News-Record.com

Your editorial, "Mistakes follow candidates" (Sept. 27) [not posted], states that "some people running for City Council have made 'bad decisions in the past.'" No kidding.

Apart from an uncontrollable urge to wallow in political correctness (Heaven forbid that you would have us judge harshly people who did not vote, were convicted of breaking and entering, larceny, trespassing, drug possession, assault on a female, violation of a protective order and tax evasion).

Why in the name of common sense are you not expressing outrage that people with this kind of "judgment" are allowed to run for City Council in the first place?

Most employers require an application with a background check and wouldn't touch these people with a 10-foot pole for the position of floor sweeper.

If our city is looking for trustworthy, capable leadership, it is a waste of taxpayer time and money to put these candidates on a ballot.

Mae H. Boys
Greensboro

More than 10 months ago Trudy Wade lost the election for a seat on the Guilford County Board of Commissioners to John Parks, yet she refuses to concede defeat.

Through a series of legal maneuvers, Wade is challenging the votes of county residents who legitimately cast provisional ballots. Her demands for repeated recounts and her appeals to the courts are very expensive for the taxpayers of Guilford County and the state.

Following the example of George W. Bush in 2000, Wade prefers to be selected by activist Republican judges in the state's Supreme Court rather than accept the will of the majority of the voters. Her effort to suppress legal votes demonstrates her contempt for the electoral process. Last week the State Board of Elections conducted yet another recount here in Guilford County and found John Parks the winner by 90 votes.

It's time for Wade to stop being a sore loser and step aside to let John Parks assume his rightful seat as a county commissioner.

Denise Baker
Greensboro

The Sept. 25 article about North Carolina schools passing rules to allow illegal students defies both logic and common sense. These are supposedly "institutions of higher learning," so I wonder what part of "illegal" do they not understand?

I can understand goofballs such as President Bush pandering to illegal aliens for political reasons. But when our nation's universities and colleges do it, we can only surmise that sophistry is the order of the day.

Why not also have drug stores that welcome addicts and malls that open their doors to thieves and criminals? I mean, hey, these folks have to get along in life just like the illegal aliens, right?

In fact, since our addicts and criminals are American citizens, they should have at least the same benefits as illegal aliens.

People such as Deborah Kelly (executive director of Centro de Accion Latino) probably have decent, albeit, misguided motives. Enlightened observers say that Kelly and her ilk must not even realize that they pose a greater threat to our nation than does al-Qaida or any terrorist organization. Our nation cannot be defeated by armed forces -- but it could crumble from within because of our own stupidity.

Ed Creamean
Danville, Va.

We read in a News & Record article recently that there were "no noise complaints from Fisher Park" during this year's events at the new baseball stadium. It makes better business sense to acknowledge there are stadium noise concerns and work to alleviate them, rather than pretending the amplified sound of the new stadium's announcer and the fireworks generate no concerns.

There certainly are complaints about noise from amplified announcements and fireworks from the new stadium. And while many neighbors are not disturbed by the noise, many others can appreciate that those not well buffered by some combination of distance, buildings, trees, good insulation, or even hearing loss, have expressed reasonable concerns about amplified noise and fireworks from the new stadium.

We practice tolerance and acceptance of what comes our way, but it would be generous for those stadium and team owners, profiting from the amplified announcements and fireworks, to acknowledge there are concerns and improve the situation, as promised, rather than pretending there are no noise concerns. We can share loud public accolades when that happens.

Cheryl Poole
Greensboro

Despite what many people think, American liberals do care about the defense of this country. I don't like it when conservative Republicans imply liberal Democrats advocate a weaker nation. Being a liberal does not make me any less patriotic than my fellow conservatives. I love God and my country and pledge my allegiance to both.

Our country has not done so badly under Democratic leadership. After all, Woodrow Wilson, Franklin Roosevelt and Harry Truman served as wartime commanders-in-chief, and John F. Kennedy was certainly the most inspiring president in recent memory.

Many liberal Democrats actively defend the United States of America every day. If memory serves me correctly, both Al Gore and John Kerry served in Vietnam.

Someone once said to me many years ago that the older you become, the more conservative you become. Well, it has not happened to me yet, and I'm getting pretty old. Please don't write off liberals or Democrats just yet.

Beth C. Hawkins
Gibsonville

A little rain in Greensboro the other night, and that's a good thing. It's too late for the plot of dirt that I used to call my front yard. Summer started off with plenty of rain -- no need for sprinklers. When it all dried up, I refrained from watering because I was trying to be a good citizen. My neighbors might say that I was just ready to be done with mowing season, but that's just a rumor.

I'm afraid to aerate this season for fear of jarring my fillings loose. Those aerators aren't meant to bounce across petrified dirt. Looks like another year without an award-winning lawn. It's a fine line between being a good citizen and a neighborhood annoyance.

As a small favor, let me ask that you ignore the petition that's going around seeking my eviction.

David Theall
Greensboro

I'm writing in response to the offensive headline on Marta Hummel's Sept. 25 story, "Illegal students pass on N.C. plan."

