News-Record.com

As of June 23, your property became available for sale.

Previously, local governments could condemn and acquire private property under eminent domain only for public works projects such as community hospitals, schools, libraries, roadworks, etc. Now, in a 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that private property may also be acquired under eminent domain if local government decides that the community is better served by the property being transferred to a different private owner.

Yes, you read that correctly -- your local government may condemn and acquire your home or real estate and transfer it to another private owner, if it believes the community would be better served by such actions.

Make no mistake, your rights as a private property owner were completely stripped away under this recent Supreme Court decision. If private businesses, corporations or developers decide that they would like to have your property for their own private enterprise, they now have the legal means to obtain it.

Tom Kirkman III
High Point

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Steve Bryant

I read Tim Allen's rebuttal (June 23) of Charles Davenport's piece (June 5) urging politicians to vote their personal convictions with a great deal of amusement.

To begin with, Allen's logic is completely flawed. He seems to be saying that because Christianity was used as an excuse to continue on with the institution of slavery in early American history, it follows that using principles of the religion to make future policy decisions would also be necessarily wrongheaded. If I were to hold that three plus five equals seven (obviously incorrect), would I also be necessarily wrong in declaring that two plus two equals four? Twenty years ago, the answer would have been condescendingly apparent. In today's world, I'm not so sure.

But Allen's truly faulty reasoning was in claiming that Christianity was what allowed slavery to continue on in the United States until the Civil War. Allen is correct in stating that in the 1790s, a majority in the North opposed slavery and that many in the South did, too. However, slavery was allowed to continue because, first, it was apparent that the issue would destroy the fragile, infant union created from the events around 1776, and also, because it was the law. At that time, America was still a nation of law rather than a people debating about what the meaning of is, is. With slavery becoming an institution guaranteed by law for a specific time, the injustice became a social issue. It was in the Christian church where moral indignation built the momentum that eventually culminated in the Emancipation Proclamation.

Upside-down. When will liberal elitists stop trying to turn our world upside-down?

The writer is a High Point resident.

Project Homestead, St. James, International Civil Rights Museum. The leadership of these very costly projects should quite frankly have the taxpayers shaking in their boots.

How long will the good people of our community have to keep forking out millions of our hard-earned dollars to these poorly managed projects? It makes one wonder why Skip Alston is always involved in them. For this he gives himself a raise. Give me a break.

Larry Frey
Greensboro

I have just read with true amazement and disgust the commissioners' budget for the upcoming fiscal year. An $11 million increase for an already bloated and inefficient school system, but no new sheriff's patrol positions (where is public safety when you need it?).

A 41 percent pay increase for the commissioners? Whatever happened to the idea of public service? If you do not like the current salary, why not resign and, hopefully, we can get some true leadership. And another tax increase for property owners.

When are people going to realize you cannot keep funding pet projects on the backs of the taxpayers?

Oh, and speaking of pet projects, I do not want any of my tax dollars going to any project that Skip Alston has his hands in. As a matter of fact, the next time he is up for re-election, why don't we just "Skip" Alston?

Michael A. Paquette
Browns Summit

Thank you for your expository coverage of Share-a-Home (June 17).

Love and community truly exist among the residents, board and staff in an amazing way. Hopefully, your coverage will elicit support from the great people and organizations of Greensboro.

Joanne Zito
Greensboro

The writer is the wife of a resident at Share-a-Home.

First, I have the utmost respect for Oprah Winfrey and what she stands for, and all her charitable deeds. But, this thing that happened to her at the Hermes store in Paris is being overblown.

If what the Hermes people are saying is true, the store closed at 6:30 and Oprah arrived with her film crew and entourage at 6:45 -- without any prior knowledge of her arrival -- plus the store had a private function scheduled.

One of Oprah's close friends said that Oprah had recently purchased close to $80,000 worth of handbags at the store but would no longer be spending her money there, and that she planned to tell her friends to stop shopping there.

Oprah supposedly said, if it had been Julia Roberts at the door, she would have been allowed inside. I'm sorry, I don't think this issue warrants all the press and airtime it's receiving. It doesn't rank up there with the American lives being lost in Iraq, or the high cost of prescription medicine for senior citizens.

I think Oprah has chosen the wrong cause to champion. Come on, get real -- goodbye Hermes, hello Kmart?

Willford Warren Jr.
Reidsville

Thomas Moore's letter (June 22) calling dissent (during a time of war) "treason" and an "embarrassment" needs some historical perspective, such as this quote from a former president who knew better:

"To announce that there must be no criticism of the president, or that we are to stand by the president, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public." (Excerpt from "Roosevelt in the Kansas City Star," May 7, 1918.)

To deny our most fundamental rights at any time (to free speech, etc.) is to undermine the very reason and purpose for our existence as a nation.

Ron P. Russo
Greensboro

I taught in Guilford County public schools for over 30 years. In the early '90s during graduations, we resorted to having unruly, i.e. screaming, guests escorted from the coliseum by a sheriff's deputy.

