News-Record.com

Government has the responsibility to promote the public good. Schools, churches and parents are teaching values -- honesty, hard work and sacrifice. Now, the state considers promoting the something-for-nothing get-rich-quick lottery mentality.

It seems legislators are willing to rationalize their unethical encouragement of citizens to gamble in order to give us "improved education" while blurring their poor management of current revenues. The inconsistency of legalizing a government-sponsored lottery while criminally punishing other forms of gambling does not seem to cause legislators internal conflict.

Duke University ethicist Stanley Hauerwas says, "Using gambling as a form of taxation is an indication that your governments no longer have moral legitimacy. Governments may not be able to control vice, but they ought not encourage it." As George Will summarizes, "State sponsorship of lotteries and other gambling has changed the status of gambling in just one generation from social disease to social policy."

Wayne Lowman
Eden

I was subpoenaed to appear in Guilford County court. When I got there, I had to park in the parking lot with parking meters. The meters lasted for two hours.

During the course of the trial, I had to go back to the meter to put more money in. I did this twice. The trial started after 2 p.m. I had to stay in the courtroom. The trial finally ended at 4:30 p.m. When I got to my car, I had two parking tickets at $5 each.

There should not be parking fees for jurors or witnesses. When you arrive, you should show them your juror notice or your subpoena notice for a parking pass. I guess this is how the city of Greensboro rewards its citizens for doing their civic duty.

Fredrick Nimer
Greensboro

It is distressing that a responsible newspaper, such as our News & Record, would continue to print the garbage produced by the unprofessional, bigoted, race-obsessed "columnist" Leonard Pitts Jr.

I make every effort to avoid him, but the headline on his ludicrous piece [registration required] April 25, "S.C. loves its chickens more than its women," captured my attention.

In his fist paragraph, Pitts refers to South Carolina as the "most backward state." This defamation of our sister state continues throughout the column, with gross misrepresentation of legislative intent to reduce and prevent both domestic violence and cockfighting. I question the editor's decision to allow such outrage to appear in the newspaper's pages.

Pitts then refers to "the Confederate 'rag.' Sorry, flag." Although Pitts is probably not aware that there existed three national Confederate flags and hundreds of regimental colors that were carried into battle by our brave Southern ancestors who fought to repel invasion by Union forces in the 1860s, he probably refers to the Southern Cross of St. Andrew, which proudly flies on the Capitol grounds in Columbia, which city was burned to the ground by Yankee hordes in 1865.

Again, a gross insult to Southerners whose ancestors proudly suffered and died under that noble banner.

William K. Oden Jr.
Greensboro

The "cap and trade" plan, proposed by President Bush and explained in the April 24 paper, lifts the veil on this administration's environmental agenda. The plan lets some power plants pollute more than others, concentrating pollution in some areas while maintaining an "acceptable average."

Research shows that people do not have similar biological flexibility tolerating pollutants. If a child's brain is exposed to high doses of mercury, that child will have brain injury for life regardless of some "average lifetime exposure."

The Bush administration covers its pandering to big business with this statistical smokescreen: It uses "averages" to hide individual sacrifice.

It often uses the same statistical nonsense to suggest that if one combines 10 billionaires with 1,000 minimum-wage "wretches" in an economic model, the average income is more than a million dollars and hence economically desirable.

We know that with "cap and trade," children living downwind of heavy polluters will be injured for life.

I want cheap energy as much as my neighbor. But I am unwilling to poison any child to have it. That is the problem I have with this administration.

Kurt Lauenstein, M.D.
Greensboro

I greatly fear the Republican attempt to shut off debate regarding judicial nominees.

I do not want to see right-wing judges overturning laws that protect civil liberties, workers' rights and the environment. That would be nothing less than an assault on the majority of the American people for the benefit of the few.

The hard work of thousands of citizens over many decades and laws and protections that Americans take for granted are in jeopardy. We need to urge our senators to oppose ending the filibuster.

Barbara Council
Greensboro

I have a question about the Truth and Reconciliation project that I voiced in a gathering recently without satisfactory answer. The question is, who are we trying to reconcile with whom?

Normally, reconciliation is between adversaries. But I don't envision anybody wanting to reconcile with the Ku Klux Klan after the 1979 killings of Communist Workers Party members, and I don't think there's anything lingering against the long-gone CWP. The Klansmen bringing rifles (probably hung in the cabins of their pickup trucks) and seeking confrontation with the CWP's cap pistols is the school-ground bully psychology carried to a vicious extreme, but so what? Who disagrees about that?

I'll concede the sincerity of nearly all those pursuing the project, but I don't think there's any use now to explore the truth of questions like why the jury failed to convict. I have some curiosity about that myself -- I didn't follow the trial of the KKKs and was shocked at the result. But, I'm afraid the digging up of old truths will be polarizing. And I think digging them up, if possible, can only be harmful in a Greensboro that as a community had nothing to do with the event brought to us by visitors on both sides.

Dick Wharton
Greensboro

What? Allen Johnson's column (April 24) criticizing the way Florence Gatten spoke about the Truth and Reconciliation project is the strangest piece of fiction ever written about a Greensboro city leader. Florence is known for her tireless work on behalf of all parts of our community. A recent example is her leadership in keeping the SCAT bus fares from dramatic increases. Never resting, Florence continues to make personal sacrifices every day in order to help us achieve better things for Greensboro. And there is not a mean bone in her body.

Florence will not, however, sacrifice her honesty for anyone, editorial writers included. As an elected official, she believes citizens are entitled to know her views. She, therefore, speaks plainly on issues brought before City Council.

Florence's words about the Truth and Reconciliation project were not sugar-coated, and they did not please the proponents. But her words shed light on the realities of that project and why it is doing harm to Greensboro. And, looking beyond this issue, we should all agree that Florence's clarity, truthfulness and directness are rare qualities that should be praised, not criticized, in our elected leaders.

Reid Phillips
Greensboro

I'm a runner, live near Friendly Shopping Center and run because of the obvious benefit as well as for its value as a great way to enjoy those areas of the city, including our once-beautiful tree line.

My route takes me along Hobbs and through Northline. But today I feel the need to salute you, the omnipotent and great corporate citizen that chooses to devour most older trees with the alacrity and swiftness of a beaver with sharpened teeth.

Yes, I'm sure those trees had to go according to your hired bean counters to eke out every dime of profit that you so desire. So, I want to honor you and mount a star on the hood of my car for you, and all like you, to see so that it may represent what the Green in Greensboro is fast becoming -- a misnomer.

Pave your parking lot, replant trees, even make greenways in a shallow attempt to possibly atone, but at least you are unabashed in what you represent. So, Mr. Omnipotent Corporate Citizen, this Bud's for you.

Jim Irvin
Greensboro

Regarding Rosemary Roberts' column, "You, too, can 'give the gift of life' " (April 22):

The generosity of live organ donors is remarkable. But we wouldn't need live organ donors if Americans weren't burying or cremating 20,000 transplantable organs every year.

There is a better solution to the organ shortage: If you don't agree to donate your organs when you die, then you go to the back of the waiting list if you ever need an organ to live.

Giving organs first to organ donors will convince more people to register as organ donors. It will also make the organ allocation system fairer. About 70 percent of the organs transplanted in the United States go to people who haven't agreed to donate their own organs when they die. People who aren't willing to share the gift of life shouldn't be eligible for transplants as long as there is a shortage of organs.

Anyone who wants to donate their organs to others who have agreed to donate theirs can join LifeSharers. They do this through a form of directed donation that is legal in all 50 states and under federal law.

Anyone can join for free at www.lifesharers.com.

David J. Undis
Nashville, Tenn.
The writer is executive director, LifeSharers.

The city of Greensboro, the Coliseum Complex, Guilford County, the city of High Point and UNCG deserve a great deal of credit for working together to host a very successful collection of electronic devices for recycling on April 23. The detailed planning and organization of this event was obvious and extremely impressive.

And if possible, even more impressive were the attitudes and efforts of the many individuals there who almost joyously greeted us, directed traffic, unloaded our vehicles with an unexpected level of speed and precision, and who genuinely thanked every person for participating.

It was living proof of what a group of people with a common goal can accomplish.

Doug Anderson
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Wayne Smith

Regarding Daniel Malotky ("The right-wing attack of higher ed," April 17) [not posted], an erudite assistant professor of religion and philosophy and director of Ethics Across the Curriculum at Greensboro College: whew. What a hunk of biographical overkill. My attention span is always seriously challenged by loud and excessive back-patting of oneself.

Daniel reminds me of The New York Times assistant editor who whined after George Bush was re-elected, "I don't know how Bush got re-elected. I don't know a single person who voted for him."

Daniel might as well be studying the mating rituals of the yeti. What he doesn't know, he just makes up.

Daniel's basic premise is incorrect. Conservatives, those who have mastered the alphabet, are not accusing liberal professors of being tolerant. Quite to the contrary, conservative students (yes, Daniel, there is such an animal, prominent brows notwithstanding) are concerned about liberal professors and assistant professors being intolerant.

I was in college in the 1960s. Yes, Daniel, I am a biped; however, I do tend to run on my knuckles when in serious flight.

In my experience, conservative professors were much less likely to express their political opinions than were their liberal counterparts. I have found conservatives are more likely to deal in footnotes and liberals are more prone to volume.

Daniel is positive that conservatives are too stupid to be professors or assistant professors. He then demagogues conservative demagogues for their lack of his type of credentials.

The writer lives in High Point.

The David Brooks column (April 26) [not posted] on the abortion issue and its divisiveness in American political life is fundamentally confused about the relationship of the judiciary to the legislative bodies, both state and national.

The original Roe v. Wade case was but an example of judicial review of an application of Texas law. The only way to simply keep it "in the legislatures," as Brooks suggests, would be to deny judicial review -- a course of action now being promoted by various right- wing religious and non-religious groups. To deny judicial review is to destroy the tempered quality of American government.

The legislative and judicial branches are intertwined and should remain so. Brooks' ideas sound nice on first reading but are profoundly misguided and show a deep misunderstanding of our system of government.

Legislatures write laws. Courts interpret them, that is, try to apply them constitutionally. Without this balance, the Constitution becomes "unhooked" from the lawmakers and turns into an historic curio. Brooks' notion that states can differ radically over what is and isn't legal has been tested in U.S. history already. It resulted in the Civil War.

Bill Hicks
Siler City

The U.S. government incorporates a system of checks and balances to prevent one branch from becoming too powerful. The executive, legislative and judicial branches are essentially independent, acting as a check on each other. Even within a given branch, there are checks.

The Senate has rules that give the minority party significant power even when badly outnumbered by the majority. The filibuster rule is one of these controls, whereby debate on an issue can only be stopped with 60 votes or more.

Now, the conservative majority wants to change the rule to stop debate with a simple 51-vote plurality. The reason given is that Senate Democrats are blocking a few of the president's judicial nominees by filibustering. Republicans claim the Democrats are against the faith of these nominees. Democrats say they are just against their radical right-wing agenda.

Whatever the case, eliminating this check against absolute power by one party is a bad idea. It is a bad idea no matter which party is in control. To paraphrase the old saw, "absolute power corrupts absolutely." Checks and balances make democracy messy, but democracy without them becomes dictatorship of the majority.

Jack Jezorek
Greensboro

Contemplating life in America from the vantage point of 8 1/2 decades is rather confusing.

On the one hand, Americans are mostly good people who not only support themselves, but also open their hearts to others. Strangers are usually friendly and helpful. People rush to open doors for us. Recently, when we fell getting into our car, a lady stopped and helped us.

Americans support charities and give billions to other nations. Even our financially challenged citizens mostly use their initiative and ingenuity to live lives that would be envied by multitudes elsewhere.

On the other hand, we tolerate bloated budgets and deficits, bloated gas-guzzling vehicles and bloated medical and drug costs. We ignore many current problems and focus on a trumped-up future "crisis" in Social Security. Our leaders vow to "fight tyranny" everywhere. We have appointed ourselves as arbiters of what other nations should believe and how they should act. Our horrendous misadventures in Iraq illustrate our futility. Defense, yes. Aggression, no.

Seven score and two years ago, perhaps our greatest leader prescribed "government of the people, by the people and for the people." We, the people, need to make it so. And soon.

Dan W. Maddox
Greensboro

I wanted to express my dismay and disgust that once again the city of Greensboro and developers have put commerce before the public good.

While driving past the late Burlington Industries office building on Friendly Avenue recently, it was hard not to miss the destruction of all of the beautiful oak trees on that property. It is truly a travesty that the developers and city could not see a way to let these trees remain standing and build around them.

If we are going to allow builders to develop property, they should incorporate the standing trees in their plans; clear cutting land in this manner should never be an option, especially when it involves trees of the size and age that these trees were. It is a sad day for the city and an even sadder vista that we are left with along that street.

Ginny Gaylor
Greensboro

Help me understand all this:

Our president said the United Nations was doing a bad job disarming Iraq. So we attacked.
Found out U.N. was doing a good job (no WMDs found/existed).

President commented, "Unfortunately no WMDs found."

I would have thought that was good news (U.N. pressure worked. Right?)

Do you suppose Bush tells his staff, "I certainly hope North Korea has the bomb. I would hate to be wrong twice"?

What am I missing?

Oh, well, time to take a nap. Maybe things will become clearer when I wake up.

Dave Colin
Greensboro

Only a few years ago, Bennett College was about to collapse. Crippling debt, jeopardized accreditation and a crumbling campus were the realities of that time.

Then here comes Sister Cole with an idea, a policy and a plan summed up in one word: excellence. And in the time since, just look at what has happened.

Under Johnnetta B. Cole's presidency, Bennett's coffers are filling, academic rigor is returning and the campus is being repaired. It's not surprising that she has detractors after such shoddy performance.

How dare she. What nerve.

Those who oppose her are likely contributors to Bennett's problems before her arrival. Feeling threatened, are they? Well, good.

For many, the expectation of excellence is anathema, when their norm has become mediocrity. Excellence is what Cole demands, as well she should. She has earned the right to demand it. More importantly, the bright young women seeking a quality education at Bennett College deserve it.

Sister, I'm glad you're staying. Well done.

Steve Strong
Greensboro

Bennett College President Johnnetta Cole is really a go-getter. She did wonders for Spelman College.

She's a very skillful lady who knows how to get what she wants, brilliant. However, I don't understand what has happened in one week.

Last Monday, an article appeared about the college, its needs, her projections and what she intended to do to achieve her goal. Wednesday a bombshell fell on the college with her announced resignation. Friday she reconsidered.

Is this grandstanding?

Charles O'Brien
Greensboro

On the pharmacists refusing to dispense birth-control pills because of their personal beliefs: What next?

Isn't that rather like someone joining the Navy SEALS, then refusing to kill because it's against his or her beliefs?

A garbage man refusing to pick up dead animals because it would break the natural cycle of decomposition?

The mind boggles.

If you object to doing something that is part of your job, then leave your profession. There are probably a few folks out there who wouldn't mind taking your place.

As for objections over "health risks," I don't remember these pharmacists digging in their heels over Viagra, hormone replacement therapy drugs, or other drugs that raised questions about risks. I smell hypocrisy.

L.J. Allen
High Point

Cynthia Adams (letter, "Don't discriminate in filling prescriptions," April 30) longs to be in the "land of the free," where she is free to follow the dictates of her conscience, but where a pharmacist isn't free to do the same.

A pharmacist has no right to confiscate someone's prescription, but he or she sure as heck shouldn't be required to fill it, either.

Bob N. Garner
Burlington

Regarding the letter (April 27) by Jack Hart of Conover: Hart refers accurately to the Klan-Communist incident (Nov. 3, 1979). Yet, the editorial page headline writer chose to use the term "Klan-Nazi."

The editors/reporters at the News & Record continue to call it the "Klan-Nazi" incident, which it was not. (Please put the correct term in your style manual if you have such a thing.)

It was a group of communists led by Nelson Johnson, whose inflammatory rhetoric incited a bunch of Klansmen and Nazis to Greensboro for a gunfight. It was not the Klan and the Nazis engaged in warfare, although perhaps that might not have been a bad idea, but in an area where innocent bystanders would have been out of harm's way.

Just curious, if anyone knows what the budget is for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, who is providing their funding, how they are spending this money and how many paid employees/staff they have?

Drop a letter to the editor.

Fred H. Gregory
Greensboro

Editor's note: According to an April 21 Truth and Reconciliation Commission news release, "The Commission is funded by a combination of private donations and foundation grants, including $15,000 from private local and national donors who believe in this work." The release adds, "... answers about our finances are readily available from members of the Commission, its staff and the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro, which manages our funds."

Some Republican senators want to abolish the use of the filibuster as a tool to block the confirmation of undesirable judicial nominees. The filibuster, previously treasured by Republicans, has long been used to protect the minority from being tyrannized by the majority. Thus, it is one of the few devices between the American people and one-party rule.

As a practicing Christian, I find it especially offensive that this ploy is being portrayed as protecting somebody's "Christian" moral values. The hope seems to be that far-right judges who are able to prevail in the absence of the filibuster will use their positions to promote narrowly defined, fundamentalist principles. If that happens, it could very well lead to theocracy.

Since totalitarianism is associated with fascism and communism, and since theocracy is sometimes embraced by Islamic extremists, one would think that patriotic, freedom-loving Americans would oppose this "nuclear option." It will be interesting to learn how Sens. Burr and Dole vote on this issue.

Richard G. Cox
Greensboro

At an accident site recently at Holden Road and Friendly Avenue, I was blessed to meet a group of extraordinary people. The two young female drivers met and embraced each other -- more concerned with the safety of the other than their vehicles. A neighbor, Aaron Skiles (a Guilford College student), brought water and helped direct traffic. Another young man, Chris Nunez (a Grimsley High School student), stopped to help comfort and direct traffic in the other direction. Still another young man, Gary Hatcher (a Lowe's employee), worked an hour or more. Jean Lappen, a visiting Washington state resident, stayed with one of the drivers, calmly helping her find all the necessary items for the police. The father of the younger driver was as calm and reassuring as possible, making sure that everyone was doing all right -- not just his daughter.

Too often, most of us fail to take time from our busy lives to offer our time and support to others. What a beautiful lesson that day to watch these total strangers sharing and helping each other.

They are part of what makes Greensboro a great place to live.

Judy C. Glasgow
Greensboro

Do 52 lottery tickets make a deck? Can I shuffle them up and get a winning hand? Can I take everyone else's money if I have the right combination of numbers?

Take a chance; it's not really gambling. It's for education and schools. The state cares about our children.

Tell this to the people, as noted in our newspaper last week, who wanted to do a "Las Vegas" fund-raiser. They found out that even if no money changed hands, they could still be arrested for possession of gambling tables. I don't see the politicians rushing to change that law, to help our children.

The sponsoring High Point Junior League knew that all the money made for its fund-raiser would go to a good cause. How much of the lottery money, after hidden expenses and "administrative fees," will go to a good cause? The politicians don't care if an out-of-state person wins our lottery; the state will always be the big winner.

The deck is stacked. Fifty-two lottery tickets won't make you a winner. North Carolina is filled with winners -- they are the hard-working people who don't expect something for nothing.

Glenn Andrews
Greensboro

Each week, evidence is revealed that reflects problems with the administration of the death penalty in North Carolina. As problems become more visible, the need for our state to pass a temporary suspension of executions increases. During the last legislative session we came close. The bill passed the Senate but was held up in the House.

Now we have another chance. House Bill 529 calls for a two-year suspension on executions and establishes a bi-partisan commission to study the process by which the death penalty is imposed. The bill doesn't release anyone from prison or change any existing sentences. It simply calls on this commission to make recommendations that ensure that we mete out the ultimate punishment justly. Given our track record, which includes documented racial and economic bias and incompetent legal defense, the need for passage of the moratorium is great.

Recent statewide polls show that nearly two-thirds of our citizens support a moratorium. The bill has statewide support across municipalities, organizations and religious institutions. Even ardent supporters of the death penalty want a system that eliminates the possibility of executing the innocent. Please contact your representatives and urge them to support House Bill 529.

