News-Record.com

"The bigger shame is on those who knew what these people were all about but still voted them in."

So wrote Fred Riek ("Christians should have higher standards," Nov. 10), referring to Christians who voted for Bush.

If Christians had voted for Kerry in 2004, or for Gore in 2000, they would have voted knowing what these people were all about: abortion on demand and gay rights. Could Riek (or Ray Miller, Riek's cheerleader in a letter published Nov. 21) please explain to me how that would have represented a "higher standard" for Christians?

Tommy Guyer
Thomasville

I am writing this to address a few things that are on my mind. First, for the war in Iraq, we need for the media not to do another spin like what happened in Vietnam. We need to understand that we can either fight them over there, or we will be fighting them here. I believe that it is time to stop fighting a politically correct war for the sake of the liberals in this country and do what we need to do. We must find, hunt down, and kill their terrorist heads.

If you notice, they are brainwashing their people to commit suicide, and the whole time these cowards sit and watch. We need to make examples out of them.

As far as bringing our troops home, I agree we need an exit plan, but we cannot run in the face of an enemy that will only see this as weakness. There would be more bombings here if we leave before getting the job done. We all feel the loss of those who have died fighting for this country, but their deaths would be in vain if we pull out too early.

Kenneth King
Kernersville

President George Bush has been on the offensive lately, under the unbearable pressure of drooping American trust in his abilities, to say that Democrats and Iraq war opponents are distorting the facts about the lead-up to the war. Really, Mr. Bush?

Considering the undeniable truth that nearly every iota of evidence presented for going to war was false -- flat-out inaccurate — it appears to me that, if anything, Democrats and anti-war protesters are clearly vindicated in saying that some level of fabrication occurred.

Please tell me how every vital hinge of the war's door ended up being untrue? That is too coincidental -- something that I call the concept of irrational coincidence. I myself am far from being a conspiracy theorist, but when several important foundations for a cause prove to be totally false, more is involved than just mere missteps.

I suggest that Mr. Bush stop assaulting his critics and start being accountable for his multifarious mistakes.

Benjamin Holmes
Greensboro

If this were 1943 (World War II) most of the Democrats in the Senate would be indicted for treason. Jane Fonda became one of the most reviled persons in America because of her support for our enemy.

Today, we unbelievably have U.S. senators doing their best to aid our current enemy, Muslim terrorists. Forget that every prominent Democrat now attacking the president for "lying" said exactly the same things about Saddam, and Jay Rockefeller in 2002 called him an "imminent" threat. Rockefeller lied. Clinton lied. Kennedy lied. Kerry lied. Levin lied. But hey, that's OK, they're Democrats, and that's what Democrats do, protected by their lapdogs in the elite media.

Now, they're obsessed with torture. Shouldn't we be able to do to terrorists what the Clinton administration did to Americans, including innocent women and children at Waco? Democratic senators were not outraged at the deaths of approximately 90 people there. I guess ramming tanks into the home of oddball Christians, or murdering Randy Weaver's wife as she stood holding her young child, is fine with them, but they draw the line at harassing terrorists with chained dogs.

Tony Moschetti
High Point

I am a student of communication studies at UNCG and I also volunteer for the Head Start program in Ray Warren Homes. In my time volunteering, I have learned that a male role model to children is found everywhere in this world, but the kids aren't going to find it on their own. For working men out there, the time you spend making a difference could be a lunch break once or twice a week with kids who desperately need your attention.

I am not trying to guilt anyone into taking an active role in their community; in fact, you can do it to be selfish. Go ahead and do it to have fun; do it to feel good about the interest you have in your city; do it because sometimes you can get a free meal or because there is nothing on television. The opportunities to volunteer in this city are endless, and the coming Christmas season will provide many chances for everyone to get involved. Just think of something you like doing and call the Volunteer Center at 373-1633. To work with Head Start, I contacted Nicole Spivey at Guilford Child Development at 378-7700, Ext. 5051.

Louie Fader
Greensboro

Many of Greensboro's civic leaders recently viewed firsthand the critical role public-private partnerships played in revitalizing downtown Greenville, S.C., and professed a desire to leverage similar strategies in Greensboro. But, how can we expect public-private partnerships to succeed here for downtown revitalization if council members are unwilling to apply such an approach to the ultimate candidate site screaming out for help: Bill Agapion's infamous Cedar Street Apartments?