In the late '90s, we tried long pauses and polite requests. The administrators finally quit trying. A few schools tried to maintain some degree of civility, until they were told by the central office to be more culturally sensitive.

If you attended any graduations, as many of us were forced to do, you noted that names that evoked the most raucous display of disrespect for others belonged to students who had no business graduating. Twenty-five years ago they would not have "walked." The bar has been lowered to accommodate those who have acquired no more education than their guests have manners.

Roger Chance
Jamestown

If we citizens of the United States of America disapprove of the way our government is being managed, we have the right -- even the duty -- to speak out.

We can do this by our votes, through newspapers or talk radio. We can get a soapbox or hire a hall.

The flag, however, is representative of our country as a whole and not any one faction of it.

If someone does not love this country, even with its imperfections, he can take himself somewhere else to seek Nirvana, but he must not burn our flag.

Kitty B. Edwards
Greensboro

After reading that the cast of characters who make up the Guilford County Board of Commissioners gave themselves a healthy raise -- receiving salaries higher than almost every other commissioner in North Carolina -- I vowed, once again, to vote these out-of-control "public servants" out of office (News & Record, June 26).

These commissioners will earn more than Mecklenburg's county commissioners.

Mecklenburg's budget is 2.5 times bigger than Guilford's and its population is 73 percent larger.

Of course, Skip Alston noted that the commissioners could choose not to accept the raise and "save the taxpayers" some money. Mr. Alston, would you be the first to volunteer?

Yvonne Cousino
Greensboro

If I reach 2010, I shall tell of TV advertising back in 2005:

• Automobiles: Instead of close looks at interiors and shapes, the ads show the car doing 70 mph on mountain curves while a voice screams about the wonder auto. Comment: I do not want a car that needs such speed to sell itself.

• Medicines: The ads show an old man acting young, a young woman sneezing in a flower garden, or a middle-aged man looking lustfully at wife or girlfriend, wondering if he needs four hours or 36. Then the admonition, "Ask your doctor." Comment: Poor Doc. He must keep up with every new pill. Med school never predicted this.

• Cell phones: Free minutes, free calls, loud statements, complete confusion about who is the best. Comment: I do not have a cell phone.

• Orange juice: Better than mixing broccoli, sardines and peanuts. Comment: I like orange juice, but I do not want to think I am mixing sardines and broccoli.

• Furniture: Always 50 or 60 percent off. Comment: Who set the original price?

• Hamburgers. Comment: My mouth will not open that wide.

Dick Douglas
Greensboro

I went to the grocery store early on Sunday morning to buy food for two weeks. When I got to the cashier, she said I could not buy beer because it was not noon yet.

If I am buying food for two weeks, why can't I buy beer for that time period also?

I do not understand the reasoning behind no alcohol sales before noon on Sunday. Is it because the lawmakers are majority Christians and Sunday morning should be devoted to prayer and God? What about Thursdays for Hindus, Fridays for Muslims, and Saturdays for the Jewish community?

I think that if a customer is purchasing 15 unique items or more, then alcohol should be sold at any time, due to the fact that the customer is purchasing groceries for a few days or more.

Steven Comas
High Point

We have long accepted the right of the state to take private property for public use. I have long said that the day would come when there would not be any private property rights in this country.

Well, today the U.S. Supreme Court has taken the first step toward my assumption by giving the states the right to take one's property for private use.

I had a college professor to say the same thing more than 50 years ago. In my way of thinking, we are living in the last days of a free and democratic society. We need to let our congressmen know that we will not stand for this type of treatment. I may not live to see the end result of this misfortune, but our children and grandchildren will suffer for this sort of misconduct by our highest court.

George Deaton
Stoneville

Billy Yow's comments on the fiscal irresponsibilities of Democrats and other comments and actions have not only been racist but also ignorant. Not only should he be forced to resign, an apology should be in order.

People in the city or county, whether they are Republicans or Democrats, should be insulted. I, personally, feel that he has disrespected the civil rights of black people. We have struggled, still paying the price for overwhelming ignorance such as Yow's and others' alike.

The museum is only a small percentage of the massive amounts due to the African American people. Yow's comment was more personal than a comment of a county commissioner. I am not shocked at all at such racism, but I'm sick and tired of Yow's personal feelings of ignorance.

There are people of all races, backgrounds and political views who have contributed to the museum and are still supporting the museum.
Yow needs to keep his personal and professional views and matters separate when he is speaking on anything in reference to county matters.

Toni Henderson
Greensboro

With Independence Day approaching, we need to take a new look at our freedoms in America. We have become complacent since the re-election of President Bush.

It seems 50 years is long enough to forget a time in American history that is reflected in politics today. Does anyone remember Sen. Joseph McCarthy? President Truman once said, "The House Un-American Activities Committee is the most un-American thing in America.” Does anyone recognize a connection between this and the Patriot Act? Look closely at the Patriot Act and you will see the most unpatriotic thing in America today. Truman also said, "McCarthyism is the use of the big lie and the unfounded accusation against any citizen in the name of Americanism or security.”