Brian Goldberg
Greensboro

I am beyond dismayed that both of North Carolina's senators, as well as my representative, Howard Coble, voted "yes" for drilling in the Arctic preserve for oil.

In 2004 U.S. production was about 5 million barrels a day, yet we consume about 20 million barrels a day now. That means we have to import about two-thirds of our oil -- and drilling in the Arctic preserve will come nowhere close to making up this glaring deficit. How about conservation of current resources? Not one thing is suggested by the Bush administration.

This is a sad and sorry time for any American -- and saddest of all for the children, who will have to bear the brunt of a permanent future energy crisis, along with the disruptions of climate change and epidemic disease. I will be watching to see how my representatives vote on the budget reconciliation bill later in the year, but right now, not one of them has my vote for next election.

Jeaneane Williams
Greensboro

If Willford Warren learned "the truth" about Homeland Security from "60 Minutes" (letter, April 28), the name Dan Rather must not ring any bells.

Mr. Warren, do you also rely on crack reporter Rosemary Roberts to provide you with the "real story"?

Roger Chance
Jamestown

Thanks for printing the informative, incisive "Why the left's Air America radio show is suffocating" (April 24) [not posted], which expertly summarizes the liberal mentality and bias that send liberal talk radio into a black hole.

Liberals cannot deal with loss of political power or rejection of their socialist, stupid, unconstitutional ideas, so they resort to their usual responses: Label conservative listeners as unintelligent and advocate a "fairness doctrine" requiring equal time for liberal shows the market freely rejects.

The observation that "the big three networks" and NPR render liberal radio talk shows superfluous is true. For example, note the number of times these outlets emphasize the lack of federal regulation of a certain activity (without questioning whether the Constitution authorizes it). Note also their consistent use of college professors as commentators. Charles Davenport's column of the same date ("The hypocrisy of liberals on our campuses) demonstrates that liberal bias is rampant among college professors.

In the end, liberals cannot accept or comprehend that intelligent people simply do not like the ideas and thus freely choose to reject them. That choice -- having it and exercising it -- is the essence of our free society.

Charles A. Jones
Norfolk, Va.

I am 14 years old and in the seventh grade. My mom has her state license for wildlife rehabilitation to help injured and orphaned wildlife. She has a very hard time finding a safe place to release the wildlife because there are so many roads, houses and buildings.

I think we should not build any more buildings, roads or houses. I think we should use all the empty buildings and houses before we cut down even more trees; that way, when I'm 30 and have my own children, there will still be squirrels, birds, rabbits and deer in the wild.

If we keep building things though, there will not be any wildlife left in the wild because they will either be in a zoo or dead. That means the next generation will not be able to enjoy seeing the wildlife in its natural habitat.

Think about this, too: those trees we keep cutting down are the only things giving us fresh air. Please reconsider doing this to our nature and wildlife.

Virginia Helene Coe
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Gil West

The ongoing stories in the News & Record regarding the immigration investigation of workers at TIMCO have sensationalized an immigration issue by implying that airline safety and security have been breached. But the erroneous story on April 24 (Airline safety: Flying high or about to crash) [not posted] crossed the line into unfounded assertions related to airline safety and security.

At no time was airline safety or security compromised at TIMCO. All work performed by the individuals involved was supervised by appropriately certificated, trained and qualified TIMCO personnel. As an industry leader in aviation maintenance, our safety standards surpass those required by both the FAA and commercial airlines. We adhere to the highest hiring practices and provide services to many of the country's largest airlines and air cargo carriers.

We believe our practices are the best in the industry and are superior to the services provided by many commercial airlines. Many airlines concur with this assessment. This is one of the primary reasons our business is growing.

The News & Record story pointed out that "at a time when the industry has moved toward greater use of repair stations, its safety record has improved." The News & Record has chosen to downplay these and other facts, and instead has focused on baseless and factually unfounded charges by critics of TIMCO who, for the most part, are union employees pursuing their own political and personal agendas.

Over the past four years, federal agencies have conducted nearly 200 immigration actions at airports and airline maintenance facilities around the country. These actions have resulted in the discovery of nearly 6,000 unauthorized workers. The immigration issue exists on a national level and not solely within TIMCO.

It is a disservice to your readers, our 4,000 employees and the flying public to raise unfounded concerns about airline safety when that issue is not relevant. TIMCO has an extremely well-trained, experienced, skilled and diverse work force -- 2,000 of which call the Triad their home.

TIMCO is proud of its leadership position in our industry and the Triad community. We hope the News & Record's sensationalized coverage of our company and employees will cease and that future coverage will be more balanced, unbiased, fair and accurate.

Further information about our company may be found at www.timco.aero.

Gil West is president of TIMCO.

Well, it seems, as predicted, that the Ham's poker bust turned out to be a bust for the taxpayers. More money and time spent by our law-enforcement agencies pursuing the easy mark instead of serious personal and property crime. What about the totally benign and fun Las Vegas shindig being declared illegal with threats of arrest? Don't they have anything better to do?

What sure seems strange is that I know of several curb markets and various establishments (I'm fairly sure that some of our law-enforcement officers know of these establishments also) where I can go and gamble and lose (or win) hundreds or even thousands of dollars on video poker machines, but let me have a make-believe card game and the wrath of "big brother" is upon me. Not that I'm against allowing consenting adults to gamble, but what kind of mentality dictates, "Let's go after the pretend gamblers" and not the real thing? Maybe real gamblers have more political pull than we realize. To paraphrase an ex-South Carolina congressman: "Cash talks, trash walks." The hypocrisy of it all.

Neal Hall
Reidsville

Why do the editors of the News & Record whine incessantly over the $259,000 the coliseum may have lost operating the Generals hockey team? Are we getting the real numbers? What is the cost to the taxpayers for the coliseum that now sits empty almost every night of the year? What is the cost to the taxpayers for the ACC men's basketball tournament pulling out of the coliseum?

I'm no rocket scientist, but it seems to me that the costs to the taxpayers for operating a big empty coliseum would be less if 2,000 fans show up at least 35 nights per year, buy tickets, pay for parking, buy beer, soda, hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and miscellaneous other trinkets at grossly inflated prices. Does the News & Record's calculation include concession money made during hockey games? I wonder if the same accountants and finance managers who dole out public housing money for the city came up with the $259,000 figure.

It doesn't appear that hockey is the News & Record's game but, out of a sense of fairness, shouldn't the editors pursue the almost $1 million loss of taxpayer money from Skip Alston's various housing schemes with the same vigor and tenacity as they do Bill Black and his cohorts?

W.L. Linton
High Point

Recently I did an analysis on preserving Social Security, which I sent to the following representatives: Howard Coble, Elizabeth Dole, Richard Burr and Mel Watt. Coble's office was the only office that had the decency to respond.

His letter thanked me for "additional remarks about Social Security and your work in showing the amount of payroll taxes to be gleaned from removing the cap in the income subject to payroll taxes. We appreciate hearing from you."

I can see why Democrats and Republicans continue to support him. I do not understand why the other representatives did not respond. After all, I am an American and a North Carolinian -- whom these officials are to represent, even if I can't vote for all of them.

I could have voted for Dole but did not. Maybe that is why she didn't answer. I don't know what the excuses are for Watt and Burr.

Democrats and Republicans, we need more representatives like Coble who will respond to Americans no matter where they live or for whom they can vote.

William Joseph Colozzi
McLeansville

County election. No end to the nonsense? I am registered as an unaffiliated voter, largely because of the preponderance of self-serving silliness or outright wrongheadedness in both parties.

I evaluate a candidate by trying to discern who has the most concern for the "little guy" with no voice and who appears to show at least a modicum of common sense. I erred in that discernment when the two choices I made in the county election last fall were John Parks and Trudy Wade. I thought they sounded more sensible than the rest. How wrong I was. The behavior of both in the endless machinations since has made it clear that neither deserved my support.

Come on, y'all -- the election is over. The recounts have been recounted, at who knows how much expense to the already hurting budget. Accept the figures and spend some of that litigation money on the folks who really need it -- school support for our kids and grandkids, housing for those who have no decent place to stay, anything that would do some positive good. It is past time to put an end to the nonsense.

Grow up, for crying out loud.

Ruth Martin
Brown Summit

The letter by Stephen Millikin (April 23) was right on target. Gaylord Hageseth is but one of many professors who have achieved their position without acquiring any knowledge of the U.S. Constitution. Either that, or they simply don't care what it says.

Anyone who believes that the federal government is supposed to finance any form of charity is just plain wrong. One of the best examples of this is a speech made by Davy Crockett, then a member of the House of Representatives, to that body. They were considering an appropriation for the widow of a naval officer, and it was expected to pass unanimously.

Crockett said, "...We have the right, as individuals, to give away as much of our own money as we please in charity, but as members of Congress, we have no right so to appropriate a dollar of the public money..."

Crockett went on to give a week's pay to the cause, and challenged the rest to do the same. No one took him up on it, and the bill failed. The story can be found at www.Constitution.org/cons/crockett.htm.

It should be mandatory reading for every liberal.

Robert Hudson
Pelham

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Calvert Stewart

It is not surprising that the law-enforcement leaders in Guilford County and Greensboro are opposed to videotaping interrogations. What are they afraid of?

We know that the sheriff doesn't want any other law-enforcement agency to look over his shoulder. He keeps all of his internal investigations within his department. What is he afraid of? Will they find something he wants to keep hidden? Maybe the city police are afraid some of their tactics may be uncovered.

The statement, "If it ain't broken, don't fix it," made by the district attorney, shows he is not comfortable with moving into the 21st century. Here in Guilford County, the justice system is very much broken if the top law-enforcement officers are afraid or just don't want to use the available technology to administer fair and equal justice. If there is proven technology, and there is, the departments should be eager to embrace change that will make their jobs easier and cases less challenging in the courts.

Taping the complete interrogations, not portions, should make it easier for both parties in the cases. It should not be done like the cameras in police cars, turned on when they feel it convenient. I think all cars should have cameras that should be used at all times during a stop. The patrol officer should not be able to turn them off.

Interrogations should be recorded from beginning to end. With the available technology today, fewer mistakes will be made in the courtroom. At this time, another problem will arise. Has the tape been edited or tampered with in any way? Whom can you trust?

I am elated that some citizens are beginning to realize that just because a cop says something, it isn't always the truth.

We all know that all cops don't always tell the absolute truth, just as the suspected criminals don't. Some jurists are beginning to question their testimony and tactics.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

On a recent field trip with fourth-graders, I reprimanded a boy for elbowing his classmate. "He poked me first," the boy replied.

I was reminded of this philosophy in Cal Thomas' column of May 4 [not posted]: "Should the U.S. engage in torture to protect America? Yes. We are at war against ruthless enemy."

He says, "We are dealing with people who have repeatedly demonstrated they have no moral constraints and are willing to perpetrate mass murder…." In other words, we should conduct warfare according to the moral standards of the enemy.

Throughout history, those on one side of a conflict have consistently painted their opponents as being amoral and as having no regard for human life. Regardless of whether it is smart strategy, it is not right to define our opponents' low morals and then propose that we stoop to that level.

In addition to being inherently wrong, it is also unwise. Consistent lowering of the global moral tone will guarantee that in the near future combatants from every country will be tortured because "everyone" is doing it.

Beth M. Woodard
Jamestown

It amazes me why the black community can't figure out why prejudices still exist today, when we have state representatives like Earl Jones and Larry Womble stirring the pot, wanting business to prove whether their ancestors owned slaves.

What possible difference could that make now? Blacks and whites should be trying to come together, and this type of legislation sure doesn't accomplish this. If blacks, Hispanics, Asians, etc., would stop referring to themselves as African Americans, Latin Americans, etc., and just plain Americans, this nation would be a lot better off.

I doubt that most of the people in these groups have ever set foot in their so called native countries, so why refer to yourselves as such?

I wonder how many people know that slave traders dealt with African tribes that sold their captive enemies to whites? There were even some black plantation owners who had slaves.

Since slave ownership was legal until the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, maybe relatives of plantation owners who lost everything when slaves were freed should ask for reparations. After all, the government took away their property and destroyed their lives.

James O. Smith
High Point

A few days ago, I read a report concerning the murder of two people, one only 17 years of age. Such behavior has become endemic in our fair city and begs relief from any persons of bad character illegally entering our country.

We should not rely on the president of Mexico, whose army aids in the illegal crossing of the border into the United States. To stop this invasion, we need 10,000 additional well-trained Border Patrol personnel to ensure that only persons of certified good character are allowed to put their foot on American soil.

Our government has been too kind to those individuals, when we give them free education and health care, while many of our elderly poor must choose between eating or necessary medication.

A recent news report noted some educators want to give free college tuition to foreign non-citizens while many of our own students cannot afford higher education.

Under present circumstances, we are in danger of harboring many illegal immigrants suspected of wanting to snuff out the lives of all persons of religions other than their own.

Write your congressional representative and senators and demand better control of our borders.

Benjamin E. Wilson
Greensboro

The North Carolina General Assembly is proposing a pay cut for correctional staff who are employed in the state's prison system.

Correctional staff who work either second or third shift receive a weekend shift premium. All shifts receive holiday pay when they must work.

There now is a possibility the weekend shift premium will be reduced as well as the holiday pay. That would result in a grave financial hardship for those people.

Wayne Adams
Biscoe

When it comes to video taping police interrogations, the Guilford County district attorney believes in the adage, "If it's not broken, don't fix it."

Suppose a person of interest says he was threatened with torture during interrogation? What if a black suspect says cops used racial epithets against him during questioning?

Suppose a female perpetrator says she was sexually assaulted during interrogation? Wouldn't videotapes of these incidents tell whether these people are telling the truth?

Without these tapes, the courts and the media would have to rely on police testimony. It is a good thing that there is a law that requires on-duty police officers to always tell the truth. Oh wait, I forgot, no such law exists.

Well, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Right?

Chuck Mann
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint commentary:

By Nancy Banks

It should be noted that when Eddie Davis, the full-time paid employee of the North Carolina Association of Educators, endorses the proposed state lottery, he does not speak for all North Carolina teachers.

I am retired public school teacher with 32 years experience in the classroom, and I don't believe the lottery will help our public schools. I understand that public education needs more money, and new schools need to be built, but the lottery is not the answer.

Many of us understand that the lottery is primarily a grab for money and power by politicians who will probably use the money as they please. That's what has happened in other states where the lottery was established as a so-called education lottery, and I fear that is what will happen in North Carolina.

A state-run lottery contradicts the most important thing we teach children: that they should value knowledge and honest work, and a good life will follow. The lottery teaches just the opposite: "Don't work. Don't educate yourself. Buy a ticket and get rich quick." What the lottery hucksters won't tell you is that your chances of getting struck by lightning are greater than winning the lottery.

School construction funds were among the first to be diverted to general government expenditures two years ago during the budget crunch. Gov. Mike Easley is recommending a $15 million cut in school construction funds this year. Budget writers in the General Assembly now are contemplating a $200 million-plus reduction in education funding, apparently in anticipation of the lottery.

I believe Bill Friday and former Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Ward when they say after much thoughtful consideration that a lottery will hurt, not help, our public schools in North Carolina. People will believe what politicians have told them over and over that lottery money will solve our education funding problems. Thus, taxpayers will be less likely in the future to support increased school budgets.

If lottery money becomes available, politicians will reduce traditional revenue support and our schools will go begging. That has happened in Florida, California, Ohio and many other states where lottery money was promised for schools, and it will happen in North Carolina.

I'm confident that many North Carolina teachers understand this and agree with me. Shame on our leaders for trying to deceive us with this sinister scheme.

The writer is a Raleigh resident.

After extensive coverage of the death of Pope John Paul II and the election of Pope Benedict XVI, the media continue to criticize the latter. They say he is medieval in thought, backward in theology, and unwilling to accept the modern world.

I believe that all Christians, even with conflicting religious details, still accept our religion as based on Christ's teachings, preserved by the Gospels and Epistles of the first Christians. Our standards of morality and justice come from such teaching. When new worldly situations arise unknown to earlier thought, a true Christian tries to analyze the new ideas in the light of religious heritage. The Christian does not abandon age-old standards to fit new concepts or to accept the current relativism, which seems to say, "There is no objective truth; only what you decide for yourself."

St. Paul tells us to hold fast to the truth in Christ's teachings, not to decide all things according to changing worldly standards. The old-time Methodist circuit rider, preparing his Sunday sermon, never deleted an admonition to his people because it might offend someone. Pope Benedict seeks to bring the truth to a changing world, not to change our morality to suit the world.

Dick Douglas
Greensboro

I think you have the comics confused with the religion section. The May 1 comic "B.C.," by Johnny Hart, derides evolution and calls Darwin (who was devout and studied at Cambridge to be a clergyman) a non-Christian. Ha. Ha. Even "Family Circus" was funnier than this.

Hart has a history of sticking anti-science, anti-Jewish, anti-Muslim Christian extremism into his strips. If you put "Doonesbury" on the opinion page, then you should put "B.C." there, too, or, better still, in the trash.

Dave Dobson
Greensboro

I recently heard there were beach closings at Jordan Lake and other lakes in North Carolina due to pollution. This concerns me as a person who enjoys our natural places. I am also concerned that beach closings will adversely affect North Carolina's economy, since $1 billion a year is spent in North Carolina on recreational fishing. We've had our share of economic turmoil in the last few years; it is irresponsible to risk such a vital resource.

North Carolinians need a vital economy, not one restricted by indifference. We need clean drinking water and places for recreation. Right now we have an opportunity to change how we manage our resources. So, I ask everyone who believes in protecting our resources to call your local legislator to support "The Drinking Water Reservoir Protection Act" (S981/H1134).

R. Ryan Halas
Greensboro

I thank you for the excellent coverage your paper gave to the events that took place in the Catholic Church in recent days, namely the death of Pope John Paul II, his burial, the election of Pope Benedict XVI, his inauguration, etc. Your Catholic readers in this area are definitely pleased with your editors and reporters who did an excellent job. Please continue the good work.

Matthew Thekkekandam
Greensboro

I am appreciative of the Greensboro Police Department's Traffic Division for their vigilant lookout for speeding vehicles over the past few weeks, on Aycock Street and the block off the old Aycock Street. I understand the UNCG police have been part of this vigil.

Some seem to use the block off Market Street as a racetrack, and the newer Aycock as a flying-machine track. The signs read 35 mph with two red flags blowing in the breeze, indicating the speed limit. Are cell phones, putting on makeup, combing one's hair, trying to keep the children quiet or leaving them unbuckled causing the drivers not to watch the speed limit?

People, those signs are put up for our own protection. See if you can't do a better job of driving by obeying the traffic signs.

Good work, Traffic Division. Well done. Many thanks.

Agnes Joyner
Greensboro

Do we want to elect a female president in 2008? Why would anyone think that?

Most women are second-class citizens, are underpaid, have to be subservient to husbands, are blamed for unwanted pregnancies, and are used by corporations to explain some irregularities that are shady at best. If a woman tells it, it doesn't seem so bad. Some women are blamed for things happening in their homes and other things too many to mention.

Women in history all over the world have been burned at the stake, sacrificed as virgins, persecuted because someone said they were witches. The list goes on.

If a woman were elected president, it would send a strong message that we truly are a democracy and that we care about the under-appreciated of our society.

After all, women usually have to clean up most of the mess in this world. That's how I see it.

Eugene J. Palladino
Archdale

Two hundred years ago, reasonable people may have participated in a discussion on the merits of slavery. When is such a practice justifiable? When do the economic benefits outweigh the inconvenient reality?

One hundred years ago, intelligent people may have had a discussion of when it was justifiable to sterilize or even exterminate certain groups of people for the "betterment" of society at large.

Thankfully, these discussions are now embarrassing anachronisms.

