News-Record.com

The gauntlet has been thrown down. The super rich in Congress and the White House are coming after our Social Security checks. They don't need the money, so why should we? Believe me when I tell you this idea of privatization is a smoke screen. They expect the privatization plan to speed up the demise of Social Security, not slow it down.

I'm only 36, but I still hold out hope that the program that helped my grandparents age gracefully and with respect will still be there when I need it. My mother reaches retirement age in three years. If Bush has his way, her benefits will be reduced and won't allow her to live even a modest lifestyle. She might not be able to keep her house. Where is the good in that?

How can we spread the word that this talk in Congress is disastrous to America? Why won't anybody listen?

Robert Shirley
High Point

I read the letter from Claiborne M. Clark (Jan. 19) regarding U.S. Rep. Howard Coble's thoughts on the subject of us getting out of Iraq. Many agree with Rep. Coble that we should get out of this dangerous situation.

Clark asks two questions: "But why is a Republican taking the lead on this? What has happened to the Democratic Party?" I wonder if perhaps Clark has considered that Rep. Coble may be a Democrat in Republican disguise.

T.N. Causey
Greensboro

Since Sept. 11, 2001, a fear of diversity pervades our nation. The issues of racial and ethnic profiling and police brutality by "the powers that be" in our country today is not unlike that in Nazi Germany in the early and mid-1930s. Sadly, the German people understood too late: Silence is complicity.

Manlin Chee is being targeted for publicly speaking out against the Patriot Act. We must remember that those who stand up for justice often must face opposition but ultimately in the end prevail -- always. The late Robert Kennedy summed it up best: "It is from numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped. Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope."

Manlin Chee has given many the gift of hope and a chance for a new life. And like Manlin, we must exercise our right to our freedom of speech and not become complacent. We must stand together to resist attacks on our freedoms from all repressive forces.

Tina Mercado
Reidsville

Regarding Regina Calvert's letter (Jan. 25) about harvesting deer to feed the hungry:

Such programs are already in existence throughout the nation and have donated millions of pounds of meat to the needy.

One such program is dubbed Hunters for the Hungry and is widely promoted by celebrity rocker and sportsman Ted Nugent. This program is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing quality venison to people in need of food. Founded in 1993, the group accepts legally harvested white-tailed deer from hunters. The meat is processed at facilities inspected by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and distributed to needy people through local food banks.

More information, including a statewide list of processors, can be obtained by writing to: N.C. Hunters for the Hungry, P.O. Box 10502, Raleigh, N.C. 27505-0502. You can also visit www.dixiedeerclassic.org and click on the Hunters for the Hungry link near the top of the page.

The bad news is that deer are no longer in season, so meat donations can't be made until fall. However, they do accept cash donations used to pay processors with.

John Dixon
Kernersville

Each week I look forward to reading the Go Triad section of your paper. The insightful stories and profiles of artists and musicians are an inspiration to an up-and-coming musician. It can be difficult to find a venue for a new musician to perform his or her craft, with so many talented people in this area.

I write this letter because I would publicly like to thank the owners of a local public house in downtown Greensboro for giving me the opportunity to perform traditional Irish songs and ballads at their restaurant/bar this past year. I would also like to thank the staff and the many good people I met there for their words of praise, generous tips and many glasses of Guinness.

Downtown Greensboro is alive and well with many businesses offering all sorts of events for all ages. These businesses will continue to give artists and musicians like myself the chance to share their talents as long as the local public supports them.

Thank you, Greensboro, for your support.

Daniel McNeill
Greensboro

Regarding your editorial, "Driver's license rules in need of overhaul" (Jan. 20):

I have to say I had a very irritating experience at the DMV recently while taking my 15-year-old son to get his driver's permit.
In order to obtain a driver's permit, my son completed the driving course at school. Then we took the certificate along with our hospital birth certificate and his Social Security card. In addition to all of his identification, they also had to use my driver's license for proof as well, and also my Social Security number.

While we were there, I was told that the "hospital" copy of a birth certificate was not sufficient, even along with his original Social Security card. Instead, we had to go downtown and pay $10 to get the "original" birth certificate and then bring it back to them.

While we were being told this, I started looking around and I saw other people who were also there to obtain a North Carolina driver's license, some non-English speaking and also some English-speaking immigrants, and they did not even have a Social Security number. They were only asked for a visa or some other type of identification.
This is very disturbing. It seems like those of us who are citizens have to provide more proof than those who are not U.S. citizens. Our state needs to rethink this process.

I asked someone there why this has to be so difficult, and I was told since 9/11, things have become tighter. Which I do agree with, but why not for immigrants? Is that not the purpose -- to prevent a loophole in the system?

I do not have a problem with anyone coming here from other countries, but if I should have to have proper identification to protect against fraud and terrorism, so should everyone else.

Christina Morehead
Greensboro

I am distressed at the number of free pets advertised in your newspaper and on the FREECYCLE.org group. Do people realize what happens to many of the pets obtained through such ads?

Much too frequently, animal control or the SPCA is called in to rescue former "free to good home" pets, if the pets are lucky.

There are sound reasons rescue groups charge for their animals. These small fees in no way begin to cover the cost incurred for medical treatment and upkeep of the pets they adopt out.

Fact:

• People value what they pay for. Pets obtained for free are more likely to be abused and/or discarded, because "there are plenty more where that came from."
• So-called "bunchers" gather free pets until they have enough to make a trip to a lab worthwhile, then sell them for $25 a head for experimentation.
• Free animals are taken to "blood" pit-bulls -- to train fighting dogs how to kill, and to enjoy it.

And kittens? How 'bout free dinner for a pet snake?

Some answering the "free to good homes" ads are loving, responsible pet owners. Many are not.

Please don't advertise free pets. Charge at least $25 to discourage sale to research labs. Please do take the time to interview each and every prospective owner. Your SPCA can help you with what types of questions to ask.

And please have Mama spayed as soon as the kittens or puppies are weaned.

For further information, or low-cost spay/neutering, please call 375-6080.

BB Knowles
The writer is president and founder of North Carolina Voters for Animal Welfare based in Greensboro.

Judge Henry Hight used the phrase "arbitrary and capricious" in regard to the maneuver made by the State Board of Elections in its effort to avoid declaring Steve Troxler the winner in the commissioner of agriculture race. The term arbitrary and capricious means that there is an absence of rational connection between the facts found and the decision made.

After Judge Hight, the State Board of Elections made another attempt, one so blatantly partisan that Judge James Spencer called it an illegal end run. He also said that the time for an honest effort was long past due and that the integrity of the electoral system should be restored now.

When is now coming? He made his judgment on Jan. 12. This show has gone on long enough. Steve Troxler should be declared the next commissioner of agriculture.

Meanwhile, we blunder along. Cobb looks more foolish. The Democratic Party loses its moderate members to the Republicans because of the way the Democrats have shown themselves. And because of the way Steve Troxler has been treated, he has gained more favorable free publicity than any candidate could ever have attained commercially.

Don Dillon
Colfax

Since the formative stages of its life, this planet has been in a state of flux, of geological upheavals and chaos. There have been earthquakes, asteroid collisions, erupting volcanoes, violent storms over water and land, flooded rivers, giant mudslides, avalanches and tsunamis. Mountains were and are being raised and eroded at various speeds by human standards. These events have been going on since before the human species evolved and probably will go on after humans no longer exist.

These humans, who have the audacity to call themselves "wise," know that these events are going to happen yet continue to build their homes by the water's edge, on floodplains, on the sides of unstable hills and even in the paths of potential avalanches. They make their ant-like trails around the sides of mountains, across floodplains, build bridges across fault lines, yet when they are caught up in one of these disasters, they call upon their God to come down and save them. The question was asked of God, "What is man that thou are mindful of him?" Perhaps the answer should have been, "not much when you get in my way."
John W. Taylor
Greensboro

Following the Republican National Convention, someone wrote that he "would be disappointed if anger wasn't a part of the convention." Anger is a normal feeling; however, often it is expressed in an inappropriate way. The Bible says, "Be ye angry and sin not." I have read that when anger is turned inward, it can cause major health problems.

A guy told me someone said he was cynical and it made him mad. Do you think he made himself mad by empowering someone to control his emotions?

I suggested to a client whose counseling goal was to improve his anger management that before expressing anger inappropriately he ask himself, "Do I have to do this, or do I choose to do so?" Choice is one freedom that can't be taken away from us (but we cannot choose the consequences). At the next session, he told me about an occasion when he remembered this question.

We should ask ourselves how we can expend our emotional energy in a positive way.

"Anger which is acknowledged and evaluated loses much of its power. Our behavior is a product of our choice -- not the condition" (author unknown).

Nadine Kernodle
Greensboro
The writer is a licensed counselor.

On Jan. 20, seven anti-war organizations were given unprecedented access to the parade route at President Bush's inauguration, even though these groups whined for days in the media about being kept "miles away" from the ceremony.

The demonstrators were generously allowed to gather along Pennsylvania Avenue as the president's motorcade passed by, mere yards away. How do they repay this favor?

The Bush-hating mob resorts to violence by throwing snowballs, fruit and other debris at the passing procession carrying President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney. They also try to crash through the police barricades in an attempt to storm onto the street, causing security to use pepper spray and make dozens of arrests. Many critics of the Bush administration have complained about the $40 million price tag for this year's inauguration (we didn't hear such outcry about President Clinton's $42 million inauguration in 1997, by the way).

With these groups of anarchist thugs showing up to "peacefully protest" President Bush, in addition to like-minded al-Qaida types hoping to assassinate our commander-in-chief, I feel that the $40 million was well spent.

Christopher Noell
Mayodan

As a resident of Guilford County, a volunteer in the Guilford County schools, and a fellow taxpayer, I cannot ignore the comments of Martha Blackmon (letter, Jan. 23).

The children who attend school in Guilford County do not "have it made." Just because they are not inhaling asbestos every day and are allowed to attend school in a comfortable environment does not mean that all the educational needs of the children who will be our leaders in the future are currently being met.

When was the last time Blackmon set foot in one of the schools and observed the dedication of the teachers (who are grossly underpaid), or observed the volunteers who perform many of the supplemental duties that are unable to be provided by the district due to budget restrictions?

As far as I am concerned, the revenues from the red light camera offenders should be allotted, without question, to our children and our schools. Childless or not, every person in our community should be concerned about education in Guilford County.

Rosemary Gleason
Greensboro

I would like to know how it is legal to use tax money to bribe private businesses for any reason whatsoever, be it location, number of employees, property tax value, reputation, etc.

George D. Stanley
High Point

In his Jan. 27 column, George Will chides Harvard President Lawrence Summers for apologizing for his suggestion at a recent conference that the low numbers of tenured female professors in science departments might be due to gender differences in cognition. Then Will equates biology professor Nancy Hopkins' reaction to Summer's musings -- she walked out of the talk -- to getting "the vapors" and "collapsing in a heap of crinolines." I suspect if a man had walked out, Will would have been displaying appropriate moral outrage.

In countries such as Japan and Iceland, girls consistently outperform boys in math. Most researchers believe that gender performance differences in the sciences are due more to culture than cognition. In the last century, a theory that the African American brain was inherently different (read: inferior) was rightly discarded and is now considered beyond the pale of reasonable discourse.

Of course, women's brains are smaller than men's, even adjusting for body mass. But we use a greater portion of ours -- as is evident in George Will's sexist rant.

Quinn Dalton
Greensboro

I cannot fathom why you chose to include the "Magna cum bawdy" piece in the Jan. 23 paper. It isn't newsworthy. Was it to excite "those older guys who hang around high schools, chatting up underage girls" or men "fond of photographing young people who wear no clothes"?

Well, I don't have any of those in my home. I do, however, have two young children who will be exposed to enough filth without it seeping into our home via the newspaper. Your newspaper has been present in our home for many years, and I thought it was a good reading tool for my son. After seeing this article in your paper, I don't believe that anymore. To make matters worse, you placed the article on the page with the registration form for "ACC Hoops for Kids," which increases the likelihood of children seeing it.

I have seen your newspaper in my son's school, presumably through the "Newspapers in Education" program. A book containing this filth would never be allowed in a school library, so how could it be OK to bring it into school by newspapers?

Please rethink your "Newspapers in Education" program and use better judgment.

Michelle Bristow Pierce
Colfax

Editor's note: The Sunday newspaper is not distributed to schools.

The state, the county and nearby cities are welcoming the prospect of a Dell manufacturing facility that will employ maybe 1,500 workers and that we in North Carolina are financing to the tune of $242 million-plus.

In the interest of supporting the new venture to the Piedmont, I recently ordered a new updated Dell computer to replace an outdated system.

In the box were a 17-inch screen made in Malaysia, speakers made in China, a keyboard made in China, a mouse made in China, two power cords made in China, a computer power system made in China, one disc made in Canada and last, but not least, two discs made in the USA.

I believe the emerging Dell plant in our area would best be called a packaging and distribution facility, which is a far cry from a manufacturing plant.

It seems to this writer that Dell has managed a real coup in securing a free ride in North Carolina. Oh, did I forget to say the corrugated box and sleeves were made in the USA?

Just how smart and tough was our negotiating team? Let's let our fellow taxpayers decide; it's their money.

T. Stacy Wood
Burlington

Chancellor James Moeser's change of mind about the Bell Award is an example of whose voices are being heard at UNC-Chapel Hill. After a meeting with Spencer's descendants, who have donated thousands of dollars to UNC-CH, Moeser set up a committee that will consider reinstating the award.

But Moeser never answered a request to meet with the signatories of a letter calling for a moratorium and dialogue on the Bell Award. The signatories included the president and vice chair of the NAACP, the UNC NAACP chapter, the president of the Black Student Movement, the chair of Women's Studies and the director of UNC's Institute of African American Research, among others. No one who signed the letter is a big donor or likely to become one.

Now, we hear that the chair of the committee is a former Bell Award winner, and the committee includes Spencer's great-granddaughter, a member of the Love family who has written passionately about keeping Spencer's name on the award. In addition, the chancellor has publicly stated his preference that Spencer's name be kept, along with the Love family name.

How disappointing to see that the conclusion is written into the process.

Natalia Deeb-Sossa
Chapel Hill

As a US Airways employee, I am tired of the so-called experts calling for our demise and even more tired of the local news reporting on it without being up to date on significant progress on management's effort to turn US Airways around.

Your Jan. 16 article with the sensationalized headline "Now departing" does not take into account that some key financing that needed to take place by Jan. 14 is now in place. Bankruptcy is a complicated, dynamic process. This community is so desperate to be a Jet Blue or Southwest destination. Let's look at the Triad's savior, Air Tran. They didn't make money here, so they left; maybe airfares were too low. US Airways has been there through thick and thin (remember Piedmont?). It provides the Triad with a lot of air travel options worldwide.

This community has a lot of hard-working, dedicated US Airways employees who are working hard to keep their jobs by supplying the traveling public safe and affordable transportation, while at minimum, losing their retirement, taking at least 40 percent pay cuts and working a lot more.

Kevin Prufer
Greensboro

I can just imagine how Galileo must have felt. His church-dominated society threatened him with persecution, just as anti-intellectual Americans led by George W. Bush and conservative churches try to stifle scientific inquiry when it conflicts with their doctrine.

Consider the "evolution" of bacteria to withstand today's antibiotics. Should we research bacterial "evolutionary resistance," or should we assume "evolution is just a theory" and pray harder that these "changed" bugs will go away?

Consider stem cell research. Should we study frozen embryos before they are discarded or simply discard them and pray harder that diseases like Alzheimer's will go away on their own?

Consider gay Americans. Should we accept them as they are and treat them as equals like it says in the Declaration of Independence, or should we deny them partnership privileges and pray harder for them to deny their sexuality?

Consider poverty. Should we research its root causes and try to prevent it, or rely exclusively on "faith-based initiatives?"

Thoughtful people don't rely on God to solve problems. They rely on their God-given intelligence to find solutions to problems. Fortunately, for mankind, Galileo and Darwin didn't spend their whole lives praying.

Kurt Lauenstein
Greensboro

Greensboro is a community with incredible compassion, diversity and opportunity. The biggest challenge is finding these resources. Two of the best ways for a new visitor to find out what's happening in the community have disappeared, or could disappear, due to a lack of promotion.

The first source is United Way 2-1-1. By dialing 2-1-1 or visiting www.callunitedway211.org., people in a crisis can find the help they need, or volunteers can find organizations that match their interests. Eventually 2-1-1 could help people across the nation, but only if we demonstrate it's being used in Guilford County.

The second source is GoTriad's Community Guide. This Web site at www.triadneighbors.com allowed visitors to search more than 7,800 local groups for areas of interest. Unfortunately the News & Record closed the site due to lack of Internet traffic, a decision I hope will be reversed.

These sources need to be promoted before they are irreparably lost. It's only Greens-boring if you don't know where to look.

Bernadette Wilson
Greensboro
The writer is a community volunteer.

On Jan. 24, the News & Record ran a front-page article that provided an unflattering snapshot of the state's higher education graduation rates. You don't like your driver's license photo? The picture of Greensboro College was horrid.

The impression was worsened by a Jan. 26 editorial that said one of our officials blamed our 30 percent graduation rate on the football team. The editorial concluded that such a claim "rings as hollow as the idea that poor showings should be expected of athletes."

Consider the following:

That horrible picture of the Greensboro College graduation rates was for one year only, reporting on the students who entered in 1997.

The story of 1997's graduation rates is among the worst that we know of in the 168 years of Greensboro College. Why? Football, yes. But not because football players are athletes (many athletes do very well academically). But because it was the college's first football year.

Your editorial jumped from the newness of the football program to football in general, then to athletes in general. That does not reflect what our spokesperson said.

When high school students around the country learned that we were forming our very first football team, they realized they had a chance to play. We built it; they came. Unfortunately, not everyone made the team. They went home, dejected, after practice the first day. Just packed up and left.

When you have a traditional (not adult) student body of just several hundred, as we did at that time, and 120 of them are there to play football, statistically it does matter when 20 of them leave the first day. Does it speak to what they might have accomplished in the classroom had they stayed? We'll never know.

But we do know that the graduation rate for the entering class of 1996 was 45 percent, and for 1998 it was 44 percent. Our predictions put the six-year rate for the entering class of 1999 at 46 percent.

Finally, and most important, we know that we have to do better. We already have new programs that are helping significantly.

Please know that we're not blaming athletes, that the study showed an anomalous year for Greensboro College and that we will continue to improve.

Mike Clark
The writer is chief information officer for Greensboro College.

I had a friend invite me to the "Eyes Wide Open" exhibit at The Depot. She said there would be a pair of boots representing each service member who died in Iraq. Having served in Iraq, I felt like I really needed to go and pay my respects. I was appalled by what I saw. There was political propaganda everywhere.

After walking through the boots, I entered a room that contained huge banners explaining why the war in Iraq was useless. That is when the first tear dropped from my eye; I couldn't believe that the memories of my fallen brethren were being used to support a political agenda.

Regardless of your political affiliations, I urge anyone who saw that exhibit to take it from someone who has been there: We weren't there for a president, we didn't care about weapons of mass destruction, we were there to make the world a better place, and that is exactly what the troops are still doing there every day. That is what America has always done and will continue to do. We fought and continue to fight and die for the freedom of another country. What could be more humanitarian than that?

Tony Swink
Greensboro

Thank you, Greensboro, for hosting the "Eyes Wide Open" exhibit at The Depot Jan. 23-25, a truly inspired illustration of truth-telling. I will never enter that structure again without seeing the rows upon rows of empty boots and shoes of all shapes and sizes, representing the now more than 1,400 American lives and the tens of thousands of Iraqi citizens' lives lost during the current war.