As of last year's change to admissions rules, undocumented immigrants and their children can legally enroll in public colleges and universities, making the term "illegal student" wholly incorrect in addition to being blatantly biased. Why is it that even when undocumented immigrants are doing things they're entitled to do, we judge them by throwing the term "illegal" into the mix? Do they become "illegal shoppers" at the grocery store, too? And if one illegal act turns someone into an "illegal person," why is it that the rest of your paper doesn't reflect this when talking about American citizens? Following this logic, a drugstore owner who sells cigarettes to a minor should become an "illegal parent" when attending a PTA meeting.

In the future, please consider the impact before using biased language.

Rebecca Mann
High Point

I have learned that at least one candidate has been asked by one of your reporters about the problem regarding my withdrawal from the Pleasant Garden council race. I wish to advise in no uncertain terms that my withdrawal was solely my choice and was not caused, or contributed to, by any other person or persons except myself. I really did not wish to run but pretty much talked myself into it after being approached by many citizens over the past two years.

It is quite simple. I am not willing to commit to four years on the council. To get elected and then not serve out my term would be unfair to the town and to others willing to make such a commitment. I intend to serve Pleasant Garden in any way that I can to help it continue to be a town that lives up to its name.

We really don't need any more inaccurate information published or inferred about our town or its citizens.

Edgar G. Phillips
Pleasant Garden

Regarding your staff writer Eric Swensen's article (Sept. 17) on red-light cameras, the state constitution states that the "Clear proceeds of all penalties and forfeitures of all fines collected ... for any breach of the penal laws of the state" are to go to the school systems. I submit that the "clear proceeds" as indicated cannot be adjudicated. It is a matter of accounting principle and must be determined based on the situation.

I submit that no Superior Court judge or any other judge can establish a percent of receipts as "clear proceeds" of penalties, forfeitures or breach of any penal law of the state.

P.A. Mansfield
Greensboro

It seems like every time I read the paper, the News & Record is publishing a negative story about how the tournament at Forest Oaks is not going to be here anymore. The Chrysler Classic of Greensboro is one of the oldest tournaments on the PGA tour and has one of the largest purses.

We have had great players such as Sam Snead, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Fuzzy Zoeller, Davis Love, John Daly, and other major winners come to this event. We have one of the best fields in years.

Yet, the News & Record continues to report that the tournament will not be here in the next few years. I believe that the News & Record should be a leader in the effort to ensure that the CCG remains a vibrant part of our community for years to come. The tour is a big boost to our economy and means major national and worldwide coverage of our city and state.

The Jaycees have contributed tens of thousands of dollars to local charities to help improve our community. Here's hoping the News & Record, PGA, Jaycees, the leaders of Greensboro and surrounding communities will come together to ensure the future of the CCG.

Mike Oakley
Greensboro

Republicans like to complain about poor people, especially those who "ride in the wagon." We saw the complaints in spades with Katrina, especially in right-wing blogs and on talk radio.

Our treatment of the poor is a moral issue and raises these questions: Why do Republicans, who have the power to do something about poverty, insist on creating more poor people? And why don't Republicans change their economic policies so people can get decent jobs and workers can make a living wage? Republican economics have been cruel.

The poverty rate has risen 11 percent under Bush. It declined every year under Clinton. Over the past four years, gas prices have increased $1.40 per gallon, the trade deficit is at an all-time high of $700 billion, the real value of the minimum wage has decreased by 7 percent, there are 6 million new uninsured Americans, and median household incomes have declined annually.

America needs to return to fiscal responsibility and sound economic policies that benefit the poor and all Americans. We need to stop making the poor poorer and the rich richer. We need to stop creating poor people. We need to stop immoral economics.

John Sexton
High Point

In regard to Allen Zerkin's column, "Should we bargain with al-Qaida?" (Sept. 22) [not posted] and his premise, "sooner or later we may find ourselves having little choice but to seek a truce with al-Qaida" -- what classic pseudo-intellectual rubbish.

You destroy a rabid dog, not pet it and let it take you for a walk around the cemetery. Unless, of course, you want to take up early residency in the cemetery.

Rich Brenner
Greensboro

I don't get it. We continue to sit back and watch more and more of our rights and privileges be taken away by the few. And once that is done, we question why our nation is so intolerant of others. Can they not see?

A few do not believe in God. That is their right. But rather than remove my right to pray in public, to wish a co-worker Merry Christmas, to pledge my allegiance to my country -- the country within which I choose to live -- children are taught that because some do not believe in God, no one can even mention him.

Can we not teach tolerance of difference rather than "my way or no way"? Can we not accept each other, respect each other, teach tolerance rather than selfishness and come together as a nation, not as separate entities working against each other?

Kathryn Sherrill
Greensboro

I am writing to commend the staff of Moses Cone Hospital for its deep commitment to customer service and compassionate treatment. In the last 10 years, my family has spent time in a number of hospitals. This summer, we made several visits to the emergency room at Cone and had a family member hospitalized there twice.