I was embarrassed and horrified to see that my paper featured a "discussion" of the "pros and cons" of torture (Second Opinion, May 4). To feature such a discussion is to lend validity to a practice so heinous and despicable that it belongs in the same category as slavery and genocide. The News & Record ought to be ashamed.

Torture, like slavery and genocide, is never, under any circumstances, acceptable or justifiable.

Eric Schaefer
Reidsville

Has anyone noticed the unusual cool weather?

It seems that as soon as summer actually gets here, the global warming crowd will start blaming us humans again for all the hot weather. The news will read, "Global warming having effect on local weather."

Don't put those snow shovels and rubber boots away yet; you are going to need them because things are going to get deep, and I don't mean from the snow.

Don Wendelken
Summerfield

Regarding the article, "Authorities crush gaming machine" (May 6):

I have no opinion on video poker. However, I do find it curious that the sheriff would do this only a few weeks after a highly publicized electronics recycling event in Greensboro. Since video poker machines would appear to contain much the same components as a TV or computer monitor, I can only wonder how much toxic heavy metal was released during this publicity stunt. Were any precautions taken?

Boris A. Chernick
Greensboro

Regarding Gil West's Counterpoint column, "TIMCO coverage misleads public" (May 5):

I must state that I thought I was reading something that a grammar school student would write.

West feels that it is OK to hire undocumented citizens just because everyone else is doing it. That is no excuse. It is thinking like that that has led to the downfall of so many financial and telecommunication companies. It amazes me that the attitude that "I am not doing anything illegal unless I get caught" is still so prevalent in our society. "When I am caught, it's not my fault because everyone else is doing it."

Doesn't anyone remember Enron or WorldCom? There are thousands of hard-working Americans who lost everything because their bosses were just doing what everyone else did and never expected to get caught. The problem with this case is that we are not only talking about finances, but about the potential inferior workmanship being done by illegal employees. Mr. West should be apologizing for his actions, not making excuses.

Dennis Mckeon
Staten Island, N.Y.

I have never understood the meaning or reason for the End of Grade testing. My grandson is an A/B honor student, and he had to take this test. For those students who didn't do well during the school year, the EOG is an excellent way to give them a chance to bring their grades up to standard.

I truly believe that students who have worked hard all year should be exempted from the EOG testing. This program is much needed for those who didn't do well, and it gives them another opportunity to improve their scores.

The week before the tests are given, the faculty members seem so stressed themselves, and this seems to be passed on to the children. I realize the students have to prepare for these tests, but please, parents and teachers, stay calm and cool. The children will follow your lead.

Shirley J. Wright
Greensboro

The News & Record is to be commended that it has such a talented journalist by the name of Tom Steadman. I have just finished reading the heartwarming article by Tom, "A driving success," about Stephen Vance (May 3).

Tom also wrote an article about Kourtney Hyatt, "14-year-old wins fight of her life" (Oct. 28, 2004). Both articles reveal good journalism and compassion from the writer.

Also, the photos by Nelson Kepley and Kim Walker tell wonderful stories in themselves.

It is good to see human-interest articles on the front page of your paper.

Ellen S. Roberts
Reidsville

I have a friend who lives in New York City. On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, she had a full view of the planes crashing into the towers, and her response simply astounds me.

Rather than losing her head, blaming others or running in fear, she took the most drastic action imaginable: She prayed. She led others to pray not for revenge or personal deliverance, but for peace and understanding in a world of violence.

One of the great paradoxes of the faith is Christian leadership, articulated by Jesus, who claims, "Whoever wants to be great must become a servant to all" (Mark 9:35). Today, we have plenty of leaders who claim to be Christian, but the real question is, do we have Christian leaders? Do our elected officials speak on behalf of the least of our society’s brethren? Do those religious leaders who claim the spotlight answer Christ’s call to reject the ways of the world to suffer persecution for the kingdom of God?

God knows what's truly on your heart.

Did your call to Christian action end with your vote? If faith without works is dead, then let there be a resurrection of Christian action on behalf of the poor, the hungry, the downtrodden and the children in our nation. Let this rebirth start with you in our community. The time has come for there to be more Christians who just happen to be American, rather than more Americans who just happen to be Christian.

Drew Troutman
Jamestown

The writer is youth director at Jamestown Presbyterian Church.

The Guilford County commissioners will meet Thursday afternoon to determine "what's next" in the sordid Jenks Crayton outrage. With no investigation that will give them what they want, certain commissioners have accused, charged, implied and indicted our tax office manager in the press and in public proceedings. With a technique of making no facts or details public, they have tried to humiliate Crayton but have managed merely to make our county commissioners once again appear led by the three (or more) stooges.

It is unconscionable for county leaders to act in this fashion, and it cannot be tolerated. No matter what the outcome of the investigation-du-jour, Jenks Crayton is owed an apology for this embarrassing, politically motivated, countywide witch hunt. In fact, so are the rest of the citizens of Guilford County. Let's add that to Thursday's agenda.

Sue Polinsky
Greensboro

Regarding the column, "Not all teachers want the state lottery" (Counterpoint, May 7):

This writer has a valid point. Are we teaching our children a get-rich scheme? Are we saying to them that if we get the lottery, this is our way out? Don't educate yourself or make a name in our society the right way?

Politicians should stand up and put money where it counts, not in another bank building, not another skyscraper. Let's build more schools. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that babies are being born every day. Two certainties in life are living and dying. We need more schools and more money to pay teachers and teacher assistants, who work in many instances harder than the teacher. That's where the money needs to be placed. We need to value our values, if they are values that one can be happy with.

Let's consider the lottery if we use the money for the right things. Let's put things in their proper place. If it's going to help rather than hurt, let's do it. If it's broken, let's fix it and fix it properly.

Sherry L. Walker
Browns Summit

What a terrible path we Americans are on under the current leadership. "The Roadless Rule" has been repealed by the president, allowing road building in 58 million acres of the last remaining wild lands. The Sierra Club reports that the giant sequoias are now fair game to the campaign-contributing loggers. These ancient and marvelous trees wait for attack from the saw.

Meanwhile here in Greensboro, PTIA and FedEx have taken acres of old oaks, which were habitats for thousands of animals and birds. The consequences: Stags, rabbits, squirrels, foxes, possums, owls and eagles are now road kill. More recently, the News & Record published a front-page picture of an obnoxious bulldozer with a tree in its claws, ripping it out of the earth at the former Burlington Industries headquarters.

This was protested by a seventh-grader in a letter to the editor — so much more intelligent than Mr. Starmount who ordered this carnage.

And what, City Council, is this thing called a "tree ordinance," which has no power to prevent such destruction? When will we realize there are no roses left to smell because our national and local EPA are squeezed under the non-green thumb of Bush?

Gay Cheney
Browns Summit

I could not believe my eyes when I opened the paper Saturday. Here we go, paying for vacations for some of the commissioners.

I would like to get an attendance record of all the meetings these commissioners go to in Hawaii on our tax dollars, which, by the way, they will raise again this year.

Stan Champion
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Stuart Good

I lived in Greensboro at the time of the Klan/Nazi/Communist Workers' Party showdown, and we all knew at the time that our city was nothing more than a convenient meeting place for the combatants, and it really had next to nothing to do with the dynamics of our city. Blaming the citizens of Greensboro for that amateur firefight is rather like blaming the inhabitants of Gettysburg for the Civil War.

As for the lingering effects on our citizens, it is useful to remember another armed confrontation that took place in the general vicinity even longer ago. As with the Klan/Nazi/CWP armed brawl, these fighters represented opposite sides of the then-current political spectrum, were generally far away from home, and would probably have much rather been back there once the shooting started. No one arrived 26 years later, say 1807 or so, to search for repressed trauma buried in the souls of the residents of central Guilford County. The nascent community was not prodded to again divide itself along ancient fault lines of monarchial vs. republican rule and dig in heels for a second, verbal Battle of Guilford Courthouse.

Even absent such an effort, folks got over it. Flowing time smoothed differences and memories to the extent that while the town that grew up near the battlefield was named for the Continental general, one of its major avenues was named for his British opposite number.

This is not to suggest that the principles of the Klan/Nazi/CWP mayhem will ever enjoy such honor, but it does serve to remind us that yesterday's passions become today's history, not through the work of investigative committees, but rather as a result of a myriad of small and personal forgivenesses.

The surrender of armies and jury verdicts serve to effect closure in the public arena. We rely upon our individual lights for the rest.

The writer lives in Kernersville.

What would become of the Democrats and this nation if leaders Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi seriously considered President Bush's proposals and offered constructive ideas on how those proposals could be improved to help this nation succeed?

In my opinion, the Democrats would be thought of as contributors and the nation would be better off knowing that all of our legislators were working together to make our nation safer and our lives better.
Too much to ask? Naive to the point of ignorance?

Must differences be set aside only while smoke still rises from terrorist attacks? There are too many safety measures remaining to be put in place, and too many folks still to be fed, clothed and decently housed for endless bickering to be the prevailing view of the Congress.

Like it or not, George Bush has been chosen as our leader by a majority of voters. I'd ask members of both houses of congress to work to resolve our problems for just a year or so. After that, feel free to undermine, name-call, claw, scratch, lie, weasel and snort all you want.

But first, let's get something done for the nation.
George O'Leary
Greensboro

Even after nearly 30 years in education, I can still be blown away by new ideas or trends in classroom instruction. Your article on the amazing improvement by elementary students in classes of 15 students was one of those epiphanic moments.

I mean, until students were actually put into small classes with caring, decent teachers and their test results tallied, who could ever have guessed that there might be a connection between the two?

So, I am gratified that both the Guilford County Schools and the Guilford Education Alliance can now show that very connection.
To both groups: Keep pace with such new ideas in education. I wish you well in finding the funding to expand the number of classrooms to bring about smaller classes in all elementary schools and in recruiting the teachers to fill the new positions about to open.
Alfred Kraemer
Greensboro

Your front-page story, "Immigrants may get OK from GTCC" (May 6), is outrageous on so many levels that I don't know where to begin. You try to trivialize their situation by using the term 'undocumented' to make it sound as though they merely left their driver's license at home.

In fact, they are here by breaking our laws. This means they are not "undocumented"; they are criminals. And they are not immigrants; they are invaders.

For this, some twits want to reward them with admission to and lower tuition to a school paid for by those of us who are here legally! What's next? Will they want to provide scholarships for drug dealers, burglars and child molesters?

One of the justifications often given for turning a blind eye to these transgressors is "They take the jobs Americans don't want." This dimwitted idea will prepare the invaders to take the jobs Americans do want. How foolish.

Also, why should those of us who are legal bother to obey any laws since these criminals are not only allowed to break them, but are rewarded for doing so?

The only thing we owe these criminals is a one-way ticket to their place of origin.
George Hopkins
Greensboro

I was reading in the paper the other day about a study on Tasers and the effects. The answer is pretty simple and as plain as the noses on our faces: Do as you're told!

That's it; that's all there is to do for people not to be harmed by a Taser the police use.

I get really tired of seeing how society today is too lazy to take the blame for its own screw-ups! It's not the police who are at fault or the Tasers; it's the people who do not obey the law or do as they are told when being arrested, pulled over, etc. If they would only do as they are told to do, then there is no reason for the officer to have to use the Taser, is there?

We expect the police to put themselves in harm's way, but taking away the ability to protect themselves is like sending a soldier to war with no rifle. Just doesn't make any sense now, does it?
Randy Baldwin
Greensboro

Thank you and God bless you about the news about the Greener Pastures Mobile Medical Unit ("Rolling relief," May 5).

I did not do this for my own recognition, only to help the helpless.
Former Guilford County commissioners Bob Landreth , Mike Barber and Jeff Thigpen voted for this.

So did current commissioners Melvin "Skip" Alston, Carolyn Coleman and Bruce Davis.

May God bless them for helping to get the mobile medical unit.
Marie B. Stanley
Greensboro

Concerning Dave Dobson's letter on May 8:
If he doesn't like the "B.C." comic strip, he can quit looking at it. Quit whining!

The theory of evolution, not the "B.C." comic strip, belongs in the trash.

Dobson obviously believes in evolution. But, if many evolved from monkeys, why do we still have monkeys?

Can't answer that? Case closed!
Robert A.H. Smith
Greensboro

Giles Lambertson's column in support of CAFTA ("Deals like CAFTA help us in the long run," May 1) [not posted] is just another example of a tenured professor or a longtime wordsmith who, because of his distance from the pain suffered by the honest, hard-working average Joe, finds it so easy to ignore the most fundamental of all issues facing American workers today. It's painfully obvious we are the only ones who practice free trade, and somehow to stand up and support a strong American manufacturing base is now unfashionable.

What Lambertson fails to mention is that, despite his support of this "mutually beneficial regional agreement," CAFTA will allow Chinese goods to enter the United States through Central America and gain the benefit intended for America and its regional partners. When will we wake up? Will it begin when editorial writing is outsourced to China?

CAFTA is just another in a series of painful giveaways that continue to destroy our middle class. Just wait till doctors and lawyers have fewer people to treat and defend because health care and house closings diminish. Hopefully there will be enough left who can afford this fine newspaper so we can continue to consider your thoughts.

Lawrence J. Hulighan
Greensboro

I find it telling that in the May 4 torture columns, Cal Thomas' pro-torture piece depended wholly on fictional examples to support the point. The "what if you could stop a terrorist bomb about to go off" justification is just an emotional diversion. Only in the movies do you find witnesses under arrest who know about ticking bombs. No terrorist attack or plot in the real world has been stopped or discovered by torturing someone.

There is no assurance that torture even leads to the truth. A prisoner may not actually know anything. The prisoner may lie, even if he or she knows something, just to stop the pain.

Torture is a tool used by corrupt or dictatorial governments to crush dissent and convict citizens on trumped-up charges. The "facts" are pre-planned, and torture helps the interrogators force the confession to match the charge. Torture is not a tool for civil societies, even when faced with a war on terror. The U.S. should never use torture, and should never ship prisoners to other countries that allow torture.

Nicholas S. Ackerman
Greensboro

On Friday, the state of North Carolina executed Earl Richmond Jr. for the November 1991 cold-blooded and brutal murder of Helisa Stewart Hayes, her young son, Phillip, and young daughter, Darien. Richmond beat, raped and strangled Helisa Hayes to death. Richmond stabbed 8-year-old Phillip 40 times and strangled him with an electrical cord. Richmond strangled 7-year-old Darien with a curling iron cord.

Richmond was also convicted of the brutal murder of Lisa Ann Nadeau in April 1991 in New Jersey. Richmond raped, hog-tied, stabbed, strangled and hit Nadeau in the head with a hammer.

Richmond received the punishment he deserved, the punishment North Carolina law calls for and the punishment God demands. Richmond should have been executed years ago. There are other murderers in state prison whose executions are long overdue.

The Earl Richmond Jr. murders are a good reason why there should not be a moratorium of executions in North Carolina. A moratorium would be wrong, foolish and an injustice to society, especially to murdered victims and their families, who have already waited too long for justice.

James R. Hardy
Browns Summit

It is understandable that the city council and the county commissioners are unable to find consensus. They are taking their cues from religious leaders like the Baptist minister in Waynesville and some Catholic bishops who prefer to excommunicate their parishioners rather than trying to find common ground in Jesus' name.

Fundamentalism in politics and religion have no place in a society that must seek the greater good for all, and in a nation built on the principle that "all men (and women) are created equal and endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."

We are losing our ability to listen and to accommodate to differences on all levels of living.

Dan Mosca
Browns Summit

Perhaps Don Wendelken ("Cool spring weather defies global warming," letter, May 9) should investigate the difference between "weather" and "global climate change." There is more to the science of global warming than anecdotal observations of day to day (or year to year) weather patterns.

The recession of polar ice caps and snow cover on the peaks of Earth's mountains, along with information gleaned from tree rings and the fossil record, indicate that the Earth's atmosphere is in fact slowly warming. Our environment is changing, man is changing it -- that is simply a fact. A few days of unseasonably cool weather do not disprove this trend.

Perhaps that is something for Mr. Wendelken to mull over during his long and congested commute out to the suburbs of Summerfield.

Chad Gibson
Greensboro

I am pleased to see the General Assembly proposing serious action on environmental issues such as storm-water pollution and global warming ("Global warming worries push bill to study impact," May 9). I especially commend my representative, Pricey Harrison, for her initiative and leadership on these issues.

With the Bush administration making deals with polluters to ease regulations that protect the public, opening up more public land to extractive industries, and not taking the necessary steps to seriously reduce greenhouse gas emissions, I am worried about the future for all of us and the living planet we depend on. Thankfully, Raleigh is getting the message from concerned citizens like myself, and making proposals that would put North Carolina in the vanguard of states taking the vital action that Washington refuses to take.

By tightening regulations on new development to ensure minimal impact on land and water, expanding tax credits for renewable energy and alternatively fueled vehicles, and setting bold pollution-reduction goals, our elected officials can ensure a healthy planet for future generations. Without clean air to breathe, clean water to drink and functioning ecosystems, having a robust economy is meaningless.

Malcolm M. Kenton
Greensboro

I certainly hope Commissioner Paul Gibson was quoted incorrectly in your May 7 edition when he arrogantly and defiantly stated, "I'm going to the NACo convention this year ... next year ... the third year ... the fourth year." Without knowing the details of the meeting location, the agenda, the financial situation in the county; not knowing who else would like to go; no cost figures?

This is symbolic of politicians, even to the lowest levels, who believe they are ordained to go and do as they please, no matter what public opinion is or what financial conditions exist.

Having spent most of my adult life running educational conferences, I know their value. I question the judgment of anyone who would make such rash statements so far in advance, however.

Perhaps Gibson just has a bad case of loose lip and quick temper.

Douglas Brackett
Kernersville

In response to "How best to deal with angry mom," Counterpoint by Hank McGovern, April 30:

"Hi, Mom. It's an awesomely difficult responsibility raising children, isn't it? Could I help by babysitting for five or 10 minutes? No charge."

John R. Dykers Jr., M.D.
Siler City

Although I was on the fence on our controversial new baseball stadium, the lure of beautiful weather and an anxious 8-year-old boy prompted me to finally attend a Grasshoppers game Monday night. I was pleasantly surprised at the beautiful facility, gorgeous view of downtown Greensboro and first-class stadium.

My enthusiasm was dampened like a stale beer spilled on my foot when I encountered the concession stand. Having promised my son cotton candy ($4) and a ball cap ($20 was the cheapest cap they had), I had no idea it would set me back $25, plus another $15 for mediocre hot dogs and small drinks. With the cost of attending the game (despite $5 tickets), I still ended up spending $60, more than it costs to see a Braves game in Atlanta.

We ended up leaving late in the game, and I had to make a sandwich for a hungry boy because $20 worth of First Horizon Park food wasn't enough to fill up a 4-foot-tall child.

Now I finally understand how the community is paying for this luxury. If the concessions don't come down, we won't be going out to the ol' ballgame.

Michael E. Smith
Greensboro

I understand that there is a lot at stake for schools, staff and, let us not forget, students as a result of the end-of-grade tests. And, I am not opposed to testing as one means of measuring what students have learned during the academic year.

But it's no wonder students feel so much stress. I think we forget that the "students" are really just children. School hype, "good luck" graphics at every turn, financial rewards, excessive preparatory homework assigned by some teachers: All of these generate a tremendous amount of stress for some children. They're afraid they'll disappoint their teachers, their parents and, ultimately, themselves.

All that most children need to perform to the best of their ability is a calm, rational review of the material studied during the year, plenty of sleep and healthy food, the security that comes from knowing their teachers respect their efforts, and the confidence that arises from parental love and support.

If we adults chill out, so will our children. The results could be amazing.

Laura Druebbisch
Jamestown

Reading the letters blog Monday, I decided readers should hear about the weather from one who lived in the Greensboro/Proximity area in the 1930s.

In the old Proximity Mill Pond, I fished for and caught goldfish 10 inches long in the summertime. I stood on the banks of the same pond in the wintertime and watched a dozen or more people from Greensboro ice skating and doing figure eights on that same frozen pond.