Although well acquainted with the purpose and general facts of the exhibit prior to working a volunteer shift there, when I entered the main room I was overwhelmed with grief. To look upon tangible evidence of the lives actually lost was almost more than I could bear. As people moved reverently in and around these very personal memorials, we shared a silent understanding that this is not the way things are supposed to be.

This experience strengthens my belief that war, and particularly this pre-emptive war being fought under false assumptions, is a waste of human potential in monumental proportions.

We must end this senseless killing of God's precious children.

Kate Hood
Greensboro

The Jan. 30 election was a huge victory for Iraq, for the concept of Arab democracy and for President Bush. Sixty percent of Iraqis voted despite homicide bombers and mortars that killed 35 Iraqis, many of them in line to vote. It was a huge defeat for Baathists, terrorists and naysayers around the globe.

It was a giant first step for the people of Iraq and indeed in all Arab lands. We in America should be proud at having helped Iraq to this momentous occasion and embarrassed they turned out the same percentage of voters as we did on Nov. 2.

John Kerry, still out of step with history, says we should not hype the election results. I say we should exult in the election results, not only for their immediate impact but for the implications of this election for Iraq and in all pan-Arabia.

Mike Crouch
Greensboro

Thank you so much for sharing how RF Micro executives are spending their money on mansions. Obviously, their investments are doing better than their stockholders' as RF Micro stock value has gone down 80 percent in the last four years.

Kim Jones
Greensboro

A recent "quick vote" on the CNN Web site asked the question, "Could the holocaust happen again?" Yes or no.

They should have offered a third option: "It already is" because of the slaughter of the 40 million unborn since Roe vs. Wade.

Interestingly, I caught a glimpse of a news story the other night that showed some 1,300-plus shoes displayed to bring attention to the lost Americans in the Iraq war. I grieve for the families and men and women represented by the shoe display as well as the many more brave Iraqis struggling for freedom, but how about 40 million pairs of baby shoes (could we fill the Super Bowl?), or teenage athletic shoes that will never be filled?

How about we put out 4,000 shoes for the 15-24-year-olds who committed suicide in 2002 and another 5,000 for the 25-34-year-olds who did likewise? Do we dare look at the deaths caused by drunken drivers?

Wake up, America. We are sick with delusion and denial and, like the passengers on the Titanic, are unaware of the impending danger. Read Isaiah 6:9-11.

Ed Stoner
Greensboro

Just about on a daily basis, I see that more of our brave troops are being killed in Iraq. Sadly, many are under the age of 21. I think of how they are courageously carrying out their duty and at the same time think about how we are a nation of hypocrites. We feel that these young men and women are ready to fight and, most importantly, to give up their lives for this country at the young age of 18, but simultaneously we do not believe they are responsible enough to have a beer.

Quite frankly, I am tired of the hypocritical puritan actions of the American people. We glorify violence and demonize sex. We state we value integrity but then we hold in esteem those who directly lie to us. We complain about losing our manufacturing jobs but continue to purchase goods made abroad. We claim to bring freedom to the world while at the same time are ready to amend our Constitution to remove rights from our own citizens.

We willingly send our young off to war but refuse them the right to consume alcohol. When will we stop being a nation of hypocrites?

Steve Tanis
Greensboro

Regarding the editorial, "Now's the time to assess future firefighting needs," (Jan. 19): I've worked with city and county governments as a consultant in evaluating fire and rescue services.

You have a unique situation in Guilford County with fire departments adjacent to the cities of Greensboro and High Point. You have county and city fire departments already sharing fire stations. Merger has already occurred in some areas.

Citizens that reside and work in these sections cannot tell one department from the other. You have firefighters from city and county working medical calls and fighting fires together.

Average response times in any county or city fire department are very similar unless it is a rural area requiring longer travel distance.

Most volunteer departments have paid firefighters in the stations during daytime weekday hours to supplement the volunteers. I believe the money paid for fire protection in the county fire districts is the best service received for the tax dollars in Guilford County.

Merger would be very expensive. The departments (city and county) are doing a great job of providing the best service possible for our citizens.

Richard Trexler
Colfax
The writer is retired chief, Colfax Fire Department.

An article in the News & Record, "Bush says troops will leave when mission is complete" (Jan. 17), contains a statement and a direct quote that, for me, are the epitome of arrogance. I quote:

"Bush said the public ratified his approach toward Iraq when they re-elected him. He said there is no reason to hold any administration official accountable for mistakes or misjudgments in the planning or conduction of the war. 'We had an accountability moment, and that's called the 2004 elections.' "

Bush has totally discounted the millions of "the public" who passionately continue to protest the war in Iraq. Would that every American could have experienced the impressive exhibition put in place by the American Friends Service Committee at The Depot in Greensboro. This exhibition, "Eyes Wide Open," was an unutterably sad commentary on the human costs of the Iraq war.

Furthermore, I am convinced that a great many Americans who re-elected Bush did so because of this administration's conservative stand on abortion and homosexuality rather than "ratifying" Bush's tragically mismanaged war.

Barbara B. Whitener
Greensboro

Regarding your stance on the tobacco tax (Jan. 26):

I wonder when the Fish Wrap is going to address alcohol consumption in the same manner it does tobacco?

Well, anyway, I'd like to say, I'm a proud tobacco worker at Lorillard Tobacco Co. It amuses me the way my company is treated in your opinion columns. But what amazes me more is every year, agencies like the United Way and the Red Cross are at our plant pleading for help. Well, just so you know, I (1) do not subscribe to this paper, (2) spend the money this tobacco company pays me every chance I get in Randolph County, not Guilford, and (3) I challenge all tobacco workers to do the same.

Everyone has it in for the tobacco industry, which produces a legal product, but I wonder who would cry the loudest if the companies moved and took their tax dollars with them?

Jeff Marshall
Greensboro

It was heartening on Jan. 30 to see the Iraqi people voting for the future of their country, dancing in the streets and proudly waving their purple ink-stained fingers into the air. Early estimates show 60 percent of eligible voters showed up despite the threats from terrorists who are losing their grip of fear on the populace.

The leftist naysayers said the election should be postponed, there would be thousands of deaths, no one would show up to vote, etc. Sen. Edward Kennedy said our troops were part of the problem in Iraq. Newsweek's cover choice was "The Insurgents -- Who they are and why the elections won't stop them." Sen. John Kerry doubted the legitimacy of the election and claimed that the world is less safe. The left is on the wrong side of history again.

Jan. 30 was a proud day for the Iraqis, the U.S. and our military. Like Reagan, President Bush understands that the natural yearning of the human spirit is freedom and that free countries are not a threat to the world. There are still obstacles ahead, but Bush's wisdom and the courage of our armed forces made this day possible.

Tom Imbus
Browns Summit

How disappointing to read in the Jan. 25 paper that the Piedmont Triad Freecycle.org chapter offers animals for free. What happens to free animals? People use them as bait to train fighting animals; people collect kittens, puppies, dogs and cats and sell them to research, not to mention the people who just want something to abuse.

This practice is banned in many states. Wilmington does not allow this practice on their Freecycle.org site; e-bay does not allow animals to be sold on its site.

Animals, given and traded for free, for the most part, do not stand a chance at survival. If you don't believe me, do some research.

The citizens of Guilford County need to speak up because your tax dollars are at stake. Do you really think people who get these animals for free will get veterinary care for these animals, much less have them spayed or neutered?

Brenda M. Overman
Greensboro
The writer is president of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of the Triad Inc.

A new ACC museum in Greensboro? Great idea. And what better city in which to build such an edifice? Rumor has it that the whole concept for the conference was hatched over hot toddies at the Sedgefield Country Club just down the road. Such a museum would certainly be a hit if done well, drawing scores of "rabid" fans from all over the Southeast and introducing these otherwise reluctant travelers to our fair city.

But here's one problem that for some reason gets overlooked by most everyone: The main gateway for these scores of happy (though frothing) ACC-ites would be the Lee Street/High Point Road corridor.

What a truly scenic and welcoming gateway it is! When my wife and I have visitors from out of town, the first thing we love to do is rush them back into the car for a nice, leisurely drive down High Point Road (or "Le Boulevarde") as we like to put it. Cruising along, we take in the sights -- the tranquil seas of aged asphalt, abandoned or scarcely occupied big boxes, the occasional tree or scrubby bush, the mish-mash of dated signage and the not-to-be-missed "retro" overhead utilities, just to name a few.

Even now, in my mind's eye I can conjure up those misty visions. Ahh.

For thousands of visitors this corridor is their only contact with Greensboro. No wonder the city can't attract more big business when urban blight is what the high rollers see when they come to town via this corridor. Across the state, other communities have recognized the need to better "package their wares" to present a more inviting and welcoming atmosphere to both visitor and prospective business leaders.

In Raleigh, most notably, a sizable stretch of Glenwood Avenue was revitalized by burying utilities, removing and revamping dated signage and adding sidewalk amenities such as street plantings and decorative surface treatments. Instant success. Glenwood Avenue is now one of the most happening places in downtown Raleigh.

Winston-Salem has recently completed another phase of its street beautification efforts and interestingly enough, the particular street was one of the corridors leading to its coliseum.

So, what are you waiting on, Greensboro? For Winston or Chapel Hill to steal away the museum idea like the Dell facility or other lost opportunities?

I believe that many citizens would love to see Greensboro's image improve. Monies spent with such a goal in mind would be well worth it.

Timothy L. Daniel
The writer is a Greensboro resident and an N.C. State fan.

Is our planet warming, cooling or neither? Ask around and you'll get a convincing argument for each scenario.

Whom should we believe? More importantly, are we responsible? Should we even worry about it?

Here are a few things I feel we should worry about:

1. Some of Greensboro's streams and lakes have never been more threatened.

2. Greensboro's wooded areas and wetlands are being destroyed, and city officials are doing almost nothing about it. (I have documentation.)

3. Outdoor burning of refuse is permitted in our city with official city approval. (I have photographs.)

I must say I've had trouble understanding why federal, state and local governments hire talented individuals in ecology, biology and the environment, then seem to ignore their scientific findings in favor of real-estate developers, their eloquent legal staff and indiscriminate bulldozers.

Some will disagree with what I've said here. All I ask of you is to walk along Cypress Park Road in south Greensboro. Look at (and smell) what "progress" has brought to Twin Lakes Park, the Pinecroft Natural Area and Willow Lake.

I don't know about global warming, but our neighborhood has been getting a "snow job" for some time now from those who should know better.

Jim Farley
Greensboro

I am strongly against what Bush is trying to do to our Social Security. I have been paying my part for more than 30 years now, and I don't feel that it should be taken away from me. On the other hand, our government was never supposed to start a retirement plan of any kind, according to our Constitution.

The government was wrong by starting Social Security in the first place, but now I feel it will be hard for them to take it away since it has been in force for so long. What the government needs to do is stop taking money out of the funds for Social Security and using it for other things. We have all been paying our part for our retirement and deserve all that is due us.

I am a Republican who is concerned about the way those whom I helped to put into office are running things. I only pray that they will do the right thing and leave our retirement alone.

David Linnabery
Eden

I'm impressed with the "new" U.S. dietary guidelines that increase the recommended fruits and vegetables in the American diet. It's good to see that modern science is finally catching up with the ideal diet our Creator gave humankind 6,000 years ago in the Garden of Eden. Of course, Eden's fare was completely vegetarian, which is still considered a bit radical by many today; but, thank God, we're getting closer.

Gary Moyer
High Point
The writer is pastor, Greensboro SDA Church.

I was dismayed when I read the Jan. 24 article (online only), "Pizza deliverer suffers chemical burns during robbery." As an officer of the Association of Pizza Delivery Drivers (APDD), I was already upset to hear of a sadly unique way of robbing one of our own, as safety in our occupation is already in a critical state. What upset me even more was finding the victim's home address at the end of the article.

Considering the criminals who perpetrated this attack have not yet been caught, we feel that the publication of this information was very irresponsible on the part of the News & Record. It's bad enough that the attackers know where he works; now they know his name and where he lives, leaving him open to another assault while he attempts to recover from his injuries.

A revision of certain editorial policies at the News & Record concerning the publication of victims' names and addresses needs to be made to prevent double victimization.

Tim Lockwood
Hendersonville, Tenn.

The Democrats can't seem to figure out why they do so badly in elections.

Think of these recent events. We have Bruce Davis, who is chairman of the Board of County Commissioners and was on the Board of Health. In the last few weeks he:

1. Planned a getaway meeting in Chapel Hill at an added cost to the taxpayers. (Get away from what, the people he represents?)

2. Supported the (not-voted-on) settlement between the Board of Health and Dr. Krishnaraj.

3. Owed $11,233 in unpaid taxes as of Jan. 24. Before he votes to spend our money like a drunken sailor, he should pay his taxes and see how it feels.

Davis should resign. If he is voted out of office, maybe he and the other Democrats will understand that people want to be represented equally and with a degree of intelligence.

I am a registered Democrat, but if I lived in Davis' district, there is no possible way I could vote for him.

Paul Johnston
Whitsett

I felt compelled to write in and commiserate with Craig Knight (letter to editor, "Lawyer's musical ad hits wrong notes," Jan. 16).

As a captive audience of sorts, I have had to endure more than 40 years of listening to my father's harmonica. Over that same period, I came to respect and admire him first as a father and then as a professional and colleague. However, I never came to appreciate that infernal harmonica.

Much as I share Knight's musical sensibilities, however, my advice to my father is somewhat different: Don't give up your day job.

L. Pierce Egerton
Greensboro

I think building an ACC Hall of Champions in Greensboro is a terrific idea. But how should we raise the funds? Why not approach Dell Inc. about putting up the $23 million? They must know what a high level of resentment the Triad feels about the deal they pried out of the state and Forsyth County. Funding the ACC hall would be a big first step toward overcoming the resentment and showing the Triad that they are good corporate citizens. Why not give them naming rights? Call it the Dell ACC Hall of Champions.

This is not meant to be sarcastic or facetious. I sincerely feel we should approach Dell. They should be very concerned about their corporate image in the area where they are going to have a major facility. At this point, we think of Michael Dell as a contemporary Attila the Hun who has sacked and pillaged the Triad. He may very well be interested in reversing that opinion.

Earle Bower
Greensboro

I attended the "Eyes Wide Open" exhibit, and seeing the room filled with combat boots representing U.S. soldiers who have died in the Iraq war and rows of shoes representing the civilian deaths filled me with overwhelming grief for the loss of so many lives.

The News & Record had three articles about the exhibit, all of which focused on the boots. However, the paper did not report on the part of the exhibit that was equally important and moving in a different way. There was panel after panel of information dating back to the first Gulf War of what our government did that got us into this situation and the lies and deception that led us into war. There were also statistics about the financial cost of the war and how that is draining money from other programs, including health care and education.

No one could see the boots and not be deeply moved, but that is not enough. I think people should be filled with outrage at the way our government has handled this situation and be moved to speak up and pay attention to what is being done in our name.

Sue Jezorek
Greensboro

At Mass recently, we had prayers of the congregation, which included, as usual, prayer that God direct our president, Congress and other elected leaders to do what is best for America and all of us. I suddenly thought that if I were so elected, I might have to avoid any mention of my belief in God or that I ever prayed for direction.

Polls say that most Americans believe in God and sometimes pray for guidance. Our Constitution says the government may not favor any religion; it does not say an elected American must renounce all religious beliefs.

To be politically correct these days, we must avoid offending a handful of atheists and the American Civil Liberties Union. Have we really come to that?

Some of my Democrat friends believe anything President Bush says or does is automatically wrong, and his worst sin is his professed belief in God and that he prays for guidance. He has joined the Religious Right, whatever that is.

He is their president, like it or not. I suggest they ask God to direct him, and if they hope God will straighten him out, that is all right with me.

Dick Douglas
Greensboro

After reading the first few letters to the editor complaining about the phone calls from Guilford County Schools, I thought it absurd that people actually spent their valuable time complaining about something so ridiculous. Now, after reading the fourth letter on this issue, I feel the need to respond.

These people are all forgetting about the homes with power outages that cannot check the news, radio or Web site. To those who complained, I suggest they get a life, go back to sleep and find something real to complain about. I suppose these people would be the same ones to complain if their power were out and they did not get a call, therefore getting out of bed (oh, no) and taking their child to school, risking their very lives. Please.

Betsy Lamb
Greensboro

I found attorney Richard C. Forman's column (Jan. 9), "Cap on lawsuits unfair to victims," interesting.

Several years ago, I had cause to use his firm. On numerous occasions, I would call and leave a detailed message asking a specific question, as well as when I would be leaving my office. When the attorney called back, usually after I said I would be leaving the office, he would say, "I am returning your call," but give no answer to my question, then bill me for 15 minutes when his call took no more than a minute, including dialing. His firm is not alone in this practice. If another business did this, how long would it be until lawyers lined up and took out ads offering to seek damages?

I don't know anyone who wants to limit those "seriously injured." Neither do I know anyone who feels that people should be able to sue McDonald's because they chose to eat a supersized meal every day or that the Greensboro woman's chubby daughter who sat down on an escalator deserved to be compensated because her bottom got pinched. (But she was.) Frivolous lawsuits are driving more jobs from our country than lower wages.

Mark Whitehouse
Greensboro

While I am no longer local to Greensboro, I still enjoy reading the paper online and was very interested by the letter Regina Calvert wrote about feeding the needy with deer meat. There is such an organization to give to, called Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry. I do not know if there is a chapter local to Greensboro, but the Web address is www.fhfh.org. The site has a wealth of information, including processors in Guilford and surrounding counties where meat can be donated. I hope many people killing pest deer will consider donating the meat rather than letting it go to waste.

Audra Sheffield
Canton

The editorial, "Driver's license rules in need of overhaul" (Jan. 20), was most interesting to me, as I have for many years been concerned about DMV policies concerning driver's license issuance.

About a month ago, the News & Record (Amy Dominello) reported the creation of the Regional Transportation Council "to address rural road safety issues." Suddenly, someone seems interested in the number of traffic accidents and deaths on local rural roads.

Though I totally agree with your concern about the ease with which illegal immigrants and potential terrorists can acquire a North Carolina driver's license, my concern was the ease with which anyone can.

Ignoring driver's license applicants' national origin, race, gender, sexual preferences, political agenda, etc., every applicant should be required to demonstrate a reasonable level of intelligence and to possess a reasonable amount of common sense and demonstrate an ability to drive a motor vehicle before being granted a license to drive, for the sake of everyone else's (and their own) safety.

This is not the way it is presently done. Visit the DMV facility and observe for a couple of hours.

Clyde L. Hunt Jr.
Greensboro

Exxon Mobil Corp., the world's largest publicly traded oil company, said it earned a record $8.42 billion in the fourth quarter and $25.33 billion for all of 2004, as higher prices for oil and natural gas offset a slight decline in production. This statement was taken from an AP report, "Do you think the price of gas might be a little high?"

All companies are entitled to make a profit, but this seems a little much. I know I don't have to drive or buy gas if I don't want to, so I guess I should buy their stock and be happy.

Donald W. Black
Summerfield

I'm not the only one who thinks Social Security reform is a good idea. Edward Prescott, an economist at Arizona State University, believes that IRAs should be part of the program.

Prescott is not just any economist. He won the most recent Nobel Prize for economics; thus he probably knows almost as much about economics as Molly Ivins claims to know.

The Cato Institute has a Web site, www.socialsecurity.org, which allows you to check the numbers. For instance, a 22-year-old making $25,000 a year can retire with almost three times the current benefits ($44,036 vs. $16,199) by investing half of his Social Security money in an individual account. Sounds good to me, even if it is George Bush's idea.