Be careful, America. Americanism and security are the Bushisms of your future. There is a big lie out there about this war, and he is playing on Americans' fears for security just as McCarthy did during The Nightmare Decade. We do not want to look back at this time as a period of condoning torture and putting aside health care and education in order to fund a war that profits our "leaders.” We need an end to Bushism.

Stephanie McMullen
McLeansville

I am writing to complain about the fact that senior citizens can't get prescription drug coverage from Medicare without paying (if they own more than $11,000 in property and life insurance, not including their homes). I think it is a crying shame that seniors have had to work and scrimp and save all their lives and then by the time they get to retirement age, they find that they have to take what little amount of money they are making from Social Security and use it to pay for their medicines.

I don't know anyone else's opinion, but I think it's coldhearted and callous to make an elderly person choose between food and medicine. I firmly believe we need a national drug plan for everyone, especially senior citizens, children and economically disadvantaged citizens.
I also believe firmly that we need socialized health care.

Jason Barber
Burlington

Last summer, regulations went into effect to limit the ability of Cuban Americans to visit their loved ones in Cuba. The new regulations now limit family visits to one every three years and go so far as to regulate how much money they could send to family in Cuba and what they could bring with them as gifts (no clothing or toiletries).

According to the Bush administration's logic, by visiting and giving blue jeans and shampoo to their relatives, Cuban Americans were supporting the Castro regime, and this, of course, had to be stopped. The administration's logic is fuzzy, to say the least. These Cuban Americans weren't supporting the Castro regime by their simple visits; they were supporting something much more important: their families.

Last month, the House voted on an amendment to overturn the ridiculous restrictions, and our Rep. Howard Coble voted against it. Coble will have another chance to vote to get rid of these horrible restrictions on families. Let's hope this time he'll do the right thing. We'll be watching.

Hope Bastian
Greensboro

The Bush administration is committed to leaving no childish self-deception behind.

It would have us believe that, since others have broken international laws "more flagrantly,” the United States bears no guilt for its acts of torture and murders. This reasoning employs the compelling and familiar kindergarten legal argument known as, "He started it.”

It also employs the more sophisticated reasoning of 7-year-olds: "God loves some religious groups more than others.” Hence, new federal regulations, and America's "crusade” in the Middle East.

One favorite example of White House childish logic is increasing the wealth of the wealthy because they are wealthy. It's simple and self-absorbed; unabashedly adolescent. Its logic clears the way for corporate kickbacks and presidential one-month vacations.

"No Child Left Behind” has it all: (1) criticize teachers for poor performance, (2) force untested approaches to education, (3) underfund the new approaches, (4) cut funding some more, and (5) blame the failure of education in America on "liberal atheists.”

One thing that comes hard for children is apologizing. But for the Bush White House, "being Republican means never having to say you are sorry.”

Kurt Lauenstein
Greensboro

Commissioner Bruce Davis' explanation for giving himself and his fellow commissioners a 40 percent-plus increase in salary on a job they volunteer to serve is pathetic. The commissioners knew what the job entailed and what the salary was before they ran for the job.

Commissioner Davis is now making a wage for an employee working full time of more than $10 per hour.

People of Guilford County: Until we wake up and vote for a balanced board of commissioners, we will continue to have these ridiculous decisions occur. We need to vote these thugs out.

Herbert Smith
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Barbara Hands

It was with despair that I first read Eric Collins’ article (June 18, News & Record) concerning Judge Albright’s decision not to allow a witness to swear her oath of truth on the Quran.

Collins reported that "the language of the law -- which refers at one point to laying one’s hand on the ‘Holy Scriptures’ -- precludes someone from being sworn in using the Quran." Many maintain that a Holy Scripture would be a sacred book of any individual religion and that it is narrow-minded to consider it to be only the Bible.

I thought it strange that such a well-respected man as Judge Albright would make what seemed to be such an insensitive remark, so I did a little research. I found that the judge did make an unfortunate assumption in thinking that the general public understands the use of the term Holy Scripture. In the many sources I checked, the term Holy Scripture refers to the Bible in particular, and not, as I had previously thought, to the sacred text of any individual religion.

Judge Albright has done his job in upholding the letter of the law. Let us not misdirect our dissatisfaction. Though a change in the law could be cumbersome, if supporters of other religions are unhappy with the judge’s ruling, they should lobby for a change. Should we have copies of the sacred texts of all religions available: The Bible for Christians, except one containing the Apocrypha for Catholics; the Old Testament only for Jews, the Quran for Muslims, the Bhagavad-Gita for Hindus? Many different Protestant denominations read from different translations of the Bible. Should the courts also provide a King James Version, a Revised Standard Version, a New International Version, and a New English Version, among others? The list could go on if each religion and variation of each religion was to be represented.

Collins claims that the law goes back to 1777 when some form of Christianity was the most popular religion. It is understandable that the term "Holy Scripture" was written into the law.

Rather than recognize all religious possibilities, perhaps it is time for the courts to remove the symbol of any one particular religion and require witnesses to swear an oath on their own conscience or fear of the law, if they are found to be lying, rather than out of fear of hellfire and brimstone.