I also waded in snow hip deep as a 12- to 13-year-old kid. There are at least a dozen of my old buddies living who can verify this.

John Kincaid
Reidsville

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Virgil V. Willard II and David S. Reid IV

As board-certified plastic surgeons in the Triad, we have often been called to repair the devastating injuries of a dog attack.

Every 40 seconds, someone in America seeks medical care because of a dog bite. Children make up 60 percent of the 4.7 million Americans bitten by dogs each year.

Tragically, some 20 people will die from dog-attack injuries this year. Most disconcerting is that the problem is largely preventable with just a little public education.

Dog bites are not caused by "bad dogs" but by irresponsible dog owners. The Humane Society of the United States reports that dogs that have not been properly socialized to other people, that are not supervised or safely confined, that are not sterilized, or that get little attention and handling are those that often attack. Dogs that have not been spayed or neutered are three times more likely to bite.

As plastic surgeons who have seen the damage caused by dog bites, we urge dog owners and parents to follow basic steps to avoid dog bites. Dog owners: Obedience train your dog and keep it healthy. Parents: Advise your child to never approach an unfamiliar dog and to never run from or scream at a dog. To learn more about dog bite prevention, visit the American Society of Plastic Surgeons' Web site at www.plasticsurgery.org.

In the event that you or someone you know is attacked by a dog, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Be sure to ask the emergency room physician to call a plastic surgeon certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Plastic surgeons certified by the ABPS have extensive surgical training in preserving and rearranging skin and tissue on the face and all areas of the body. They offer the victim added assurance that the wound will heal properly and that the resulting scar will be as inconspicuous as possible.

Together, by educating the public on the issue and asking dog owners to train and restrain their dogs, we can prevent future tragedies.

The writers belong to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Their practice in High Point is Piedmont Plastic Surgery, P.A.

Oh, what a webbed false sense of security we weave.

By supporting legislation that denies identity legitimacy to an estimated 300,000 undocumented workers in our state, we threaten our national security. Proposed driver's license legislation is disguised under a shroud of counter-terrorism. Effective counter-terrorism is based on reducing the "suspect population." The proposed legislation would greatly increase the "suspect-population" and would make it analogous to finding a needle in a haystack. This is simple math.

Law enforcement officials recognize the advantages of being able to identify drivers. Legal driving status will discourage unlicensed drivers from fleeing from minor traffic infractions or accidents because they are fearful. All drivers on our state roads should be insured and meet our safety standards. As constituents, we must demand that our state representatives not buckle under this anti-immigrant sentiment and protect our public safety. Immigration reform and public safety are two separate issues that require sensible, intelligent and well thought-out consideration.

Tammy Kelly-Rouse
Greensboro

By attacking Trudy Wade's principled stand to keep her seat, Vicky Alston and company are using emotional racial politics to obfuscate voter fraud.

Dr. Wade has provided exceptional, well-balanced leadership on the Board of Commissioners. Her deep concern for the electorate shows in her tireless research of the issues. It would be a tragedy for Guilford County to lose her leadership.

North Carolina's laws compel citizens to vote in their assigned precincts. The purpose of such laws is to insure against voter fraud. Therefore, votes cast outside the voter's home precinct are suspect, since they could be an instance of multiple voting. It is the responsibility of each citizen to vote in his assigned precinct. All he has to do is look at the number on his card.

The 2004 election was not an instance of voter disenfranchisement, but of voter fraud. Trudy Wade is again demonstrating her conscientiousness by contesting an election in which many illegal votes were cast and erroneously counted, thus marring the outcome.

Vicky Alston and other Democratic leaders are harassing Dr. Wade in order to achieve an end that benefits themselves -- attaining another Democratic vote on the board.

Nicole Arnold
High Point

The illegal aliens/undocumented immigrants have broken U.S. laws to be here in our country. It is my opinion that they should not be allowed to attend GTCC or any other state-supported college or university until they become U.S. citizens.

Joy Cooke
Browns Summit

Thank you for your excellent article May 7 about our rural Summerfield Feed Mill. Though our community is fast developing, it is refreshing to have such a warm and relaxing place to go, not just for farm needs, but to unwind with such genuinely friendly neighbors and good country folk. It is like an oasis of yesteryear and will always remain out of step with today's fast pace.

My only disagreement with the Feed Mill and your article is its name. With such a colorful daily congregation of wise, learned characters always having stories to swap and opinionated views on world affairs, and on what Summerfield and our nation either need or do not need, my wife and I affectionately refer to the Summerfield Feed Mill as "The House of Knowledge." Just fits better.

J. Michael Williams
Summerfield

We would like to thank staff writer Tom Steadman for the wonderful article he wrote about our Greek Orthodox Easter celebration. The article (May 2) was very well-written. We appreciate the respect and interest he showed for our family and our culture. We enjoyed his company on Easter Sunday.

Also, thank you to the photographer, Ki-Eun Kweon, for the great photographs.

Kiki and Kirk Tarasidis
Greensboro

I want to be one of the first persons to congratulate the city of Greensboro's Divisions of Traffic, Engineering and Inspection for the improvements made recently to Lawndale Drive from Cornwallis Drive to Pisgah Church Road.

By resurfacing the street from "curb to curb," they were able to provide a much-needed median for a left-turn lane throughout the project. This improvement will be a great saving to all citizens of our city who use this route.

The police and fire departments and EMT units will garner tremendous savings in accident calls alone, not to mention the grief and collision costs for the many users of the thoroughfare.

The contractor, Blythe Paving, working under dangerous traffic conditions, did a superb job in accomplishing the work in record time. The new traffic pattern was long overdue and hopefully has provided a much safer commute for our citizens.

If they will honor the posted speed limit signs, a "win-win" situation will have been provided also. Thanks to all who worked on this project.

Richard S. (Dick) Hendricks
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Thomas E. Morris

In response to Rosemary Roberts' column, "Death penalty is on the way out" (May 6), I offer the following:

Having been out of this area for 25 years, I'm not up to date on North Carolina happenings; I have been in Florida.

On Sept. 17, 1997, our 30-year-old daughter was raped and murdered in North Hillsborough County, Fla., which includes Tampa. The murderer had spent half of his 44 years in prisons for rape, assault, etc.

Unknown at the time of this murder, he had committed a previous murder six months prior. He was tried and convicted to death in both cases.

In our case, the jury voted 12-0 in the guilt and penalty phases.

Against the advice of his attorneys, he took the witness stand and admitted his guilt.

He is one of approximately 385 death row inmates in Florida. He has lost both appeals to the Florida Supreme Court. Florida law has been satisfied. Now, state of Florida officials advise he is entitled to three or four more appeals to the U.S. Supreme Court. At this point, I am unable to receive an answer why. Why do convicts have all the rights and the victims none?

It is costing the taxpayers of Florida $80 a day for incarceration. That's $29,200 per year, per inmate, or a total annual cost of $11,240,000. Couldn't this money be used for better purposes? Florida also has school problems.

Crime scene evidence collecting today, especially DNA, is many times more accurate than in years past. Granted, mistakes have been made and rectified.

Thanks to our liberal appeals judges, the legal profession, the ACLU, and liberal journalists, this "merry-go-round" continues unabated. Will it ever stop? At least President Bush and Republican leaders are making an attempt.

You commit murder in Saudi Arabia, and you'll be lucky to be alive two weeks later. Somewhere in between there is common ground.

Perhaps you can urge Roberts to compile and print some statistics to support either viewpoint. It would make interesting reading.

Meanwhile, hopefully, this 66-year-old victim will live long enough to see justice served to its fullest extent.

The writer lives in Whitsett.

Why not look at the bright side of the high gas prices?

I think everyone can agree that gas prices are high and no one wants to pay for it. The editorial, "State grabs big share of soaring gas prices" (May 2), did make a point but probably won't lower prices or help anything.

Since it doesn't seem that gas prices will be going down anytime soon, why don't people consider the positive things about higher gas prices instead of complaining about it?

Americans should be relieved that our prices aren't as high as they are in some other countries. In Canada, it's $5 a gallon, and in places in Europe, it can be $6 a gallon.

We don't look at how having higher gas prices can help our environment, either. For years we've been told to not drive as much in order to lessen air pollution. Now maybe people will actually start doing that.

These views of gas prices may not make it any cheaper but can make it better than it seems, so why don't people take them into consideration? In the end, the high prices may make Americans realize that they should be thankful for how things are here, and maybe even the environment will make a turn for the better.

Megan Hurd
Stoneville

Day-care facilities should be closely monitored. I believe that the rating system may be improved with a revision, but basing the rating solely on teacher credentials and the curriculum is incomplete. The facility has a great deal to do with the care provided.

I am a mother of a young son. I feel strongly that space, lighting, play areas, transportation and the kitchen are significant factors. Five-star day cares are often large buildings with plenty of room for play, learning and meals.

I am seeing a trend at our day care that disturbs me. Each day we get the lunch menu. We are seeing a lot of macaroni and cheese and hamburger. I believe that the quality of the meals is very important. That is why we pay a little more. Teachers are very important, but there are many other factors that should be considered when ranking North Carolina day cares.

Martha Thomas
Greensboro

Great news for my liberal friends. A recent issue of JAMA has indicated that liberalism will soon be covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Since there is little hope of a cure, you will be eligible to live off the taxpayers for the rest of your lives. A liberal's dream come true. Almost like Christmas, oops, Winter Holiday, every day.

At least now I understand how those who support late-term/partial-birth abortion can label their opponents as extremists. At least now I understand the woman who sent a letter saying she was more afraid of evangelical Christians than al-Qaida. I must have missed all the beheadings and suicide bombings by the evangelicals.

I now understand how some say that those who want to adhere to the constitutional provision of confirming judicial nominees by a simple majority wish to destroy the Constitution by using a "nuclear" option. Interesting.

Now I understand how some can't seem to understand why the president would appoint to top positions those who agree with his policies. This must sound deranged to them. Every day I thank God for my good health, particularly my mental health.

Tony Moschetti
High Point

If you insist on subjecting your readers to the mindless drivel produced by that ancient harridan, Molly Ivins, could you please balance your editorial pages by giving us the occasional treat of Michelle Malkin? Her arguments are cogent and intelligent, and I have missed her.

Marilyn Lauritzen
Greensboro

In response to "Nation needs rebirth of Christian leaders" (letter, May 10):

Obviously our born-again president did not follow your words in choosing to attack and kill an estimated 21,000 to 25,000 innocent Iraqis (www.iraqbodycount.net) and 1,700 American soldiers. He didn’t think about the women and children who have been affected. He didn’t look for alternative ways to resolve a problem. He chose to follow the oil trail and in the process misused U.S. resources and created more hatred toward Americans than ever in our history.

If only he had prayed for wisdom to resolve the problem differently, the entire scenario might have been different (or if we had a different president). After all, it was the Christian vote that put Bush over the top in the past election.

I think Christians should question why they are building elaborate churches and gaining untaxed wealth while overlooking kids and families in the community who would benefit from the church's help. I believe strongly in the separation of church and state, and this is being violated almost daily. Organized religion is a legalized and uncontrolled system for bilking billions of tax dollars from the American system. It's all about money, greed, power and business.

Robert Bedwell
Greensboro

Your May 6 article, "Immigrants may get OK from GTCC," illustrates how America is now more concerned with helping illegal immigrants and is taking away from the quality of education that we American citizens should be receiving. I was appalled when I read that college trustees and government officers have considered allowing illegal aliens to apply for college. Illegal immigrants should be getting deported instead of going to college. Where is the INS?

Stop for a moment and think about the future ramifications this will have on the cost of higher education for American citizens, while "undocumented immigrants" get to enjoy what the rest of us have struggled so hard to get legally. What's next, free health care, free housing, no taxes? This has to stop now or we, American citizens, will pay the cost in the years to come.

Tanya Landreth
Kernersville

I can give you a great reason to quit smoking -- the smell.

People who smoke smell. Their breath, hair, fingers, clothes, ad infinitum. Worked for me 30 years ago. I'm still the same for the most part, but I smell better.

Bill Bennett
Greensboro

Tuesday marks the first anniversary of the day when hundreds of happy couples legally wed for the first time. Why is this noteworthy? These marriages occurred in Massachusetts, and the married folks were same-sex couples. Since then, more than 5,000 such couples in the state have exchanged their vows.

Has the world come to an end? No. Has Massachusetts sunk into Boston Harbor? No. Has any opposite-sex couple reported that a same-sex couple has destroyed their marriage? No. But, are these same-sex couples who have married safer and more stable? Absolutely. As opposite-sex married folk have known for years, legal marriage encourages monogamy and social cohesion, stability for children, and societal support for those gay men and women who want the responsibility and status of marriage to cement their relationships. Isn't that something we should all celebrate?

Bob Page
Greensboro

I cannot believe what I am reading. The school board wants a 100 percent-plus raise, with our teachers underpaid, schools needing repair, and not to mention fellow citizens being laid off from their jobs. I could understand 4 or 5 percent, but 100 percent-plus?

We should fire the lot of them. All I can say is it takes nerve to suggest that big of an increase, and even more nerve to say it in public. Maybe the county commissioners, after a good laugh, will vote no on this matter.

Kenneth Wright
Greensboro

It's a shame you can't find a columnist with more to offer than David Brooks, if his May 12 column [not posted], "Democrats put politics before policy," is any indication of what we may expect from him in the future. Brooks only seemed to want to glorify the Republicans and denigrate the Democrats, apparently in order to pat himself on the back for successfully picking the party that reflects his moral outlook.

If he wants to present a considered view of the Social Security debate, he should mention that Democrats have offered many proposals for how to solve the problem -- most notably a proposal to tax earnings above the $90,000 annual ceiling, which could address more than half of the projected shortfall. Either that proposal doesn't meet his definition of coming up with "positive alternatives," or he declines to mention it because it would contradict the basis of his argument. Either way, his thoughts add nothing to further the public good, but do more to hinder progress at reconciliation between Republicans and Democrats. Reconciliation is the only way to return to a more centrist government that truly reflects the diversity of opinion in America today.

William G. White
Greensboro

I received recently a thick envelope from the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, which alleges that there is a federal grand jury indictment against David Rosen, the finance director of Hillary Clinton's 2000 Senate campaign. The four counts of Rosen's indictment could send him to prison and could have a large fine imposed. All charges relate to his fund-raising for Clinton's campaign.

Peter Paul reportedly raised more than $1 million for the campaign. Rosen, Clinton and her Senate campaign allegedly failed to report the full extent of the contributions.

John E. Bumgarner
Greensboro

Three hundred million dollars is a lot to go missing, isn't it? We are told this money wasn't taxpayers' money but came from Iraq oil reserves. That may have been true, but I bet we have to make up for the loss.

We are told since the funds were all in cash and the insurgents were making things hot that the funds cannot be traced. Surely names of receivers are available. This story is getting buried.

Janet M. Tyer
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Chris Heagarty

In response to your editorial about the Voter-Owned Elections Act (May 11), it's true no one likes paying for campaigns, but like the commercial says, "You can pay me now, or you can pay me later." We could avoid these fees on regulated businesses if we choose to, but what price will we pay down the road when another state official lets money guide his decisions?

Who pays for campaigns now? Not the voters. Within your readership area, how many folks do you think contributed in the state auditor's race? The race for superintendent of public instruction? I looked it up at the State Board of Elections. I could find no listed contributions in the Greensboro area for auditor candidate Les Merritt, and only three for incumbent Ralph Campbell. I could find only one donor for superintendent candidate Bill Fletcher, and fewer than 20 for his opponent, June Atkinson.

When you look at the other races, the folks who do give are primarily people or businesses regulated by that office. No surprise there. Don't insurance agents and state fair vendors have an interest in the Department of Agriculture or the Department of Insurance? Problem is, there would seem to be a conflict of interest. Case in point: former commissioner of agriculture Meg Scott Phipps' illegal campaign contributions tied to state fair contracts. We have many fine public officials who would never cross this line, but as we have seen, not all can resist the temptation.

Increased user fees -- call them taxes if you like -- on the businesses that are regulated may be a bitter pill to swallow, but these businesses are already the ones paying for these campaigns now. Why not change the system in a way that eliminates any undue interest?

Any piece of legislation proposed may need a tweak or two, but legislation like the Voter-Owned Elections Act would reward candidates like Steve Troxler, who raised his campaign funds from a large number of smaller donors, rather than those who go straight to the special interests. Under this program, his smaller contributions would have been matched, and he would have had more resources to campaign statewide, no inexpensive task.

Have all of the regulated businesses pay a little, or have a few big ones pay a lot? Which is better for democracy?

The writer is the executive director of the North Carolina Center for Voter Education, a nonpartisan not-for-profit research organization based in Raleigh.

Isn't it gratifying how the CEOs of major American industries handle their legal obligations to their longtime employees (let's all fly "United") while they are stealing everything in sight and getting even more tax breaks from their friends in Congress and the White House? Meanwhile, their employees (you remember -- those folks whose years of toil and sweat made the CEOs billionaires) can plan on vastly reduced pensions for their old age.

Oh, and what little pensions they do receive will be partly funded by you-know-who: you the taxpayer. And isn't this just incredible timing, now that the president and Congress also want to "reform" Social Security out of business and cut future benefits?

Ain't America wonderful?

Bob Gaines
Greensboro

More and more I see a strong resemblance between George W. Bush and the 17th-century fictional character Don Quixote. Both are idealists. Both are off to fight armies and reform the world. Alas for Don Quixote. His armies were windmills, and he returned disillusioned.

Our country fought a windmill in Vietnam and for a second time in Korea. There's an adage (if you're old enough to recall it) that states, "Third time's a charm." Will that hold true in Iraq? Will the pages of history, yet to be written, record success or another windmill?

Time will write these pages and answer all our questions. For now, how about an educated guess, or the toss of a coin?

Dorothy Meehan
Graham

When Republicans complain about "judicial activism," what they really object to is the constitutional concept of "judicial review."

The judiciary is the only branch that Republicans can't control. Even most conservative judges uphold their right (indeed, it's their job) to interpret laws and assess their constitutionality.

Unlike judges, legislators aren't required to understand the law. That's why legislators like DeLay and Frist see the co-equal judiciary as nothing more than an obstacle to their otherwise unchecked power. What Republicans like DeLay and Frist really object to is our constitutional form of government.

Keep this in mind as Sen. Frist falsely smears the opponents of politically radical judicial nominees as being hostile to "people of faith." Keep this in mind as Rep. DeLay and Sen. Cornyn make veiled threats of violence to judges involved in the Schiavo case. Keep this in mind as Republicans curtail our right to seek redress in the courts with so-called "tort reform." Finally, keep this in mind as Republicans seek to end the filibuster for lifetime judicial appointments, allowing them to confirm rubber-stamp judges without debate.

Today it's Circuit Court judges. Tomorrow, it will be Supreme Court justices.

Steve Bird
Greensboro

The letter from Robert A.H. Smith in the May 11 issue demonstrates a common misperception of Darwin's theory of evolution.

The theory does not suggest that man evolved from monkeys, but rather that monkeys and man had a common ancestor. From that ancestor (or group of ancestors), some descendents evolved eventually into monkeys and other primates, and another group of descendents evolved into, finally, modern man.

Evolution can be visualized as a branching tree (of life) with each branching indicating a change in the characteristics of some of the progeny of an organism; some may remain unchanged. Thus man and monkey, after the stage of the common ancestors, evolved independently, explaining the current coexistence of man and monkey.

Incidentally, I enjoy the B.C. comic strip despite the creationist slant.

Brooks V.S. Klosyermyer, M.D.
Asheboro

Regarding the story on cell phones in the May 12 paper:

It's not the cell phone that the young lady is holding (in the photo) that worries me; it's the stack of papers on her lap. Where is her attention while she scans or reads them? I think you missed the point on that one.