Robert Hudson
Pelham

Regarding an Associated Press article in the News & Record Jan. 29 about how the recent train wreck in California shows a certain vulnerability of rails:

I'm wondering if anyone is considering the use of scout vehicles running a little ahead of trains' stopping distance, equipped with cameras, infrared and other sensors that would detect vehicles, people, etc. on the tracks, confirm switch settings, check for planted explosives and other terrorist activity, etc., and if needed, signal the engineer or even automatically stop the train in time.

Such a device might have paid for its nationwide use several times over by preventing the California and South Carolina accidents recently (depending on what methods are used to calculate costs and benefits).

Mechanically it could be very simple, and the instrumentation is probably almost available off-the-shelf.

If the railroads complain about the cost, they can consider the benefits of lower legal fees and judgments, and be assured that many consumers would be willing to have the remaining cost difference, if any, allocated to the costs of the goods transported in return for a safer transportation system.

Because many of these accidents involve water (and air) pollution, environmentalists, hunters, fishers, campers, farmers and ranchers, as well as those who live near urban railroad tracks, could agree on the need.

I hope to hear that it's already under serious consideration, although it wasn't mentioned in the article I read.

Tom Duckwall
The writer is coordinator, Deep River Project, T.G. Pearson Audubon Society. He lives in Greensboro.

There is no humor in drinking to death or near-death.

I am appalled by the lack of judgment of this paper for running the Washington Post article, "For 'drunk shamers,' no gutter is sacred" (Jan. 28). The writer, while attempting to be humorous, makes this behavior sound like wholesome fun or a common rite of passage. There are even promotional information and highlighted links to Web sites, to encourage more of this fun.

Each year, approximately 1,400 students die in alcohol-related accidents, a number higher than the total enrollment of Guilford College. Many of these college students die with clever markings on their face written by other drunken students -- who should have called 911. No one is laughing in this case, as parents, friends and roommates mourn a young person's senseless death -- and what they might have done to stop it.

Now tell us what is so funny about this? Please take responsibility for irresponsible journalism and provide readers with information on what to do with someone in this state of intoxication.

I am fearful that the next article that we read on this subject will not be in your "Life" section but instead in "obituaries."

Alan Neely
Oak Ridge

I have had this letter in my mind for nine months, so I suppose it is time to give it birth.

I am a displaced worker from Burlington Industries. I lost my job last May after 19 years at the corporate office in the IT department. Finding myself in the job market with more than 30 years of IT experience, in an arena that was no longer state of the art, I was terrified to say the least. However, Burlington Industries had the desire to help in the only way that it could — get Trade Assistance Act coverage for its displaced workers. The government may not be able to stop the influx of foreign trade, but it has tried to protect the people that have been left high and dry.

My experience, although painful, has been made palatable by the people at the Employment Security Commission, especially Diana Little. She has gone beyond the call of duty to take care of people who have lost their jobs.

Diana has just retired, and I wanted to let her know how very much I appreciate all that she has done for me, making sure that I get all the benefits available to me in my current situation. Therefore, I say to Burlington Industries and to Diana Little, thank you.

M.J. Reed
Greensboro

Forty million dollars spent on balls and banquets at the inauguration. Didn't we all enjoy them? We suffered thinking how many hungry children this money would have fed; how many prescriptions for poor and elderly this would have bought; how many health insurance policies this would have purchased for those who have lost their jobs; how much reimbursement could be provided those who'd lost their life savings in the huge CEO scandals; how much could (should) have been sent to those suffering in the aftermath of the tsunami, in the unstopped genocide of Darfur.

So many champagne bubbles and tarlatan tutus, so much nothing for political parties, which should have been turned into so much of everything for humanity.

Gay Cheney
Browns Summit

A letter published on Jan. 25 asked, "Are you listening to nutrition advice?" One need only to turn to page B1 of that same newspaper to find the answer is no.

If Americans were listening to sound nutrition advice, hospitals might not have to expand their cardiac catheterization services. It is widely accepted that poor nutrition is a significant risk factor for heart disease. Why then are many Americans still taking so many trips to the cath lab?

I believe that part of the problem is the low-carb fad. These so-called "diets" recommend that people eat fewer fruits, vegetables and grains and more fat and protein. This may help with weight loss, but it certainly is not healthy. Low-carb diets have been proved to cause constipation and ketosis (a potentially dangerous state where the brain is deprived of glucose and acid builds up in the body). They also do not meet the recommended daily allowances of many nutrients.

Americans need to heed the advice of nutritional experts and follow more traditional low-fat diets and exercise. Because if "diets" that encourage full-fat mayonnaise as a condiment continue to predominate, then cath labs will soon be on every corner.

Abigail Millikan
Asheboro

Regarding Jim Melvin's letter (Jan. 26):

The legacy of the Rev. Prince Graves will live on through the Smith-Graves Training Institute, an allied health care training institute, which was dedicated May 17, 2003.

The Smith-Graves Legacy Association is committed to keeping the vision of Dr. Prince E. Graves and Dr. James E. Smith alive. These two gentle giants made an indelible impression on the medical community of southeast Greensboro. The association comprises former employees of the historical L. Richardson Memorial Hospital and St. James Nursing Center.

Members of the association are writing a textbook that includes the life of Dr. Graves, as well as other influential individuals of southeast Greensboro. This textbook be will utilized in the curriculum of the Smith-Graves Training Institute.

The training institute evolves around "Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy Theory" with a holistic approach. Each component has been designed to specialize and reflect the needs of displaced, underprivileged and deprived individuals.

The board of directors is composed of professionals, non-professionals, clergy members and a former U.S. congressman.

The footsteps of great leaders should never die.

Rev. Katherine McWilliams
Greensboro
The writer is president and founder, Legacy Association and Training Institute.

Democrats profess passionately about "reaching across the aisle" and reducing bitterness and evil temper as though they have themselves put aside the mean-spiritedness within their politics.

Liberals do not have a divine right to the White House, and they should have learned from the 2004 election that Americans are beginning to be turned off by character assassination, hypocritical rhetoric and the politics of fear and distortion.

What I saw and heard from Barbara Boxer and Ted Kennedy made me want to apologize to the world for their venom and hypocrisy. What gives Barbara Boxer the right to denigrate the character and integrity of a person whose qualifications and accomplishments far exceed her own? And what gives Ted Kennedy the right to question anyone's integrity and purpose considering his own behavior at Chappaquiddick?

Agonizing labor pains accompany the birth of freedom, as seen last week when terrorists murdered Iraqis attempting to exercise their right to vote in a hard-won free election; but instead of cheering the Iraqis' success, Kennedy and John Kerry minimized the victory in an obvious attempt to discredit the Bush administration.

Who is on whose side in this war?

Bill Smith
Greensboro

According to your Jan. 29 article, "Treatment center tops Alston's list," Guilford County Commissioner Melvin Alston reported that he would push to find solutions to fight the crack cocaine problem during commissioners' two-day planning retreat in Chapel-Hill.

The article described how Melvin is concerned with gaining a working knowledge of how to combat the crack problem.

I wonder how high crack was on his priority list when Melvin was involved with the now-defunct and depressingly expensive St. James Homes. Under Melvin's guidance, St. James became a haven for crack dealers and users.

I find it despicable how local leaders have waited so long to put crack at the top of their priority lists. Crack has been burning paths through lower-class communities for decades -- specifically African American communities.

The article ended with Melvin being quoted as saying, "We don't need to lock people up who have a disease," and I agree with him.

The ones who should be locked up are the ones profiting from the inflicted sorrows.

Ben Holder
Winston-Salem

"Relativity" is a theory.

"Gravity" and "magnetism" are theories.

And nobody has ever seen "electricity," or even fully understands how it works.

And yet these "theories" have taken us to the moon, explained the motion of the stars, and provided us with power and the resources to live successfully in a hostile world.

Yes, these "theories," along with others, are the foundation of our survival today. "Evolution" is a particularly important theory since it provides the answers and guides the way to make our world a better place for us all in the future. It is one of God's most precious gifts since it allows His children and His creatures to adapt to ever-changing conditions replete with plague, natural disaster and a decaying environment. I will never understand how people who believe that God can do all things can deny that He could have created the world any way He wished. After all, there is really no fundamental difference between seven days and several billion years if He so reckons.

Oh, ye of little faith.

Michael J. Scotto
Greensboro

To counter Mark Griffith's letter ("U.S. forced war on innocent Iraqis," Jan. 25), in the last paragraph he stated, "I don't remember hearing of car bombs in the streets of Baghdad or of foreign civilians being kidnapped and beheaded before this war started."

Has anyone thought that possibly the media weren't interested in specifics of what goes on in a Third World country like Iraq? Saddam did horrific things to people who opposed him. I watched a program on the History Channel about Saddam approximately a year-and-a-half ago. He flogged people to death, put them through meat grinders, poured acid on them, gassed them and shot them. But why? Only because they spoke against his actions.

What is worse, being sent through a meat grinder alive for denouncing a brutal dictator like Saddam, or being liberated and getting caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, risking becoming the victim of a car bombing? At least the latter gives you a chance at freedom. I would choose liberation; to me some things are worth fighting for.

William Long
Greensboro
The writer is a freshman at Page High School.

Last week, the Senate asserted its right to protect the health of its members by making its chambers smoke-free. Two years ago, the House incorporated a smoke-free provision in its permanent rules.

Now our lawmakers should consider repealing the pre-emption law which prevents all local governments in the state from passing ordinances that prohibit smoking in public places. The lawmakers have seen fit to make their chambers smoke-free. Now they should allow the rest of us to enjoy the same health benefits.

Donna Dinkin
Greensboro

I was offended when I read George Will's column (Jan. 27). The column dealt with Harvard President Larry Summers stating that the reason for fewer female tenured science professors at universities is because of "gender differences in cognition." Will ignorantly believes this is true and uses inflammatory language to bash both academia and females. He comments on an M.I.T. female biology professor's reaction to Summers' speech and describes her as a hysterical "Victorian maiden."

I am a women's/gender studies minor at Elon University and would like to set the record straight: Gender is simply a performative act. In other words, gender is culturally constructed and can be changed. Anatomy is not destiny. The argument Will makes, "nature sets limits to the malleability of human material," has been used historically and is still used to oppress females. Unfortunately, our society is far from treating females equally. Their pay lags behind most males, and this country has yet to have a female president.

I think every university student should be required to take a class in gender studies. It certainly changed the way that I look at myself and the people around me.

Charlie Remy
Elon

The Pentagon is proposing a $250,000 death benefit to families if you died in combat after Oct. 7, 2001 (the date the United States invaded Afghanistan). I guess my generation (Vietnam) came cheap. Of course, I understand the rationale of the current administration. It's "their" war, so only their soldiers qualify.

The buddies I left on those Vietnam battlefields years ago would probably say "it figures." WWII, Korea, Vietnam, etc., survivors should also get this benefit.

I'm letting my congressman and senators know how I feel about this injustice. I call on all vets to do the same.

Mike Mastrolia
High Point

Your Feb. 3 news story on the State of the Union Address describes a president now "fortified by his decisive win over Kerry." Apparently the decision of some 50,000 Ohio voters -- not enough to fill Ohio State's football stadium -- is enough to create presidential swagger these days. Yet, so many of the Bush voters I've spoken with have told me they did so because they could not bring themselves to vote for a Democrat in general and/or that Democrat in particular. Add this group to the 49 percent of our electorate who did vote against Bush, and I would say you've got a lot more Americans united in distrust of this administration than the blue state/red state map would ever suggest.

Now we're being sold a massive overhauling of a wonderfully efficient Social Security system due to supposed concern for events to occur in 2054. Pardon us all for questioning what's going on here. This American's skepticism over big government doing big things tells me the real motive behind the scheme could hardly be concern for the group of 20-somethings who'll be handed their exploding mountain of unfunded debt.

Bill Yaner
Jamestown

Global warming probably is occurring. Less certain is that man is causing it. The earth has had climatic cycles for millions of years, from ice ages and back again many times. The reasons for most of these variations are unknown.

Alongside the data implicating humans through the burning of fossil fuels, I have never seen a discussion of how much carbon dioxide is released when several million acres of forest burn in California or when there is a giant volcanic eruption. My suspicion is that these data are hidden because they dwarf the human contribution.

The Kyoto treaty exempts China and India and other developing nations known to have severe problems with pollution and carbon dioxide emissions. Not only are our jobs being outsourced abroad, but now we want a treaty that will make it more expensive for us to compete. The political agenda here is global redistribution of wealth.

The same groups clamoring for reduced carbon dioxide emissions are the ones that killed the nuclear energy industry, an essentially non-polluting source of vast quantities of energy. Without some wide-scale destruction of our society, you can't have it both ways. Beware the wolf of politics hiding in the sheep's clothing of science.

Karol Wolicki
Greensboro

What a pleasant surprise it was when I tuned in for the Super Bowl on Sunday and heard "The Star-Spangled Banner" being performed in the manner that it deserved, with honor, reverence and respect.

When will the people who butcher this song realize that there are some songs that don't need their personal spin on them? The national anthem is one of them.

John Matthews
Greensboro

When will the Guilford County school board realize that residents do not want uncertainty about where their children will go to school? The thought of eighth-graders waiting to see which of three schools they will be assigned to is unnecessary and uncalled for.

High school tours are starting and children in the High Point area will be bused to visit the three high schools that they might be assigned to. The rest of Guilford County has the luxury of knowing which high school their children will attend.

All of Guilford County is sitting quietly hoping that a "choice" plan doesn't happen in their neighborhood.

Tara Daniel
Jamestown

I found the Jan. 30 edition of the News & Record disappointing.

A free election was being held in a country that had been ruled by brutal dictatorships for some 50 years. Citizens of that country were going to polling places, under threats of injury or even death, to determine their future.

It seems to me that this was an opportunity for the News & Record to give its readership a complete background to this historic event and an analysis of the implication it has for the future. Instead, it filled its pages with a feature on global warming. Is this a worthwhile feature? Yes, it is. Was this the only day this feature could have been written? No, it was not.

Surely, the country of Iraq deserves better than this. Surely, Americans will care when they see people who are willing to give their lives for the hope of freedom. Surely, this could have been the day when we, as a free people, held out our hands to the courageous men and women of Iraq who also want freedom.

Anne W.N. Lyons
Greensboro

After reading the editorial, "One war to another" (Feb. 4), I just had to send my comments.

President Bush, in his State of the Union speech, made the statement that the Social Security System would be exhausted and bankrupt by 2042. The editorial stated, "The Social Security System won't be exhausted and bankrupt in 2042."

My question is how can the person who wrote the editorial come out and say that without having some kind of documentation to back up that statement? The person can have their opinion about the subject, but saying flat out that it is a fact requires much more information than the president has with all his advisers advising him to make that statement. Perhaps it would help your readers to know who the liberals are who advised the writer of that commentary.

Bernard L. Zales
Greensboro

Editor's note: Social Security trustees predict that trust funds will be depleted by 2042. The Congressional Budget Office predicts that won't happen until 2052. In either case, it is our opinion that the Social Security system won't be "exhausted and bankrupt" because it will still take in taxes and pay benefits, although at a reduced level.

What a great day in North Carolina: Steve Troxler is now the agriculture commissioner.

The N.C. Supreme Court also ruled that provisional ballots cannot be used because those who used them failed to take responsibility in finding their legal polling places.

I don't say this just because I am a Republican. I say this because I am proud to be a Republican who believes in justice, responsibility and good politics.

Don Wendelken
Summerfield

When taxes for 2004 became past due, this paper listed delinquent county officials. Since then, they have been criticized and one writer called for the resignation of those who don't pay now.

Public servants are just that, servants for the people. Most serve at personal and financial sacrifices, without indirect benefits that make them wealthy.

Thus, it may be a good sign if some are having difficulty paying their taxes because those very people may be best equipped to understand the financial struggles most of us have on a daily basis.

Gerald C. Parker
Greensboro

With all of the speculations and opinions from the pundits and "experts" over what the Iraqi people want and don't want, I wanted to share a letter I received from a personal friend who is serving in the area. He is working as a liaison with the Iraqi locals. Here is something he just sent to me:

"I'm sure that, as I'm writing this, the cable news channels are filled with stories of bombings, intimidations and boycotts. Please try to read between the lines of all these reports. The people here want to vote and are pretty enthusiastic about the idea. In Baghdad alone, there are over 25,000 IECI (Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq) workers who have been living in their polling stations already for a couple days. These people want to vote so much that they have volunteered to make it possible for others to vote. Remember that, for every news story about a bombing, there are many, many more instances of someone turning someone in for building an IED (improvised explosive device), or volunteering to man a polling station, or simply planning to vote.

"Tomorrow's vote will not be perfect. It may be contested by people who want it to fail. There may be some irregularities, but I'm guessing that they will be oversights or honest mistakes. The real tragedy will be the unfortunate reality that quite a few people will die because there are evil people who want this to fail.

"Having said all that, I believe that most of the approximately nine million registered voters will turn out and vote, and that, broadly speaking, this election will succeed" -- Maj. Richard Smudin, U.S. Army.

As we have heard in the papers recently, roughly eight million people voted, despite killings, threats and fear. To me, this puts two things into perspective: First, don't believe all that the "experts" have to say. Go to the source when looking for truth. Second, what does it say about our society when we consider it great to have 50 percent of the registered voters turn out?

God bless the men and women of our armed forces and their mission.

Keith Robinson
Greensboro

Your Feb. 5 editorial regarding Britt Cobb's concession to Steve Troxler was another shining example of bias at the News & Record. In that opinion, it was suggested that elections for Council of State should be eliminated. In the same issue, there was an article by Eric Dyer about how the Democrats no longer dominate the Council of State.

Is this a mere coincidence that suddenly when Democrats start losing elections, the News & Record, along with some Democrats in Raleigh, find a need to do away with those elections? Why wasn't this a good idea 10, 20, 30 or more years ago? What has changed now that suddenly elections are not such a good idea?

Republican's started winning judgeships, so now we need to consider direct appointment of judges. At the District Court level, Republicans started winning, so the legislature made those races nonpartisan. It was only a matter of time before the Democrats and their kindred spirits in the media suggested taking away the vote of the people in other state races.

The message is clear: The people are obviously too stupid to vote for the "right" people, so let's take the vote away from them. Of course, the "right" people are always Democrats.

Ordinarily, newspapers attempt to get out of the "bias" label by saying "that's on our editorial page, not our news page." But in this case, you didn't even offer a perspective, you just threw the idea and your support of it out there. This is pure partisan hackery. It would really serve your readers well if you could explain why getting rid of elections for Council of State is suddenly a good idea after more than 200 years of elections. Really, I would like to know.

Samuel S. Spagnola
Oak Ridge

The Jan. 31 forum with school representatives confirms my belief that we are not being heard. Without a plan and without money, Terry Grier convinced our school board to experiment with our children, and they made a choice. In light of reductions in state and county funding, teachers and supplies were cut while spending on transportation and exotic magnet programs increased, and High Point suffers.

While making all High Point schools "the best" is a noble goal, Dot Kearns knows that without providing a definitive school assignment, the Triad's new economy will locate where school attendance is known. Relocating companies want their employees to live close, and employees want to know where their children will go to school. Neither wants to be a part of Susan Mendenhall's "Random Assignment Program."

Many forum participants expressed that forced socioeconomic balance is not the answer. A community-based solution is the proper course of action. Spend our money wisely, offer a properly staffed curriculum, provide a safe environment supervised by experienced administrators and give us school districts that make sense. In return, the community will respond. Volunteers will step forward from all of High Point to assist teachers and to mentor students in the schools that need help, and High Point schools will improve.