Our community's future is bleak if our elected representatives cannot end this disgrace. If we are serious about pursuing public-private partnerships for community revitalization, this is the place to start, and we should challenge those unwilling to support Robbie Perkins' modest proposal for eliminating the Agapion stalemate through a public-private partnership.

Affordable housing is important, but it is misguided and counterproductive to insist on preserving any particular site for affordable housing at all costs when manifold alternative sites could offer more and better affordable housing. It is regrettable that the proposal would benefit Agapion, but that does not justify allowing this cancer to persist. The city would not be paying to reward bad behavior; rather, it would be investing in Greensboro's future to overcome past mistakes.

Marsh Prause
Greensboro

In response to former president Jimmy Carter's book, "Our Endangered Values," I believe it is he who is out of touch with mainstream America. It is already a questionable thing to write a book "correcting" a two-term president when Carter was a one-term failure.

Indeed, he treads where previous former presidents have steered clear -- a former president criticizing a current president. So much for a Nobel Peace Prize winner. He writes, "We don't wait until our country is threatened."

Did he not observe planes hitting American targets or notice our anthrax-filled envelopes? Mr. Carter, we have been threatened, time and again.

It could be that he is accustomed to the do-nothing defense policy of the Clinton administration. Nothing about the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, the 1996 Khobar Towers bombing, 1998 embassy bombings, and 2000 USS Cole bombing. Clinton's token missile launches were mere lip service.

Mr. Carter, our values are endangered by people who sit back and let terrorists have their way, while refusing to defend the values we hold dear, like the freedom to write books that undermine our country.

Barry Davis
Yadkinville

With your editorial cartoon of Nov. 24, you have again crossed the line separating biting commentary and blatant smear. Congratulations on the completion of you correspondence courses from the Joseph Goebbels school of journalism.

John Harrill
Greensboro

I have read several articles about the Baptist State Convention's decision to bar homosexuals from membership. It has nothing to do with loving them. As Christians, we should love everyone but hate sin.

John 8:10-11 says, "When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, 'Woman, where are those thine accusers? Hath no man condemned thee?' She said, 'No man, Lord.' And Jesus said unto her, 'Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.' " Key words: "Go and sin no more."

All the Baptists are saying is you cannot practice a known sin and be saved, and to be a member, you have to be saved.

As Christians, we love them and want to see them saved. It comes down to whether you want to believe God's word or not.

Harold McGee
Summerfield

On Thanksgiving, people stuffed themselves, watched football and took a nap. I spent time with family and was grateful we were all together. I also struggled to forgive family members and people in my community who voted for George Bush. I will try to forgive the fact that, with their vote, they insured my children will inherit a debt they will struggle under their entire working lives.

I will try to forgive the hypocrisy of single-issue voters screaming about the sanctity of life while in Iraq babies are being bombed into bits. I will try to forgive the prostitution of my childhood faith for political gain and the rollback of civil rights others died to ensure I would have.

I will even try to forgive those voters when I fill up my car for their lack of knowledge about the war in Iraq; cuts in first responders that put us all in more danger; and other issues. I will try to forgive but may not succeed. I will, however, be able to live with myself. Will they?

Cathy Lally
High Point

The cartoon published on your editorial page (Nov. 28) portraying a pit bull having eaten Santa feeds into a media hype over the purported "evil pit bull." The Dog Breed Information Center describes a pit bull as "a good-natured, amusing, extremely loyal and affectionate family pet, which is good with children and adults."

Your readers might be surprised to learn that cocker spaniels are often cited as a breed that bites frequently, more frequently, in fact, than pit bulls. Pit bulls are never ranked as the dogs with the highest propensity to bite: that "honor" usually falls to German shepherds.

Instead of continuously attacking the pit bull breed, society should turn a critical eye toward those people who choose to house and train aggressive dogs of any breed. Having a dog means having responsibilities to yourself, the dog and society. Those people who either choose not to train their dog to behave in public or choose to train their dog to be aggressive toward people or dogs are the ones who should be punished, not the poor dogs that are just doing what they were taught.

Rebecca Niburg
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Joanne Gunter

I agree with Terry Westry (Counterpoint, Nov. 10): All state employees deserve a raise.

I would like to thank Gov. Mike Easley or Terry Grier, whoever is responsible for the big raise substitute teachers received this year. This one dollar per day really helped. Or should I say it's a real insult? I think we now make about $7.25 per hour. This was an increase of about 13 cents per hour. Of course, this is the pay for a noncertified teacher. If you are certified, there are a few more dollars. Just a few.