Cell phones are a distraction, but when they are added to all the other things drivers do, they are downright dangerous. On my commute I have observed people with a phone in one hand and a cigarette in the other. They must have been driving with their knees or feet.

I do not use my phone while I drive. I pull to the side and use the phone and then continue my travels.

Paul F. Siders
Greensboro

Using the word "illegal" to describe an undocumented migrant Latino is nothing more than a political buzz word. It's used by the racially biased with intent to hurt. Eyes seldom lie, and it is evident the federal government, state governments, local governments and private enterprise see these individuals only as undocumented people working in an environment of capitalism.

These people pay taxes as much as any citizen. Their children, those not citizens, should be given the same rights to education that any others are given in North Carolina. What needs to be discussed in North Carolina is the truth, and the leaders of this great state should hide their heads in shame for not telling it.

Richard Lloyd
Thomasville

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Bill Wise

Regarding the May 8 guest column by Michael Kent Curtis supporting judicial filibusters [not posted]:

The gentleman gives the game away in the first sentence by referring to "the president's most politically extreme nominees."

Who decides what is politically extreme? Mr. Curtis? The Democratic minority members of the Senate?

Following the introduction, the author introduces Social Security, the environment, minimum wage, discrimination, anti-trust laws, workers' right to form a union, ponds used by migratory birds, protection of state employees, basic civil liberties, sex discrimination, treating soldiers as laboratory rats, and, of course, abortion.

Embedded in all of this is a screed against Justices Thomas and Scalia.

The writer, of course, has the right not to like, not to approve of, or to desire to eliminate these justices and/or their approach to constitutional interpretation.

But that is not what this issue is about.

The dictionary defines filibuster as "use of obstructionist tactics, especially prolonged speechmaking to delay legislative action."

For years the filibuster has served a purpose: that of allowing a senator to take the floor in regard to legislation of which he or she strongly approves or disapproves, and by holding forth as long as physically capable, reminding colleagues of the intensity of that concern.

That is not what is being proposed here. (Frankly, I wish the original intent of a Senate filibuster could be maintained.)

What the leadership of the Democratic Party proposes is to use this Senate rule to prevent a vote on the president's appointments by gaining the floor and bringing the legislative process to a halt, unless the president agrees to appoint only judges approved by the minority party.

This is power politics at its worst.

I do not care who did what in the past. Nor do I condone obstructionism by either party. So, please do not try to spin this by saying, "Well, they did this in the past, therefore, etc."

The president's appointments as given by constitutional authority deserve a vote -- whether advice and consent or refusal by the U.S. Senate -- after which you can criticize to your heart's content.

To subvert this process by some technical fiat and posit that it is justified because "I know best" is a contortion of democracy.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

Republicans in the U.S. Senate are again showing their true colors as the arrogant, power-hungry hypocrites they are. This time, they are intent on undoing the filibuster, a venerable feature of our Constitution that has safeguarded our system of checks and balances for 200 years.

Now Republicans say it's time to change the rules, all because Democrats are likely to use the filibuster to block just three of Bush's activist judge appointees. Compare that to the 71 Clinton appointees that Republicans blocked.

Whether it's an election outcome they don't like, a rule that doesn't suit them, or repeated ethics violations by the House majority leader, most Republicans in Congress repeatedly proven that they have no sense of fair play.

Laurie Gengenbach
Julian

John Parks has now won a seat and two recounts. The two recounts constitute an attempt to disenfranchise the black vote in Guilford County much like Florida and Georgia 2000 and Ohio 2004.

The Republican theft of elections remains real at all levels, placing in jeopardy a more perfect union.

Seat Parks.

Robert Blakeney
High Point

This newspaper would do a great service to its readers and the taxpayers of North Carolina if you would republish an article in Fortune magazine (May 2, pages 43, 44, 46). In this article, North Carolina is used as an example as one of the states whose unfunded health benefits for state employees now amounts to $13 billion.

As the number of state workers grows, and as health care costs continue to rise, the $13 billion shortfall will grow. How are the taxpayers of this state going to meet this obligation? What else is unfunded in this state that is being kept secret?

Are we headed down the same road as the airline industry and also our domestic auto manufacturers? Somebody in Raleigh had better wake up and address this problem now.

Charles Hile
Greensboro

Regarding your May 9 article about County Commissioner Melvin "Skip" Alston's return to the United States from Africa, I say, without reservation, we would all be better off if he had stayed in Africa.

Richard M. Fields
Pleasant Garden

Six months have passed. Trudy Wade should be removed from our Board of County Commissioners. John Parks has been certified by the Guilford County Board of Elections more than once since November 2004.

If Parks is not allowed to take his rightful place on this board, Trudy Wade should not be allowed to remain, should not be allowed to continue being paid for serving as a commissioner, and should not be given a vote.

On election night, Wade held a slight lead, but all ballots had not been counted. When the ballots were counted, Parks led.

Instead of accepting the truth, Wade went to the courts. It appears that she will continue using the courts to retain her position on the board.

Some readers may remember the presidential election of 1948. On election night Thomas Dewey was believed to have won. The Chicago Tribune published his victory on the front page. When the count was completed, Harry Truman won. Dewey accepted the final decision.

Guilford County had a very large number of people voting in 2004. Some were willing to stand in line for hours. Regardless of whom they supported, registered voters deserve to have their votes honored.

Lou Howard
High Point

State Rep. Earl Jones is at it again, figuring out ways to rip off the public. He wants every company that does business with North Carolina to declare whether it benefited from slavery 150 years ago. You know what would follow.

Now he wants reparations for those in the eugenics program that operated 27 to 76 years ago. It should be made clear that most blacks do not share his views. But justice would be a good thing.

Let's start with Jones' repaying nearly a million dollars he took from taxpayers for social programs that produced nothing. He lost his grant because he could not account for the money he spent.

Also, the public would like reparations for the millions the city gave to Skip Alston and the late Rev. Michael King and got little to nothing for it. Reparations are also in order from Jones' black brothers who tried to burn down America's cities during the 1960s and 1970s riots.

Why don't you, Earl Jones, start it by repaying what you owe the city of Greensboro? Maybe your like-minded colleagues would follow your example. Put your words into action -- pay up now.

Al Myrick
Greensboro

Because of an editing error, John R. Bumgarner's middle initial was incorrect in a letter published on Monday.

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Scott Lesher

Your Life section article on slow food ("From farm to fork," April 27) was a breath of fresh air on a subject sorely neglected. As we plummet down the path of progress, it seems we are in a collective denial of the ravages such a path entails.

But the facts remain, for those who choose to accept them, that such "progress" results in a diminished quality of life, depleted natural resources and a scarred and denuded landscape. The wild and unpredictable is replaced with the mundane and the ordered.

The slow food coalition represents a ray of hope that the herd mentality is being broken. These individuals know the value of food, unlike the coupon-clipping consumer concerned only with price.

However, we can't stop with food, for importance also lies in other realms of our existence. People would benefit from slow garments made by the community with materials supplied by local farmers, as well as slow shelters, built by the occupants, who escape monthly monetary commitments and refrain from supporting the land-raping building material giants. Another viable alternative is to use the buildings that exist rather than building new ones.

Building a new auto is more detrimental environmentally than operating it the entire life. Slow cars would be older ones you could actually work on yourself, or else bicycles or public transportation. Computers are not slow, for we understand that e-mail lets us stay in virtual touch with everyone while robbing us of real touch with our surroundings.

Slow jobs fitted to our unique personalities give us the ability to reap what we sow more directly. Most jobs split people from their product as they spend time divorced from the world in a cubicle or factory assembly line.

Slow money facilitates communities and indigenous people to wrest control of their debt-based currency from international lending magnates. Slow money would be barter or trade instead of paper or electronic money. Hocus-pocus paper money still makes the bushel small and the shekel great for the benefit of a few and the detriment of many.

How much longer can we let our lives be determined by mega-state control and economic imperatives? Will we be reduced to Wal-Mart giveth and trash man taketh away?

Environmentally, agriculture has had the single most devastating effect. It seems fitting then that slow food is a good place to start but by no means a place to end.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

Any county commissioner who continues to pursue the dismissal of the tax director needs to be escorted to the FBI (Fools Bureau of Investigation) for questioning. The line between public interest and personal vendetta was obviously crossed with this third investigation, if not sooner.

The county manager's original investigation should have addressed all personnel management issues, and if it did not, the county manager's feet should be held to the fire.

I voted for Paul Gibson because I thought he would value the county's welfare over party politics, and now is the time to prove his mettle, keep his word to reinstate Jenks Crayton with apology, and end this embarrassment. I trust that the voting public is taking notes on the commissioners' activities.

Jeff Smith
Greensboro

Thank the Lord for pharmacists who take a stand for what they believe and don't fill prescriptions that could possibly cause a baby to be miscarried. This was a good article ("Druggist refusals gaining exposure...," April 24) to be printed so close to Mother's Day.

In the article, Walter Klausmeier of Planned Parenthood Health Systems in Raleigh said, "Pharmacists should respect the practitioner who writes the order..."

I say the pharmacists are doing well respecting God who is the author of life (he is not the author of those orders).

As for the Medicaid chief pharmacist Thomas D'Andrea being ordered to remove his state contact information from the Web site of Pharmacists for Life International, I believe his right to free speech was violated.

We need more people in the United States of America and the world who will stand for life and what is right. I applaud these pharmacists. May the good Lord bless them and their families, in Jesus' name.

Eleanor Atkins
Greensboro

In 1938, I entered Duke Law School as one of the cheap tuition Depression students.

One of the professors had been a judge in the western part of the state for many years. He admitted that in his early days, which would be a hundred years ago now, he had a pistol on his bench.

He quit that, but now comes another retreat from civilization.

The weapon made to kill people is allowed if concealed. If it were visible, we would be back to the openness of the Wild West. Know your neighbor.

James Mattocks
Trinity

During the week of May 13, there were two headlines in the local newspaper, "School board votes themselves a 100 percent pay increase" and then, "School board wants an increase in monies it can spend."

It's not a matter of what political party one belongs to anymore. Democrats and Republicans have become interchangeable... "If you vote for me, I'll give you...," or "Our poor children need better schools...," or "...We need better health care for our senior citizens." Translation: More taxes, more socialism.

Each political party now tries to outdo the other in their giveaway promises. Most Americans vote for the candidate "who can do the most for me."

The entire current crop of politicians of both parties knows only how to tax and spend, but most don't know how to balance a budget. Cutting costs there is one method that's totally foreign to them. If you don't believe what I'm saying here, you only have to listen to their rhetoric.

Has anyone heard the current crop of politicians say, "We can stay within our budget if we do away with the waste in the bureaucracy?"

DeWitt C. Fillmore
Greensboro

Why all the complaining about the school board members' pay? The job is very important to all citizens, extremely time-consuming and frequently thankless. Most citizens wouldn't take the job at 10 times the present salary.

The commissioners should allow the raise board members are asking for and be extremely thankful they have such good people in office to oversee the schools.

Bill Craft
Greensboro

I just read the concert review (May 7) of the Greensboro Symphony written by Bob Waters. I attended the May 5 concert. There were no "technical problems with the microphone system during the first movement, which led to balance difficulties," as written in the review.

There was an announced mic problem before the concert began, due to problems with the installed sound system, but no mics are used to amplify any portion of the musical performance and never have been in the last 20 years. The mics on stage are for recording only.

The problem between the first two movements had to do with lights in Bella Davidovich's eyes. Why do I know this information? I am the recording engineer that you insulted with your uninformed statements. Oh, and the "other work performed" was Mozart, "Overture to Don Giovanni," not Mendelssohn's "Overture to Die Hebriden."

Frank Martin
Winston-Salem

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Michael Northuis

I cannot believe what verbal garbage I am hearing in the name of "rational" discourse: Cal Thomas calls himself one of the "Moral Majority," but thinks industrial pollution and torture are OK. Yes, wasn't it in the Bible chapter of Dude-R-Oddity that Jesus beats the crap out of a Roman and teaches his disciples to throw mercury down the town well?

Don Wendelken's letter, "Cool spring weather" (May 9), tries to convince us that because we had a week of unseasonably cold spring weather that "global warming" is a crock. Never mind that hundreds of years of weather data and scientists across the globe (with the exception of the oil industry's hired weather "experts") agree that we are beyond stopping the process and need to get moving to minimize the impact on flora and fauna (plants and animals, Don).

Robert A. H. Smith in his letter, "B.C. and evolution" (May 11) asserts the hypothesis that if man evolved from monkeys, there would be no monkeys left. I guess that Robert does not know there is more than one species of "monkey." Surely God would never stoop to using evolution as a tool for creation. She waved her magic wand.

In another letter (May 11), "Democrats should work with president," George O'Leary tells those pesky Democrats to "contribute" by working with our "chosen" leader. Contribute to what? The gutting of the American economy so a few wealthy people can own the whole vapid country? The dismantling of the EPA? Dismantling Social Security, so people like you and I who have worked our whole lives will be homeless beggars in our Golden Years?

How about turning our country into a puritanical bastion of Christian fundamentalism, where cheerleading is outlawed but corporate greed is exalted? Or hey, let's get together and throw some nukes at North Korea. Condi's ready for a brawl.

Let's see how many hundreds of billions we can waste showing the world how right (wing) we are. I hear a lot of mouths working, but I'm failing to hear anything insightful, rational or useful.

Give me a real road map to peace, enlightenment and a brighter, cleaner future or take your weapons, your pollution and your ignorance and quietly go home.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

That Jenks Crayton witch hunt is sinister enough, but underlying, there seems to be a more pathetic, counterproductive, Skip Alston agenda that drives every decision our county commissioners make.

Think about it. Skip was in charge of the nonprofit that accepted close to one million tax dollars to maintain St. James Homes, which is in the process of demolition because of non-repair. Where did the money go? He also heads Sit In Movement Inc., a noble cause but a nonprofit nonetheless, with unanswered accounting irregularities that go back to the early '90s.

It is as if our county government is controlled by an erroneously empowered individual, living in a glass house, who can't resist the urge to cast stones from his front porch.

Steve Schorr
Brown Summit

To the "Honorable" Mr. Alston and Mr. Davis: You asked for an investigation of Jenks Crayton and from what I can tell and have read, you received at least two that have determined nothing wrong has occurred. Now your complaint is about his "management" style.

As a resident of Guilford County, before you waste another penny of my tax dollars "investigating" Mr. Crayton and complaining about his management style, get your own house in order. Until the commissioners' meetings can be conducted with professionalism and civility, and without you hollering racism every time something doesn't go your way, shut up about the leader of the tax department with the best collection rate in the state.

Jenks Crayton is doing his job, fairly, accurately, and without the support of the Board of Commissioners. Being in a leadership position usually means a subordinate will have issues with your leadership style. Have you not read the papers and observed what the vast majority of your constituents (read subordinates) think of the leadership of the Guilford County commissioners?

Keith Wilson
Greensboro

On May 13, the headline was "Investigation clears tax chief." I have followed this story carefully as I, for one, desire a good county government that treats all of us fairly, both citizens and employees.

After reading the latest article, I wonder what is the problem with Mr. Crayton. Do some of the commissioners want to fire him simply because he is white or a Republican? Is there some other motive? Willie Best, county manager; Greensboro police, the SBI and N.C. Tax Commission all have investigated and found no violation or criminal activity. Yet some of the commissioners are not satisfied.

If we had a recall petition like California, where an official believed to have abused his office can be recalled, some of our commissioners would soon be out of office. They seem to believe because the next election for them is 3 1/2 years away, they are safe. They are wasting our tax dollars on needless investigations and need to quit acting like children and get on with the governing of Guilford County as they were elected to do. Otherwise, some of them may find themselves out of office in the next election.

E. Rowe Souther
McLeansville

A tale of two counties -- and two men: Truett Abbott, principal of Warren County Middle School, who turned one of Georgia's worst schools into one of its best, and Terry Grier, Guilford County's school superintendent who sold us his "School Choice Plan," more correctly named the "High Point School Reassignment Plan."

The hand dealt Abbott: tough economic times, 100 percent of students on free and reduced lunch, 92 percent African-American, and in 2000, only 28 percent passing the state writing test and 14 percent passing the mathematics test.

By 2004, those passing had increased to 86 percent and 88 percent respectively. His secret? Focus on reading and phonetics, require at least 25 books per year, get parents involved, and increase core class time by 50 percent. All done with three straight years of reduced budgets.

For Grier, tough economic times, with both a higher ratio of free and reduced lunches and lower state test scores in two of High Point's three high schools. His answer? Increase time on more buses through a complex hub system, and reassign more students out of neighborhoods by lottery -- with bigger annual budgets.

This is that tale of two counties, two men, one leader.

Bill Yaner
Jamestown

Trying a teen as an adult is not fair. Adolescents do not have the full understanding of what will happen as a result of their actions. We may be more educated than some adults but do not obtain their wisdom.

You may have heard about the case where two kids killed a police officer (recently). Some people say that a kid that committed a similar crime trained in sniper mode on "Halo" (an Xbox game produced by Bungie).

In my opinion, there is no possible way, in the physical sense, that a person could train in this way. Ignoring that fact, to me it's the matter of mental capacity and wisdom which we adolescents lack. Don't get me wrong; there are some adolescents who do have that capability, but not all do. Also, I believe that not all young adults (ages 18-21) should be tried as an "adult."

My reasoning for this is that older adults, when they were youthful, did not always make reasonable choices. I know that it costs money to keep someone in prison, but that would make a "win-win" situation for opinionated sides, in some sense.

Daniel Kalinowski
Madison

Robert A. H. Smith's letter attacking evolution revealed such gross ignorance regarding the theory I wonder why you bothered publishing it.

The theory of evolution does not say that humans evolved from monkeys, but that at some point in the past, a creature existed whose descendants diverged into different species, both modern human and modern ape. That, Mr. Smith, is the theory's explanation why both apes and humans exist. According to Darwin, we did not evolve from monkeys. We both evolved from the same source.

Perhaps if Smith and others with his mind-set would bother to actually engage in conversation with people of different viewpoints, they would not assert that such an elementary question is unanswerable. Although I tend to believe in evolution, I do not think that the theory precludes the existence of God, nor do I think it makes us less human.

You're just wrong, Mr. Smith. The theory easily answers your question and the case is not closed.

Charles W. Ward
Greensboro

Although tobacco smoke triggers my asthma, I am 100 percent against the current effort in Raleigh to ban smoking in all restaurants because it tramples on the property rights of the owners. I think the current practice in many restaurants of setting aside smoking sections is absurd.

If our elected folks down in Raleigh just must do something about tobacco in restaurants, I suggest that they require every food-serving establishment to post signs at all entrances, declaring either "Smokers Welcome" or "Smoke Free." I will patronize only the latter.

Roy Montrose Graham
Reidsville

In an effort to come up with my shortest letter to you to date, I humbly submit:

Newsweak.

For its reporting on the desecration of the Quran.

Daniel J. Flak
Greensboro

Once again, some of the Democratic county commissioners have proved to be nothing more than vindictive and opportunistic. Even after Jenks Crayton was completely cleared of wrongdoing, Skip Alston and Bruce Davis say it's not over yet.

Were there malcontent moles in Crayton's office? If so, did they complain because they were held to the same expectations as everyone else? How would you like to manage an office where you are continually being undermined? Was this a situation where cronies weren't hired? Or is it that Crayton refused to be intimidated like the rest of the politicos in this town.

Crayton could stand up to any scrutiny because he does his job well, with one of the best tax collection records in the state. Alston should praise these tax collection efforts. How else would we have the money to loan for the next St. James housing project? Character is defined by how you treat a person when you can treat them any way you want to. Crayton and his family deserve better from our community.

Bill Golden
Greensboro

The flap over Jenks Crayton just goes to show you the type of people we citizens have elected as Guilford County commissioners. What more do Commissioners Bruce Davis and Skip Alston want? They have already embarrassed the rest of the Democrats on the board of commissioners and have made them look like a bunch of fools.