While there is no way to make hospitalization completely pleasant, our experience at Cone was the best we've had. The key difference in care I noted, even from the same hospital a few years ago, is the personal warmth shown by the staff. From pre-admissions staff to nurses to cleaning crews, everyone responded to requests for assistance promptly and courteously. Each employee seems to have been told their first priority is to help, regardless of job description.

There is no time in life when people feel more vulnerable or out of control than in a hospital. There are few employees anywhere more stressed and overworked than in a hospital. This combination creates a huge potential for conflict, short tempers and misunderstanding. Cone seems to have gotten the balance of efficiency and compassion right, and the community should be very proud of the quality of its hospital.

Patricia Boswell
Greensboro

Now that all the children have been rescued and accounted for in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, we can turn to the more important task of rescuing their pets.

Richard A. Davis
Pfafftown

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Kathy Scott Rummage

America has lost one of its finest with the recent death of a hero. Asheboro airman Chief Master Sgt. Luther D. Rummage Jr. fought in harrowing battles, flying in bombing raids as U.S. forces tried to defeat the ruthless attacker.

With America fighting battles overseas right now, this could be the story of an Iraq war vet. But Luther Dee -- "L.D." to his loved ones -- was a survivor of World War II. His family only learned his story in recent years as L.D. slowly let it drain from his heart, where it had been bottled for decades.

L.D. was also "Dad" and "Granddaddy," and those who called him those names learned the master woodworker and avid golfer was also an American hero.

Rummage was one of the original members of the 448th Bomb Group and was in the 713th Squadron in England as a flight engineer aboard a B-24 Liberator. He was on the 448th's first bomb run over Germany and flew in the Berlin raid of April 19, 1944. He was wounded on his third mission over France and shot down over England on his 12th mission. It was during the fateful 13th mission that he was shot down again, this time over Germany, and captured. He escaped, only to become a prisoner in Switzerland. The French Underground rescued him and he eventually returned home just two days before Christmas 1944. For his terrified family in Mooresville, it had been an agonizing eight months while he was listed as missing in action.

We now have CNN and Fox News to document the fighting in the Middle East 24 hours a day, but the wars of our golden generation are preserved largely in their memories. We must turn off the TV, log off the Internet and tune in to our aging veterans. The Associated Press recently reported that our World War II vets are dying off at an astonishing rate of 1,000 a day.

Make that 1,001, because we lost an incredible man who sacrificed his safety in the skies over Europe many years ago. A man who came home, married his sweetheart, Helen, and helped raise a family of four children, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. A man who, when you took the time to ask and listen, would tell you his unforgettable story. It didn't take long to learn he had a Purple Heart and a red, white and blue soul.

The writer lives in Charlotte.

Reference is made to the feature article written by Richard Barron on the merits of incentives given to industry.

The incentive package given Thomas Built Buses in 2002 occurred while I was mayor of High Point. The article correctly stated the 2004 taxes paid by Thomas Built Buses. There were other advantages to High Point not stated in the article. Quoting from the proposal prepared by High Point Economic Development Corp. to our City Council, please note:

"Thomas Built Buses is a major user of water, sewer and electricity. City revenues from these utilities and property taxes for the expansion are estimated to be $1,026,500 per year. Using this estimate, the city would recoup its $4.5 million investment within 4.38 years."

Not all incentive packages paid for by taxpayer money are as valuable to local government. Thomas Built Buses was then and is now a wise investment for the city of High Point.

Arnold J. Koonce Jr.
High Point

I am responding to Ian Millar's letter, "English is enough" (Sept. 19).

As a parent of four children currently enrolled in Spanish Immersion programs at Aycock Middle and Jones Elementary, I say he is way off base. All types of ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds are represented in these programs. A properly administered K-12 full Spanish Immersion program bridges together these various backgrounds by building trust, friendships, compassion, intelligence and even love. It also provides cultural and educational opportunities that parallel or exceed a private and/or accelerated learning education.
Many Americans speak Spanish. What better lesson than to foster children who can communicate with them? Would Millar rather America use all "foreign" Spanish-speakers to communicate?

It can be difficult to sacrifice "comfortable" attendance zone schools for a magnet choice, but immersion test scores and community involvement prove that our immersion program delivers more bang for the buck. My fantasy is more full immersion opportunities for elementary children to continue through their high school years.
After looking it over one more time, if Millar still doesn't like it, he doesn't have to apply for our waiting lists. Instead, he can ask my children to translate for him.

Paula Murphy
Greensboro

The writer is past PTA president, Jones Elementary.

This is all about Roe, as Charles Krauthammer wrote in your Sept. 15 paper.

"Roe, Roe, Roe your boat gently down the stream."

Judge Roberts knew to "Roe" his boat gently down the mainstream, and he did so masterfully.

Let us not forget the rest of the song: "Merrily, merrily, we roll along, life is but a dream."

It will take more than an act of Congress to establish the reality of life and the equality of life for all who dream.

Jim Ellis
Stoney Creek

Students across the United States have returned to school. However, this year more than 100 million children around the world will not have a chance to go to school. That is double the number of primary school children in the entire United States. Three-fifths are girls.

