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Note: Comments posted at the bottom of this page are not submissions for the print version of Tell Willie and are for online readers to discuss today's Tell Willie column in real time. To submit a question or comment to Willie for the print newspaper click here or call 864-882-0903 and leave Willie a message. He checks his voice mail daily.

Willie,

When does daylight saving time end? Maybe you could use your influence to have it eliminated completely.

Willie says:

Speaking of Daylight Saving Time, tonight’s the night to set our clocks back one hour! Willie loves sleeping that extra hour! My influence with whom? Ha!

Willie,

I have not said anything to any Walhalla official yet, but I will shortly. I live next to Sertoma field where the Oktoberfest is held each year. I am tired of ignorant people throwing their trash, beer cans and food wrappers in my yard when they enter and exit their vehicle that is parked in my yard. They have no respect for anyone’s property, so I will have no respect for their cars next year. I will inflict damage to cars parked in my yard next year. This is not a threat, but a promise. I am tired of this each year and will no longer look the other way. So take it for what it is worth, you disrespect my property and I will yours.

Willie says:

Although littering is against the law, ignorant and disrespectful, so is inflicting damage to cars. The usual penalty for littering is a fine and/or community service. What your anger is causing you to say you will do are either misdemeanors or felonies depending on the cost of the damage. You will face a criminal record and jail time. Is it worth ruining your reputation by sinking to a level lower than the litterers?

Willie,

My husband and I are wondering how many promises that have been made by presidential candidates in the past have been kept? With Barack Obama and John McCain making so many promises to the American people, are they really going to be able to keep up their end of these promises once they’re in office?

Willie says:

I doubt it.

Willie,

The Booksmith staff and management would like to thank the people that have taken their time to comment on the article published by the Daily Journal and authored by Brett McLaughlin on Oct. 15. We acknowledge that there are far more people who support The Booksmith than those that chose to hurl empty rhetoric, negativity and divisive untruths. Our supportive customer base is, and always has been, our main priority. We appreciate you. Personally, I also appreciate the few comments that choose to call me, my staff and customers that have witnessed these behaviors — liars. Your brave transparency serves as a good example of various concepts used by would-be “censors.” As for Joe Quin, author of “72 Things Younger Than John McCain,” thank you for taking the time to comment on upstatetoday.com about our local political upheaval. I would like to assure Mr. Quinn that the ugly vitriol against his book from the small, intolerant minority in no way reflects this wonderful community.

Willie says:

A free society has to be just that. We all need to stand up for everyone’s rights, or we will surely lose them.

Willie,

The name-calling, vitriol and hatred expressed in the online comments seem to emanate from a few persons who have done much to drive reasonable people away. Attempts at reasonable discourse quickly dissolve into ad homonym attacks, slurs and name-calling. Ironically, if one rereads the many posts of some of these bullies, you’ll find frequent references to their professed “Christianity.” I don’t think I’d care to attend their church. Would you, Willie?

Willie says:

If they want to be followers of Christ, I’d say they need to follow His example of loving your neighbor as yourself, forgiveness, mercy, turning the other cheek, being your brother’s keeper, not casting the first stone, doing good to those that hate you, not judging lest you be judged ... That, and more, is what Jesus expects of us.

Willie,

Just wanted to give a big kudos to Mike with Fort Hill Natural Gas. He turned a negative situation around and made my house all warm and toasty again. Thanks, Mike, you’re awesome!

Willie says:

Way to go, Mike!

Willie,

I’m calling about Sandifer Funeral Home. I lost my son the first part of September, and then we lost our first great-grandchild the first of October. Sandifer Funeral Home was extremely nice and treated us with more compassion than was even humanly possible to think about. Had it not been for them, I don’t think we could have gotten through this. They went above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed, day and night. The Carver and Compton families thank them for their love and kindness.

Willie says:

I hope your families continue to find healing from your grief through the love and support of your family and friends. You have Willie’s sincerest sympathy.

Willie,

The Oktoberfest was great. In my opinion, one booth stood out, the Blue Ridge Shrine Club. Not only do they raise money for the Shriner’s Hospital, but the food was wonderful and the prices very affordable. From my family, a special thanks goes out to those men.

Willie says:

I’m sure The Shriner’s were equally thankful for your support of their work.

Willie,

I was wondering why the American flag was left out on Hwy. 183 at night and all weather unlit.

Willie says:

I’d wonder too. Let’s hope it was not deliberate, maybe the light burned out or someone just forgot.

Willie,

To the lady that was complaining about the deadbeat dads, my question is, was he such a deadbeat dad before you had the child or is it because he has just moved and doesn’t want to have anything to do with you? We always want to blame the guy, but what are you doing to make the situation better? Did you pray before you got with the deadbeat dad? Did you pray and ask God to help you, or are you trying to fix the situation yourself? We have an idea that if we run to the courthouse that they will make everything better. No, not so. We need to realize that the deadbeat dad needs to eat, sleep and pay bills just like the mom. Just pray and let God fix it. It will work a lot better.

Willie says:

The amount a parent (male or female) is supposed to pay in child support is determined by the courts. It is supposedly fair. That parent still shares the responsibility of contributing to their children’s care. When the parent shirks their duty, then they become “deadbeats.” One appropriate prayer here would be to ask God to help change their hearts.

Willie,

Stop it! You’re all mad! Willie, what are you doing? You’re all slowly tearing down our community. People are attacking people instead of helping each other, why? What’s to gain? Mom always said, “If you don’t have nothing nice to say, then don’t say nothing.” Harsh words bring harsh feelings, which may result in violence. People have attacked everyone from political figures to teachers to law officers to rec departments. And even people arrested, but that have not had a trial. Start over, transfer negativity into positive comments while we still have a chance. I read a lot. I’m only 10. I love all of you!

P.S. Watch out for me, I like to ride my bike a lot.

P.S. Hope you’re reading this, Santa.

Willie says:

You sound pretty wise for being only 10 years old! Keep sending out your positive message and you will make a difference in the world. Santa will be right proud of you!

Willie,

I live outside Seneca city limits, and I have had numerous people approach me in my yard asking for money. I’ve also had a couple of people knock on my door late at night asking for money. I’ve put up two “No Trespassing” signs and somehow it still isn’t enough. I realize that times are tough, however most of these people smell of alcohol, and I think they’re just going to use the money to buy more liquor or worse. Is there anything I can do? It’s really frustrating that I can’t even go outside without being panhandled!

Willie says:

Don’t answer your door to strangers late at night. You could become a victim. Giving money to someone who will use it to buy alcohol does not help them. Give your money to a worthy charity, like a food bank or a soup kitchen for example, that helps folks directly.