Mary Guernier
Jamestown

In his column of Feb. 4, George Gilbert, director of elections for Guilford County, argued against a proposal by the N.C. Select Committee on Electronic Voting Systems to require touchscreen voting machines to produce a voter-verifiable paper trail. Gilbert implies that electronic voting is more reliable than paper, citing a survey in which those questioned expressed great confidence in such systems.

In the same issue, however, an Associated Press article indicates that many computer scientists think "paperless voting systems should be banned." These experts are concerned about "buggy software or malfunctioning hardware that could misrecord votes or expose voting systems to hackers, deletions or other disasters." Expert witnesses who have testified before the select committee agree that paper is the most reliable method of voting.

Gilbert acknowledges the serious problems with electronic voting when he reveals that a national task force he serves on has recommended that standards be developed "for scientifically sound, independently verifiable audit trails for DRE [direct record electronic] systems." His argument with the select committee is about the method of maintaining the integrity of our electoral system rather than the need to do so.

Lee Baker
Greensboro

Allen H. Johnson starts with a dangerous false premise in his mea culpa that somehow his having DVDs stolen from his car inside his own garage in the middle of the night is his own fault (column, Feb. 6). That false premise is that if "people take each other's stuff, they hurt one another."

Reality is that some people do those things. Most of us do not. There was a dropped wallet and money returned at the Food Lion last week, and a handful of cash returned from a skirt bought at a thrift store. That kind of behavior is the societal expectation, and we all should be able to leave our houses unlocked and our possessions unsecured except by the honor that each of us has for the other. That is a civilization that works.

The costs of security make civilization not work as well, and everybody suffers. Those who steal should be in jail. Unfortunately, those who steal are not all in jail, and we do have to take security precautions, just like we do for terrorists. But, Allen, leaving your car unlocked did not create a jerk. He or she did that.

John R. Dykers Jr.
Siler City

How quaint and cute of the News & Record to give all of us out here the opportunity to remake Michael Moore. By turning him into a quasi- cartoon character, you demean him personally and diffuse his message of peace.

I tell you what, I will only re-create him this week if you promise I can do the same thing to Mel Gibson next week. Moore may look disheveled to some, but his message is clear. On the other hand, George Bush wears $3,000 suits and has a nice haircut, but his policies make him rather unappealing to many people.

As it says in "The Little Prince," "it is only with the heart we see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye." You tread on thin ice when you diss one of your blue county's heroes.

Liz Napoliello
Greensboro

We pray together, and we are united. We sing together, and we are united. We stand together, and we are still united. Most of all, we worship God together, and we are united.

However, when it comes to joining our money together and causing economic development in our community, we are yet a divided people.

Until we can join our money together under one banner, we will continue to be united, but divided.

Phillip T. Wrenn
Greensboro

I am so glad someone is interested in tobacco smoke and the ill effects it has on nonsmokers as well as smokers -- especially if you have allergies.

It is pitiful that some people cannot eat in a restaurant for an hour or so without smoking. There are some excellent small restaurants where providing a so-called nonsmoking space is an impossible burden and a sick joke.

I have encountered many wait staff who were in real discomfort but need the employment. I am hoping everyone will seriously think about the measure Rep. Hugh Holliman filed. It will simplify a small life experience for everyone.

Betty M. Wilson
Greensboro

I've been enjoying your "pictures of the week" contest. Recently, when I popped on your Web site and decided to check out the pictures for the week and vote, I didn't vote. So, is college basketball all that happened last week? All that's photo worthy for the News & Record? Mix it up a little, will ya?

Karen Gehrke
Greensboro

One of the responsibilities of being a leader is to solve problems. Why are people afraid of change to the Social Security trust fund? President Clinton talked about reforming Social Security during his tenure, but nothing happened. Postponing this debate will lead to two solutions: decrease the benefits or a large tax increase. What is wrong with being proactive?

Bush talked about gradually implementing a new program which is consistent with having time to deal with a problem. Becoming proactive can defray the cost of reform over several decades and not leaving a problem for the next generation. If one was to ask the average citizen what you are entitled to from Social Security they would probably tell you, I will receive a check until I die.

The Social Security Advisory Board (2001) asserts that Social Security is a social insurance program. People are required to contribute in order to provide protection against the risk of loss of wages due to retirement, disability or death of a worker. Social Security has always intended to provide a foundation for retirement income that needs to be supplemented by individual savings and employer pensions. In the eyes of many Americans we are a nation of now if the problem does not surface today or tomorrow it is not important. For those people who are concerned about personally investing a portion of your Social Security, the president left the door open for this program to be voluntary. If the actual proposal is voluntary or has a plethora of options, which would be more appealing to some Americans.

As a young person myself, I feel this might become an eye opener for my generation when it comes to investing and saving money for our futures. If you talk to 10 older citizens who are retired or close to retirement, they will tell you if they had invested or saved $20 month, when they were younger, they would be a millionaire right now. Some of our legislators need to stop being selfish and focus on unity. That is the best way to get objectives accomplished. Instead of partisan politics, let us use our collective minds as Americans and give the president other options instead of criticizing his ideas. If no other ideas come to the table, then we will have to accept his ideas then.

Everyone who is interested should not just listen to the opinion of others, but make an effort to inform yourself and not let your legislators make all the decisions that will affect you and you children's futures.

Wilbert Vaughn
High Point

Kurt Lauenstein (letter, "Theory schmeory; just pray for answers," Feb. 3) says, "Thoughtful people…rely on their God-given intelligence to find solutions to problems." Why, then, didn't he use his?

The church of Galileo's "church-dominated society" still today teaches contrary to the Bible.

The Bible teaches the earth is round, hangs in empty space, and rotates on its axis.

Everywhere the Bible speaks scientifically, it is in harmony with today's science. Science cannot dispute nor discredit one Bible verse. Contact me at itnacfounder@northstate.net.

As for the "evolution of bacteria to withstand today's antibiotics": building up immunity is hardly evolution. Is human ability to build up immunity an observable proof of human evolution?

Using his "God-given intelligence," Lauenstein might discover there has never been one benefit to humans from embryonic stem-cell research. There has been much benefit from adult stem cells.

The "pursuit of happiness" guaranteed in the Declaration of Independence is no more for gays than for anyone who commits crimes in pursuit of their own happiness.

As for poverty and "faith-based initiatives," I would suggest that Lauenstein exercise his "God-given intelligence" to find out just who has done the most to fight poverty.

Tommy Guyer
Thomasville

I volunteer at Grimsley High School's Student Health Center. I have been very impressed with the nurturing attention provided by the professionals I've met there. This program allows students to get basic medical care and counseling related to acute and chronic conditions, as well as routine physicals and vaccinations. When students can get this attention at their schools, absenteeism is reduced. Students are thereby better able to focus on learning.

This program appears so successful, I felt sure it would expand to other schools, providing more Guilford County schools with the advantages that Grimsley and five other schools with health centers have. Today, I was shocked to find that the funding, which has been provided by Moses Cone/ Wesley Long Community Health Foundation along with Guilford County schools, is likely to be cut next year. Is this program too expensive? How much would you pay to reduce missed school days, emergency room visits from unattended illness, unwanted pregnancies and those without prenatal care, untreated diabetes and other ailments needing regular intervention, untreated depression and other emotional problems? It's a fact that early and preventative medical care reduces costs. Save money and promote student health, keep student health centers.

Laurel Driver
Greensboro

At work today everyone was very worried about what President Bush said about Social Security. The idea of privatization and benefit cuts in Social Security does not seem like a good one for the average person. Sure, you may make a little bit more in the stock market, or you may lose your shirt. Either way, we the taxpayers will be stuck with a $2 trillion debt and being one of the middle class, we will have to pay it off, just about the same time we retire. It doesn't seem a good deal, except if you work on Wall Street.

John Long
Liberty

As the profanity from several workers echoed softly into my children's ears, and the machinery responsible for grading the 1.1 acres rezoned for town homes (nestled snugly between five single family homes, can you say spot zoning?) shook my house, a suggestion for Greensboro's City Council came to me.

Their meetings consistently run long into the morning, so to alleviate that, let's eliminate all public discussion of rezoning cases. It's a moot point. Their decisions are made before the meeting starts. I have both watched and personally experienced the council feign interest as their constituents voiced almost unanimous opposition to several rezonings, only to see the council vote in favor of each project. I'll admit I was naïve. I thought my opinion mattered. It didn't.

This led me to a couple of conclusions about the council:

1. They don't care what their constituents think.

2. They don't think their constituents know anything. One council member even expressed this view to the residents of Quaker Run when she said, "I sincerely wonder if you know what's best for you?"

I guess the mantra from the 1980's movie "Meatballs" applies to our council and their view of our opinion: "It just doesn't matter."

Richard Parker
Greensboro

I am a Democrat. I am very proud of Britt Cobb (D) for conceding defeat to Steve Troxler (R). Troxler was elected "by the people." Both Trudy Wade and Bill Fletcher should demonstrate the same integrity as Britt Cobb.

In several amendments to the U.S. Constitution, we read, "The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state."

Courts are not to decide the outcome of elections by the people. According to the state of North Carolina Constitution: Article VI Section 5, "A contested election for any office established by Article III of this Constitution (this includes the Superintendent of Public Instruction) shall be determined by joint ballot of both houses of the General Assembly in the manner prescribed by law." Was this done?

Article VI, Section 2 of the N.C. Constitution, allows a person to vote in his/her former precinct, ward, or election district 30 days after moving to another location.

Are "we the people" going to allow courts or judges to continue to decide our elections?

Lou Howard
High Point

I didn't take George Will's Jan. 27 column to be a "sexist rant" (as Quinn Dalton did in her Feb. 3 letter). Will's primary (and unconvincing) argument was that political liberals are invested in the concept of tabula rasa -- that nature (genetics) plays little role in determining individual outcomes and nurture means everything.

But Will apparently forgot the claim by which liberals legitimize homosexuality: It is genetically determined. Can they have it both ways?

Will and liberals aside, even if science reveals that brain regions processing mathematics are, on average, smaller in females than males, this wouldn't be conclusive evidence that women are inferior to men. Reading "inherently different" as "inherently inferior," as Dalton does, is fallacious. Nor would it mean that women can't do math. Averages don't determine destiny. Some men will be better at math than some women and vice versa.

Girlfriend, if you like math, go for it. Here's an equation for you from the psychological sciences: Ach = f (M x A). That is, Achievement is a function of Motivation interacting with Ability -- not (Moaning x Assistance). Combining your ability with motivation will result in great accomplishments that both men and women will applaud.

Julia Jacks, Ph.D.
Greensboro

My periodic complaint about Molly Ivins and your stable of other anti-Bush crusaders is on hold. Comments on the inaccuracies and indignities inflicted upon Condoleezza Rice and Alberto Gonzales at their confirmation hearings will have to wait.

Bill Snider's "farewell" column (Feb. 6) brought a flood of personal memories, dating back to days we both worked for The Daily Tar Heel at UNC-Chapel Hill. I have a treasured photo of us pecking away at L.C. Smith typewriters (me with my hat on like those star reporters in the movies).

Political philosophies? We differ. Get angry over it? Never.

Bill's last column is typical of his ability to summarize a long look back in easy-to-read language. His take on Greensboro past and future is positive.

Thanks, Bill. We can talk politics next Thursday, 9 a.m.

Bill Beerman
Greensboro

I read with amusement the lead editorial, "One war to another," Feb. 4. It surprised me to see your half-hearted support of the results of the Iraq war even though you questioned the cost. Then the editorial went on about the president's Social Security plan and offered advice on what to do instead.

I will be sure to forward this advice to him. Your editorial writers still do not understand a president who actually has convictions and follows through on them.

Unlike Bill Clinton, whose convictions changed with the polls, and John Kerry, whose convictions changed so often no one knew what he stood for, President Bush follows his convictions even though they may be difficult to achieve and are demagogued by the Democrats.

But then you have a picture of Michael Moore on the front page and endorsed Bill Clinton and John Kerry. Understandable.

Richard Langdon
Greensboro

Millions of Iraqi voters, thousands of insurgents. Any questions?

Dan Flak
Greensboro

Democrats fought so hard to keep control of the N.C. Department of Agriculture because the loyalty of the farmers has helped keep them in power.

Though North Carolina has a reputation for relatively little corruption in state government, the Democrats have controlled the Department of Agriculture for 100-plus years and they've used patronage to sustain their coalition with the farmers. But power so absolute must corrupt, or so they say. Thus Meg Scott Phipps, which is probably just the iceberg's tip.

Now Steve Troxler and the Republicans will use patronage to erode support for the Democrats. Their challenge will be to do so without being corrupted.

Troxler's election can be good for two-party competition at the state level, possibly setting up Patrick Ballantine or someone else to challenge Democratic power in Eastern North Carolina in the future. But we will see.

J. Timothy Cole
Greensboro

This is in response to the editor's note that was attached to Michelle Pierce's letter (Feb. 3).

The message from Pierce was concerning an inappropriate article in the Sunday paper. The editor's note stated that the Sunday newspaper is not distributed to schools. This may be true, but one of my son's classes is required to bring the Sunday paper to school each Monday. I'm not sure how many other students are required to do the same.

I have nothing against a student bringing the newspaper to school, but I am in agreement with Pierce: The paper has to be appropriate for all ages. Even the children who don't see the paper at school still may have the paper at home.

Please don't add to the inappropriateness that we see every day. We get enough.

Allyson Little
Summerfield

I am writing to you about the war in Iraq, and I, for one, think that the war was necessary to ensure the well-being of the Iraqi people. Even though there were no weapons of mass destruction, and Iraq was not really a threat to America, look at what the Iraqis were like before the war.

And now they are have held the first democratic election in ages. Saddam Hussein was a despot, and there is nothing that can change that fact. I, for one, think it is about time he got a taste of his own medicine, so to speak.

I also think that even if he was not a direct threat to America now (even if he harbored terrorists), he would have become one over time. I think that the world will be a much safer place with him gone.

Adam Pyle
Greensboro

It would be so easy to take the "whiny complaint" direction that Paul Stifflemire (letter, Jan. 29) paints about US Airways employees. In fact, I spent the better part of an hour putting those words on paper. After a few deep breaths outside with the dog, I changed my mind.

After more than 30 years flying for Piedmont Airlines and US Airways, I have seen my share of people just like this gentleman. To them, the flight crew and all other employees of an airline are always at fault for every late flight and diversion.

Stifflemire says that over the last 30 years, one could find many instances of major mistakes by management that were compounded by recalcitrant employees. More than 30 years ago, we were a profitable airline known as Piedmont Airlines. The merger with US Air did not take effect until 1989. We were still a well-managed and profitable airline at that time.

I was about to go off on that tangent I dropped before I took deep breaths. Stifflemire seems to say that we are the only airline in trouble. Every airline is in the same position where US Airways now finds itself, at least in the loss department.

We were the first to go into bankruptcy, but now you are seeing the other airlines suffering huge losses. The airlines are losing billions and the oil companies are making billions of dollars.

What makes Stifflemire an expert on US Airways? Management and employees are working diligently to change this airline to profitability. The running of an airline has changed dramatically in the last 30 years, from the days of regulation through deregulation. US Airways and its employees are trying to change the shape of this company to compete in the airline world of today.

All of the airlines are bleeding billions of dollars and trying to do the same thing. Hopefully, Stifflemire, an airline industry analyst and "expert on US Airways," is wrong and we will survive.

Ronald M. Carter
The writer is a retired US Airways captain who lives in High Point.

As an observer at my polling place on Election Day, I thought I was watching a well-run and fair procedure. I asked election officials questions and was satisfied that democracy was working well in my precinct. I was assured that provisional votes would be counted in close races if the voter was registered in the county and his residence was within the district of the race.

I am confident precinct officials knew what they were doing and that they had been trained to let voters vote out of precinct if precincts could not be determined.

Provisional voting took a lot of time for both officials and provisional voters. The votes were challenged by a candidate who did not like the outcome.

Votes that were cast with such difficulty and care have been thrown out. The candidate who challenged the votes says she is "grateful" and that "now we can get an accurate vote count." Grateful that democracy has been undermined. An accurate vote count that throws out votes. This is a dark day for democracy.

Betsy Fox
Greensboro

The Feb. 1 cartoon showing people looking up at starry space vehicle shapes and commenting, "... the best way to remember our fallen astronauts is to keep looking up..." makes me wonder how best to remember those who have died fighting for our country. To what do we look as we remember the 293 killed in the Gulf War and the 1,475 killed in the Iraq War, that number tragically rising daily?

What celestial shapes do we contemplate as we think of the 256 American overseas soldiers who died in the overloaded chartered Arrow Air DC-8 on Dec. 12, 1985, headed home, arms full of Christmas presents, many aware of the overloading? When, just over a month later the Challenger blew up on Jan. 26, 1986, killing seven astronauts, those soldiers' disaster was quickly forgotten. The Apollo 1 accident on Jan. 27, 1967, killed three. The Columbia accident on Feb. 1, 2003, killed seven.

It is sad that 17 astronauts died in attempts to traverse space, but isn't it far more tragic that 2,024 soldiers were killed? Where are the heavenly configurations, the monuments, the moments of silence for them?

Patricia McIrvin
Greensboro

With apparent disregard for the very foundations of scientific thought that he recklessly exploits, Charles Davenport (Feb. 1) both proves his incompetence and the very reason modern man considers even a flawed affirmative action program better than no program.

Davenport first cites suspect statistical analyses regarding the Academy Awards and then advances the poorly construed theory to ponder why: "If height-challenged, rotund white males comprise 10 percent of the population, then 10 percent of players in the NBA should be short, fat, white guys." Hello, it's the same reason short, fat, black guys don't play in the NBA -- talent. Now, why aren't blacks better represented in figure skating or, for that matter, in golf or as head coaches or CEOs? Not because of talent, but rather something more insidious that someone thinking without bias should choose to explore.

I agree with Davenport's admonishment that we should reject preferential treatment and endorse equal opportunity. Accordingly, he refers to a policy whereby the News & Record will persevere to achieve diversity on its staff with transparent disdain. Kudos to the paper for the initiative, and shame for publishing such a biased opinion on this historic date.

Rick Stokes
Whitsett

I am concerned about the diversion of Social Security funds into the stock market. Have we forgotten those wonderful investment opportunities in companies like Enron and WorldCom?

No one seems to be talking about how much money in management fees and commissions Wall Street firms and brokers would stand to make if the government allowed stock market investments of Social Security funds. I am sure financial "advisers" are salivating over the prospect of getting even a small percentage of that money.

Also, citizens already have tax-free ways of investing for their retirements. They are called IRAs and are, for the most part, fundable with pre-tax dollars. Even small amounts invested on a regular basis will grow substantially with interest and dividends reinvested tax-free compounded over 20 to 30 years or more.

People think it's a boon to get back the interest-free loans they have given to the government each year in the form of excess withheld taxes. Save and invest those each year and come out ahead, too.

Lastly, why not raise the ceiling for FICA withholding? It seems to me that those who earn more can afford it and should pay more.

Peggy Clapper
Greensboro

Charles Davenport Jr., in his column (Feb. 8), attributes a prayer for our country to Thomas Jefferson, the second time I have seen this lately. This is not to argue whether Jefferson was a Christian, deist, freethinker or some combination of these. However, the prayer is not Jefferson's. It was written by the Rev. George Lyman Locke of St. Michael's Church (Episcopal) in Bristol, R.I., for the proposed revision of the Book of Common Prayer. It was revised somewhat and included in the 1928 Prayer Book and is continued in the 1979 edition.

I don't know why this was included in a column on the Dead Sea Scrolls, an historical discovery of immense importance in the development both of Christianity and rabbinic Judaism. The mixing of the Dead Sea Scrolls material with United States history is confusing. The suggestion that there were not Bibles here before 1782 is simply not the case.