In the past, world leaders have acknowledged the value of education and pledged to invest in it. In 2000, 189 countries agreed to guarantee universal primary education by the year 2015. From Sept. 14-16, these leaders reunited and evaluated the progress that has been made. We are already falling off track for these targets. This is an issue that no one can ignore. Not only does education teach people to read, write and think, it also promotes economic growth.

Countries with better economies are not only less dependent on foreign aid but provide new markets for American business. Through the NetAid Global Citizen Corps, a program that empowers young Americans to fight global poverty, I am working with a coalition of students from around the country to mobilize communities to lobby for universal primary education. Throughout the year, we will work in our communities to raise awareness about global poverty.

Bita Emrani
Greensboro

I would like to thank all the people who sprang to action after my family was involved in an automobile accident at the intersection of High Point Road and I-40 exit/Pinecroft Road Sept. 16.

While crossing the intersection in our van, we were hit by a man who ran the red light. Our van was rolled onto its roof. Within seconds, I heard lots of people running to our aid. Thanks to the lady with a tattoo on her ankle because that's all I could see while I was hanging in my seat belt. Thanks to the man with the blond hair and blue-striped shirt. Your adrenaline must have been pumping, but you got us out. Thanks to Rebecca, who offered medical help. Thanks to the taxi driver and Jose the real-estate agent, who wanted to make sure we knew they were witnesses. Thanks to Pastor Sarah from Glenwood Methodist, who was an angel in our midst. She stayed the entire time, offering a listening ear and a hug.

That night, the greatness of humanity was revealed to me by ordinary people. Thank you to the others I might have missed; I am grateful for your compassion.

Kelly Peeler
High Point

As an FDR yellow-dog Democrat liberal, I am ready to throw in the towel on public education.

The time has come for vouchers to support those who would send their children to private school and to encourage home-schooling for those who can handle it. For all others, I recommend we supply those households that cannot afford it a computer and Internet service. We should then outsource public education online to perhaps New Delhi, India. It has to be better and significantly less expensive.

Bill Bennett (secretary of education under Reagan), liberals' arch-nemesis, is correct. "The public school systems have been set up for the school administration, not the education of the kids." Not an exact quote, but close.

How did I come to this?

Any educational organization that requires an executive accountability research officer and a chief of staff for the superintendent is so completely full of itself that it cannot possibly work.

It is with great regret and inner struggle that I succumb to this conclusion.

David Colin
Greensboro

Let's further inclusiveness and promote our increasing diversity by adding names such as Tyrone and Lakisha and Jose and Margarita and Abdullah and Fatima to next year's parade of hurricanes.

Guy Sinclair
Graham

Thank you, Nancy McLaughlin, for a moving article about organ donation and raising awareness with a delicate issue. Years ago, in my naivete, I would joke with the best of them. St. Peter greets you at the pearly gates and gasps, "You gave away what?"

Like most things, it's amusing until it comes through your own front door and tears your world apart. It doesn't just happen to others anymore, it's the white elephant in your own living room.

Education is swift, and no one is exempt. It can be as simple as catching a virus that attacks the heart. My husband waited for six months at Duke Hospital to receive his heart transplant. Someone in New Jersey was faced with a tragedy that rocked their world, and in the midst of that turmoil surrendered the ultimate gift. An incredibly unselfish act that we remember every day.

Please consider organ donation; I think the God we serve will honor that choice.

Barbara Currie
Summerfield

More than half the people who need an organ transplant in the United States will die before they get one. Most of these deaths are needless. Americans bury or cremate 20,000 transplantable organs every year. More than 6,000 of our neighbors suffer and die every year as a result.

There is a simple solution to the organ shortage -- give organs first to people who have agreed to donate their own organs when they die.

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.

Anyone who wants to donate their organs to others who have agreed to donate theirs can join LifeSharers. LifeSharers is a non-profit network of organ donors who agree to offer their organs first to other organ donors when they die. 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. LifeSharers has 3,241 members, including 130 members in North Carolina.

Dave Undis
Nashville, Tenn.

The writer is executive director, LifeSharers.

If the three rules of real estate are location, location, location, why on earth would we invest $35 million in War Memorial Auditorium, given its location? Having been in its current location for decades, it has done nothing to help the area, and the area has done nothing to help the theater experience.

Also, why would we expand the seating capacity when it is already difficult enough to fill? For sure, Greensboro needs an acoustically and architecturally excellent performing arts facility, but let's locate it in a more inspiring and convenient location, such as downtown, where the theatergoing public can eat and drink within walking distance -- and support an infrastructure that is already in place.

Robert N. Johnston
Greensboro

When reading Go Triad, a wave of dismay washed over me. I am referring to "Urinetown: The Musical." With all the wonderful musicals available, why would one choose what seems to me to be coarse and base?

I am ashamed of UNCG's theater department. I am ashamed that a fine city such as Greensboro would be associated with this. I feel disdain, but also pity for the producer and the author. One who has to resort to toilet humor speaks volumes of a lack of imagination and creativity.