The writer is a philosophy instructor at UNCG.

What a shame that the News & Record again chose to shed a negative light on a positive project in Greensboro. I refer to "Petting zoo closure saddens regulars" (June 28), concerning the recent closure of the petting zoo at the Natural Science Center.

Yes, the NSC has closed the outdated petting zoo to make way for state-of-the-art Animal Discovery; but why quote patrons not renewing memberships?

Why state that people were disappointed that the old is making way for the new? As an avid visitor to the Natural Science Center, I felt saddened as I read this pessimistic article which could have told much more about how people are excited about what is about to happen.

Not only is the outside zoo area to be transformed, but the inside of the museum is in for a major overhaul as well. Don’t give up on the NSC. It has been, and continues to be a wonderful landmark for Greensboro. After its multimillion-dollar renovation, it will be a true destination place in North Carolina.

Please continue to visit and show your support for this fine institution as it undergoes positive changes.

Karen Kelly
Greensboro

For the past few months, driving on Friendly Avenue near Friendly Center has been a bit of a "downer" for those of us who enjoy and value contemporary architecture and sculpture. What has bothered me the most has been lack of respect and attention given to the bright yellow sculpture by Robert Costelloe that is now lying in the uncut grass alongside demolition debris.

The sculpture was commissioned by Burlington in the early 1970s as a centerpiece of its headquarters’ interior courtyard. I believe if Costelloe, who used to teach at the N.C. School of the Arts in the early 1970s, were with us today, he would be highly disappointed in the handling of his work. Greensboro is a community that celebrates the arts, especially the visual arts.

Certainly Burlington Industries can find an appropriate use for this significant work. Let us not fall by the wayside by treating this respected modern sculpture like a piece of old lawn furniture.

Richard Richards IV
Greensboro

It’s sort of funny that graffiti is only labeled "vandalism" if it’s not properly authorized and sanctioned by the culture. If graffiti is commissioned by a business for advertising or such, then it’s "art." But if it’s done on the sly then it’s denounced by the state as "vandalism."

Why then are not all the signs tacked to utility poles reading, "we buy houses" and "lose 900 pounds today" pursued with equal passion and vigilance?

I think the answer is that Greensboro is still very uncomfortable with anything that doesn’t conform and isn’t officially controlled being seen by the public. Maybe this is one reason graffiti will continue to thrive here, because everything in Greensboro is so look-alike and monotonous that young artists have to create some boredom "relief."

D.M. Mitchell
Greensboro

The proposed greenway for downtown Greensboro is a great idea. However, the tracks on the west side of the loop should remain for a trolley car like in Charlotte’s downtown South End district. Capital and operational costs are very inexpensive and would require no overhead wires.

The trolley could be called "The Grasshopper." That would be a great name because it fits in with the theme of a greenway, it’s the name of our baseball team and that’s what the old trolleys used to be called.

Decorative iron fencing could be put in place for the safety of pedestrians using the greenway, and it would be a great attraction for residents and school children visiting downtown for field trips. One suggestion is to use this trolley to connect the ballpark and Bellemeade Village with the proposed development at South Elm and Lee streets. Hopefully, Greensboro citizens will support the greenway as a unique attraction for downtown.

Tim Jones
Greensboro

On June 28, a police car was stopped behind a motorist in front of the property of the old Burlington Industries building. They were changing a lady’s tire.

I am and have been very vocal in expressing what I feel is wrong with law enforcement.

These two policemen reminded me of what is right.

Thank you.

Andy Nelson
Greensboro

Once again, Skip Alston and his fellow commissioners passed a budget that falls squarely on the backs of those who are just making ends meet. What amazes me is that he keeps getting elected even though he is hurting the people who voted for him.

Those who voted for Skip need to start looking in their wallets and realize each year you are being legally robbed by this man and the rest of his fellow commissioners. The problem is that they always vote for tax increases to balance the budget instead of making the tough decisions.

Now is a good time to get a part-time job in addition to the one you have, because next year your taxes are going up again. Thanks, Skip, for your great leadership -- tax and keep on spending.

Don Wendelken
Summerfield

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Ed Crothers

To: Ed Cone, News & Record columnist and Triad blogger. From: "Old Glory."

You and others over some period of time have felt it is all right to burn me, stamp on me and generally show your disdain for me.

On the other hand, there have been supporters of mine who have held me high on Iwo Jima, at Omaha Beach and at Shiloh. They seem to take pride in me, and when I hurt, they hurt. I call them patriots.

Wherever I wave, you are now allowed to treat me like trash -- but it doesn't make me feel any better. I guess it is sort of like a Christian burning his Bible because God will forgive him. It stumps me how burning his Bible makes that Christian feel any closer to God. Or how an American spitting on me does much for either of us.

One of the real perks I have is being displayed along with flags from other nations. Then I really get proud. A great many of my Americans have and still do make great sacrifices to keep me flying. So it means a lot to me to fly -- and not be degraded. Fortunately for you and for me, it means a lot for me to fly to a great many of my Americans. Is it OK if I call them patriots?