Ralph E. Macy
Burlington

I am a cat enthusiast and owner of three cats, all of whom have been rescued. Recently, we began feeding a stray cat who appeared fairly tame but did bite me viciously as I tried to arrange a feeding bowl. I promptly called the animal-control officer, who offered immediate assistance to trap and evaluate this animal. This occurred the following day after the attack.

My husband and I were concerned because we captured the animal around the agency closing time. An officer came out within half an hour after we called to pick up the animal so he would not have to remain on my porch in a trap over a cold winter night. Another officer followed up with us the next morning.

I was treated by a local clinic for this injury and felt reassured due to this timely capture that I would be able to be treated for rabies if needed within a reasonable time.

I feel that the animal-control office both respected my own needs and the needs of this poor animal. As an animal advocate, I feel confident that this agency treats both its human and animal consumers compassionately while maintaining attention to safety standards.

Margaret Hancock
Jamestown

In response to the letter, "Wasteful inauguration," by Gay Cheney (Feb. 8), listing the litany of causes missed by the monies used for the inauguration, I wonder why the expense of the Hollywood awards gala that was just held, Mardi Gras or even the Super Bowl was not mentioned?

Makes me think it's just sour grapes.

Bob Blanchard
Randleman

It really saddened me when I read in the News & Record, "Museum for ACC gets cheers." What's wrong with us so-called concerned citizens? We have homeless children with nowhere to stay, yet we can cheer about building a $23 million museum -- a tribute to the Atlantic Coast Conference.

What happened to taking care of those who can't take care of themselves? Twenty-three million dollars will build two or three shelters, feed hundreds of people and help our senior citizens who can't afford to buy their medications. We, as citizens of Greensboro, should be ashamed. Where is our humility, and what happened to love thy neighbor?

Valerie Winchester
Greensboro

I was horrified to read the article, "Colorado teens fined for giving cookies to neighbor" (Feb. 5, News & Record). I have long thought that it is too easy to sue someone for anything, no matter how trivial. I will think carefully before doing a neighborly turn for my friends and acquaintances after this. This just proves that no good deed goes unpunished.

Barbara H. Hall
Eden

Freedom rang on Jan. 30 for Iraq. The day that masses of Iraqis voted -- despite threats from terrorists -- is just as inspirational as the day that the Berlin Wall fell and the day that apartheid collapsed in South Africa.

Thanks to our soldiers and the unwavering leadership of George Bush, America did not abandon the Iraqi people in their hour of need. The huge turnout should make it obvious to even the most vehement Bush-hater that the terrorists do not represent the majority of Iraqis.

In light of this victory, let us revisit some of the lies that many of the president's critics have circulated ever since hostilities with Saddam's brutal regime began. Although there are many honorable people who disagreed with our pre-emptive war of liberation, a sizeable number of these critics are far-left irrational haters of George Bush, the military and America.

Far-left critics claim that the president and his administration knowingly lied about Saddam's weapons of mass destruction (WMD) program. The critics forget to mention that many of the world's intelligence agencies also thought that Saddam had these weapons. Saddam's repeated refusals to cooperate with United Nations inspectors led many to this conclusion. These critics also never explain why the government would knowingly lie about these weapons and not plant WMD in Iraq in order to frame Saddam.

Anti-military extremists claim America is fighting a popular rebellion that we are unable to beat. The truth is that these terrorists are not popular rebels but are either ex-Saddam cronies bent on bringing back Baath tyranny or foreign mercenaries trying to establish a radical Islamic regime. These criminals have purposely killed Iraqi civilians, aid workers who are rebuilding Iraq, election workers and religious leaders. Furthermore, American soldiers are defeating these murderous animals throughout Iraq. None of the leftists can point to one battle that we have lost.

Some claim that America could not win against an enemy that is not afraid to die. This is incorrect. America has faced many determined and fanatical foes, such as the Japanese soldiers and the Nazis during World War II. The enemy was defeated in World War II because we had determined leadership in Washington. Thankfully, today we have similarly committed leadership that will allow our troops and the Iraqi people to win this war for freedom.

Wayne Campbell
Greensboro

I was struck by the irony of two CNN news reports seen back-to-back Jan. 31. In the first, a reporter tells of the defense of a 15-year-old who admits to killing his grandparents. Zoloft was to blame. Never mind that he had been troubled enough, before Zoloft, that he ran away from home to live with his grandparents and had to be psychiatrically hospitalized. Instead his murderous behavior was attributed to a medication that has safely helped millions of other people.

The story immediately following was on shoplifting, stating, "If you are a kleptomaniac, it's not your fault." It's the fault of your brain chemistry; and naltrexone, used to treat alcoholics, can "cure" you.

Here's one story alleging that the presence of medication caused a boy's brain chemistry to be so disturbed that he killed his grandparents. Therefore, he is not responsible. The very next story alleges that a lack of medication causes brain chemistry to be so disturbed that people shoplift. Therefore, shoplifters are not responsible. Both stories are irresponsibly reported.

This irresponsible journalism is not even consistent with itself, much less with the truth. As a psychiatrist, I know that medication and brain chemistry are very important, but this simplistic presentation of these issues is cartoonish and harmful to the public. If no one is responsible for their own behavior, then we are all doomed.

Carey G. Cottle Jr.
Greensboro

Regarding the Feb. 1 cartoon depicting Christine Todd Whitman being lynched for writing, "It's My Party Too":

The same page carried a letter about Rep. Howard Coble calling for American withdrawal from Iraq.

I applaud these two courageous Republicans for refusing to march in lockstep with their ultra-conservative leaders. These moderates, who represent the rational center of the GOP, may be our greatest hope for keeping this country from drifting too far right.

Bush's budget deficit is approaching a trillion dollars, polluters are raping our environment, fear and divisiveness predominate. His administration's unabashed support of corporate interests leaves average Americans feeling vulnerable; if government sides with the "big boys," who is left to protect us "little guys"?

The moderates, that's who. Glad they come in both colors: red and blue. But instead of complaining about being excluded, they should take a bolder step: Leave the Republican Party to the neocon fringe, and join forces with moderate Democrats with whom they are more closely aligned.

The new "Purple Party" (blue + red) would far outnumber its obsolete predecessors, which would eventually grow powerless -- not from opposition but mutiny. This could be how America saves herself from ruin, disgrace and the neocons' coup.

Valerie Putney
Greensboro

We are still turning the corner of 2005, and the fierce competition among students for college acceptances is growing exponentially. North Carolina has the privilege of 16 different state universities.

What is expected of a high school student has changed because of the number of offspring conceived by the baby boomers. Even if the student is able to meet the standard requirements, his or her transcript still must go through the cobweb of other admissions criteria, including a personal statement, course study and even ethnicity.

What is our nation coming to? Will we soon be a society that shows the poor values of prime selection? As a student tries to show his potential in high school, it will determine which level of higher education he will be allowed.

However, I do not believe a student has ever shown his fullest abilities in high school. A teenager must mature before he is able to apply himself in the outside world and show his full potential. For a student to be allowed the privilege, he must be rewarded a solid college experience. The restrictions colleges have put in place are tying down our willing and able generation.

Carter Eiler
Greensboro

I would like to respond to Kurt Lauenstein's letter (Feb. 3) concerning science and Christianity versus evolution.

It is time that all Christians who believe the Bible pray for wisdom and guidance in whatever field they may be involved. We believe that we are created in God's image and that He gave us dominion over His creation.

The following are just a few Bible-believing scientists who made a major contribution to the good of mankind:

Joseph Lister, antiseptic surgery; Louis Pasteur, bacteriology, biogenesis law, fermentation control, pasteurization, vaccination and immunization; Isaac Newton, calculus, dynamics, law of gravity; Robert Boyle, chemistry; Charles Babbage, computer science, actuarial tables, calculating machines; Ambrose Fleming, electronics; Gregor Mendel, genetics; James Simpson, gynecology. The list goes on and on.

A study of these men will show that they believed the Bible to be true and unashamedly gave credit to God for their wisdom. This isn't to say a person has to be a Christian to be a scientist, but it seems much more likely that all things come from an all-wise creator than by chance.

Jack G. Hedgecock
Julian

Update -- The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Terry Grier

The debate over high school rigor is not new. Research indicates that general level courses such as "College Prep" do little to prepare students for college and in fact mislead the public with their "College Prep" label. More important is the ability to provide all students with access to high-quality teachers and rigorous curriculum.

During the past few years, Guilford County Schools has worked to increase academic rigor in our high schools, and our efforts are beginning to pay off. All ninth-, 10th- and 11th-graders take the Pre-SAT, and 11th-graders who score 45 or higher are encouraged to take advanced placement (AP) U.S. History. Next year, we will encourage 10th-graders who score 45 or above to take AP World History.

We are pleased that the percentage of GCS high school students taking one or more honors or advanced placement courses has increased 58 percent since '01 (10,514 to 16,659 students), and the percentage of African American students taking one or more such courses increased by 107 percent (2,270 to 4,689 students) during the same time frame. Scholarships offered to graduating seniors also increased from $28 million to $50 million from '02 to '04. Still, more than twice as many white students currently take one or more honors or AP courses, compared to the total number of all other students taking those courses. Given these numbers, when we look into many of our classrooms we can predict, with a high degree of reliability, the academic "level" of the course based on the ethnic composition of the class. We must be willing to recognize, discuss and address these inequities in our schools.

We must accelerate our progress in increasing the number of nonwhite high school students taking advanced-level courses if we plan to close the achievement gap. We have to strengthen efforts at the elementary and middle-school level to make sure students are prepared to have a successful high school experience. Teachers at all grade levels must develop their capacity to differentiate instruction and to use strategies such as graphic organizers and cooperative learning regularly. Research clearly supports the importance of access to and participation in rigorous courses as key strategies in closing the gap.

This issue will continue to be a concern as our elementary students, 58 percent nonwhite, reach high school age.

The writer is superintendent of Guilford County Schools.

I was stunned to see yet another story about a child left in the car by his parent, only to have an incredibly frightening experience ensue. Haven't we enough common sense to know that you cannot leave your child in the car for even the most minuscule amount of time? That she left her son in the car is more shocking to me than the fact that her car was stolen. How much effort does it take to unbuckle your child and take him into the school or the store with you?

This incident should be a wake-up call to all parents who innocently think, "I'm only going to be a few seconds." A few seconds is all it takes to have your child suffer a completely avoidable tragedy.

I just hope this experience will stop parents in their tracks when they start to think, "Well, it won't take me long to..." (fill in the blank). We need to protect our children as much as we can. There are too many things in life that we cannot control, but leaving our children in harm's way is one thing we can prevent.

Evie Curley
Greensboro

The issue of the impact of secondhand smoke is debatable. Today's restaurants exhaust and exchange the air three to seven times per hour to remove odors, grease-laden air, etc.

In the 1980s, we were labeled a backward state because travelers could not get a glass of wine, beer or a Bloody Mary on layovers at our airports.

To eliminate "brown bagging," Baptists helped us legalize "liquor by the drink" when I was president of the North Carolina Restaurant Association in 1980.

At the Atlanta airport, there are two smoking rooms on each concourse to accommodate layover travelers between flights.

In our state, this accommodation at terminals is only allowed in very remote bar areas attached to food service facilities (this disallowed by current proposal).

Montgomery, Ala., went "smokeless," but after two bowling alleys (24-hour) closed because business crossed county/state lines, it rescinded this action.

Many restaurants are totally smokeless because of marketing appeal. Public places are libraries, museums, courthouses, hospitals and schools. Restaurants are private property to which the obedient public is invited. The operators must make the rules and control all conduct in their property. We should let them do so.

Frank Freeman
Greensboro

My mother proposed an excellent way to save Social Security

A devout Christian, she was reviewing all the blessings in her life, expressing wonderment at her present affluence contrasted with her Mississippi tenant-shack childhood. Before government initiatives of the 1930s and '40s, her parents never got ahead despite their thrifty lifestyle. Farm subsidies, WPA and CCC jobs for her brothers, and rural electrification all contributed to the family's rise from mere subsistence.

After graduating from college at 19, she married a WWII veteran pursuing his master's degree under the GI Bill. A VA mortgage financed a house; National Defense college loans and scholarships educated four children; teaching jobs vested good pensions for both.

Mother said that after all her country had done to help her have a good retirement income, she doesn't need Social Security.

"I'd like to give it back," she said, "if I knew it would go to the old people who're hurting. But I'm afraid Bush will just give it to people who're even richer than I am."

Voluntary relinquishment of benefits into an inviolable cash fund for supplemental payments to our poorest seniors: Sounds right to me.

Ruth Mary Weston
Greensboro

So, the uncertainty for High Point students will end in April after a computer picks which lucky students get drafted into the "Dot Corps" -- a fine group of young men and women picked from mainly a single Guilford County high school, specially selected by how they pay for their lunch. Who then will venture forth to distant schools, where the school board has decided a change in people is needed, apparently to become some type of remedial ambassadors.

Ambassadors of what and for what being a mystery to all parties involved (but, maybe Dot knows.) Of course, research showing higher achievement for all at demographically balanced schools will be cited, even though this research was taken from places where such balance occurred semi-naturally due to geography, etc. (places such as Southwest High, which is 35 percent minority).

There is not a shred of research looking at computer exiles and the effect on either them or their "mandated" school, and with good reason. It's never been done before -- anywhere. It hasn't been done for very simple reasons -- it's arrogant, insensitive and insulting to all involved, and most of all, insane.

John Gehris
High Point

I cannot stand people who park in the fire lane. It is a safety hazard. If there was an emergency, fire trucks would have no place to park and no chance of fighting a fire and saving the people inside.

Today's people want to have it their way. They need to stop being so lethargic and apathetic and pay attention to the world around them. I may only be a high school senior, but even I know the rule that says, "Think of others before thinking about yourself." Nevertheless, some people out there do not care.

When I see someone doing the wrong thing, I want to tell him or her -- for instance, if they are parking in an emergency lane -- how would you feel if the ambulance was coming for you and it couldn't get to you because of this?

The next time you see this happening, tell someone. I think if someone parks in the fire lane, that person should get a ticket. While we are at it, shame on the people who "illegally" park in a handicapped space as well.

John Emerick
Greensboro

Regarding the Feb. 4 article on Rep. Hugh Holliman's bill that would eliminate smoking in North Carolina restaurants:

Thank you, Rep. Holliman. That's a step in the right direction.

In the article, Laura Kruse is quoted as saying, "Such a ban is a wonderful idea. Smokers can do as they wish in their cars and homes." Homes and cars are the first places smoking should be eliminated. Let's forget about ourselves and think about children who can do nothing about smoking in closed-up cars or houses. No one should be allowed to smoke in the presence of anyone younger than 18.

According to the EPA, "Secondhand smoke is responsible for about 3,000 lung cancer deaths in nonsmokers in the United States per year." The EPA also estimates that secondhand smoking is responsible for up to 300,000 lower respiratory tract infections annually in infants and children, and up to 15,000 hospitalizations.

The EPA says, "Infants and young children whose parents smoke are among the most seriously affected by exposure to secondhand smoke." The feedback from other representatives to Holliman's bill will tell us if their interest is revenue or good heath.

J.B. Brown
Asheboro

Everyone's vote should count. Voters are given this right in our democracy. However, it is our responsibility to register and vote at the assigned place.

Most provisional votes were cast in good faith, I'm sure. However, in light of actions taken by Trudy Wade and Bill Fletcher, I have begun to question several things regarding these votes. Are they allowed by state law? If provisional voting is allowed, who is responsible for ensuring these votes are valid? Exactly when does a deceased person's vote no longer count, regardless of where they voted (news-record.com., Nov. 14, 2004)? If provisional voting is allowed, shouldn't all votes be checked for validity and counted? If the answer to this is yes, were the 93 votes found in the "storage vault" of the Guilford County Board of Elections two weeks later counted (votersunite.org)? Do the ones responsible for counting these provisional ballots actually check to see how many times Jane/John Doe residing at 123 Polling Place voted? Could this hypothetical person have voted at more than one place if he or she chose to?

Despite being portrayed as "sore losers," I respect these two individuals for their quest to ensure integrity in this and all future elections.

Fran Lankford
High Point

Editor's note: The 93 "lost" votes were counted but did not change the outcome of the election. There is disagreement on what state law intends regarding provisional ballots.

Regarding recent letters involving conditions at the Guilford County Animal Shelter:

There is a bill before the state legislature called the "Animal Protection Act." The bill would appropriate $8 million to improve animal shelters in the state. These improvements are sorely needed. You can find out more about The Animal Protection Act by going to www.aspca.org and clicking on "Legal Information" and then "Advocacy Center."

Please support your state representative from your region in getting The Animal Protection Act passed.

Janette Laurel
Greensboro

Those readers who continue to whine and whimper about the school choice plan and the Guilford County Board of Education should really get lives and move on.

Back in November, we had an accountability moment in Guilford County called the elections, and the people of the county spoke loudly and clearly in favor of the current school board, Dr. Terry Grier, the choice plan and socio-economic diversity. The school board and Dr. Grier received a sweeping mandate and earned a lot of political capital in the election. Live with it and stop dwelling on the past.

Support the school board, Dr. Grier and the school choice plan because the voters, in their wisdom, made the correct decisions.

We now have in place the best superintendent and school board Guilford County has seen in many years, and the tiny minority of people opposed to the choice plan and socio-economic diversity had better get used to it because these policies are here to stay.

Be part of the solution and not part of the problem.

Chuck Davis
High Point

Regarding David Linnabery's letter, "Social Security funds deserve protection" (Feb. 6):

He wrote, "I am a Republican who is concerned about the way those whom I helped to put into office are running things. I only pray that they will do the right thing and leave our retirement alone."

He should have prayed and done more homework before he voted for George Bush and the boys. Next time he needs to consider the issues and forget about the parties. Parties are political. Issues are real.

Kevin Colussi
Greensboro

As your excellent article ("Your 100-year forecast," Jan. 30) reflected, despite naysayers like author Michael Crichton, there is broad scientific consensus that global warming is occurring much faster than expected and that the rate is accelerating. Severe impacts are being felt in many places, and climate experts express growing concern about potential "tipping points" and runaway warming.

The increasing drought/flood cycles and violent storms in North Carolina might not be global warming-related; either way, they're destined to worsen.

Fortunately, measures to curb global warming should also be done for economic reasons. Clean technologies are fully developed to begin replacing hazardous electricity sources. However, that transition is impossible without widespread reductions in energy consumption. For years, experts in energy efficiency and building design have demonstrated that energy usage can be dramatically reduced by practical, available measures that reduce air pollution and save money. Saving energy is good for business and job creation. I encourage the News & Record to continue covering global warming -- plus the feasibility of reducing greenhouse gases in the short term.

Jim Warren
Durham
The writer is executive director, N.C. Waste Awareness & Reduction Network.

Too many drivers in Greensboro drive as if they're the only ones on the road or that they always have the right-of-way. If they use them at all, many drivers use their turn signals to indicate what they've done rather than what they intend to do.

Recently, I was immediately behind a city police car as it exited a parking lot. While waiting to make my right turn, I noted the police car didn't have on its turn signal. I guess he thought being in the right turn lane was signal enough. No big deal. However, when he moved into traffic, he crept toward the center lane as if to make a left turn -- no signal. He didn't complete the move and tentatively came back into the right lane -- no signal. He then moved to the far right and pulled up on to the shoulder, leaving two wheels in traffic -- again, no signal. Fortunately, I was paying attention. Had I not been, I could have swerved into another car or hit the rear of the police vehicle.

Is it too much to ask that our police drive more safely than the general public?

Sandy Bundgaard
Greensboro

I am disturbed by an apparent attitude of many citizens that they may pick and choose which city laws they will obey and which ones they will ignore. It would seem that most drivers ignore the 35 mph speed limit within the city even through school zones when the warning light is not blinking.