Now, apparently, they are not satisfied with the recent audit of the tax department by top state department officials (who found nothing). To save any dignity they might have left, Davis and Alston are now picking on Crayton's management style. I defy anyone out there to show me a manager of a large number of employees who does not have a few disgruntled employees working for them.

It appears to me that racial prejudice has once again reared its ugly head, which is too bad. Guilford County will never settle any of its racial problems as long as people like Davis and Alston are around to constantly stir things up.

Charles H. Ott
Greensboro

Regarding the tax director, Jenks Crayton:

First, I believe there have been at least two investigations, and as you reported in the May 14 paper, the investigations found no evidence of any wrongdoing and considered Crayton "squeaky clean."

The commissioner chairman, Bruce Davis, and Skip Alston simply cannot abide by the results of the investigations. It seems to me that no matter what, they are going to continue their harassment of Crayton for whatever reasons they have in their minds.

Now let's put the shoe on the other foot. Let's reverse a few things. If the tax director was black and two or more white commissioners wanted to get rid of the black tax director, Davis and Alston would be screaming like wounded eagles declaring that it was racial.

Finally, I hope the rest of the commissioners put Jenks Crayton back to work and put this matter to rest.

Bernard L. Zales
Greensboro

Is it possible that Bruce Davis and Skip Alston have a racist agenda in their campaign of rumor and innuendo against Jenks Crayton? I am sure if the situation were reversed, we would be hearing calls of racism. If only they could and would do their jobs as well as he.

Please, those of you who voted for either Davis or Alston in particular, and for any other candidate in general, consider whether they are the type of people you want representing you. When we all get serious about knowing the character or lack thereof of our candidates, we may get better government.

Cecil Carpenter
Greensboro

Regarding your editorial "Tax director merits reinstatement to job" (May 14):

In the next to last paragraph, you stated "...no more sacrificing their own credibility on a senseless pursuit of imagined wrongdoing."

While I agree with your editorial, I must take issue with you. What credibility? Skip lost his years ago, and Davis is catching up to Skip in leaps and bounds.

Daniel U. Cregar Jr.
High Point

Once again the Democratic county commissioners are not happy with the investigation they asked for. As usual they acted like children, pointing fingers.

If the tax department was run by their example, we really would be in trouble.

Donald Black
Summerfield

As an attendee of the Police and Citizens Appreciation Banquet, I was pleased with the article on citizens who received certificates of merit for their unselfish actions ("Good citizens," May 13). I thought it was great that these fine citizens were recognized on the front page, but I was disappointed when I looked for "the rest of the story," that is, the awards given to officers for meritorious actions.

It really baffles me as to what the editors were thinking when they publish a picture, on page A4, of geese crossing the road in Montana but no article on the Greensboro officers who received awards.

Our police put their lives on the line daily by just putting on their uniform and stepping out of their homes, but the editors do not find their extra noteworthy actions worthy of space in the local paper.

As the sister of a retired police officer and the aunt of a current police officer who received a lifesaving award, I am very proud of them and all officers who faithfully serve the citizens of Greensboro. Congratulations to Chief Wray and all officers for a job well done.

Carolyn Ritter
Greensboro

Did it really happen? Did a person of our community, who is white, publicly admonish another person of our community, who is black, to "stay in Africa" (letter, May 18, Richard Fields)?

Please, we've got to find a way to deal with our individual and collective differences without resorting to such sheer ugliness.

Anne Willson
Greensboro

Intelligent design creationism (IDC) inspires political, but not scientific, debate, because there's no scientific question that evolution occurred. This is not because scientists are atheists, but because the evidence is overwhelming.

Moreover, IDC is not science -- it argues that whatever we cannot explain scientifically now, we never will: A deity did it. Case closed and class dismissed; you scientists can stop and go home now.

Imagine if scientists gave up like this whenever they encountered difficult problems. Breast cancer, leukemia, polio, AIDS? Sorry, God's will. Space travel, the Internet, mapping the genome? No can do.

I have a modest proposal. Let school districts decide to either teach scientific biology, physics, astronomy and geology, or their creationist versions. Then let "creationist" pupils attend only creationist universities, medical schools, Ph.D. programs, etc., while "scientific" pupils attend their scientific counterparts.

Which group do you think will solve tomorrow's problems in science, technology and medicine? Which school districts would you choose for your children?

Which graduates would you want to hire in your high-tech corporation, work in your county's crime lab, design our military's weapons, or operate on your sick child? I thought so.

Michael J. Kane
Greensboro

It has been apparent that President Vicente Fox of Mexico is more divisive and unilateral than unifying and cooperative. America's open freedom contrasted with his country's restrictions toward Honduras and yes, Americans, is selective and discriminating.

Because his compatriots elected him, one has to accept they chose the person who best exemplifies their conscience. He frequently flaunts his disregard for President Bush and displays a shameful disrespect for our country. His innermost feelings sprang forth with his statement quoted by CNN, "Mexicans do the work that even blacks will not do." "Whatsoever a man thinks in his heart, so is he."

With that, I am convinced his private conversations center on discrimination. This country needs no return to the past. I urge President Bush, Congress, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other representatives of this country to cease relations with Mexico until a different leader with an inclusive rather than exclusive persona is elected.

Albert A. Campbell
High Point

As a country, we need to end our long-standing practice of making outcome-based friendships with other countries. Take, for instance, backing Saddam Hussein because at the time we had a common enemy, Iran. Selling him weapons of mass destruction so he can kill more efficiently doesn't speak well of a mostly Christian nation.

Let's not pretend that we care about the Iraqi people; this only provided cover for a war of aggression. If we wanted to help the Iraqis, we could have lifted sanctions. Bombing someone to hell and back is not a teaching of Jesus. Bush's Christianity is nothing more than a political convenience.

Death and destruction are the by-products of war and sanctions. We attacked a country that had nothing to do with Sept. 11.

We should use our resources wisely to end suffering, not cause more suffering. The Iraqi people need to be saved from our salvation.

Mack Wilder
Greensboro

You begin your editorial on campaign reform (May 11) by stating that North Carolina's corrupt political system needs reform. I agree wholeheartedly. Too often, Council of State officers get most of their campaign money from the very businesses or people they regulate and do business with.

This leads to conflicts of interest, and lands some in jail. So why do you end up saying that we should just continue doing what we are doing? You just don't make sense.

You even admit the bill to reform financing is brilliant. But you are confused about taxes and surcharges. The funding comes from a surcharge, not a tax, on the regulatory fees collected by those agencies. The money does not come from the General Fund.

Campaign reform is badly needed in North Carolina. Find ways to be constructive, not to shoot down genuine efforts to make progress.

James Bennett
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Connie Murphy

Did you know that every AP exam that is given at the end of each course requires a fee to take the exam? For instance, in Long Island, at MacArthur High School, in Levittown, N.Y., my niece had to pay $75 to take the AP exam. The exam is not a requirement to pass the course, nor does it tie in to any final grade. The exam is to earn college credit for the course taken.

Many students in other areas of the country choose not to take the exam if they have to pay for it and they know they will not get the required passing grade on the exam for their college of choice.

For instance, UNC-Chapel Hill requires a grade of 4, on a scale of 1 to 5. If a student knows they will not get this passing grade, they will choose not to take the exam in other parts of the country.

In Guilford County, the exams are paid for. This is very nice, but when these surveys come out, and you print them in the paper, it is very deceiving. Terry Grier is again skewing the numbers to make the county's schools look better than they are.

All of our students take these exams because they are free. He also has started to let sophomores take AP courses, when in the past you had to be at least a junior.

Boy, our numbers do look great when all of these kids are taking AP courses. But as a reporter, why not find out how many of them in the county are really passing the exams and using the courses the way they are supposed to be used -- not just to up their GPA?

Why not find out the way it works across the nation? Our numbers might not really look so good after all. We will most likely not be in the top 1,000. Then Terry Grier may not look so good.

The writer is a Jamestown resident.

Charles Davenport's column, "The hypocrisy of liberals on our campuses" (April 24), saw a banner celebrating a weekend event for Asian students at UNCG and saw behind it "a liberal domination" of UNCG. His insinuation revealed his ignorance.

If Davenport does not want liberals calling him a demagogue, then he needs to quit practicing demagoguery. He appealed to the prejudices of others in an attempt to gain their attention and support in his ongoing attack on the reputation of the quality of instruction at UNCG.

Exposure to other cultures will broaden our horizons, and our attitudes, perhaps, won't be so limited and narrow-minded. The exchange of students between countries can positively enhance understanding, communication and progress among nations.

And to those who would like to circle the wagons around our country and limit all privileges to a chosen few, remember Franklin D. Roosevelt's words: "… The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."

And fear itself is what demagogues know the most about.

Michael Ford
Greensboro

Regarding your stories about professor Richard Florida and his belief in the importance of the "Creative Class" to a city's growth:

Super Creative Class Man designs games here in Greensboro. Super creative work requires super technical skills and imagination, but rarely are his super feats demonstrated here, because while Greensboro is a really nice town, his super clients are off in places like California, where they don't choke on the living-wage fees he charges.

A while ago, when he arrived ("from a distant planet"), he was simply among Jesse Helms' despised class of liberals and artists. Growing up, Super Creative Class Man would simply have been, like his father, a working man among working men, making enough for his children's college and some for savings.

At the time, he looked up to his educated, middle-class relatives as examples of the low end of the American intellectual class, a group no one refers to nowadays.

The other day, another Greensboro super hero phoned Super Creative Class Man complaining why he didn't send her some animation work. He replied that although he had super powers, he could not stop a client from outsourcing the job to Russia. There, he explained, as in India and China, the men and women of similar talents are not super heroes, but working stiffs, like my father had been.

Andrew J. Young
Greensboro

Regarding the front-page article, "Drug users could swap," (May 17):

We could also sell them drugs. That way they would not get hurt by drug dealers when they buy from them.

You don't stop drug users by helping them get what they need. Put that money in something to fight drugs.

N.E. Norton
Greensboro

Way to go Chuck Forrester (column, " 'Truth' inquiry desperate, absurd," April 27).

It's about time that someone stepped forward with the truth about the "Klan/Nazi" incident. It's not about race but about the Communists who challenged people who were willing to take up that challenge.

Without the Communist challenge to the KKK and Nazis, this would not have happened. When one extremist group challenges another, what do you think will happen?

And then to lie about the position of their march and blame the police. Guess Nelson Johnson forgets the little details.

Not all of us have clouded memories.

Joyce McGilvery
Greensboro

The amount the Guilford County School Board wishes to raise its salaries is small, especially compared to bloated CEO salaries and benefits. But in a community where thousands have lost jobs, it is incredulous to increase a public servant's salary 120 percent. Not only is the timing extremely poor, but the appearance and perception reeks.

School board members should be reimbursed for travel involving official duties. They also should be given dedicated office space, supplies and clerical assistance. But a 120 percent salary increase, no way.

James Corey
High Point

The Guilford County Board of Education wants a raise. The school buildings need repairs and additions, there is not enough money for teachers, teacher's aides are being cut, equipment and supplies are short.

It appears to me that most of the board members have good jobs and don't need to be paid to serve on this board. Cut the salary to $1 a year per board member and do the children of Guilford County a service.

Betty Hobbs
Greensboro

Recently, I attended a game at First Horizon Park. I was quite upset with my first Grasshoppers home game. I suppose it had something to do with not being able to understand what was going on. I am referring to the game held on "Cinco de Mayo." The entire game was in Spanish. The music that was played and all of the announcements were in Spanish.

However, I believe what upset me the most was when we stood, removed our hats and faced the American flag for the national anthem, we heard what I assume was the Mexican national anthem. Then afterwards, we simply heard the music for the American national anthem.

Apparently I wasn't the only one who was upset with the experience. I heard other comments coming from around the area where I was sitting and saw these people eventually get up and leave in the second inning.

Maybe I should just learn to adapt because it appears that this is where this country is headed, but I won't find myself buying another ticket for a home game on May 5 in the future, if this is what is to be expected.

B.D. Smith
Greensboro

The results of the study in Sweden of how homosexuals' brains respond to pheromones after sniffing a chemical derived from testosterone ("Gay men sniff out hormones in study...," May 10), while interesting, do not confirm that homosexuality is a genetic trait.

Case in point: After graduating from college, a friend of mine taught English overseas at a school in Thailand. The aroma of traditional foods cooking would make her nauseated as she biked to school each morning. By the end of the school term, she found her mouth watering at the same scent that had made her stomach churn only months before. Her brain had triggered a totally different response to the stimulus based on acquired knowledge. In fact, one could say that environmental and cultural knowledge had overridden her initial, inherent response.

Sandra Witelson's claim that "(the study) is one more piece of evidence ... that is showing that sexual orientation is not all learned," is a bit of a reach.

Marcy Pyrtle
Reidsville

I am concerned about the proposal to remove school resource officers (SROs) from the middle schools. I am in the education field, and in my first year in education I have seen some things happen that could have gotten worse if not for the presence of the law-enforcement officer.

I don't want to make a blanket indictment, but the truth is many parents indulge their kids rather than set limits. The kids run the house while the parents bear the financial responsibility of clothing, feeding and sheltering them. It is time for the parents to develop a backbone and start giving the kids discipline.

We, in the schools, have the double duty of education and rearing. We are here to teach your child academically. Parents must teach their children social responsibility (good manners, responsibility and consideration for others). If you don't take control of your children now, it may be the police who will take control of them later. You can give corporal punishment with love, or let the police deliver the same. I guarantee there will be no love involved in that exchange.

Take responsibility, parents, and raise your kids.

W.H. Wall Jr.
Archdale

In response to the editorial, "Stun guns raise questions" (April 14), I would like to express my opinion.

As a student at one of the high schools in Rockingham County, I see our school resource officer armed with a handgun each school day. It is the sheriff's job to provide the proper equipment for the school officers, and it is ironic that an officer is authorized to carry a handgun but not a stun gun. If the officer is properly trained in the use of the weapon, then it should be the county sheriff or the city police department and not the school board that makes the decision about what weapon officers can be equipped with.

If a situation came up that would require more than physical force from the officer, would the school board rather the officer use a handgun or a stun gun?

By taking away that choice, the officer might have only a lethal weapon as an option.

Joseph Knight
Stokesdale

Some random thoughts before they go away:

1) Partisan politics are getting ridiculous. When the U.S. Congress makes the Guilford County Board of Commissioners look good, we've reached the brink.

2) Bell South telephone bills are confusion compounded. Only the federal tax code is less clear.

3) College tuitions are like some CEO salaries -- no connection with reality.

4) Road Rage is being fueled by outsized SUVs, cell-phone nitwits and really bad drivers without turn signals.

5) CBS' "60 Minutes" (May 15) featured Princeton professor Harry Frankfurt, whose new 60-page book, "BS Rules," is a runaway best-seller. Yes, our lives are tarnished by the constant barrage of BS coming from TV, radio, press, politicians, preachers, educators, corporations, letters to the editor, etc.

6) I feel better now.

Bill Beerman
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Jeremy Byman

Kudos to the News & Record for reviving its series of debates in Sunday's "Ideas" section on important issues of the day. The May 15 face-off between the proponents of evolutionary theory and the supporters of intelligent design was eye-opening, despite its unavoidable brevity. Following hard on the heels of the sobering dust-up over the legitimate use of torture, it reassured me that ideas can be thoughtfully engaged in a daily newspaper.

But I certainly hope you won't stop with these two topics, because the arrogance of the academy knows no bounds. Allow me to suggest other topics where the other side hasn't received a fair hearing.

With the demolition of the "evolutionists" so fresh in my mind, I couldn't help thinking of another long-standing battle in which the haughtiness of the scientific community needs to be called to account. I'm thinking of the claim, repeated ad nauseam for hundreds of years, that the Earth revolves around the sun. The notion simply violates common sense. Have the people making this claim never watched the sun come up in the morning, sweep across the sky and set in the evening? If ever one body circled another, it's the sun going around the Earth. You want evidence? I can cite chapter and verse from Aristotle himself, who got this one right long before publicity-seekers like Copernicus, Kepler and Galileo received undue attention.

But why confine ourselves to science? What about the historical record?

For the last 60 years, we've been hearing claims that the Nazis "murdered" six million Jews. And the evidence for this — which I'm sorry to say confused everyone from General Eisenhower on down? Piles of emaciated bodies prove only that the Germans once took the notion of capital punishment seriously, whatever the age, sex or crime of the offenders. Piles of gold fillings indicate a serious attempt to compensate the criminals' victims, thwarted only by the rapid sweep of the Allies over Germany. And the endless memoirs of survivors? Who credits ex-prisoner testimony anyway?

Add the laughable notion that slavery had something to do with the Civil War, and you will definitely bring some idols crashing to earth.

Jeremy Byman is a Greensboro writer.

Regarding the pro/con presentation on the origin of life in Ideas (May 15) and recent letters:

As a practicing biologist with a Ph.D., the evolution/creation struggle seems more cultural than scientific. These warriors evaluate exactly the same data, yet their respective models mutually exclude and passionately vilify one another. Scientifically, the origin of life and species is biology (not paleontology or astronomy).

What do we know? The National Academy of Sciences abandoned its contention that origin of life could be God-less in 1998, yet it still strongly contends that all of today's plant and animal species originated from a single living cell (origin unknown).

The issue is not about "monkeys" becoming "human"; it's about sex, and it's resolved in the law (not theory) of biogenesis. It states that sex occurs between males and females of a kind through segregation of homologous DNA (i.e., from exactly the same kind of creature); the resulting progeny always differ from either parent but are always the same kind. In trillions of challenges to this law each day, biogenesis remains the standard to disprove, and it unequivocally supports intelligent creation of stable kinds at some unknown time(s).

No known or proposed biological process(es) could ever generate an amphibian from a fish, let alone a man from a single cell.

Dan Nelson, Ph.D.
Summerfield

The treatment of Jenks Crayton dismays me. I believe Bruce Davis and Skip Alston have had this man investigated by everyone possible and can find no wrongdoing within the tax department. They are evidently basing their objections to Crayton's employment on a few disgruntled employees.

I am fully aware that any company will have a few employees that nothing will make happy. Seldom are they listened to when the majority find that the executive in charge is fair and reasonable. This has not been the case with Jenks Crayton.

It seems to me that Davis, Alston and their cohorts are searching until they find something they can use to fire Jenks Crayton. Perhaps they should go back to his kindergarten days and see if he misbehaved in class. That might be a reason they could use.

The man has proved that he does a good job with no real -- only imagined -- problems. Mr. Crayton's only mistake was allowing information about the commissioners who were delinquent in their taxes to be made public.

Ruby H. Floyd
Oak Ridge

While politicians in Washington argue and scream at each other about the viability and stability of the Social Security system, the Bush administration is quietly, behind the scenes, trying to push through an agreement with Mexico that would combine U.S. Social Security with that of Mexico.

If allowed to occur, the present system will not last 15 years, much less the 40 to 50 years that the most optimistic forecasts claim. All citizens who are truly concerned about Social Security should read about this proposal and then tell your representatives what you think of this legislation.

Joel Long
Ruffin

Editor's note: The proposed "Totalization Agreement" with Mexico, similar to pacts in effect with 20 countries, removes double Social Security taxation liability for Americans working for U.S. companies in Mexico and Mexicans working for Mexican companies in the United States, according to the Social Security Administration. More information is available at www.socialsecurity.gov/international/agreements_overview.html

When I read the article about Savannah cats, I had a sinking feeling. The downside of writing about how much money these Reidsville people are making on breeding is that people looking to make a fast buck may start a backyard breeding business.

These backyard breeders operate like puppy mills, churning out kittens and selling to whomever will pay the price. Soon, the Savannahs start appearing at shelters, and special sanctuaries are set up to care for the castoffs. Breeding can look like easy money to the unscrupulous, and the animals are always the ones that suffer. I am reminded of the pot belly pig craze some years ago.