Oh, and by the way, Mr. Cone, since you are all about free speech, let me give you a few words of advice that won't cost you a cent. If you plan to step on me or burn me, it would not be a good idea to do that if there is a member of our Armed Forces nearby -- like a sailor or a dogface or a Marine. They don't take kindly to that, and from that encounter you would very likely get a clear idea of how it feels to be stomped.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

Memo to Angela Schroeder (letter, June 30) from a proud American:

Your premise of an unsuccessful war in Iraq is the big lie being pushed along by the liberal media. Stop for a second in your obsessive Bush-hating and examine the Oct. 22, 2002, joint congressional resolution authorizing the president to take action, voted for by some of today's harshest critics of the administration's efforts to fight terrorism. The document reads in part: "Whereas members of al-Qaida responsible for Sept. 11 are known to be in Iraq" and "Whereas Iraq continues to aid and harbor terrorists that threaten citizens of the United States." There is more, but that's enough to underscore the hypocrisy.

Karl Rove's remarks have made Schroeder uncomfortable. The truth stings. Too bad. As columnist Michael Barone pointed out so rightly, Rove simply put the focus on the split in the Democratic Party: "On the one hand, there are those who think this is a good country, and despite reservations, want to see victory in Iraq. On the other hand, there are those who believe we are a bad country full of stupid people. This latter group wants more than anything else to see the president fail."

And by the way, contrary to the assertion in her letter, she is most certainly one of the ones (Bill Clinton) who let Osama bin Laden get away.

Fred Gregory
Greensboro

Last week's pep rally for the bloodshed in Iraq was a smashing success, except, of course, for the pep, and, well, the rally part. Mr. Bush decided to use the soldiers at Fort Bragg to further promote his failed Iraq war, and they responded through, well, a definite lack of response. The only applause during the speech was started by White House staffers, aside from the enthusiastic applause when the speech was over.

Bush's fool's errand is no longer being touted as a logical continuation in the war on terror, and rightly so. Sept. 11 is not connected with Iraq in any way. And, terrorism didn't begin in Iraq until after Bush flew onto the aircraft carrier and proclaimed with gusto that major hostilities in Iraq are over.

Since that day, May 1, 2003, 1,606 have perished in Iraq, out of 1,743 since the invasion. Ninety-two percent of the deaths in Iraq have happened since Bush's major-hostilities-in-Iraq-are-over speech.
This fact is sobering, disturbing, demoralizing and, sadly, was totally avoidable. Bring our troops home, Mr. Bush, it is the only honorable thing left to do.

Bruce Burch
Greensboro

I can't believe Oprah Winfrey is playing the race card, a woman who has so much in life and has such a well-respected celebrity status.

Let's make sure we understand. Oprah appears at a high-end retail establishment slightly after hours. She expects her celebrity status to get her and her friends into the store after it is closed. When this is denied, she pulls the race card. Instead of the race card, she should have pulled her "spoiled rotten celebrity who wants her way" card.

Welcome to the real world, Oprah.

Mebane Ham
Greensboro

I read Eric Madden's letter (June 10) about Bob Hinson being from Mayberry and his thoughts on having Andy Taylor-type values for the Guilford County Sheriff's Department. Of course, we know Mayberry is, in fact, Mount Airy, and Andy Taylor was a fictional character on "The Andy Griffith Show," but what caught my attention was the idea of having a helicopter for safety and security reasons, particularly after Sept. 11.

The rapid growth and size of Guilford County justify the need for such a vehicle. Doesn't Mecklenburg County have law-enforcement helicopters?

It sounds like Bob Hinson's intentions are to modernize the Sheriff's Department, and after all of the effort put into modernizing downtown, Guilford County will need this to take another step into the 21st century.

Chris Hargett
Greensboro

If raises are, in part, an acknowledgement of a job well done, I wonder what it is that makes the Guilford County commissioners think they should be awarded a 41 percent increase in pay.

We have Trudy Wade who can't concede, Billy Yow and Skip Alston who are both obvious racists, criminal warrants between two members who cannot treat one another with respect, and agendas that are rarely agreed upon. The division between parties is so significant that logic and judgment seem to have gone out the window. Now they're down to, "I'll support your proposal if you'll support mine." Never mind whether the vote is the best use of taxpayer money.

The Guilford County Board of Commissioners is an embarrassment to our city. Our board is quick to want everyone investigated/audited, engages in discussions about a review board for our local law enforcement, and squabbles over too much "pork" in the budget.

Meanwhile, they have become the highest-paid board in the state, and who oversees their actions? We, the taxpayers, do.

I hope that when elections roll around again, we'll be smarter about our voting decisions. Is it all about political parties rather than leadership and representation?

Martha Bennett
Greensboro

I feel it is very inappropriate to have a large story about beer on the front page of the Life section (June 29), only two days from a Fourth of July weekend.

I knew two young Christian people who were killed by drunken drivers in two separate tragedies. One had a very young baby boy.

Do you ever consider how much of an impact this makes on our young people? We all know alcohol is a drug, whether it is wine, beer or liquor. I hope you will reconsider next time such inappropriate promotion of alcoholic beverages.