Another example are neighbors who become angry and feel put upon when spoken to for playing Frisbee with an unleashed German shepherd on the median in front of my home. Other neighbors' dogs, again unleashed, have attacked my leashed dog as we are walking for exercise around the block. I now fear walking my own dog.

I see people park in handicapped spots to make a quick run into a grocery, no handicapped signs hanging on their rear view mirrors.

These are deliberate choices made to ignore and break a law. Not accidental breaches but with awareness of what they are doing. Need we OK their actions by closing our eyes rather than pointing out to them what they are wrongly doing and standing up for our own rights?

Joan Stratton
Greensboro

I am a senior in high school, and I would like to talk about an issue that I have with how women are objectified in advertising.

I am a young woman myself, and when I see women in advertisements show off their bodies to sell beer and cars and everything else that people can advertise, I feel pretty worthless. I feel like we are advertised as things and not people. It seems like our bodies are being sold out to the country rather than the item that the commercial is advertising.

It looks as though the commercial for beers is saying, "If you drink my beer, then all the attractive women will flock to you." That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. Does the whole population of men actually believe this?

The women are now objectified as a body that has no brain. I'm offended every time I see a commercial like this. It's disgusting how women are treated in the adverting world and, therefore, I feel that women should not buy the items that are being advertised in this way.

Suzanne Hartsell
Greensboro

I am a sophomore at Smith High School. I read the News & Record regularly. It seems that when Smith is mentioned, it's usually about something bad. The kind of publicity we get is not at all helpful to my school. Put us in the paper for good things, too.

Smith has received several honors in the past year. We recently became an International Baccalaureate school, and the marching band won several competitions, both of which I am a part. Our sports teams never seem to be given any recognition they deserve when they win.
In my two years at Smith, I've been able to travel around the world without actually leaving town. My school is the most culturally diverse school in the county with students from 26 different countries.

Sure, we're going to have problems just like any other school. Report what you have to, but be fair and impartial just like you are to every other school in the county. I am proud of my school, as are most of our students and faculty, and I look forward to saying in the future I am an alumna of Ben L. Smith High School.

Amy Cecil
Greensboro

Editor's note: The News & Record has written about the IB program, the marching band and scholarships awarded to Smith students.

By now, most of our community is aware that the United Way of Greater High Point has exceeded its 2004 campaign goal, thanks to this generous and involved community of caring citizens who chose to invest their charitable giving resources into helping people and improving the quality of life in High Point, Archdale, Trinity and Jamestown.

United Way of Greater High Point funds 69 programs at 29 partner agencies, from Family Service of the Piedmont to The Salvation Army, the American Red Cross to the Mental Health Association, and the Hispanic Center to Big Brothers Big Sisters. Your United Way dollars directly touch one-third of our population. Community impact is important to you, and you strongly voiced this commitment during this year's campaign.

It has been my honor to serve as the 2004 campaign chairman for the United Way of Greater High Point, and on this organization's behalf, I am privileged to extend a tremendous "thank you" to the thousands of donors and volunteers who supported our efforts to build a stronger community. Truly, as our campaign theme says, "Together, we do what matters."

Gary M. Gore
High Point

George Bush gave his infamous speech concerning Saddam and weapons of mass destruction, our justification for invading Iraq. Most were horrified and worried by this immediate and grave threat to America. Surely, we must attack. Not so fast.

Bush, Wolfowitz, Cheney and Rumsfeld (to name a few) had to know WMDs did not exist. Here's why: In his speech, Bush gave Saddam and his sons 48 hours to leave Iraq, or else. In essence, he gave a supposed madman with biological, chemical and maybe even nuclear weapons 48 hours to "lock and load."

Would any "commander-in- chief" send young men and women directly into harm's way after giving an enemy with WMDs a 48-hour head start? Perhaps, but only if the president knew for sure that the WMDs did not exist.

So, Bush either lied to us all about certain WMDs, or he recklessly sent our fellow Americans directly into the cross hairs of potential chemical, biological and nuclear weapons.

Bush knows the truth. So should we.

Mike Covey
Eden

In reference to the article, "Living large" (Home Life, Jan. 22), Jerry Neal, founder and vice president of RF Micro Devices, describes this big mansion (Linbrook Hall) near Trinity. He tells how his wife, Linda Neal, cries and cries because she's going to be living a different lifestyle because a lot of money was coming their way.

Well, I cried and cried, but for different reasons. The investment I had with RF Micro almost bottomed out. The day I was in my investor's office, I was told this was a very stable company. Was I ever in for a rude awakening some months down the road. I might just as well have pitched several thousands of dollars to the wind because I was down to almost a zero balance with my stock. The half-bath I had visualized on the back of my little cottage was deleted from my thoughts right then. Being a widow, I didn't have a husband to walk through the door and tell me more money was on the way.

I cringe at the very word RF Micro.

Jeanette Key
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Tim Allen

Charles Davenport's trip to visit the Dead Seas Scrolls exhibit in High Point inspired a very misleading column ("Dead Sea Scrolls reveal eternal truths," Feb. 8). First, he twists logic by implying that, because the Dead Sea Scrolls exist, then skeptics who doubt the Christian founding of our nation are thus rebutted. Are we to believe that the ancient Essenes of the Qumran community copied these texts only to prove America's Christian heritage?

Next, his use of a dubious Jeffersonian epithet further implies the third president stood firmly on the doctrines of these lost scriptures. Was Jefferson's miracle-free version of the New Testament included in this exhibit? If so, does this represent the Christian principles the exhibitors, and Davenport, wish to emphasize?

Davenport naively cites the exhibit's apparently biased film and lectures and conveniently ignores scholarly and primary sources. "Here in the Colonies, settlers encountered difficulty obtaining Bibles in English, which were forbidden by the king (of England)."

Since Davenport loathes scholars, I'll cite writer Eve LaPlante's "American Jezebel: The Uncommon Life of Anne Hutchinson, the Woman who Defied the Puritans." Culling evidence from diaries, tax and probate records, she notes that nearly all Colonists in the 1600s had a Bible in their home. Thus, Davenport's next assertion that, with Congress' sanction of printing an American Bible in English in 1782, it was only then that Americans could obtain Bibles in English, is simply erroneous.

Davenport then cites the exhibit's guide, which notes that such American Bibles are "a reminder of the strong faith of our Founding Fathers, and the Christian principles upon which this nation was built." So the printing of Bibles in America proves that our founders were Christian? Colonial printers published books because they made money, and Bibles sold well. Historically, it is more accurate to say that the devoted reading of the Bible by the Colonists (some of whom were our founders) throughout the Colonial period led to our nation's Christian principles.

According to the patriotic, conservative deceptions manufactured in this article, the one who really deals in "fairy tale, myth or superstition" is Davenport. When we turn history into propaganda, we defeat the very purpose of the founders' Christian principles of truth, freedom and liberty.

The writer lives in Liberty and teaches history and religion at Randolph Community College.

In January 2005, North Carolina legislators voted for a smoke-free General Assembly, and a bill was introduced to ban smoking in restaurants. All citizens deserve the same environment by the passage of a bill to eliminate smoking in restaurants.

Restaurants should be smoke-free, due to the adverse affects from secondhand smoke -- the occupational hazard it poses for employees; respiratory and heart conditions; allergies; eye and nose irritations; and interference with enjoyment of foods.

Restaurants are establishments where a smoke-free environment is long overdue. Smoking has long been banned in hospitals, doctors' offices, health departments, grocery stores, offices, theaters, malls, coliseums, public transportation, etc.

Public awareness and concern for hazards and complications from smoking and secondhand smoke has increased the urgency for restaurants to become smoke-free.

Smokers' rights will not be infringed upon. They may smoke outside while not polluting the air of enclosed areas. Studies and personal experience have shown positive, instead of adverse, effects on business after restaurants have gone smoke-free.

It is time for the public to speak out and take action for cleaner air by contacting senators and representatives for passage of a bill to ban smoking in restaurants.

J.D. Smith
Asheboro

Firstly, I applaud the News & Record for implementing the technology of Web logs and comments. I really like the opportunity to discuss points raised in letters to the editor.

I do have some observations on the system you implemented and think you may want to adjust your aim a bit in providing a way for readers to interact.

Regarding Saul Cornell's opinion piece (Ideas, Feb. 13)[update -- wire service column, not posted]:

The proof for the gun rights advocates lays in the language of the amendment ("a well-regulated militia") or a gathering of free men ("being necessary to the security of a free state") in defense of an idea or purpose ("the right of people to keep and bear arms").
This is the key. This line in the amendment solidifies the notion that our rights are ours, not the government's to mold or twist (shall not be infringed) or be fooled with.

What Cornell fails to realize is that the Justice Department is not trying to infringe but expand our ability to keep and bear arms.

Mark Parlato
Greensboro

The raging debate over the teaching of evolution versus creationism is a perfect example of why mandatory public schooling should end.

While I believe in evolution and know that the teaching of creationism violates church/state separation, I also recognize that those who reject evolution have the right not to have their children subjected to its teaching.

For that matter, I recognize the right of any parent not to have his or her children subjected to public education, period. Mandatory public education is an egregious violation of the Thirteenth Amendment, which prohibits involuntary servitude.

Let's instead privatize all education. Free-market competition will make private schooling affordable, and parents will have ultimate control over what their children are taught. This plan is far superior to school vouchers, for vouchers create a twofold problem: First, vouchers still require tax money, and no taxpayer should ever be required to finance private education.

Second, vouchers will inevitably open the door to governmental regulation of private schools.
The best way to achieve privatization of education is by electing Libertarians to public office. For more information on the Libertarian Party, please visit www.lpnc.org or www.lp.org.

Paul DeV. Elledge
Browns Summit

Aren't there enough whiskery, overweight loudmouths around here to make fun of? This is to complain about your Michael Moore Makeover contest. There's no good reason for it, but I can suggest some bad ones:

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Michael Northuis

Doug Clark's column, "Conservatives carry old burdens" (Feb. 9)[not posted], paints a picture of today's "social conservatives" as if they are all ready to be exalted into sainthood. He lists all their shining attributes, they are for: Boy Scouts, family, hard work, honesty, efficient government, law enforcement and discipline. Above all, they worship regularly. They're against drugs, alcohol, pornography and all the social ills that plague our great land.

By the end of his column, I was weeping with (conservative) compassion.

Then reality set in. CNN started listing why and how we should perpetrate a "preemptive strike" on Iran: its "nuclear threat," its "aiding terrorist factions," its "danger to good, civilized, moral people like ourselves." I had a distinct feeling of deja vu and wondered just how gullible are these "patriotic" conservatives? I think it's time for "good moral conservatives" to start asking themselves some hard questions: Is Bush's preemptive strike doctrine really a "Christian" endeavor? Will this promote peace or just oil profits for Enron and Halliburton?

Every new bill passed by these neocons puts money in the pockets of the richest 5 percent of Americans while costing the average American more in inflation, and a higher percentage of the tax burden.

Bush's solution is to cut programs for disabled veterans, public education and small farm owners and to drain money from Social Security (to the projected tune of $2.75 trillion), effectively creating an elderly begging class.

What kind of morality does this represent? Why is there no concern for the environment in Clark's list of "social conservative" virtues? Did not God make this earth?

Scientists around the globe agree that we are entering a new phase of the greenhouse effects that could be irreversible, why is this administration in denial? Why are they not talking about conservation, alternative fuels or mileage standards for autos?

Every year more and more thousands of dollars, of my tax dollars, go toward killing innocent people and lining the pockets of the wealthy while this government cuts off funds that benefit the poorer classes.

As a Christian liberal (no oxymoron here), I defy one of you morally superior "social conservatives" to show me biblical text that supports the actions of this administration. When I hear all this talk lately about how great it is to have a "good Christian" in the White House, I have to reach for my motion sickness bag.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

Lemming, ostrich or monkey?

I may develop a medical condition from frequently shaking my head in disbelief.

On the one hand, we try our darnedest to turn the Triad into a "transportation-manufacturing-distribution hub." That means more and more roads, more and more traffic, fewer and fewer trees, more and more polluted streams, air, soil and so on. At the same time, we consider taking the EPA to court, since they are telling us that our air is polluted. Oh, sorry, I forgot, it's not our air — it's Davidson County's air. Well, what do we care about the people there? Sorry, I forgot once again. Aren't they Triad people, too?

Anyway, in the name of economic progress, we seemingly blithely go about destroying our (and others') air, water and soil, claim that it is not our fault, and proclaim that it really won't be too bad, that we can always fix things, and that that's just the price of "progress." Are we possibly just behaving like the proverbial lemmings rushing toward the cliff, or the ostrich, or the three monkeys? You are the judge.

Michael H. Hoppe
Greensboro

The headline over the Cal Thomas column, "Rely on self, not government (Feb. 11), was an echo of a similar notion expressed by a Trinity High School student about 70 years ago. The Social Security Act had just been passed. One of our high school teachers required us to discuss "current events." A class member selected that news event and in a very few minutes gave his prediction that "Social Security will not be enough and that our only security is in our own hands." Such a contradictory view was even less accepted then than it is now, and the student got no applause for his conclusions.

Today, very few acknowledge that the Social Security program was intended to be one of three financial parts in planning for retirement. That teenager understood it soon after the program was enacted. It is appalling that, over the years, our leaders have let us lose sight of that underlying concept.

W. Darrell Allred
Greensboro

Regarding the essay on the Second Amendment (Ideas, Feb. 13): John Ashcroft would have failed Miss Mildred Murrel's grammar course at Burlington High in the 1940s, as well as U.S. History 101 in any college or university. Miss Murrel taught that the construction of a sentence is meaningful; how the words are strung together conveys a message.

James Madison and others knew exactly what they were doing to make one part of a sentence depend on another part to flesh out their intention. If the Second Amendment were reduced to one idea per sentence, it would read: 1) These united States (united was not capitalized when the Constitution was written) have no standing army; 2) some of our citizens have guns; 3) they can be summoned to form a militia; 4) that militia must be well-regulated. Conclusion: Therefore, citizens lawfully owned guns.

But now, two centuries later, look at the construction of the amendment: We are United; we have a standing army plus the National Guard. We don't need a citizens' militia. The ownership of guns can be regulated. Ownership of assault weapons and such is not a constitutional right. What's not to understand?

Raymond A. "Pete" Petrea
Greensboro

Here is another corporate farce that just amazes me. Concerning the Krispy Kreme fiasco that has cost many people investment dollars and now company jobs: Why would one want to keep Scott Livengood ("retired" CEO) as a paid consultant when he has grossly mismanaged the company? Would you want his advice if you were at the helm? I cannot figure it out.

Michael B. Zales
Greensboro

Regarding the letter, "Low-carb diets are part of the problem" (Feb. 8): After being on a low-carb diet for six years, I still don't understand why low carb is being blamed for health problems. Americans (adults and their children) are getting so obese now because of their low-fat, high-carb diets. Low-carbers are healthier, happier, have more energy, lower cholesterol and hardly any diseases.

We do eat plenty of vegetables, some fruits, whole grains, lean meat and protein. Ketosis is not a dangerous state, and we only have it during the induction phase of the diet.

The food pyramid is turning people into potential walking heart attacks. It is only a myth that low-carbers live on steak and bacon. Look at a low-carb cookbook and see the wonderful way we low-carbers eat.

Janis Pace
Summerfield

There seems to be a problem that bothers me greatly about the community and the things that we do with our trash. I am a high school student, and I am very concerned about the generations after me. People in the Triad seem to throw their trash out onto the roads, sidewalks, everywhere, and something needs to be done about it. The littering is polluting the air and causing a hole in the ozone layer.

Do we want to risk our children's and grandchildren's future by ruining the atmosphere? We need to keep the environment safe for our future generations so that they can live a safe and healthy life and not live in fear of the ozone being destroyed. Our ozone is slowly being destroyed because of the pollution. The greenhouse effect is taking place, and it is not healthy for plants and other living organisms. I think it is wrong to hurt living beings, including ourselves. We all know of the problem, yet we don't do anything about it.

Jaylin Chrystal
Greensboro

Sometimes I wonder if your editorial writers ever read your own newspaper.

In your Feb. 11 letters, Samuel Spagnola, an Oak Ridge reader, wrote, "Is this a mere coincidence that suddenly when Democrats start losing elections, the News & Record, along with some Democrats in Raleigh, find a need to do away with those elections?"

Spagnola must be psychic, because in your lead editorial, "State voters choose too many politicians" (Feb. 14), you tell us that people shouldn't get to vote for these office holders. The governor should appoint them in order to have a "cohesive administration."

As a longtime reader, I don't recall this being a problem for the News & Record when Republican Jim Martin was governor and the Democrats kept winning all those other executive office elections. In fact, this was not even a problem when Jim Hunt or Mike Easley won previous elections and the Democratic Party kept winning all those executive office elections.

Why the sudden need for non-democratically selected appointees? Did the people actually elect a few Republicans?

Martin Kalaydjian
Eden

I would like to highlight an important fact that is often overlooked in discussions of smoke-free dining. While many people know that secondhand smoke is indeed a carcinogen and considered toxic by the EPA, and most know that it poses a significant risk to children and others with asthma and breathing disorders, fewer people understand that there is significant danger to your heart when breathing other people's smoke.

Last year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a warning stating that people at risk for heart and vascular disease should avoid smoke-filled areas. Their warning stated that exposure for as little as 30 minutes could have a serious, or even lethal, effect. This is because secondhand smoke rapidly increases the tendency of blood to clot, restricting flow to the heart. This has been borne out in towns where a smoke-free policy has been enacted and later repealed, showing that heart attacks rapidly dropped when the ban went into effect and then returned to normal when the ban was lifted.

Give your heart a break and look for heart-healthy, smoke-free restaurants at www.smoke-free-guilford.org/cleanair.htm

Mary Gillett
Greensboro
The writer is coordinator, Tobacco Use Prevention Program, Guilford County Department of Public Health.

As the media continue to cover the debate over Social Security, I believe there is one very important fact that has been overlooked in regard to the reform proposals put forward by President George Bush.

All the changes that he puts forward are absolutely voluntary. Personal accounts or investment accounts will only be opted for if so chosen by the individual worker.

In this way, the risk in the new system is taken only by individuals who buy into these accounts. I feel that allowing individuals this freedom is much more in keeping with the individual freedoms Americans are used to, rather than the attitude of those who would deny our young people the chance to make something better of their retirements.

Joyce Krawiec
Kernersville

Now, let me see if I get this right: If you are a student in High Point and your family cannot afford to pay for school lunches, you will be sent to the magnet school that specializes in courses like world music, improvisation, tap dancing, children's theater/mime/puppetry and auditioning. If you have a wealthier family, you are eligible to go to schools that offer pathophysiology, biochemistry, scientific writing, aquatic chemistry, international relations, international literature, etc.

Maybe it's me -- it just seems a tad inequitable, maybe even racist. As adults, if we cannot provide an opportunity for all children to access a good education, then God forgive us.

Ruby McGhee
Jamestown

It has come to my attention that many in the United States are having trouble getting along with one another since President George W. Bush won last year's election. Every day I overhear people arguing and disagreeing over one thing or another that he or she likes or dislikes about Bush. I think all we are doing is wasting our breath. We can all argue for hours on end, and that's all we've been doing since the election. However, the only thing all this fighting is doing for us is breaking us further apart as friends and as a country.

I was not entirely pleased with the way the election turned out, but even if I fought with a Republican and won the argument, it's not going to take Bush off the stand. All I'm doing is pushing myself away from people who have different points of view than I do. Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion, and the country needs to realize that, respect it, and just leave it at that.