I believe someone who is truly talented and gifted could take an often-used subject and bring new, innovative ideas to it. How revolting to build a musical around such an unsavory topic. I believe we deserve to expect decency and not gutter entertainment. Come on, UNCG, you can do better than this.

Pat Mitchell
Randleman

Upon reading about the proposed Hilltop Road development, I was disappointed to see that the zoning commission, with the assistance of Henry Isaacson, is once again flaunting and completely disregarding the comprehensive land-use plan.

I truly feel regret and remorse for the citizens who put in years of hard work to develop the land-use plan. Our city leaders do not seem to care about the effort that went into the project because they consistently ignore the plan that was created.

I wish the Hilltop Road residents the best of luck with the City Council. However, I expect that development will once again win the vote over common sense, good judgement, and sound comprehensive planning.

Ted Eaves
Greensboro

Who's accountable for the 1,000-plus lives that were lost during Hurricane Katrina, especially in light of the minimal loss of life during Hurricane Rita?

In the military, there is a term in which officers or enlisted individuals can be prosecuted for severe or gross incompetence, under the Military Uniform Code of Justice. The terminology for this gross incompetence is dereliction of duty.

Just a couple are being charged with homicide for not evacuating a nursing home, which contributed to the horrifying deaths of several helpless inhabitants. Our federal government (FEMA), Louisiana state and local government should be held accountable for all those lives lost during Hurricane Katrina and at the very least, the charge should be dereliction of duty.

David W. Ashby
Greensboro

Experts have predicted that gas prices will remain high even though damage to refineries from Hurricane Rita appeared lighter than they expected. They also say that we may never see "pre-Katrina" levels again. Why is this?

It seems to me that every time there is a disaster in our country, the oil companies feel the need to raise the price of gas. Are our current prices really a result of the recent hurricanes, or are the oil companies using this as a convenient excuse to make more money?

I don't think there is a real reason to keep the prices so high. They simply do this because they can. Who knows what will happen after the hurricane damage is repaired. I think the prices will continue to stay high because as long as we pay it, they'll keep raising it.

Justin Carter
Greensboro

I am a loyal fan of N.C. A&T State University's football team, but I was dismayed Sept. 24 when I attended a game between A&T and Elon University.

Despite its stellar reputation, A&T's band was not permitted to play for the halftime show; the same thing inexplicably happened in 2003. I attend many college games, and it is customary for the guest band to be invited to perform first, followed by the home team's band. There was more than adequate time for both bands to play, so I was at a loss as to why I, and hundreds of other observers, not to mention the students, were needlessly inconvenienced.

Why did A&T's band have to play post-game? Most of the fans, especially those who have to travel some distance to return home, would prefer leaving immediately after the game. Why must we delay our departure in order to enjoy A&T's band performance? What is the rationale behind this procedure?

I have sent a letter to the president of Elon University to try to obtain a logical explanation for one band performing at halftime and the traveling band having to wait until after the game to perform. It strikes me as very odd and improper that such a procedure has been implemented on more than one occasion.

Nora Jones
Greensboro

I can no longer find the words to express my angst at the ongoing loss of beautiful old trees in this city. However, I recently saw a photograph of a huge, old-growth Douglas fir tagged to be cut down. Beneath it was this quote: "God has cared for these trees, saved them from drought, disease, avalanches, and a thousand straining, leveling tempests and floods; but he cannot save them from fools" -- John Muir.

Please stop this foolishness before our beautiful city is no longer green.

Nancy Probst
Greensboro

I just want to congratulate the News & Record on its superior series on corporate incentives. This is in the best tradition of local journalism and community service. Taft Wireback, Richard M. Barron and the others have made a very real contribution with this series.

Wireback had already distinguished himself with his evenhanded and thorough coverage of the FedEx hub and the ensuing controversy.

The incentives series is award-winning journalism. Sincerest congratulations and thanks to all involved.

Earle Bower
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Lois L. Bailey

I think the federal and state governments should enact laws that would require doctors to cure all patients. We don't care how unique the circumstances are for each patient, even though some may not follow their doctor's instructions and some cannot speak English and some have handicaps. That is not the point -- doctors need to be made accountable. In addition, I think we should pay them bonus money based on the amount of time they keep their patients alive. If the 2005 patients exceed the number of patients from 2004, doctors will be declared competent and successful professionals.

At the same time, courtroom lawyers should have to increase their rate of "not guilty" verdicts from year to year. If they do not, they are not doing their jobs adequately and their firms should be put on a "watch list."

Crazy, you say: Who would demand such requirements of professionals? Well, those are the constraints within which teachers have to work every day.

I totally empathize with Betty T. Kane (Counterpoint, Sept. 16). What a slap in the face to teachers and students at Jefferson Elementary to have an NR -- no recognition — because they did not achieve "improvement." Any institution, group, business, etc., that has a 95 percent success rate is just that, a success.