Robert B. Setzer Sr.
Greensboro

The News & Record's report on the proposed Guilford County budget unnecessarily puts forth the notion that grants to such institutions as the International Civil Rights Museum and Mental Health Association are "pork."

While I am respectful of the Republican county commissioners' opinions of the proposed budget, I believe that the majority of Guilford County residents feel that such grants are a needed investment in Guilford County's future. It may be true, as some of the Republican commissioners contend, that such grants will drive up property taxes. Yet, to create a stronger community through broad prosperity, we all need to take mutual responsibility in the future of Guilford County.

I, like anyone else, must admit that taxes seem burdensome sometimes. Homework in school is at times burdensome, too, but you have to do it if you're going to learn anything. Taxes, too, are necessary if we are going to make wise investments in our county's infrastructure that will pay off for future generations.

Gregory P. Grieve
Greensboro

Now that the county commissioners have raised their salaries, maybe they can pay their county and city taxes on time. Note to tax department: Don't count on it.

Norman Welker
Greensboro

Regarding the story "New budget raises commissioners' pay" (June 24), about the board's $6,000-a-year pay raise: What I'm going to say applies to all local, state and federal governments. Who else vote themselves a raise? No one but the politicians, and they have bankrupted our nation. We're close to the World Bank taking possession of our country and the United Nations will run it. That's globalization. Then every person will get paid the same wages worldwide for the same job.

We can take back our nation at the voting booth. We need "independent volunteer servants" willing to do the job without compensation -- someone who has already earned enough money to support himself and who knows how to profitably run a big business. There are plenty of qualified servants out there who want to give back to society.

The way it is with some politicians is that the taxpayer ends up listening to the politician. A dedicated servant would listen to the taxpayer.

Picture the following on a campaign poster: Running for public office, John Doe, IVS ("Independent Volunteer Servant").

J.B. Brown
Asheboro

Congratulations on getting it right June 27 with your lead story (upper right corner, front page) on the possible duration of the Iraq war. You bet your boots that is relevant information newspaper readers want -- and need. You've published many letters from dissatisfied customers or former customers about your decision to cancel The New York Times syndicated columnists, and you must know there are many others who are equally distressed but don't think their voice matters to you. I was among those until today.

Yes, we want to know the latest shenanigans of the county commissioners and other local news, but please give us credit for being able to turn to Section B to find it. Continue the tradition of giving the weightiest items appropriate emphasis.

There has never been a time when we needed to be as well informed about the conditions in our world, and your new substitute columnists are pale imitations for those you've dropped.

Do you really think it's an improvement to make us more provincial? I wonder if you can be big enough to say you got it wrong and undo the damage. I fervently hope so.

Susan Dorn
Browns Summit

On the night of June 28, in a city that sometimes has been undeservedly considered boring, I enjoyed, along with more than 700 others, the first concert of the Eastern Music Festival and afterward a party hosted by the Green Valley Grill to celebrate the event.

For the next month, world-class musicians are performing in Greensboro, and they offer something for everyone. Classical, Latin, bluegrass, world, country, jazz and even California surf music with Go-Go Dancers. Eighty different events and several after-parties are planned as part of the EMF and its "fringe" festival.

The EMF has a rich cultural tradition in Greensboro and has quickly grown to provide us many opportunities to experience live music by incredible performers in small venues for a great price. I encourage every reader to check the schedule and attend an EMF event to see what our great city has to offer.

Joe Wheby
Greensboro

The Canadian House of Commons has approved civil marriage as a basic civil right for all gay people, while leaving intact the rights of religious denominations to make up their own minds whether they also want to bless gay couples who form families. This is an appropriate recognition of the rights on both sides of this contentious issue.

Gay couples already form families, buy homes, raise children and take care of their elderly. These families deserve the recognition and protection of civil law, as expressed through marriage.

Dave Parker
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By The Rev. Laurie A. Valentine

Contrary to the News & Record's June 29 editorial, the Ten Commandments were not literally given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. Any credible biblical scholar would agree. The Old Testament texts and portions of the New Testament were oral traditions passed down by generations of people long before they were ever written down. In the case of many of the Old Testament texts, the time frame was hundreds of years.

The story from Exodus about the giving of the Ten Commandments fits in this category. It served as a metaphor for how the nation of Israel shaped its identity as a community of faith and experienced God moving in their midst. I am grieved at the time and energy expended in the public and judicial arena over the Ten Commandments. God is not found in whether or not we post them in public places, or in the debates over creation versus evolution, or in whether or not we allow prayer in schools, or in banning marriage between same-sex couples.

God is found in the raw, visceral places where people live and love and laugh and cry and try to find the wholeness and abundant life to which God calls us. Jesus exemplified this in his life and ministry. So have many other religious and spiritual leaders. Can the Ten Commandments guide us today?