Apparently, our state doesn't see fit to protect animals such as the Savannah. But the local newspaper is irresponsible to publish an article that paints such an idyllic picture of cat breeding. Perhaps a second article focusing on the animal shelter and overpopulation of cats would be an appropriate balance.

Linda East, D.V.M.
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Julie Westholder

Graduation season is upon us. High school students are preparing for senior class trips, summer vacations and college. Before all of these events take place, their focus is on graduation and the celebrations thereafter.

Students have the opportunity to participate in a safe celebration through their schools or celebrate with their family and friends; some choose both. Some students will choose to drink alcohol as part of their celebration. Some parents will allow them to drink in their homes. As a result, some students will die by drinking and driving or by alcohol poisoning. Some girls will be sexually assaulted by boys who drink too much. Lives will be changed on graduation night. What will we do?

As parent leader for Alcohol & Drug Services, part of my job is to educate and raise awareness of the dangers of underage drinking and the risk of allowing such things to happen. As a parent, this is my passion.

David Walsh, president of the National Institute on Media and the Family, gave this definition of a teenager: "Their emotional gas pedal in their brain is in high gear, but their braking system is not yet developed." Simply put: Teenagers do not know when to stop drinking. They do not know when enough is enough. Their purpose behind drinking is to get "wasted." Listen to a group of teenagers talking about a party. I have heard it many times: "Did you see Joe this weekend? Man, he was so wasted" or "Dude, I was so wasted this weekend. I can't wait until next weekend."

But parents can help prevent underage drinking by not allowing such behavior in their homes and knowing the law.

In North Carolina, it is illegal to make alcohol available to anyone younger than 21. It is illegal to host or allow teen drinking parties in your home. Parents can be prosecuted under the law. Ask the couple in Raleigh who allowed their teenager to have a drinking party in their home after prom. Or ask the mother in Mecklenburg County who is being prosecuted for manslaughter after her son's friend died from alcohol poisoning from the alcohol that she provided. Parents are legally responsible and liable for their children's behavior, accidents or injuries resulting from their minor child being served alcohol, and allowing minors to consume alcohol or drugs on their premises, whether an adult is home or not.

There are, however, things you can do to help prevent your child from drinking on his or her graduation night. You can refuse to supply alcohol to teenagers; be at home when your teen has a party; make sure that your teen's friends do not bring alcohol into your home; talk to other parents about not providing alcohol at other events your teen will attend; report underage drinking parties to local law enforcement.

Get involved. Be aware. Be prepared. Together, we can make graduation safe and fun for all. Congratulations, class of 2005.

The writer is parent leader, Alcohol & Drug Services, High Point.

I am repulsed by the May 19 article (" 'Designer' cat stirs exotic tastes") on the breeding of Savannah cats.

This article does not begin to tell the story of "designer" animals -- which are nothing but mutts. Worse, they are dangerous hybrids that nature never intended. Making up breeds to fit human whims is revolting enough, but to provide a free advertisement for this sort of business, as well as encouraging others to take up this sort of "breeding" because of the potential profits, is truly unconscionable.

At the very least, this story would have benefited from the other side of the story. Perhaps the large-cat rescuers who are asked to take in these animals when they "go wild" or have the inevitable health problems that come with this sort of irresponsible breeding.

Or maybe the Humane Society, which is forced to euthanize hundreds of animals each year, might be able to offer some perspective on the inherent cruelty of breeding designer pets. And to make light of the illegality of these animals in some areas of the country -- and point out that this family knowingly sells these cats to New Yorkers despite the fact they are illegal in their state? Astonishing.

Jenny Heinzen York
Asheboro

How unfortunate that the News & Record chose to glorify another back-yard breeder of exotic cats. There are literally thousands of deserving cats in our state looking for homes. Shelter statistics show a sickening euthanasia rate (www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/vet/index.html), yet some think it's perfectly fine to constantly breed and market these animals.

Maybe the woman in Reidsville should volunteer her spare time at an animal shelter and not mass produce cats to supplement her income.

Paula C. Hodges
Greensboro

After yet another episode in the seemingly endless string of comic antics emanating from our formerly hallowed halls of public administration, I really do regret Ed Kitchen's pending retirement.

Dan Donovan
Greensboro

When I first visited Greensboro back in 1998 on a job interview, I was struck by several things. Architecturally, the landscape seemed homogenous, almost as if one could pour everything into a one-gallon jug of whole milk. But, when my relocation specialist, who toured me around the area, drove down Friendly toward Wendover, my jaw dropped as we approached the Burlington Industries headquarters.

What was this? A steel superstructure ensconced a glass tower. The building's design in sharp contrast to the residential area surrounding it. I was impressed. Being an armchair fan of architecture, this structure reminded me of the John Hancock tower in Boston by architect I.M. Pei.

The Burlington Industries building was designed by A.G. Odell and Associates of Charlotte in 1971.

But, alas, on Monday, we bade farewell to one of Greensboro's modern architectural gems for some more shopping.

This says a lot about the area's priorities ... sad.

Rob Ainbinder
Randleman

I understand that President Bush is urging termination of support for Amtrak. It is hard to imagine his rationale for this when United Airlines has been allowed to terminate its employees' pension plans, clearing the way for the largest corporate-pension default in American history.

According to your report, it shifts the responsibility for United's defined benefit plans to the government's pension agency. Thus, the government is certainly in that play. We are also told that Delta Airlines is warning of going into bankruptcy. Clearly, something is seriously wrong with our transportation system in this country.

Every industrialized nation in the world has rail passenger service available to its citizens. Clearly, the United States needs one, too. Before we start dismantling things, we ought to figure out what is the best way to provide transportation for the American public.

G.S. Crihfield
Greensboro

A man of honor has been put through an ordeal that no one should have to suffer.

Through it all, Guilford County Tax Director Jenks Crayton maintained his innocence and remained publicly quiet. Men of honor do that.

They presume that the fact of their innocence will far outweigh any presumption others might be making and that the strength of the American justice system will win the day. They remain quiet and let the facts speak for themselves.

In an honorable society and an honorable system, all of that works. In Guilford County, sadly, honor is as remote a concept to our commissioners as compromise and contrition.

And so it goes for Guilford County. Our system here is clearly dysfunctional. At the heart of that dysfunction are the people who would be our representatives who have neglected honor in favor of mean-spirited partisanship and machine politics.

Jenks, please know that the price you have paid for being a man of honor is to reveal that we have a whole lifeboat full of thugs on the Board of Commissioners, each one fighting for the only life jacket.

But the ship is afloat, and we have you and others to thank for making it so.

Michael Christopher
Greensboro

Tom DeLay, Bill Frist and George W. Bush would like you to believe in their "culture of life." They self-aggrandized about the need to "save" Teri Schiavo from her husband and to follow through on their "culture of life" proclamations.

Bush cut his vacation short and came back from Texas (something he didn't do in the weeks before Sept. 11 or the days following the tsunami) in order to sign legislation.

The problem with this "culture of life" is that in 1999, George W. Bush passed a state law allowing hospitals to discontinue treatment in futile cases 10 days after notifying loved ones of their intentions. Sometimes over the objections of family members.

Officials at a Texas hospital recently decided to remove life support from a 6-year-old girl whose leukemia has spread to her brain. This case is the third in Houston this spring to test the state law. The others involved a 6-month-old boy with a fatal form of dwarfism and a 68-year-old man in a persistent vegetative state.

Apparently, nervous about polling data that showed the American public did not approve of intervention in the Schiavo case, the GOP hopes the public won't notice Bush's own legislation and hypocrisy.

Jo Boykin
Greensboro

It may be simple math, but after reviewing the Greensboro Coliseum's part of the 2005-06 city budget, it is apparent that the loss of the Generals hockey team as a tenant cost the coliseum a few million dollars.

Actual 2003-04 revenue with the Generals: $13.2 million; projected 2004-05 revenue without the Generals: $9 million.

Even with the ACC Tournament scheduled in 2006, income (in 2006) is projected at $9.7 million, so the ACC Tournament's impact on 2003-04 could not be the difference.

The Generals might not have actually made the $4 million difference, but hockey fans were exposed to other coliseum events and activities. Events that appear to have suffered since the end of local hockey because many of those fans are no longer exposed to other coliseum events.

What's $259,000 when you are losing $4 million in coliseum revenue, laying off full-time and part-time employees and decreasing visitors along restaurant row on High Point Road? The city is quickly becoming known as the host to the largest empty coliseum in the country. (I call it an investment in the community.)

Don Moore
Greensboro

I see that City Manager Ed Kitchen is requesting a one-cent increase in the city tax rate. Why shouldn't the citizens of Greensboro be getting a tax reduction this year?

Because of the property re-evaluation that took effect in 2004, my combined city and county taxes increased more than 27 percent. In talking with 15 to 20 other Greensboro homeowners, I learned that they had very similar experiences.

Greensboro and Guilford County should be awash in tax revenue if all property owners had to pay at this rate. Where did the money go? Was it anticipated and spent before it was received?

John Hammer, editor of The Rhinoceros Times, in his article appearing in the May 19 Rhino Times, lists several feel-good commissions and departments that could be eliminated from the city budget in order to make any increase unnecessary. He also mentions one of the all-time expensive and stupid decisions made by our City Council: the gutless and politically motivated decision to close the White Street landfill.

We all know, however, with this being an election year, no effort to curb spending will be made.

Charles W. Hodges
Greensboro

The recently approved "Real ID Act" is just the government's latest effort to control the American people. Its stated purpose is to "solve our immigration problems and prevent terrorists from entering our country." It's a good idea in theory but could be used for more sinister purposes.

These "national ID cards," disguised as a new driver's license, will allow us to be "tracked" the way wildlife experts follow "tagged" animals. Using satellite technology, anyone's location can be known, at any instant, as well as who they associate with and where. Talk about "1984"…

Using this "protection" to keep tabs on everyone entering our country would help spot suspicious activities, identify illegals and deport those whose visas have expired. We could also track paroled sex offenders and maybe prevent them from preying on new victims.

But following the movements of honest, hard-working American citizens is not a justifiable use of money and resources. We are not a threat to our way of life. Taking away our liberties is.

"Big Brother" already knows enough about us. How we live our lives is already tracked via Social Security numbers and credit card use. If we're not careful, being asked "where are your papers" could be next.

Dave Mitchell
Browns Summit

Certainly there are many opposed to a state lottery. Conceding their prerogative, I feel that common sense should sometimes wash out particular high roads.

Open-mindedness mandates admission of a probable lottery negative. I doubt all profits will be used for education. Moreover, must or should they be? Anyone reading the op-eds knows well the dire needs of our state. An honest and logical approach is to give education the lion's share, then allot specific portions to highways, the penal system, etc.

Note the word "specific." Under absolutely no circumstance should lottery monies ever be placed in a "general fund," except for promotion (an essential) and payouts. Money to projects must be unalterably earmarked, negating, as best possible, access to the unctuous paws of politicians/bureaucrats -- same ilk.

I simply cannot buy into the theory of regression. Responsible people will continue to be just that. As for the money of fools, albeit late, the Raleigh crowd finally seems able to grasp the paramount point. Each of the neighboring states fervently hopes to retain its lucrative and, aptly perceived, naive cash cow.

Regardless of allocation, all money kept in the state will inevitably promote our common good.

Sonny Moore
High Point

"So, because your pet died you were too distraught to attend class?" That's nearly verbatim what my professor asked when I gave my excuse for an absence for a pet's death. It was my only absence in this class at UNCG.

I explained to the professor that I couldn't prove she'd died, but I had a receipt for the veterinarian's services. This wasn't good enough.

The prof's words were a slap in the face. I've heard other stories like mine where students were mocked for absences over the death of a pet, but I'd never ditched class and didn't need an excuse due to "free" days. Yet the prof refused to give me any credit for the class I'd missed.

I live off campus, my pets being my only family for 200 miles. I care for them as I would children and love them just as much. I hope all university instructors will read this and learn the importance of compassion in such matters.

Mocking someone about such sensitive issues is not only cruel, by psychologically damaging. Maybe these professors should obtain a pet and learn how to love before they pass judgment.

Dawn Upson
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Gail Dunham

When you, your family and friends take a flight, you want to know that the aircraft and maintenance measure up to the highest safety standards possible. How can you be confident about safety when you wonder if your plane was serviced by an illegal immigrant with fraudulent documents?

TIMCO has refused to accept corporate responsibility for who works on the aircraft it services. Gil West, president of TIMCO, should look at how things went so terribly wrong in his shop, rather than criticize the News & Record for its excellent and accurate reporting of the story.

TIMCO should be investigated for not ensuring that it and its subcontractors did federally required background checks. Since 2001, federal agents have found about 1,000 illegal immigrants working in aircraft maintenance, usually for third-party contractors like TIMCO, and thousands of "unauthorized" workers in aviation. This should have alerted them to do a better job of checking their employees.

An employee of SMART, a TIMCO subcontractor, has been charged with actually helping an illegal immigrant get the fraudulent documents to get their jobs. SMART was also one of those responsible for the deaths of 21 people on US Airways Flight 5481 in January 2003 in Charlotte. Despite these warnings and more, the March 2005 raid showed TIMCO was not doing adequate background checks.

Gil West said TIMCO critics are mostly "union employees pursuing their own political and personal agendas." Wrong. Critics are family members who buried their loved ones because of lax maintenance, aviation professionals and the traveling public.

How can one certified mechanic supervise and oversee five to 10 trainees or untrained immigrants? The FAA and GAO have said that FAA surveillance of third-party contractors and outsourced vendors is "most difficult," and the FAA is very understaffed in this area.

Gil West said that TIMCO has never compromised safety or security. It would be better to admit that serious mistakes were made and tell us what they are doing to ensure those mistakes will not happen again. Stop the "spin," accept corporate responsibility, and get serious about higher standards for TIMCO and all subcontractors. Until TIMCO employs a larger percentage of licensed professionals and fewer trainees, and assures us it is not directly or indirectly hiring illegal aliens, we will wonder -- who did the maintenance on your flight?

The writer lives in Summerfield and is president of National Air Disaster Alliance, representing air crash survivors and family members from more than 100 aviation disasters.

My sons and I watched the Guilford County Board of Commissioners meeting on TV. As a lifelong resident of Guilford County, I was appalled at the behavior and mean-spiritedness exemplified by some of our county "leaders." The behavior was purely destructive. The manner in which an employee, Jenks Crayton, was being treated by his employer was horrid.

The Guilford board must change. Their position is not about Republicans or Democrats doing battle against each other. Their elected position is about helping the county move forward. We have lost manufacturing jobs, and meetings are about squabbles over who can get the upper hand and expose trash about the other.

The commissioners need to quit voting along party lines and vote on what is best for county residents. Bruce Davis, please get a grip on the situation and get this group moving forward or step aside.

I explained to my sons that there are great leaders and then there are "leaders" who squabble for crumbs and cannot put aside their differences. Can you imagine what a new company looking to build in this county would think after watching last week's spectacle?

Joe Plante
Summerfield

All of us who live in Guilford County should be very proud of our public high schools, according to a recent ranking by Newsweek magazine (2005 America's Best High Schools). Led by Grimsley, our schools consistently ranked in the top 50 percent nationally.

This is a timely article as the school board submits a budget proposal to the county commissioners. It is my hope that all the commissioners will listen very intently and closely to the requests for increased funding for our schools. Granted, not all budget requests will be honored, and that is understandable. However, it is extremely bothersome to me when I read quotes from commissioners stating, "they never get all they ask for," or they will probably get $3 million to $5 million.

Please, commissioners, listen before you react. Vote with an understanding for the future of Guilford County. Education is the most critical success factor in the continued growth of Guilford County. You are not the only ones who read Newsweek magazine. Potential employers of Guilford County students, make note of the strong high school system we have here. Let's have a vision of growth and support for our Guilford County schools and their employees.

Michael Westbrook
Greensboro

I was disappointed to read that you have decided to cancel The New York Times columns the paper has carried. The readership in this area, as shown by the letters to the editor of your paper and the High Point paper, are extremely provincial and frequently express uninformed, parochial views about current affairs.

There is nothing inherently wrong with this, but exposure to columnists like Tom Friedman and David Brooks who have wide experience might give them a little more insight into the world.

If you drop The New York Times service, why not drop Charles Davenport? He doesn't seem to add much to the conversation. Any- how, it is a shame to lose informed and broad intellects like those of The New York Times from your op-ed pages. The paper will not be better for it.

William Fick
High Point

Imagine for a moment that you have been on a spending binge for the past five years. You've run up your VISA card to its limit, but you've been able to refinance your debt by going to a large overseas bank in, oh, let's say China.

Now let's pretend that you want to continue spending money that you don't have on birthday gifts for all your rich uncles, but when you go to the large Chinese bank, they look at your financial condition and decline to lend you any more money. Now you're really in a fix -- your options are all unpleasant.

The Republicans (who have officially lost all touch with fiscal reality) are putting us in exactly this position. They are literally placing this nation's financial future in the hands of the People's Bank of China. When our national VISA bill finally comes due -- and it will come due -- please remember the party that put us in this mess.

In 2000, we had a $230 billion surplus. Five years later, we have a $660 billion deficit. The Republican administration and the Republican Congress have cut taxes while increasing entitlement spending, and as far as I can tell, their only plan is to continue to depend on the good will of the People's Bank of China. Amazing.

Kent Boyles
Greensboro

The articles concerning the controversy between staunch evolutionists and proponents of intelligent design (Ideas, May 15) were enlightening. There seems to be a knee-jerk reaction to any suggestion that evolution is less than a neatly tied, all-inclusive explanation for every query about life.

As Steve Olson notes, evolution "provides a mechanism," a scientific model that seems to explain many observations. But a number of perfectly intelligent people have honest questions regarding evidence of design in nature. Sometimes, evolution seems stretched to its breaking point in providing answers, and its edgier proponents begin to exhibit elements of religious fervor. What is so threatening about admitting that evolution may not explain everything? Religion should not be taught in science class. But by definition, science uses tools such as experimentation, measurement and hypothesis testing to help students process their observations about life. If there is enough of a pattern in their world for them to raise legitimate questions about the appearance of design, then those questions fall under the purview of science. And it's no shame for science to reply, "We can't explain everything." Science should be able to do this without its walls crumbling to the ground.

Tom Pless
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Leslie Kalinowski

I am writing to express concern that the response given by Jan Warner and Jan Collins in their May 8 column, "Advice for seniors," created a wrong impression with readers in our area. The situation discussed regarded an 86-year-old patient with terminal cancer who was denied hospice services because she wanted to continue dialysis for her kidney failure.

The authors are correct in their understanding that Medicare reimburses hospices based on a set daily rate (per diem) regardless of the actual cost of care. However, it is not true that a decision to accept a patient into one of our programs is based on the cost of care, and it is definitely not true that this patient's situation would preclude her admission into our hospice program. In fact, Hospice of the Piedmont has admitted patients on dialysis unrelated to their terminal diagnosis.

The regulatory environment in which we must operate is complicated, and the definition of "palliative" or "comfort" treatments can be somewhat subjective, so that each hospice must interpret eligibility according to its own understanding and situation. Because of rapidly escalating costs and a growing need for services, many hospices find that they must increasingly rely on community support to maintain their comprehensive package of services.

Reforms in the Medicare system are certainly warranted, but I wouldn't want your readers to assume from this article that hospice care is not available to them now or in the future. Our hospice (as well as several of the other hospices in the area) offers a variety of programs to assist patients and families to cope with life-threatening illness. The first step is to call.

The writer is president of Hospice of the Piedmont in High Point.

In September 2003, I was a senior at Davie County High School, about to graduate and venture out of this community that had raised me so well. It is a small place with many nurturing and caring people.

When three members of this community were killed by the carelessness of a drunken driver, I saw the people here and the pain everyone felt in their hearts. Three sisters -- Tara Parker, Mysti Howell-Poplin and Megan Howell -- were the victims of the tragic car accident after Jeffrey McFayden rear-ended their limousine on I-40.