First of all, the growth analysis is a misnomer. If one is comparing 2005 students to 2004 students, it is like comparing apples to oranges. The students at any school are not identical two years in a row. Therefore, for growth truly to be meaningful, one needs to measure the same cohort. The students who attend Jefferson in 2004 are different from the students who were there in 2005. One would need to compare the scores of each student who took the test in 2004 to how he or she did in 2005.

However, the major injustice of this whole issue is that teachers are being judged by a test that students take three days out of the year, when we all know that there are many variables other than teachers that affect student outcomes. Who can honestly say that teachers at so-called "high risk" schools are not as deserving as teachers at "excellent" schools?

I know from more than 30 years in education that teachers at all schools are working around the clock to help all students. To label schools and teachers based on test scores is educationally unrealistic and unsound.

You would not rate doctors by the health of their patients, so why are we doing this with teachers? Politicians should not be making educational decisions. Until we demand otherwise, we will have these irrational proclamations.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

It's been Spartan for nonprofit organizations lately. I volunteer at Guilford Correctional and at Urban Ministries, and I have seen them cope with the belt-tightening. Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have been on my mind in that context.

I don't contend that these catastrophes are less tragic because the victims aren't in our town; that would be patently un-Christian. This note is prompted by the federal dollars proposed for recovery in these states, a total of more than $300 billion, in addition to the thousands of churches involved financially and hands-on in the recovery. Private donations are miniscule by comparison.

Potter's House, the arm of Urban Ministries that provides meals, receives no federal funds, and CROP is a significant part of its budget. Since 1999, CROP receipts have been flat, and yet two to three times more people come off the street for lunch each day. Give to Red Cross, pledge to your church, but please don't waver in your support of CROP and other local efforts that depend entirely on your private donations.

Read Matthew 25:31-46 and recall that you have entrusted others with the care of your brothers and sisters who are strangers in our town and need food, clothes and shelter.

Dan Nelson
Summerfield

I need to explain what caused my criminal record. In 1999, I suffered with manic depression. I never had that problem before. I did not choose mental illness. It chose me.

I broke the law during a manic phase where you feel invincible. I was not in my right mind.

I believe my ex-wife took out a protective order because she did not realize I was sick. I was never violent toward her, my children, or anyone. The violations of that order were attempts to contact my children.

I did not make a conscious decision to be a criminal. There are no serious infractions either before or after 1999 on my record. I was placed on medication that brought me back to normal. I continue to take medicine to prevent any further episodes. I was sick, but now I am fine. I have not had any other symptoms since 1999. Many people live normal lives with their mental illness under control.

I hope you were not insinuating that I was making "dumb mistakes" when in fact I was sick.

Dave Howerton
Greensboro

The writer is a candidate for Greensboro City Council at large.

Just when we all thought that President Bush had learned a lesson about appointing unqualified people to important government positions, such as the Michael Brown directorship at FEMA, it is shocking to hear that Bush has nominated Harriet Miers for the Supreme Court.

Miers has absolutely no experience as a judge at any level. Her only qualification is that she is a long-time crony (and fund-raiser?) of Bush.

It is absurd for Miers to be nominated for such an important position. The Bush administration's continued favoring of cronyism over experience has brought us to the horrible situation we have in New Orleans and Iraq.

When are the American people going to realize that having competent and qualified people in important jobs like FEMA director and Supreme Court justice is infinitely more important than the issue of gay marriage? America can't afford the continued incompetence of the Bush administration. It is time to consider impeachment of Bush, Tom DeLay, Bill Frist and Karl Rove.

Randy Scott
Greensboro

Dick Douglas' recently published restaurant experience (letter, Sept. 30) should be required reading for many restaurateurs and wait staffs.

The use of the word "guys" in addressing mixed company is on a par with the "you know," "OK," and "like" redundancies in dumbing-down the art of self-expression.

Douglas also presents a widely shared view that public dining room civility suggests the proper resting place for the ubiquitous baseball cap is a wall hanger.

J. T. Quinn
Greensboro

Maybe it's just me, but I don't understand the fatalistic mentality of the news staff at the News & Record regarding the Chrysler Classic of Greensboro.

The "obituary" of the tournament was prominently featured on the front page of the Sept. 25 edition; Davis Love's withdrawal garnered space on the coveted front page; "Jaycees give up Classic control" also earned some valuable front-page real estate.

To be fair, you had some positive news, "Players think Greensboro's event will be back in 2007," buried in section C4 (following an absolutely engaging, fascinating waste-of-ink story about a Stimpmeter). Why bother?

Clearly, the mind-set of the news staff and its writers is one that would rather not be troubled by an event that has been part of the social and economic fabric of this community for 66 years.

Thankfully, the fate of the tournament is in the hands of the PGA Tour, the Greensboro Jaycees and some great corporate citizens -- not the News & Record.

James Kerr
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Richard Koritz

The Oct. 2 front-page article, "Panel: Healing already started," grossly distorted my testimony before the Greensboro Truth and Reconciliation Commission. I have two principal reasons for opposing the process.