I am only a high school senior, but I think the people of the United States need support from one another more than anything in order to keep us together as a nation.

Wallace May
Greensboro

Among my many friends are many Republicans, all of whom are caring human beings. While there is much we disagree on, I suspect there is also much common ground.

Might we together say no to wars fought for lies? No to torture? No to reducing medical benefits for veterans? No to money for Mars when a quarter of our children are hungry? No to indefinite imprisonment without due process? No to eviscerating Social Security, society's most successful safety net? No to judicial appointees who will not respect a woman's right to her body? Finally, might we say together America will not be saved by wars, gallant heroes, or presidents in flight suits?

What matters is you and I taking time to learn about the issues, reading, talking with one another and holding accountable those sworn to represent us.

Steve Kroll-Smith
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Lowell J. Rauch

As president of Carolina Camera Center, I feel an obligation to respond to the many individuals who have asked why we are going out of business. The primary reason was based on economics and the realization that Carolina Camera Centers Inc. was not and could not become profitable. The cost of doing business exceeded the potential return on the investments. However, economic factors were not the only reason we closed our doors. There were emotional factors involved as well.

The federal government allows some of our major competitors to sell products in North Carolina without collecting the 7 percent state sales tax. This puts us at a 7 percent price disadvantage. The state and local municipalities have given tax incentives to certain companies that sell the same products we sell, and these actions put us at an even greater price disadvantage. The incentives given to one particular company equate to almost $20,000 per employee. These incentives are funded by future tax revenues supposedly created by the addition of the new jobs. My contention is that major corporations that make millions of dollars in profits should fund their own expansion the same way small businesses do, and that is by working hard and earning profits and paying a fair share of taxes.

It costs larger corporations less per employee for benefits. Health insurance costs became another major factor in the economic equation that influenced our decision to close. Something needs to be done in this country to assure that sick people receive proper medical care and that no one goes hungry.

I think our tax dollars could be used in ways other than supplementing the bottom lines of large corporations. The emotional impact of the state's actions, along with the realization that we were losing money, took all the enjoyment out of working at Carolina Camera. If you don't enjoy what you are doing, it's time to stop doing it.

I want to thank the community for allowing our family and business to serve you over the past 60 years.

The writer is president of Carolina Camera Center and lives in Greensboro.

On the front page of my newspaper Feb. 13, there was an article co-authored by Jim Schlosser and Margaret Moffett Banks entitled, "Pricey homes lead to high tax bills." I have read and reread the article and even asked some friends to read it, and all of us came to the same conclusion -- there was no point to the article.

So I'd like to provide one for Schlosser and Banks. I would like to thank, from the bottom of my heart, the people mentioned in this article and the others who live in Greensboro who have homes valued at more than $1 million. From my very rough calculation these 204 people are contributing more than $3 million to the school system that my children attend. I am grateful that they support our schools in such a positive manner. I am thankful that these people have been successful and support not only our schools through the taxes they pay, but support the community in many other ways.

How about a follow-up article about the other positive things these people do for our community?

Jerry Clark
Greensboro

I am a high school senior writing to you today to speak my mind about the war on terrorism. Many people have different opinions on the war, all of which deserve to be heard and talked about freely, but when some uneducated idiot says America stinks because we are fighting a war on terrorism, then that is like kicking our country in the face.

A lot of Americans say that too many people are dying in the war. I cannot disagree with that statement because any person dying is too many, but they are losing their lives defending the rights that you and I take for granted, the rights that our forefathers fought so hard to gain. America is there trying to win these people the same rights that we, as Americans, overlook in simple, everyday life.

I believe that we should be there and we should stay there until we get the job done, and the job looks like it is a long way from getting done. When people look back on this time in history, they will remember it for what it is: a very good attempt to try and do the right thing.

Christopher Chrysson
Winston-Salem

If you enjoy the beautiful North Carolina coast and beaches, especially for boating and fishing, listen up. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers cannot maintain the minimum safe depth of certain North Carolina shallow draft inlets because of underfunding.

The current administration is justifying the reduction/shifting of funds with the country-at-war argument. The U.S. economy can support the war effort only if it is kept healthy and strong. With no maintenance money included in President Bush's proposed budget, it's questionable how long these shallow draft inlets will remain navigable waterways.

Faced with dangerous shoaling, the Coast Guard has already removed the navigational markers from Lockwood Folly Inlet and New River Inlet. Carolina Beach Inlet and others could be next. The administration proposes no money for beach replenishment projects and dredging of the Intercoastal Waterway or shallow draft inlets.

If you want to help, go to the Web site www.fryingpantower.com and follow the prompts to save our inlets. For more information, go to www.Starnewsonline.com and search for "inlets" (registration required). Also, contact your elected officials. Keep our inlets open.

Ben Sloan
Oak Ridge

Regarding the article discussing the Battleground Oaks development ("Battleground developers get OK this time," Feb. 15):

Your article suggested that there was no opposition to the development because there was poor turnout to the zoning commission meeting. However, I want to assure you that many residents still strongly oppose this development being placed in this location. The turnout at the zoning commission meeting does not demonstrate our feelings; rather it is a reflection of the meeting time and the lengthy struggle that this has turned into. The majority of the residents of the neighborhoods have to work and are unable to attend a three-hour meeting in the middle of the day.

We do intend to vigorously oppose this development at the City Council meeting next week. There are several strong arguments that need to be considered before the council can make a fair and proper decision on this matter. The fight over this development is not over despite what your article suggested.

Ted Eaves
Greensboro

Michael J. Scotto ("Evolution provides important insights," letter, Feb. 9), in defense of evolution, says, "I will never understand how people who believe that God can do all things can deny that He could have created the world any way He wished."

I believe God can do all things except lie. I believe that He could have created the world any way He wished, including using evolution if He wanted to. However, if He did, then He lied when He told Moses that He did it in six days. If those six days were really billions of years (or any length of time longer than six literal days), you're gonna have an awful long work week according to the fourth commandment (Exodus 20:8-11).

I suspect it is Scotto who is of little faith, since "faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God," and Scotto obviously knows very little of the word of God.

Bob Worcester
Inverness, FL

Regarding Betsy Fox's letter ("Accurate vote count requires all ballots," Feb. 14):

I would like for her to know that provisional voting is for people going to the wrong voting places and being able to vote on Election Day. Who is to say they didn't go to another place to do the same thing? If your name is not on the books where you go to vote, then you shouldn't be allowed to vote. Just as simple as that.

We all have time to register to vote and have our card to show where to vote. I have worked on Election Days seeing things that you just wouldn't believe. One is groups that arrive together to vote with sample ballots checked for them and have no idea where to vote or how. The judge would have people lined up to do paperwork for them so they could vote.

Again, why wait until Election Day to know where and how to vote? A few on the Board of Commissioners don't want Dr. Trudy Wade because she is fair and for all the people. I'm a Democrat, and you better believe I voted for the Republicans this year in Guilford County.

Lois Rankin
Greensboro

For serious camera pragmatists, the loss of Burlington Industry's headquarters, Cone Mills' textile complexes, Sears' warehouse behemoth and Piedmont Aviation's comforts rival the iconic demise of Carolina Camera. The latter was the dawn and will be the sunset of home-grown camera retailing.

Al Rauch, Carolina Camera's president, called me into his office at Friendly Center one day in the early 1960s, complimented some pictures taken with a hand-me-down Brownie Reflex and showed me his many travel photos. In his soft-spoken voice he suggested, "Take home this 35mm Pentax with interchangeable lens; return it, free of charge, in three weeks if you choose not to purchase it." In addition, he provided free photography lessons once a week during the trial. I was sold on the camera, the hobby and, later, the vocation.

Son Lowell's store on Summit Avenue was closer to my Burlington commute, and often I stopped by to talk or trade. Lowell felt guilty if you accepted posted retail prices and threw in extra filters or a case. No high pressure, no gimmicks and as much advice and explanation as anyone needed or would accept. They are great merchants and fine people; the camera community will sorely miss them.

Jack L. Levin
Greensboro

Two issues struck me in your editorial on Feb. 14, endorsing gubernatorial appointment for the offices of Council of State.

First, you posed the rhetorical question of why Gov. Easley did not fire Meg Scott Phipps. ("Urged? Why didn't he fire her?") That question is striking because your dearth of coverage on North Carolina state government makes it a miracle we (your readers) even knew she was the agriculture commissioner. From reading this paper I would have no idea what the Council of State officers or our legislators do in service to the public. How about giving us some factual news on state government before you offer your opinion?

Second, is it simply coincidence that when Republicans recently won three seats on the Council of State you suddenly opined that this state should change the selection process? I don't think so. We previously saw your endorsement of change in judicial selection when Republicans began winning those statewide races. Here we go again.

Is it fair to assume that if the Republicans should gain control of the General Assembly, you will endorse gubernatorial appointment for those positions, too?

William L. Osteen Jr.
Greensboro

I read "Hit-run measure in honor of Gates" (News & Record, Feb. 15) and understood its import.

Since then, however, I've spoken with others who read the same article and commented how great it was that Pat and George Gates had been able to close the loophole in the law. "Hold it," I said. I suggested they read the article again and realize this has not yet been accomplished. They were shocked to hear how long and arduous the process can be.

Several months of the Gates family's effort have simply managed to get the bill sponsoring "Stephen's Law" to the starting line. They will need continuing support before it becomes law. We can help by writing or e-mailing our North Carolina representatives to urge their support (go to www.ncga.state.nc.us for addresses). The families of other hit-and-run victims should not have to endure a broken law along with their broken lives, as the Gates family has.

Colleen Assal
Greensboro

We at Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays must comment on the recent threat by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration that a workshop on suicide prevention drop the words "gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender" from its title or lose federal funding.

This is another example of a disturbing pattern by the current administration to erase any reference to our family members and friends from official United States research and discourse. Mounting evidence demonstrates that deceit and ideologically driven policy currently prevail at the highest levels of the federal government.

Multiple studies, including one by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, consistently show that the suicide risk factor for young gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) Americans is three times greater than for their peers. The hostile environment GLBT youth experience is the main contributor to the high level of attempted and completed suicide among this group.

This administration acts with increasing irresponsibility toward populations it views as inconvenient and troublesome. As families and friends of the GLBT community, we have suffered through its legislative attempts to marginalize loved ones. We must not also endanger their lives by leaving them out of suicide prevention efforts.

David N. Parker
Greensboro

Editor's note: The writer's contention that multiple studies show an elevated suicide risk is disputed. For example, the
Surgeon General's Call to Action to Prevent Suicide states, "There are no empirical data on completed suicides to support such assertions."

The release of Richard Clarke's al-Qaida memo of Jan. 25, 2001, last week was more proof that Condoleezza Rice is wholly unfit to be our nation's top diplomat. That memo asks for a principals meeting to discuss the threat posed to the United States by al-Qaida. Rice's response was that Clarke was a sub-Cabinet functionary and should meet with the deputies, not with the president and the Cabinet.

This memo, sent five days into Bush's first term, was ignored until Sept. 4, 2001, despite 40 Presidential Daily Briefings by Director of Central Intelligence Tenet that focused on the al-Qaida threat. Clarke continues to be the only administration official to have apologized for Sept. 11, though he seems to have been the only official to actually have done anything to try to prevent it.

Dr. Rice refused to answer the tough questions posed in her confirmation hearings, and with the release of this memo (declassified last April, though only released after the election), it appears she lied in those hearings, as well as in front of the 9/11 Commission.

Is there any wonder why the American people question the validity of the administration's claims about Iran?

David Harryman
Burlington

Guilford County Commissioner Paul Gibson's suggestion for a tax hike to build an endowment for the county would be a good idea with one slight modification: Build the endowment without a tax increase. A Board of County Commissioners that could produce a budget that does not spend every single cent it takes in, and instead showed that it could actually set aside funds from current revenues, would be a board that might be trusted with an endowment such as the one envisioned by Gibson.

Jim Capo
Greensboro

Two centuries ago, Thomas Jefferson wrote that the First Amendment had created a wall separating church and state. From what I've read of his and James Madison's writings on the subject, they thought it important to keep religion from holding governmental power, just as it was important to keep government from holding religious power. After all, struggles resulting from religious groups vying for political dominance had ravaged Europe for centuries, providing a terrible lesson on the subject.

But I can't help wondering about other possible reasons for this separation. Eighteenth-century America was a land of wide diversity when it came to religion. Already, an awful lot of people had been killed and harmed because of sectarian squabbles. I think one very good reason for establishing real freedom of religion was to remove it from the equation of how to define members of the community. Perhaps what Jefferson and the nation's other founders wanted was to create a nation where religion has no influence on citizenship. One could be Christian, Hindu or atheist, yet still be a member of the American community.

Sounds good to me. Why change that?

Eric Harrington
Greensboro
The writer is a member of the Piedmont Freethought Association.

Today I rode by our almost-completed new baseball field. I think all of us in Greensboro, whether sports fans or not, should be very proud of this stadium. I have many fond memories of the old Memorial Stadium, where I belonged to the "Knot-Hole Gang" when Johnny Mize played there. I also played for the Greensboro American Legion team and many other teams there.

I think our former mayor, Jim Melvin, did a tremendous job in his leadership of this project. Anyone who takes a leadership role in just about anything is going to receive criticism. I'm glad this criticism did not stop him, and I think all of us in Greensboro should appreciate the fine job he did.

Jack Armfield
Greensboro

I wonder whether reports of a recent study of 100,000 high school students, about what they think of the freedoms democracy is based on, have attracted attention in educational circles.

They should have, because the results are alarming.

More than a third of the students thought guarantees of freedom of religion, speech, the press and assembly are excessive. Some had "no opinion" about the First Amendment, and half or more thought that government can censor the Internet and that newspapers' publication of stories ought to be subject to prior government approval.

The Knight Foundation and its University of Connecticut researchers have brought to light how many young minds either don't know or don't care about foundations of our own democratic society. It's timely to worry about this just now, when in Iraq people have risked death to earn the freedoms about which our kids are at best casual and probably confused.

Curriculum designers, take note.

Dick Wharton
Greensboro

Please refer to David Brooks' column, "Baseball lords have put me in my place" (Feb. 15) [not posted], which I enjoyed probably too much.

Sad to say, Brooks has described in a clever way the United States today. I fear we are daily moving away from being a democracy. So much of what he is saying is true that I cannot pick out a phrase or sentence to quote. One has to read the whole column to get the point/punch.

Thank you, Mr. Brooks.

Barbara Walker
Greensboro

Concerning High Point's reconsideration of red-light cameras after a Superior Court judge ruled that 90 percent of the revenues must go the public schools:

High Point Mayor Becky Smothers' statement, "Our idea wasn't to make money; it was to create safer roads," is laughable.

A court ruled that 90 percent of the collected monies has to go to the schools. This will effectively shut down the Greensboro and High Point red-light camera systems. That is, unless they ante up.

Now that the cities would have to either raise taxes or pay the camera company out of current revenues, it suddenly is about the money. If the cities were so concerned for public safety, would they not pay and continue the program?

These mayors and leaders can say it all they want until they are blue in the face, but we all know, no matter what they say, it was always about the money.

Bruce Clarkson
Greensboro

I've always associated the word "snitch" with people serving time in prison. Imagine my surprise when I read that two members of the school board were concerned about students being asked to look out for gang connections and drug activity in our schools and communities.

The police wanted students and parents to work together on a new program called "School Watch." What a wonderful idea. Who would know more about what's going on in schools and communities than young people?

Many years ago, I remember some parents used the threat of the police to discipline their children instead of doing it themselves. Some of those kids grew up to hate policemen.

Let's not make young people feel that helping out makes them a snitch. If we can save one person from going to jail or dying from drugs, then "snitch" can be a positive word. I just wish that someone had snitched on the students who executed their peers and teachers at Columbine.

Finally, I beg school board members not to make our young people feel as if they are doing something wrong. They should be applauded for doing the right thing.

Shirley J. Wright
Greensboro

In Elizabeth City, some teachers recently requested that seventh-grade students write President Bush imploring him to withdraw troops from Iraq because precious loved ones are being lost in the war, due to Bush's determination to set up a democracy in Iraq.

The objective was to convince the president to send our troops home.

The atrocities by Saddam are well-documented, so I will assume that, to the teachers, this was not significant to their request.

The interesting and sad point here is the response of the school superintendent, whose primary concern was that students did not have a chance to express their own opinions.

What about the teachers imposing their liberal views on children who are more inclined to watch cartoons than read the front page of their local newspaper?

I think the "apology" by Superintendent Tony Stewart is an affront to all who believe that politics should be left at home by those who are instructing our kids.

Jerry C. Poole
Greensboro

Many of us were watching the USA cable channel on Monday and Tuesday for the 129th running of the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club competition. It's the World Series of dog shows in North America and the ultimate in class and hard work.

Few people realize that there is a "top dog" here also in the form of MB-F Inc., a local company on Industrial Avenue. Since 1994, MB-F has provided the equipment and services that put on the show in Madison Square Garden. Once a year, we can all sit down and enjoy this fine show as it provides us with a wealth of education about each animal as it parades around the ring.

Most of us have at one time in our lives cherished the company of a dog. He or she may not meet the high standards of the show in the Garden, but they do enhance our lives with love and care. As a Greensboro resident, I am proud to have a personal association with those at MB-F Inc., which prevails in the background of a world-class exhibition.

Our sincere thanks to all of them for their hard work and dedication.

Paul Brown
Greensboro

Reading Judge Turner's recent comments about needing additional judges caused me to think back to my courthouse visits. I can speak from experience as a defendant, plaintiff, witness and prospective juror over the last 15 years. Before you hire more judges at additional expense to the taxpayer, better utilize the judges you have.

When I was told to appear in court at 9 a.m., I would have expected court to begin then. On more than one occasion, the judge showed up after that, the calendar was then called, a few cases were heard, then we had to take a break. Coming back, cases were heard for approximately one to two hours, then court was adjourned for a 90- minute lunch. By 4 p.m., court was adjourned for the day.

Why not start court at 8 a.m., work hard and end when the docket is finished? If not, when you tell people court starts at 9, start at 9. That's how it is in the business world. Court is a business and should be run like a business, fully utilizing the assets it has before requesting additional resources.

Keith Wilson
Greensboro

Regarding the letter "Even police are lousy drivers in Greensboro" (Feb. 17):

I hope Sandy Bundgaard never needs the assistance of the Greensboro Police Department. But if she does, I hope she will forgive them if they have to exceed the speed limit or use a free hand for communications in order to assist her as soon as possible.

Lila B. Neal
Greensboro

In his letter of Feb. 9, Michael Scotto names a number of theories and then lists their usefulness. However, theories are not useful in the utilitarian sense of building spaceships, etc., until they are reduced to laws that have been observed to be real and repeatable even by grammar school kids. We engineers use laws, not theories, to build things.

Regarding the "theory" of evolution, it can be a theory only if there is a chance that it could be proved, which there isn't. It deals with what scientists call a singularity, or a one-time event that cannot be duplicated. Evolution occurred (supposedly) millions of years ago; remember Paleozoic, Mesozoic, etc., which consider the contents of sedimentary layers of rock that are laid down by water all over the Earth. The Noahic flood accounts perfectly for these finds, not some eons-old gradualism that fails to explain fossilized fish on the tops of mountains, etc.

This means there will never be a Law of Evolution or a Law of Creation. Either must be accepted by faith. Evolution, in addition to being a folly of the human mind, is more seriously a godless religion that attempts to derail mankind from paying homage to his Creator.

Bob Kelly
Kernersville

Early in the summer of 1935, May Lattimore of Shelby, who had just completed her business training at the Woman's College of the University of North Carolina and joined the college staff, welcomed my father and me to the campus. She showed us around -- the dormitories, the classrooms, the Book Shop, the dining rooms, Peabody Park. She answered all our questions.