After being charged twice before for drunken driving, McFayden had chosen to do it again. Don't worry; he wasn't hurt.

Instead, three innocent people were killed. Parents lost all three of their daughters and two babies were left without mothers.

The only hope of justice in this case would be the guarantee that McFayden could no longer be a part of our society. When he made the decision to drive intoxicated, he also made the decision that he does not value human life. Justice was not done when a Guilford County jury sentenced McFayden to only five years for the deaths of three innocent women.

Tara D. Jones
Mocksville

Dr. Dan Nelson's letter, "Evidence supports intelligent creation" (May 24), is a troublesome example of how misunderstood evolution is. Not only does Dr. Nelson use irrelevant definitions of what sex is to discredit the laws of evolution, but he proves his misunderstanding of (or possible intentional misrepresentation of) evolution by stating: "No known biological process(es) could ever generate an amphibian from a fish, let alone a man from a single cell."

Anyone who understands the crux of evolution's theories and/or the span of Earth's existence knows that change most often happens incrementally, not catastrophically. Further, it is the misunderstanding of these simple facts that leads Nelson to supernatural explanations of our natural world. It is this same need for an explanation that led our ancestors to blame thunder, lack of rain or disease on their god's anger and vengeance toward them.

We feel that same need to explain our existence, but we turn to our modern religious explanations and mock those from the past as fables, mythology or fairy tales.

Will our descendants thousands of years from now say the same as they study our "modern" religions in their history books?

Damian Maddalena
Greensboro

Professor Tom Nelson's tribute to Alfred Vanderbilt (May 7) is worthy of note. However, there are some other facts that need to be exposed about the Lusitania sinking.

In World War I, British propaganda about German atrocities was grossly fabricated and exaggerated. The Germans advertised in New York newspapers that this ship was fair game. The British denied the Lusitania carried war material.

Winston Churchill, lord of the Admiralty, knew where the Lusitania was in the Atlantic. It was close to British naval vessels. Churchill radioed a directive to the captain to change course into the path of sighted German submarines.

This manipulation of the vessel's course was revealed in the opening of Admiralty records.

Churchill hoodwinked President Wilson and brought about our entry into World War I, assuring the opening of World War II.

The British again hoodwinked George W. Bush, encouraging us to go to war with the Muslim world. In the long term, this may reduce us to a third-rate power because of our arrogance and ignorance.

William F. Hohenwarter
Lawsonville

Editor's note: Several sources on the attack on the Lusitania present differing views of the British Admiralty's actions before the attack, and do not suggest that Winston Churchill had a direct role in ordering the ship's path.

As a loyal reader of the News & Record for 46 years, I was shocked to read in John Robinson's column (May 22) that the News & Record is dropping The New York Times News Service. That means we'll no longer get Maureen Dowd, Bob Herbert and Thomas Friedman.

One would think that in a multi-million-dollar-a-year operation such as the News & Record, management could have found $34,000 in savings elsewhere. Please reconsider.

Stanley Shavitz
Greensboro

I was very disappointed to learn from John Robinson's column (May 22) that the News & Record will no longer be carrying Thomas Friedman's column. I have not missed reading one of his columns in recent years unless I was out of town. His expertise and knowledge of the politics of the Middle East have greatly helped my understanding of that region of the world. His understanding of the foreign policy of the United States is also invaluable.

Whom could you possibly replace him with? I have been so impressed with his columns that I regularly clip them out and send them to family members in a large city in another state whose newspaper does not carry them.

It is a great disappointment to all of us that we will no longer be able to read the Friedman columns.

Please reconsider this decision.

Nori Torbert
Reidsville

I have noted letters referring to the Burlington Industries headquarters as an "architectural gem."

What was in the Benjamins' fields on Friendly Avenue before this monstrosity was a real architectural gem. It was a small historic house occupied by the McMillan family.

The destruction of the ugly Burlington Industries building is secondary to the original destruction of a beautiful field with a historic house and several clusters of mature beautiful trees.

Anthony Morton
Santa Cruz, Calif.

The writer grew up in Greensboro.

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Peggy Box

Having been laid off twice in the past four years, I have done my share of networking, and I have heard News & Record columnist Joyce Richman speak. She is excellent in her field and provides a worthwhile article each Sunday.

I also like would to recommend Triad Job Search, which provides a valuable resource for unemployed people. It meets on Tuesdays in High Point at a local church. The group combines spirituality with job tips for the unemployed.

While networking can work for some people, I will say nothing has worked for me like good old-fashioned hitting the streets and doing some research.

With North Carolina as one of the hardest-hit areas for unemployment because of textile, tobacco and other manufacturing closings, it is very difficult to find someone who believes in the older worker.

I recently was hired at Citi Cards. It is a great company that believes in the older worker. For those of us who have had to start all over after being laid off, they believe in helping you achieve your career goals again.

It is very difficult in midlife to take a pay cut. I previously was a customer service supervisor, and now I am starting on the ground level again in customer service. But I am thankful just to have a job in the Greensboro area.

While networking, employment agencies and the Internet work for some, I have, with the exception of two jobs in my lifetime, always found a job myself primarily through the newspaper, and it is much more gratifying to know I did it on my own.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

If I were doing research for leukemia and my prospectus explained that I was "testing ideas and logical arguments to lead to better explanations of natural phenomena" in the human cell, would you be offended? Offended that I was testing a variety of ideas? Offended that I was looking for logical arguments? Offended that I wanted a better explanation of the human cell? Would this be a "direct assault" to you? Of course not.

Yet this definition of science offends Ed Cone ("Darwin deserves better," May 22). Cone admits "our lack of complete and conclusive knowledge about the origin of species."

If you don't have conclusive knowledge, Mr. Cone, you have a theory. You acknowledge that evolution "does not have conclusive knowledge" but complain that creationists have a "lack of empirical data."

In other words, neither evolutionists nor creationists have conclusive knowledge. Both have theories. All we can do is theorize about the beginning of the world, since we weren't there. Are we, as a society, afraid of presenting all the facts and letting our children think for themselves?

Sometimes science and religion conflict. Then, according to Cone, some find their religion challenged. Mr. Cone, some find their science challenged. Best of luck.

Judy Palmer
Greensboro

"Honestly," Mr. Robinson, I did notice a difference on the op-ed page in the May 22 News & Record.

While I appreciate the new focus on local news, etc., I am concerned that the editorial board chose to print four op-ed pieces by four white, middle-class males from Greensboro. Is this representative of our diverse community, in your opinion? Where's Maureen Dowd when you need her?

Kelly Connelly Evans
Greensboro

A fair up-or-down vote for highly qualified judicial nominees is too important for Republicans to stand by as Democrats sacrifice decades of Senate tradition for partisan gain. Democrats obstructed President Bush's nominees because they knew that these nominees would strictly interpret the law -- not legislate from the bench. Democrats even went so far as to say they would "shut down" the Senate if they did not get their way on judicial nominations.

Brenda Mitchell
Trinity

I just returned from watching the implosion of the Burlington Industries building. As I live nearby, I rode my bicycle to avoid the traffic. All the side streets were clogged with cars, trucks, sanitation vehicles, walkers and other bikes. As I got to the Harris Teeter parking lot, I could sense the excitement in the crowd, which I shared, on this locally historic occasion.

The blast erupted shortly after I arrived. Three explosions, no movement, two more explosions, and the building began to droop. As it fell, I was very surprised to feel a strong twinge of sadness. I hope the replacement construction will be as important to Greensboro as Burlington Industries was.

John Bernard
Greensboro

The jury has made its decision concerning the fate of Jeffrey McFayden. As an uncle to the girls he killed when he slammed into their limousine, I was amazed that, even given the facts, a habitual drunk will be allowed to drive the highways of Guilford County once again in a matter of just three or four years.

To the jury, I can only pray that you never have a family member or a loved one killed by a drunken driver. If, however, it happens to you, and you have to sit in a courtroom and listen to the details, I trust that it will comfort your hearts to know that it was only an accident and that it wasn't intentional on McFayden's part. He never meant to harm them. He only wanted to drink and drive.

Think about that before you try to go to sleep at night.

Keith Hilton
Mocksville

The News & Record quoted Judge Steve A. Balog saying, "If it's a tragedy, it's a tragedy of McFayden's own making." If?

Three young women lost their lives, and Judge Balog is not sure this is a tragedy. I just don't understand.

Roger L. Jarrell
Pleasant Garden

In response to the Rev. Lawrence James, who in the Faith Matters column (May 21) expressed his interpretation of Bishop Spong's message of May 1, I would remind the Rev. James of Scripture that says, "Judge not that ye be not judged."

We all are of God, with our individual longings to experience the God presence. We best express our God likeness when we show love, compassion and genuine concern for our fellow human beings rather than when we rigidly adhere to religious ritual and orthodoxy.

Lyn M. Strickland
Greensboro

Your newspaper has become obsessed with race. The May 22 edition was no exception.

Lately, week after week, you bombard your readers with stories about racism as if it is a huge problem in Guilford County. Get over it. Your "news" stories never challenge the race baiters to provide specific examples of racism beyond Nov. 3, 1979 -- a long time ago. Instead, you assume racism is as prevalent as the people in your stories claim. Get rid of the assumptions and show us some facts.

In your story about diversity training in schools, there is a quote from Terry Grier that the school system is "45 percent white and 46 percent low-income students." Why did your reporter not challenge this assumption as racist because it implies that there are no low-income white students and also implies that all nonwhites are low-income? Isn't it your job as a newspaper to cut through the hype and get to the truth?

We can "all get along" if we could rid ourselves of the agitators who profit from the generic racism industry and their cheerleaders in the press. You are helping to destroy the image of Guilford County solely to appear progressive.

Samuel S. Spagnola
Oak Ridge

In a well-known Sherlock Holmes tale, a key to the mystery is "the dog that did not bark."

The mystery today is why your headlines do not bark (and have not barked), "Torture at Guantanamo Bay," in view of Molly Ivins' column for May 21 and the previous reportage to which she refers.

Thomas L. Harmon Jr.
Greensboro

I recently retired after 23 years of teaching in Guilford and Rockingham counties. I tutor at Cone and Sternberger schools and love the continued contact with young people.

One of my greatest joys is hearing about successes of my former students. I read your May 22 paper to search for their names or pictures. The wonderful thing is that these students are celebrating academic, sports, scouting and other varied achievements. It's exciting to see the positive direction they are taking, especially in light of today's societal woes.

I'd like to congratulate my latest students for earning Girl Scouting's Gold Award: Elizabeth Lane Green, Alexa Robinson, Laura West and Stephanie Wilkinson, all of whom I taught in third grade at Sternberger Elementary and whom I remember as wonderful, intelligent, lovely young ladies.

This is my sincere request: If you are a former student of mine and you see me out and about, please stop and update me on your life. I won't recognize you because you've changed since third grade, but please say hello.

I'd love to know how each of my students is faring, and I'd like to think that I had a tiny part in making them what they are.

Mary Anne Nixon
Greensboro

Recently, I was at a store off Wendover Avenue standing next to my father's car, which was appropriately parked in a handicapped spot. I watched a woman in a silver Mercedes pull into the adjacent handicapped spot. Seeing that she obviously was not handicapped, I politely called her attention to the fact that she was inappropriately parked. She then proceeded to tell me that it was none of my business, among other things.

In fact, it was my business, and I won't lie: I did have a few select words to share with her. Here I am standing with my father, who is a decorated, disabled veteran and is a person who needs the parking, much like others do. This woman's complete self-serving attitude and argumentative, self-righteous behavior angered me beyond belief. It should anger all of us.

We are in a time of war, and the men and women who will be coming back sadly needing those handicapped spaces deserve much better than what my father and I witnessed.

All I can say, folks, is snap out of your bubble world and think before you park!

Steve Tanis
Greensboro

Referencing the column, "Women already are in combat" (May 23), I would agree that a number of women have proven their bravery and valor in combat situations. But most women do not have the "killer instinct" that most men possess naturally -- that natural inclination to kill the other guy before he kills you. Women by nature hope there is another way, hesitate. They are unsure.

A good example is the young woman from Asheboro who was on the machine gun of a vehicle convoy. She said she saw the man in the vehicle aimed at her convoy but hesitated and failed to shoot. She was injured and two or three of her comrades in her vehicle were killed.

We need to remember that the main purpose of the military in war is to kill the enemy and to minimize our own casualties

I firmly believe women should not be in the combat units or in close-combat support units that are going to be under attack. They should serve in the traditional female roles only.

Lou Von Hagen
Greensboro

Regarding the decision to cancel your subscription to popular New York Times columnists because of the cost, I have to ask how much Molly Ivins costs you. I'm certainly not a supporter of President Bush, but her columns are a one-note symphony. She's obsessed with the president, and I've quit reading her entirely.

Fortunately, I can still read Friedman, Dowd and Herbert in the online edition of the Times.

Keith Hoile
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Timothy J. Slone

I was interested in the article "Teen educates others on the dangers of mold" (May 8). Given my profession as an industrial hygienist, I am always interested and usually apprehensive when there is a discussion or article on mold as it relates to our health. A few sentences into the article I could tell that this was "another one."

When I say "another one," I am referring to an article written by a writer who demonstrates very little knowledge about his subject matter. Generally this is accomplished by taking small portions of fact and placing them out of context in a way meant to make us all run for the hills in fear. For example, Stan Swofford describes his subject (mold) as follows: "This poisonous force, as sinister and malevolent as any creeping slime in a horror movie, was a toxic black mold with a horror movie name, Stachybotrys." Wow, two references to a horror movie. You sure have my attention now. Fortunately, the story goes on to tell that someone made good from a bad situation. That does not excuse the fact that our writer seems to want to scare us into thinking that mold will be the end of us all.

How can it be that an organism (mold) that has been around for as long as the Earth has suddenly turned into the creature from the black lagoon? The answer is quite simple. Mold is not a monster. We all breathe mold spores daily and in some cases mycotoxins. The potential for health problems exists when we breathe too many mold spores. The question of how many is too many is a debatable topic and the center of much research. Until there is a suitable answer, a simple rule of thumb is that the amount of mold spores indoors should be less than the amount outdoors. This can simply be avoided by controlling mold growth indoors.

For those of you who would like to know more, please visit one of the following Web sites: www.epa.gov and www.cdc.gov. Both have information about the health effects of mold and how we can prevent mold growth in our homes.

Mr. Swofford, in the future please try to stick to the facts and avoid unnecessary exaggerations. You will find that your readers don't necessarily have to be scared into reading.

The writer lives in Summerfield.

I am glad that Bishop John Spong's recent lectures in Greensboro have sparked controversy and discussion. I am a deep believer in the teachings of Jesus and, therefore, consider myself a Christian. It is because of those very beliefs that I must reject any texts -- biblical or otherwise -- that condone war, slavery, homophobia, anti-Semitism, the oppression of women, and all other fear-based prejudices and power-based practices, in favor of the knowledge and understanding God has enabled humanity to continue developing over time.

I can fully appreciate how threatening the concept of change is to a tradition and institution that has clung tightly to the past for more than 2,000 years; however, it is becoming more and more apparent that Christianity must not only accept the concept of evolution, but be open to its own evolutionary process, if it is to survive. It isn't a matter of caving to popular opinion but, rather, of being open to the possibility that God's designs and purposes are still being revealed through what we are learning more about every day.

Melissa Burris
Greensboro

As my own children have entered adolescence, I have become increasingly aware of how lenient many parents are about letting their 11- and 12-year-old children, particularly boys, play "M-rated" video games like "Halo" and "Grand Theft Auto."

According to a Michigan State study, eighth-grade boys are playing video games an average of 23 hours per week.

Even the liberal video and entertainment industry suggests that M-rated games are unsuitable for children younger than 17. Parents are making a mistake if they believe there are no negative consequences to such decisions. These make-believe depictions of death and sex at such a young age increase aggressive behavior and thinking. Otherwise minor, dysfunctional characteristics are enhanced and in many children play themselves out in all sorts of subtle, negative ways. These children develop a certain edge to their personalities.

What an awesome power for both good and evil the TV is in this culture. Don't children deserve to be shielded from the bombardment of explicit sexual images and oozing blood from decapitated police officers? Our children deserve better.

Steve Patton
Greensboro

North Carolina can become a model of good state government for the rest of the nation if our legislators adopt three bills before the General Assembly.

The Voter-Owned Elections Act (S1042, H1563) would provide public funding of campaigns for Council of State candidates who could demonstrate through many small contributions that they have broad support among the electorate. It would ensure that our legislators are not beholden to special interests.

The Public Confidence in Elections Bill (S223, H238) would require a voter-verifiable paper trail to guarantee that votes are accurately counted and will be available if needed for a recount. Since the federal government will provide North Carolina with $64 million for new voting machines, we should use these funds wisely to purchase equipment that protects our votes.

North Carolina has the weakest lobbying regulations in the nation. It does not require lobbyists to report the gifts they give to legislators, nor does it prohibit former legislators from immediately becoming lobbyists. The Lobbying Reform Bill (S612, H6) has already passed the Senate but must be enacted in the House.

Please contact your representatives and urge them to support these three bills.

Denise Baker
Greensboro

We were dismayed to read that the News & Record is going to drop The New York Times News Service, including Thomas Friedman, who is surely the print media's most important and incisive commentator on international politics. Why are they doing this? To save a paltry $34,000 a year. Wow, $34,000. With a daily circulation of around 93,600 -- not counting Sundays 113,000 -- that comes to about 27-cents per person per year.

The News & Record should be ashamed of such an ill-conceived and scarcely justifiable decision. The paper will be notably worse for it. We urge you to reconsider.

Kenneth L. Caneva
Jane E. Sugarman
Greensboro

Priscilla Owen's confirmation as a new federal appeals court judge by a Senate vote of 56-43 did not establish the principle of "majority rule" -- despite what Republican leader Bill Frist says.

More than 50 of the votes cast for her came from states that, combined, constitute a minority of the population of the United States.

I doubt if Frist and the Bush White House would support a constitutional amendment removing the requirement of two senators per state, regardless of population. In effect, the country would then have two Houses of Representatives.

William E. Jackson Jr.
Davidson

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Jack Elam

During my days at City Hall from 1954 to 1973, I am now struck that, while city councils were not always unanimous and many times there was strong debate, it was a rare occasion when personalities and bitterness arose. In fact, I cannot now recall a single instance.

Today, our local media are replete with reports of character assassination, name calling, assaults with drinking cups, vulgarity and other reprehensible actions. The people involved are usually county commissioners. (I am not close to the City Council because I stopped following it when I heard the mayor being addressed in a formal council meeting by her first name.) It is noteworthy that not all members deem it a high duty to pay their taxes and exercise firm oversight over the use of our tax money when it is doled out by the millions to private or quasi-public groups.

To a lesser extent, the school board has avoided most of these unseemly events, and it is encouraging to learn of the accolades recently awarded to our high schools. The members, the superintendent, the teachers and the staff should be compensated accordingly.

These problems have arisen largely because of the district system. Before it was adopted after enormous political pressure from certain power brokers, the officials I refer to were elected at large; that is, every voter cast a ballot for every candidate of his or her choice. If one elected official incurred the wrath of voters, his or her term ended at the next election. Often he or she did not run for re-election.

We have had governing bodies with "maverick" members, but in my experience, because of their election at large, they were accorded dignity and respect, although they often failed to carry a majority of the others. Now, under the district system, certain officials are only answerable to the districts they (or their political supporters) control. The voters who are not in those districts have no way to express their views on that official. We are effectively disenfranchised, and the interests of the city at large may suffer, and sometimes do.

What to do? Simply restore the at-large system and have a mayor elected by popular vote. (The mayor used to be elected by the council but would have a stronger leadership role than before.) As for the county, the commissioners' chairman could be chosen by the voters and the members elected at large.

How to do it? I believe that a strong majority of people in Greensboro and Guilford County are disgusted with the district system and will support a return to the at-large system of government if given a chance.

The writer is a former mayor of Greensboro.