First and foremost, while representatives of the ruling-class wealthy of Greensboro argued against this process on the basis that this city was no longer the kind of place that would produce such a massacre, I believe that there has been no fundamental change in the rulers, in the reactionary groups, in the status of the oppressed, in the system in general. (Compare the South African model of the commission where the apartheid regime had been replaced.) The GTRC process offers the poor and working poor "reconciliation" as a substitute for striving for some level of power. "Reconciliation" is a grand illusion that only serves the powers-that-be. In this connection, I raised Hurricane Katrina as a wake-up call.

Secondly, my concern has never been solely for the "organized workers" as your article inferred. By distorting my testimony, the News & Record tried to use me as a spokesman of "conservative organized labor," pitting this sector against the more militant poor and working poor. In reality, organized workers have a definite stake in joining with the unorganized to strive for unity and power. And my testimony, in fact, emphasized the plight of the poor and working poor -- black, Latino, Asian and white.

My opposition to the raising up of this defeat for the people that occurred on Nov. 3, 1979, is that it is a source of demoralization for the black community and the working people of this area in general, the very people who have more need than ever to stand up and fight for their rights.

My testimony contrasted the GTRC process with the coming International Civil Rights Center and Museum, where I serve as a board member. This museum will commemorate the historic Sit-In Movement at Woolworth's that ushered in an era of civil rights and black liberation struggle victories. It resulted in the smashing of legal segregation in the southern United States. The museum's message is that we can and should fight for justice and that we the people can win.

I closed my remarks with these words of Frederick Douglass: "Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will."

The writer lives in Greensboro.

I'd like to express my sincere thanks to Michael Schlosser for his explanation (Sept. 30) of the Klan/Nazi trial of 1980, and to this newspaper for devoting the space for this long-overdue airing of the facts surrounding this ignoble episode. Schlosser is an unimpeachable source, in view of his direct connection to the trial as Guilford County district attorney.

The purpose of this letter is not to advocate for either side; it is to defend the reputation of our great state and its judicial process. The trial's coverage, in TV and all national media, left the impression that North Carolina was a racist, bigoted state that acquitted Klan/Nazi defendants.

Yes, they were acquitted because, as Schlosser stated, the CWP was totally uncooperative in prosecuting the case. Klansmen, he pointed out, were only too willing to testify and did so, relating their account of the proceedings. Schlosser cited instance after instance of the prosecution's efforts to get CWP witnesses to offer testimony, but they used the opportunity to vilify the court, the trial, the police, the FBI and more. How could this but alienate a jury, aside from failing totally to add any substance to their position?

Leo Derrick
Asheboro

I wonder if many people are aware that their tax dollars are helping the ACLU in attacks on the Boy Scouts and other of our country's traditional liberties, such as banning the Pledge of Allegiance and removing the Ten Commandments from public view. Due to a loophole in the law, we are paying the legal fees for these lawyers.

A provision in U.S. Code 1988, Civil Rights Act 42, allows for public funding of attorneys' fees for civil rights cases. When this law was passed 30 years ago, it was intended to help victims of actual discrimination. But, now the ACLU is abusing this law to secure taxpayer dollars for attacks on religion, the Boy Scouts and the Pledge of Allegiance. If they can infer or dream up the case that someone's civil rights are being violated, they can collect taxpayers' dollars to litigate it. For example, the ACLU collected nearly $1 million in court fees from taxpayers after forcing the city of San Diego to deny use of a park for a Boy Scout summer camp. Petition Congress to amend this law and stop the ACLU from exploiting it.

David Moore
Madison

Allen Bullard of Randleman (letter, Sept. 22) made the outrageous accusation that I supported Marxism. I do not support Marxism. Furthermore, his failed attempt to brand me speaks volumes about himself.

Bullard's egregiousness associating the advocating of peace with his derelict understanding of Marxist ideology is blatantly evident.

Based entirely on his intellectually bankrupt remarks, it is clear he has never read anything by Marx, much less anything pertaining to politics or world history. Obviously, Bullard is in dire need of an education.

The lack of critical thinking so prevalent today, as demonstrated by Bullard, is disgusting. The abominable ignorance that dares to pass itself off as logic in letters such as his is epidemic and reaching frightening proportions.

I call upon all rational citizens to combat this onslaught of anti-intellectualism and dutifully counter-demonstrate that knowledgeable intelligence trumps arrogant stupidity.

The moral, Mr. Bullard, is this: Do not bear false witness against thy educated neighbor, particularly when said neighbor fears no arrogant, ignorant, right-wing evil. And remember: An educated citizen is our best defense against the tyranny of the majority.

Therefore, get thee to a university, post-haste.

In the meantime, support our troops. Bring them home. May reason and peace prevail.

Robert Healy
High Point

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Jon Caldwell

After reading the article in the Oct. 2 paper on the Greensboro Truth and Reconciliation Commission, I am left with nothing but confusion.

I don't understand what was being said or what is being reported upon. The only things I could gather were that the commission has held its final meeting and will be coming up with some recommendations soon.

Then it goes on to quote some people who have been involved in the process. The quotes they offer make absolutely no sense to me.