When I left the college 15 years later, May had become May Adams and was head secretary to the dean. She died a few days ago.

May Adams exemplified much of what the college was and was trying to be in those wonderful years. She helped all comers find their way into new worlds. May was trusted and valued by Walter Clinton Jackson, prince of learning. Many of us are indebted to her and grateful to her and will cherish her memory.

Maxine Garner
Liberty

Children these days are bombarded with offers of sex, especially in the media. It is hard enough for adolescents to attend our schools without hearing about sex every day. I would support having a full-time Internet crime investigator. Hopefully, these predators would think twice before corrupting and traumatizing our teens. I am delighted to hear that my local and state officials are concerned with the same issues that I am. I feel it is our community's duty to try to help prevent these awful things from happening.

Victoria Wilson
Greensboro

I'm still in my 20s and won't be seriously contemplating retirement for another 30 years. But I know that for my wife and me to enjoy financial freedom in our later years, I have to start thinking about that future and planning for it now.

I hope Congress respects my desire to take responsibility for own future and will give me some ability to manage my Social Security investment. I'd like to see a program like President Bush has been talking about -- one that would let me set aside some of my Social Security in a personal savings account to be invested. No one should be forced to participate in such a program without guaranteed returns, but I shouldn't be forced to depend on the government's dubious financial management record, either.

I'm going to be paying into Social Security and supporting the retirement of older workers for many years to come. I just want Congress to give me an opportunity to have a little control over what I get out of the deal.

Matthew Tilley
Walnut Cove

Suzanne Hartsell, a high school senior whose letter recently appeared ("Advertisements turn women into objects," Feb. 18), is to be applauded for her courage in speaking out against today's advertisers who blatantly and publicly exploit women to make a buck!

I join you, Suzanne, in refusing to purchase any items that objectify women through such disgusting, degrading advertising. In addition, I have stopped shopping at retail establishments that promote pornography in their ads. Few things are as irritating to me as bra/panty-clad, dancing divas popping into my family room unannounced, in prime time, to shake their booty in the name of whatever retailer is buying the commercial time.

Hats off to you, and a hearty second to your challenge to stop supporting these visual insults to women!

Diana Byrd
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Moussa Issifou

It's a cry from a people who have been struggling against the most brutal dictatorship of the modern world for four decades. It's about Togo, a tiny nation located between Ghana and Benin, with a population of 5 million. For 40 years, we have known nothing but humiliation, despair, terror, brutality, injustice, assassinations, to list a few.

After almost 40 years in power, the last dictator of the 20th century, Eyadema Gnassingbé, passed away on Feb. 5. No sooner had we really started to enjoy our long-confiscated freedom than a group of soldiers seized power on behalf of the dictator's son. They modified provisions in our constitution to impose him as president. We fear that our freedom is again going to be confiscated for some 40 more years.

This time we are going to oppose this illegitimate and illegal power. So we need the support of all those who are in love with freedom, justice and democracy.

Some people may say, "We don't even know that nation." Others may ask, "What do we have to do with a country located somewhere in Africa?"

To all these people I would say, you are right, but your membership in the human species is shouting at you: Remember Rwanda, always remember Rwanda! My country may be a second Rwanda if no attention is paid to what is going on now. I know the brutality of our soldiers, and for that reason we are appealing to all of humanity to focus on the situation in Togo from now on.

Please, whatever support you can provide, do it. Talk to your friends, to your senators, to your congressmen and women. Inform them, let them know that a genocide is about to take place somewhere. Please, save Togo, save your brother and sister who have hopelessly been aspiring to freedom, justice and democracy for four decades.

The writer is a native of Togo who has lived in Greensboro for five years.

I would like to respond to the letter from board of health member Frank Freeman regarding smoking in restaurants (Feb. 16). Mr. Freeman calls the issue of the impact of secondhand smoke "debatable," and goes on to state that restaurants are private property where the "obedient public" is invited.

As a pediatrician of 19 years, I would have to say that the debate is over! The CDC has stated that exposure to secondhand smoke for as little as 30 minutes can "significantly increase" the risk of a heart attack. This seems to be a great deal of risk for the "obedient public." In fact, in communities that have enforced such a smoking ban, the obedient pubic saw an immediate reduction in heart attacks of 40 percent.

We should also take into account the thousands of hard-working servers who are placed in this environment daily to earn their livelihood. Their risk is greatly multiplied over the risk of a casual diner. You cannot tip enough to cover the health care costs of lung cancer.

With an even playing field that a broad smoking ban would provide, restaurants have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Preston Lentz, MD
Greensboro
The writer is president-elect, Greater Greensboro Society of Medicine.

I am writing to express a concern I have about cultural competency. We live in a melting pot of many cultures and beliefs. We are to respect people for their own beliefs and religious practices, and we are to provide services and help people without judgment or bias.

I am a social work student, and I find that people are becoming more understanding and respectful of other cultures, yet somehow our society is becoming less tolerant and respectful of Christian Americans. Even in my class, students love to learn more about different cultures, but as soon as someone mentions Christianity, they become almost hostile and definitely judgmental.

This country was built on religious freedom, and Christianity is a big part of its foundation. It is a shame that we would change our Pledge of Allegiance or our money because "God" is a part of it. What is the problem with having God as the protector and foundation of a country filled with people who believe in a higher being? Besides, there is something that we all know about a foundation: Remove too many of the bricks and the structure will fall.

Nicole Stanley
Greensboro

I am glad to see the ending of these red-light cameras. Having gotten two tickets because I chose to speed through the intersection instead of being rear-ended, having damage to my car and perhaps injuries to my body, I believe they should be removed completely.

Buster Ellison
Greensboro

Being a big-time baseball fan, I was distraught at how the Grasshoppers sold tickets for the game against the Florida Marlins on April 3. Non-season ticket-holders were told they could wait in line on Feb. 19 and take their chance of getting a ticket or up to eight if they chose. For some reason, the season ticket-holders were given a second chance to buy more tickets, which took away from the general public. By the time Saturday came around, there were so few tickets left that most of the people in line came up short, as I did. The season ticket-holders took the tickets from the public, which was totally unfair, and I feel the management of the Grasshoppers should apologize to the general public for taking the tickets right from the palm of their hand. Shame on Donald Moore and his staff.

Mike Green
High Point

I watched Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan address the Senate committee on CNN. After extensive and relevant searching queries from senators, all Sen. Dole could ask was: 1) North Carolina businesses have concerns about rising health care -- basically off topic; and 2) does Greenspan see manufacturing growing in the coming year?

The topic was the estimated adverse financial impacts of Republican Social Security proposals (scams), but Sen. Dole, blindly loyal to Bush, deflected to inane questions of no sense rather than asking about economic impacts.

Greenspan blamed bleak job prospects on productivity gains, which displace workers without making jobs. Dole was interested in impacts on "bidiness," not real people (except photo opportunities).

Greenspan spoke about investing in "capital assets," which was missed by Dole. Intellectual capital (brains) displaces to a great extent physical capital assets (and jobs). Human capital is not on balance sheets, not measured by corporations or governments.

Did Dole understand? No. How do we count the value of intellectual capital? I see no movement to do that and certainly not from legislators who have no understanding of these issues. We need much better and brighter, people-oriented legislators, not Republicans pandering to Bush. How about simple competence?

William A. Franklin
Burlington

The present administration is now asking for an additional $82 billion of American taxpayer money to go to Iraq. This will bring the total to roughly $200 billion funneled to this country through military action and aid.

Maybe I'm stingy; maybe I'm not thinking "globally"; or maybe President Bush has shown an amazing amount of foresight, and 100 years from now the world will be praising his actions. However, at the moment I have some $200 billion questions. I wonder:

How many teachers could you hire for $200 billion to educate American children?

How many social workers could you employ for $200 billion to help American families?

How much would a $200 billion investment in American business benefit the economy?

How many prescriptions could be subsidized for $200 billion, so that the elderly in America have necessary medications?

This American list is endless. While some might be inspired by watching the president speak so passionately about the Iraqis, I would rather have a president who cares more about Americans.

Mike Ward
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Bob Plain

On the day after Christmas, I was preparing to lead prayer at our Sunday meeting. The pastor drew me close and asked that I remember the 7,000 people reported to have died in the tsunami. I thought how terrible, but the reports kept getting worse.

The story was front page for a month or so. The United States upped its aid contribution and put two former presidents on a mission. But the story has disappeared from the front pages, replaced by other news. The number of dead now probably stands at 250,000. That is 35 times the number of dead we suspected at first and roughly 80 times the number who died on Sept. 11.

Two things have brought me to cry recently. A friend returned from a mission trip to the Aceh area. He asked me if I could imagine a 30-foot-high wall of water going 100 mph and what it would do to my neighborhood. He recalled that for most people, to lose their jobs or to lose their homes or to lose a family member was devastating. Many, many in the tsunami path lost all three.

And then in Wal-Mart I saw a toy water gun set for ages 3-plus called the "Tsunami XL Water Blasters." A gift for your child or grandchild, yours for only $4.72 plus tax. Big Box America is turning the natural world's most devastating loss of life into a marketing opportunity at the expense of children.

I am ashamed that we have let the story slip away. Repairing the devastation will take more than monetary aid. It will take time, listening, compassion, people rolling up their sleeves shoveling mud and sitting with the hundreds of thousands of survivors as they work through their grief. We need to keep the story in front of us so we will remember those who died, remember the awesome power of nature and remember that our thoughts have impact in the healing and recovery. The story of the tsunami of 2004 needs to be told for years to come.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

Life as an incoming high school freshman is tough. Life as an incoming freshman in High Point is even tougher.

Think about having to leave all the friends you grew up with. Think about having your fate put into the hands of a computer. Think about having to choose a career path at the age of 14. Think about being on a bus for an hour or more one way.

You see, the rules are different in High Point. Eighth-graders all over the county -- heck, all over the state, except in High Point -- are registering for their ninth-grade classes knowing which high school they will be going to. In High Point, eighth-graders have to pick a career path, each belonging to a different high school. That choice is then thrown into a computer and, poof, the high school that eighth-grader will go to is selected. It may or may not be choice No. 1. Then again, it cannot be choice No. 1 because a neighborhood school with a traditional education and their friends would be No. 1.

But who cares about the eighth-graders in High Point? Certainly not the Guilford County school board.

Michael Kohn
Jamestown

Would that Wyatt Kirk's guest column, "Schools working against blacks" (Feb. 20) [not posted], were true and school administrators retard black achievement.

If his assertion is true, then the problems of high black, male suspension rates and low black, male test scores would be solvable by government. All that would need to be done would be to change laws. This we could handle. We could easily mandate that suspension rates and test scores reflect a school's racial makeup. However, does anyone believe that this would improve behavior and learning?

The hard truth is that schools will be better when parents and their children want them better. This is especially true of minority parents and their children. Kirk writes that black parents don't participate in school conferences because they feel unwelcome. Uh huh. You feel your child is being picked on or denied opportunities by a teacher and you won't set foot inside the school to handle the situation because of some rude bureaucrat?

The choice is clear for students and their parents: Either accept responsibility and the hard work entailed to create your own opportunities or else learn to live with the lagging educational performance and behavioral problems of black males.

David Boyd
Burlington

Thank you, Allen Johnson, for the editorial (Feb. 17) addressing "lack of accountability for public spending." Often when our leaders get around to "mis"-used, "mis"-spent and "miss"-ing funds, the word "accountability" seldom surfaces.

Elected leaders are morally obligated to be good stewards of our money and demand accountability but are reluctant to do so. Do they fear they won't be re-elected? Recrimination?

Why was Linda Shaw's information ignored? How is it that a city "leader" is given $1 million to manage a project that is never managed, there is no paper trail of expenditures, and no one is responsible? The explanation we're supposed to accept is, "Some people have a racist mind-set."

Truthfully, some do have a racist mind-set, but that's a smokescreen and has absolutely nothing to do with "where's the money?" Too often, one making that kind of decoy statement needs to look no further than in the mirror! Right is right and wrong is wrong, no matter the demographics or the color of one's skin.

How many more times do we excuse such blatant absence of accountability and consequences? Are some above the law?

Had I mismanaged that $1 million, I would probably be under the 401 W. Sycamore St. detention facility!

Susan Tysinger
Greensboro

Regarding the article written by Taft Wireback on Feb. 20:

When I spoke to Mr. Wireback, we talked about the fact that it was the immigration system that is broken and not, as he said, "immigration enforcement." Since Mr. Wireback's driver's license articles began about a month ago, it has become painfully clear how readily we are willing to confuse anti-immigrant sentiments with the issues that are really at hand.

Public safety has to do with residents of North Carolina being able to learn the rules and laws as they refer to driving, testing to prove your proficiency in these laws and being insured while you are driving. All of which you can do if you have access to a driver's license.

I was happy to know that we are among the top states in insurance coverage. I keep wondering if this will continue to be the case if we change our driver's license restrictions.

Deborah Kelly
Greensboro
The writer is director of Centro de Accion Latino.

In the January/February 2005 issue of Solar Today, on page 36, a news report states that "FedEx Corp., Memphis, Tenn., and the city of Oakland, Calif., announced Oct. 18 that FedEx Express will construct a solar electric system atop its hub at Oakland International Airport. The 904-kW solar array is expected to provide approximately 80 percent of the peak load demand for the company's Oakland facility ...

"Last March, FedEx Express made a long-term market commitment to use hybrid electric delivery trucks ... FedEx expected its OptiFleet E700 diesel-electric hybrid trucks to be rolled out in additional U.S. cities late last year."

Will FedEx use such pollution-reducing technologies at its Greensboro hub? If so, why haven't we heard about it? If not, why not?

Ronald R. McIrvin
Greensboro

Your editorial, "A growing menace" (Feb. 23), about the methamphetamine scourge, rings all too familiar to me. As chief legal counsel for Oklahoma's State Bureau of Narcotics, I helped draft and worked to pass our new controls on tablet-form pseudoephedrine last year. The results of that law have been immediate, dramatic and life-saving.

However, unlike you, I do not see it as a flaw in our law that it forces meth cooks to neighboring states. On the contrary, I think it is a testament to this law's effectiveness that it forces those criminals to scoot just beyond its reach, and is merely evidence that other states that receive these offenders should pass similar laws.

It is impossible to quantify, but I am sure that because of our new law, at least one child who might have otherwise been exposed to meth wasn't; at least one family that might have been decimated by this drug wasn't; at least one adult who might be dead from the drug isn't. Whatever the inconvenience of having to use gel caps or buy from a pharmacy, I remain forever convinced it is well worth the trade.

Scott Rowland
Oklahoma City, Okla.

It is a sad day for professional photographers and the novice photographer to have the Rauch family close one of the most reputable full-service camera stores in the country. No matter where I was located, all I had to do was call Lowell Rauch and I knew my professional equipment needs would be net with honesty, integrity and professionalism. Every employee who worked for the store was aboveboard when it came to dealing with the customer.

Yes, it is a sad day for the photography industry and the public.

Jonathan Kammen
Fayetteville

Am I the only person in the Triad who is concerned by the information released by WFMY (Channel 2) regarding the X-ray machines to be used at the airport? How many more First Amendment rights are going to be done away with by our present government leaders?

First it was X-raying carry-on luggage. Next came shoe removal and searches by a magnetic wand, then the possibility of women's underwire bras being felt. Now the latest is X-raying the entire body of a person (which, according to the reports, leaves one virtually naked). What next, actual nudity?

I for one may end up under arrest because in no way will I be felt for an underwire bra or become naked by the use of an X-ray machine. Are we going from a democracy to a dictatorship? Where will this end?

Lenore Reinhard
Greensboro

The old song that says "You pave paradise and put up a parking lot" is all too true at 1700 North Elm St. A new condo complex is tearing down every tree on the lot next to Latham Park. This new building boom has reduced the verdant green arbors in our neighborhood to zilch.

While you cannot stop progress, it would be nice to leave a few trees standing for shade this summer. How could these old trees inhibit the progress of a huge development? Or perhaps the better question is why were they torn down without considering the ecological ramifications? Does the fact that they were part of the floodplain affect the zoning rules?

There are signs that there used to be a park here back when the apartments were built in 1938. It's too bad the trees do not have the same protection as our building, which is a part of the National Register of Historic Places.

Megan P. Fink
Greensboro

Regarding the guest column written by Wyatt Kirk, "Schools working against blacks" (Ideas, Feb. 20) [not posted]:

Is this a response to the recent Counterpoint (Feb. 16) by Superintendent Terry Grier containing encouraging facts about the narrowing achievement gap in Guilford County Schools? Given the content of his article, one must wonder if Mr. Kirk shares the optimism.

Mr. Kirk suggests that our teachers are grading minorities based on "deeply held beliefs and values" instead of student performance. How dare he question the integrity of our hard-working, underpaid teachers?

Furthermore, does Mr. Kirk assume that none of the teachers are minorities themselves? He also blames assignment to low-level academic classes as a threat to minorities. I would think that any student willing to learn could defy the odds and excel in these circumstances.
Maybe the unfortunate truth is the high suspension rate and poor test scores are the direct result of parental failure and poor student performance, for which they should be held personally accountable.

Mr. Kirk, instead of pointing fingers, have some faith in the black community, celebrate progress, and channel your energy toward academic improvement in a more positive manner.

David Almond
Browns Summit

Approximately five years ago we started Action Greensboro in an attempt to revive the economy in our area. We have been reasonably successful in our multiyear program. We have, however, an example of a major employer, the VF Corp., that moved its headquarters here several years ago and is doing a marvelous job of competing in an extremely competitive world.

Its most recent earnings report was truly outstanding. It showed an increase in sales of 12 percent and a 15 percent increase in earnings per share. Certainly, its shareholders have benefited greatly.

More importantly, all of us in the Greensboro area have benefited tremendously because this company is succeeding on an exceptional basis. Mackey McDonald and his associates deserve a great deal of acclaim for developing VF into the leading apparel company in the world. This indeed pays very high dividends for our area and our economy.

It is unfortunate that positive reports like this do not receive the same front-page attention that an announced layoff or a poor earning report receives. The good news, unfortunately, gets overshadowed by the bad.

We at Action Greensboro just thought it would be appropriate to congratulate VF for its tremendous successful record. VF, keep up the good work.

Jim Melvin
Greensboro
The writer is president of The Joseph M. Bryan Foundation.

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Beth Olson

In his speech accepting chairmanship of the Democratic National Committee, Howard Dean stated, "The Republicans know the America they want, and they are not afraid to use any means to get there. But there is something that this administration and the Republican Party are very afraid of. It is that we may actually begin fighting for what we believe."

This statement sums up the issue at the very heart of the Democratic Party. For the past four years, Democrats have been far too hesitant in taking a strong stand against Bush administration policies. The media and conservative talking heads have created the illusion that any politician who disagrees with Bush is unpatriotic during this time of war. They have draped the flag around their policies of deception so well that middle America dare not pose any meaningful question to their agenda.

The time for caution is over. The time to take a stand is now. Finally the Democrats jumped the fence and elected a leader who is not afraid to question the Bush administration's motives and honesty. It is time to question when this hideous war will end — and more importantly why it was ever started. It is time to question the Bush Social Security privatization and his "ownership society."

New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer said, "As President Bush embraces the ownership society and tries to claim that he is the one that is making it possible for the middle class to succeed and save and invest — well, I say to myself, no, that's not right; it is the Democratic Party historically that created the middle class."

America needs the Democratic Party to pull itself up and keep fighting for the working class. The Democratic Party needs a leader to keep us on course. And Howard Dean is just the man for the job.

The writer lives in High Point.