Absolutely, but they must be understood in their original historical and cultural context. For example, the commandment that speaks of one not coveting his neighbor's wife is usually abbreviated for our hearing. It also talks about how a man shall not covet his neighbor's ox, nor ass, nor any other thing. A wife was property like every other thing a man owned. Even though these "laws of Moses," as they are often called, were never intended to be moral proclamations for all time and history, we can learn from them about how to be in relationship with God and with our neighbors. Ultimately, God calls us to build each other up and, as John Shelby Spong says, to come before God as we are in order that we can become all that we are created to be.

So, let's spend our energy making a difference in the world and in people's lives. Spending money, time and energy on inert granite monuments and plaques does not help us do that.

The writer serves as parish associate at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Winston-Salem.

A bill currently before the state House of Representatives could set a dangerous precedent for the future of environmental and economic policy in North Carolina. The bill, S629, would transfer an inholding in the DuPont State Forest near Brevard from the bankrupt DuPont Corp. to the state, then transfer it to Swiss manufacturer Ilford, which would be responsible for cleanup. State officials have found arsenic in the soil and flame-retardant chemicals in the groundwater. The cleanup cost could exceed $7 million, most of which taxpayers will eventually have to pay.

The only thing justifying this disastrous proposal is the potential creation of 50 to 60 jobs in a depressed part of the state. The bill, however, is very complicated and wide-reaching and is only now beginning to receive proper scrutiny.

The governor, attorney general, Department of Environment and Natural Resources and environmental groups all have serious concerns about the long-term consequences of this action. It has the potential to reverse the fundamental "polluter pays" principle, which has guided environmental policy for decades, and to create an improper form of economic incentive.

Please contact your legislators in Raleigh to express your concern about this dangerous bill.

Malcolm M. Kenton
Greensboro

How many of us have rescued children from burning buildings, lifted injured people from car wrecks, performed the Heimlich maneuver or given CPR to bring someone back to life? A scant few, certainly. But many can be heroes. How? By donating blood.

It's quick, easy and virtually painless (OK, there's that little pinprick that's necessary, but not much else). Eligibility is determined by answers to health-related questions, the answers to which remain confidential. There is no sensation or "feeling" when donating blood. You're comfortable and feel the same upon leaving as upon arriving, except for the added wonderful knowledge that you helped save a life. You can return to normal activities.

The donation takes about an hour and can be repeated several times a year. Talking to a blood donor will confirm there's nothing to fear. There's no health risk -- nothing can be "caught" through a blood donation.

The News & Record prints blood donation sites every Sunday in People & Places. The American Red Cross, 333-2111, is at 1501 Yanceyville Street. The need for blood increases in summer, so please consider taking this simple, vitally important step. You can be the heroic lifesaver.

Patty McIrvin
Greensboro

Please help protect our vote, and work toward voter verified ballots.

The issue is that the proposed state law, S223, lacks a provision for a paper trail of our ballots, the weak link in past elections -- and Alamance County is scheduled for new machines that don't have a paper trail.

What funds are needed to protect the integrity of our votes?

DRE (direct-record electronic) "mystery machines" like those in Carteret County are expensive to buy because you need one machine for every 250 voters. The average precinct will require $30,000 for 10 DREs, plus a ballot-marking device for the blind. This is $66 million statewide. But optical scan machines with a voter-verified paper ballot, like those in Wake and Durham counties, meet standards outlined in the Help America Vote Act and cost only $10,000 per precinct, including a ballot-marking device. Total cost: only $21 million.

Let's make each vote count.

Michael Holland, Ph.D.
Saxapahaw

Whoever designed the intersection of Horse Pen Creek Road and U.S. 220 must have had a bad day when the plans were made.

I live on Four Farms Road, off Horse Pen Creek Road, and if I want to get gas at the BP station on the corner, I can't get back on Horse Pen Creek Road to go home. Instead, I have to get on 220, do a U-turn somewhere, and then turn back on Horse Pen Creek Road.

Also, if you are heading north on 220, you can't turn into the BP, nor can you turn off of Horse Pen Creek Road. You have to do a U-turn on 220 or on Horse Pen Creek Road to get in.

The BP station has served our neighborhood well the past few years. Just because Eckerd has moved in across the street, the BP station should not have to suffer. What is going to happen at that intersection when 25 condos are built on Four Farms Road? What is the purpose of the median? Is crossing several lanes worse that doing U-turns all over the place?

Jean Weatherman
Greensboro

After reading the story about Oprah not being allowed in Hermes to buy a watch after store hours, I almost had an aneurysm. Why does she think a store should let her or anyone else in after hours? It is not safe to allow anyone in after hours regardless of race.

If she wants to buy a watch at odd hours, she should go to Wal-Mart. To say this happened because she is black only makes her look stupid and foolish.

Berkley Alcorn
Ruffin

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Kathe Latham

I was stunned yet again by the media's coverage of the president's speech on the war in Iraq and wondered anew just how far we have wandered from practicing true democracy. In a democratic society, our communication systems should reflect a diverse participation and representation in the framing and articulation of major issues that so deeply effect us all. Recent polls show that more than 51 percent of the American people now believe this war is wrong. We are now clear that most of what we were told to be the reasons for rushing to war, against world opinion, are now false. There were no weapons of mass destruction, no depleted uranium, and there is no connection between Sept. 11 and the war in Iraq. The recent Downing Street memo confirms our worst suspicions -- that the administration wanted to go to war so badly in Iraq that the intelligence was fixed to fit the policy.

