with subjects like intimacy, gambling, work, rest, nutrition, and even good government. And it is the subject of good government that is currently on my mind. Scripture gives an illustration of what many erroneously view as socialism. Acts 4:32 says, “And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.” The item that makes this anything but socialism is a little thing called “choice.” This arrangement was utterly voluntary, there was no coercion to it at all. It was also very temporary, but that is a matter for another day. The salient point is that nothing in solid Scriptural hermeneutics gives so much as a fig leaf of respectability to the naked wickedness of socialism. Merriam Webster defines socialism as 1) any of various economic and political theories advocating collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods 2) a system of society or group living in which there is no private property, a system or condition of society in which the means of production are owned and controlled by the state 3) a stage of society in Marxist theory transitional between capitalism and communism and distinguished by unequal distribution of goods and pay according to work done. Those definitions make certain tenets of socialism clear. Socialism destroys the right to private property, uses the sword of government to coerce everyone to participate, doles out to people what the central planners think they need, and is merely a stepping stone to eventual communism. This utopian theory has been tried and failed miserably, many times. Simply put, theft is still theft even if it is legally voted on, and people who find themselves on the other end of the theft do not appreciate it.
If socialism were applied to other areas of life, it would perhaps be more clearly understood for the evil that it is. What if, for instance, we applied it to women? Perhaps we should “redistribute” the attractive wives of stars and athletes. Why should some people be “more privileged” than others? What if we were to set up a central control that would dole out attractive women to all men equally? Can you imagine the howls of protest? “Government should never take a woman from a man and hand her over to another man, he worked hard to earn her love, leave them alone!” And that is correct. But the same government that has no business taking a woman from one man and giving her to another man, or a good grade from a hard working student and handing it out to a lesser student, also has no business taking a dollar or anything else from one man and “redistributing” it to another. Private property rights are taught all throughout the Bible and are at the very foundation of our Constitutional Republic. America did not become great by a philosophy of “From each according to his ability, to each according to his need.” America became great in an extremely short period of time because people were free to aspire to greatness without fear of jealous others voting themselves a generous portion of the fruits of their labors. Proverbs 10:4 put it this way, “He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.” The socialist Bible, if there is such a thing, would probably render that verse this way: “He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but rather than teach the slack hand to be diligent, rather than giving him the assurance that he can be one of the many rags to riches accounts our history is filled with, we will teach him how to use government to redistribute the wealth of those who were diligent. Rather than directing everyone upward toward greatness, we will force everyone downward into mediocrity.” One last thing. Jesus himself said, “the poor you have with you always.” But in America, capitalism, not socialism, has produced a nation where even our poor normally carry cell phones, eat better than most of the rest of the world, live in air conditioned dwellings, and have enough money left over to pay for the cable or satellite tv that is carrying the liberal siren songs that are promoting our journey toward the rocky crags of a Marxist society.