For instance, "You're never going to get healing, you're never going to get reconciliation, you're never going to get peace without justice" -- Rev. Carlton Eversley.

Can you tell me what this means? Can you put it in context for me? And what does Darryl Hunt have in common with communists from the '70s?

"This process still to this day serves not to empower but to disempower the very people in the society who are still powerless and struggling to attain some kind of power through collective action" -- Richard Koritz.

Translation, please. I swear I can't make out what he is saying. It is just a bunch of words strung together like a daisy chain.

And finally, my favorite of all: "One of the problems with white people is that even those with goodwill seem to be unconsciously white ... you've got to shock white people into their whiteness, I think" -- Rev. Carlton Eversley.

I don't even know where to begin with this one. It is dripping with contempt, racism and anger. And to think that this guy is preaching to a congregation in Winston-Salem. He is the black version of a Grand Wizard and doesn't seem to get it.

The writer lives in Raleigh.

Hargrove "Skipper" Bowles fell short when he ran for governor of North Carolina more than three decades ago, one of only a few of his many worthy goals he didn't meet or surpass.

Bowles loved this state and he loved the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He also loved civic service and leadership. If he were alive today, he would be bubbling with justifiable pride with the selection of his son, Erskine, to be president of the public university system. For the elder Bowles, nothing could be finer than to have his son the top administrator of Carolina (university).

Erskine Bowles learned well from his father the importance of providing public service. The senior Bowles often referred to such service as adding to the community woodpile, a lesson remembered and followed by his son.

Erskine Bowles will surely build on the legacy of William Friday in his new post because, like Friday, he genuinely cares about the people and their progress. His daddy taught him that. Because he learned that lesson well, we will all be the beneficiaries.

Ned Cline
Greensboro

A few months ago, a tragic accident occurred on Aycock Street, prompting the city to lower the speed limit from 45 to 35 mph. Highly visible signage and police enforcement have made a difference: Most people drive more slowly.

Couldn't the same strategy be used on the "dangerous" portion of West Friendly Avenue? Those whose homes abut the road would keep their yards, less gas would be consumed, and fewer accidents would occur.

Perhaps the city could spend the saved money on providing bus stop benches for our citizens (especially the disabled and elderly) who use mass transportation.

Teresa Dail
Greensboro

Ah, Steve Arnold. The joys of being county commissioner. The position opens doors to you and your company, Arcon, that most of us in the electorate could only dream about. But the office also carries memory problems.

How else could we explain the unpaved streets in the New Chartwell development in Oak Ridge, or the IRS tax lien for unpaid taxes of $52,402.54 plus interest and penalties, or the failure to obey a Guilford County ordinance that regulates encroachment by developers at streams to prevent erosion and silting, or obstructing a stream in violation of my reading of a state statute (these last two are occurring at your new development at Brightwood Farms)?

What else have you forgotten, Mr. Arnold? What other havoc have you wrought?

Rodna Hurewitz
Stoney Creek

For about 25 years, I've enjoyed driving on West Friendly Avenue because of the truly great trees there. Now, they're being butchered to put a divider in the street -- a move that will probably cause more accidents than it will prevent.

I suggest we take the DOT "geniuses" who perpetrated this atrocity and transfer them to FEMA. They'll fit right in there.

George Hopkins
Greensboro

My husband and I were watching the Fox 8 10 p.m. news recently when they reported on a file from the Piedmont's Most Wanted about a 64-year-old Rockingham County man who had been murdered.

While the circumstances surrounding the crime were tragic, something completely different struck me about this report. The reporter, in a very short period of time, referred to this 64-year-old victim as "elderly," a "senior" and an "old man." Come on. Sixty-four?

You know, this is 2005, and we don't put people that age out to pasture anymore. The population is aging, and young reporters need to realize that and keep up with the more mature members of the community. This man and his family have already suffered enough; let's not offend them by the way we describe their loved one.

And by the way, I am not writing this because I take personal offense; I am a spry 48 years old.

Gail Welker
Climax

I heard the dreaded sound long before I could see the devastation. I felt the grinding vibration, drowning my world with its constant roar, stopping only to shift position. I felt my anguish in the depressing drone of those nightmarish implements, eating their way down my tree-lined street.

I can feel the pain as these sentinels of beauty topple to the ground below, leaving only a raw stump with its gaping wound. I weep silently as this barrenness almost defies me to question man's disruptive, defacing mode of reason.

I can only hope, as those glaring sidewalks snake through my shrinking yard, consuming everything in their path, that maybe I will be gifted with understanding and even acceptance of this thing called progress. I will continue to keep vigil in my near-hypnotic state, afraid to blink, lest another tree falls without my blessing.

Ellenor E. Shepherd
Greensboro

In response to all I have read and heard about the Greensboro Truth and Reconciliation Commission, I'm so proud of our mayor and some of our City Council members for not getting involved in this mess.

Yes, all the family members of the communists who were killed blame the U.S. government, the Klan and Nazis and the police for everything. But, who were the instigators? Weren't the communists the ones who