With so much evidence and support against the war, the major networks just spent several hours presenting the president's plea for support and an almost exclusively pro-war analysis by others. The president continues to mislead us by connecting Sept. 11 and Saddam Hussein, while the real perpetrator continues to recruit and expand his forces. Why don't we hear more about the complexity of the issues? Why no mention of the people in the streets in Fayetteville, including members of military families, deeply opposed to the war?

Yes, we heard another point of view, not much different from the president's, from Democratic Party representatives. The American people are so much more than simply Democrats and Republicans. We're mothers, sisters, brothers, black, white and brown, from diverse economic circumstances, regions, ages and political persuasions, many opposed to this war. Why not include our stories in your coverage of this issue?

We are being fed primarily a pro-war stance with a multitude of sound bites and pictures of soldiers kissing their wives and babies, rather than also hearing from a growing majority of people, including military families who are deeply opposed to this war. This issue is dear to the hearts of the American people. We will not achieve peace by killing each other's children. With a more open and democratic media, the possibilities of an honest exchange of information and opinion could provide for the flourishing of true democracy and a far greater understanding of what is needed to achieve peace for all.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

Cameron Wilkin (Young Voices, June 25) [not posted], by saying it is "patently un-American" to consider the Bible "more valid" than scriptures of other religions, has just told everyone who believes God inspired only the Bible that their view is less valid than his. Everyone believes his own view is "more valid" than the contradictory view. That's not intolerance, that's logic.

If everybody's scripture is equally true, either God is at the same time and in the same sense one and many, distinct from nature and synonymous with it, personal and impersonal, and many other impossibilities; or no scripture has the validity they all claim. Therefore, either every religion is wrong or every religion except one is wrong. They can't all be right, even "for you."

We can't escape saying somebody is wrong except by abandoning reason for the intellectual suicide of relativism.

Even if Muslims can swear on their holy book, that doesn't mean I have to think it is God's holy book. That's the difference between genuine tolerance, which presupposes difference, and today's pseudo-tolerant bigotry, which demands that we all accept anything anybody believes or be labeled "un-American."

Stephen G. Wessells
Greensboro

I would like to respond to the editorial, "Signs of life in council race" (June 24) [not posted].

The editorial states there is a need for fresh names and faces. I am new to the public political arena, though I've been involved in party politics for years.

I served on the Reidsville Appearance Commission and the Chinqua-Penn Plantation Re-opening Committee. The editorial indicated candidates should be people who have prepared themselves by working on boards and commissions, which I have.

In 1995, I began working for Guilford County. County personnel policies prohibit political activity so I became involved in the Greensboro Jaycees. I have worked on Empty Stocking Fund, Greater Greensboro Nike Open, and the Chrysler Classic of Greensboro.

On May 7, I graduated from N.C. A&T with a degree in political science. This education, my previous work experience and my volunteer activities have given me the foundation for the position of city council person that I seek.

The editorial expresses a desire for young professionals. I am 36 years young and a relationship manager with First Horizon Home Loans.

I am young and hard-working and care about the community and the people where I live. I will do an excellent job as the City Council District 4 representative.

Janet M. Wallace
Greensboro

There is a wonderful well-kept secret on Battleground: the Earthfare Grocery Store. This store should be appreciated for all the wonderful foods and items they carry plus the healthy and tasty buffet they serve most of the day. (Disclaimer: I do not work there.)

According to President Bush, the war is worth the cost we are paying. If one of his children was serving in Iraq and was killed in the line of duty, would he still think it worth the cost?

I found Andy Brod's article on marijuana (June 26) [not posted] to be most interesting. It was fair and balanced and contrasted the personal costs of using pot to the cost for law enforcement related to marijuana.

"Judge Parker" is a waste of space on the cartoon page. There have got to be better comics out there. Now they are running a tired, sad version of Indiana Jones. How slack!

I wish I had the opportunity to ask the average Iraqi citizen the famous question posed by Ronald Reagan, "Are you better off now than you were four years ago?"

Kent Tager
Greensboro

I would think that a medical professional (letter, "Legalizing marijuana a dangerous notion," June 29) would know better than to rely on drug-war propaganda for information. If he took the time, he could review the opinions of the Lancet, New England Journal of Medicine and the studies and papers written by Dr. Ethan Russo and Dr. Lester Grinspoon of the Harvard Medical School.

Another doctor, though not of medicine, is famous for saying that if you tell people the big lie often enough, they will believe it. His name was Goebbels, and Dr. Joel Heller has proven him correct.

Robert Gregg
Marshville

My son is serving in Iraq. He and his comrades have a very dangerous job in a very dangerous place. Nobody supports our troops or loves this country any more than I do. I listened to our president the evening of June 28 hoping to hear something that would give me some confidence in his plan for Iraq. I heard nothing to give me any h