Most of us substitutes are at the schools because we need to subsidize our small retirement income, or in some cases we just receive Social Security. Then there are others who work in the schools until they can obtain a permanent job. In any case, we are in the schools because we need to work, not because it is such a challenging and rewarding job.

There is so much debate over whether Grier should get a raise. I think the board made a good decision. Here are some of the things that Grier should do before a raise is even considered:

Go into the schools (without telling principals ahead of time).

Go into the classrooms as a substitute for one day, not as the superintendent but as a normal substitute.

Watch students throw paper and pencils across the room, throw out profanity, refuse to do any work, or maybe just sleep during the entire class. These are just a few things we deal with during a long day.

Substitutes do the same thing a teacher does: try to present a lesson, keep order in the class and make it through the day.

The writer lives in Reidsville.

Rosemary Roberts' column, "Intelligent design is theology, not science" (Nov. 25) and my response to it, and the printing of that response, are all examples of "human intelligent design."

The invention of oral and written language, engines, automobiles, airplanes, rockets, fuels, microscopes, telescopes, computers, radio, television and the Internet, as well as advances in medicine, zoology, botany, chemistry, physics and nuclear fission, are just a few examples of human intelligent design.

Even though there are millions of examples of human intelligent design, the interrelated complexities of Earth's ecological systems, and Earth's relationship to the larger cosmos, lead me to conclude that there is a designer superior in intelligence to human beings.

In my view, this designer organized, developed and placed plant Earth where it is, and set up the Earth, plant and animal ecological systems with all their interrelated complexities.

Human intelligent designs (examples noted above) should be at the core of school curricula, and other "Origin of Species" theories should be taught in public schools, in addition to evolution.

Students should be allowed to draw their own conclusions as to which is most meaningful to them.

Norman L. Heap
Greensboro

One of today's hottest topics is the teaching of evolution in our public school system. This issue has not only caused many heated debates but it also has led to lawsuits and petitions.

Currently, the North Carolina Standard Course of Study states that public high school students "examine the development of the theory of evolution by natural selection including: development of the theory, the origin and history of life, fossil and biochemical evidence, mechanisms of evolution, and application (pesticides and antibiotic resistance)."

This curriculum has worked for years and should not be changed. Darwin's theory of evolution should continue to be the only theory taught in our public schools.

Why should other theories, such as intelligent design, creationism or the spaghetti monster, be taught?

There is no scientific evidence to back these other theories. Intelligent design proponents and creationists believe that one superior being created the universe with the latter referring specifically to God as that creator.

The spaghetti monster theory doesn't even deserve mentioning. Darwinism, on the other hand, has evidence such as radiometric dating, fossils, evidence from gene modification and experimental evidence.

Meghan Lynch
Whitsett

When will people awaken to the truth of this sad discord in our society ("Gay Baptists dismayed by church stance")?

Yes, sin is sin and unless it is confessed and true repentance is allowed to occur, the one who continues to partake in sin is bound for hell.

If people calling themselves Christians don't concur with the teachings in Leviticus 20, please take a look at 1 John 5:18: "We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him."

I heard the testimony of a former lesbian, who, when convicted of her sinful nature, gave her life to Jesus, repented of her sinful lifestyle, and began a ministry of reconciling other homosexuals to a saving relationship with Jesus Christ an freedom from that sin.

Christians are mandated to pray for the salvation of those whose eyes have been blinded to sin by Satan.

Ours is not to reject the person in sin, but to reject that sin, and pray that God will deliver the person from death into life, found only in freedom God desires for all people.

Diana Byrd
Greensboro

I couldn't agree more with the editorial (Nov. 27) that the Triad's "untapped potential" would make us an inviting new home for the Florida Marlins Major League Baseball team.

Yes, I think the Marlins should quickly grab a choice parcel of land in Kernersville before it is claimed by the United Nations or the Vatican in their inexorable move here as well.

Paul M. Muchinsky
Greensboro

On behalf of myself and, I am sure, a multitude of other News & Record readers, I read your recent editorial column expressing a change toward inclusion of local news and events in the paper with excitement.

I applaud the effort and the interest to develop local stories on local issues. My hope is that staff will continue also to find and develop the "good news" -- feature-worthy people and events such as the many nonprofit organizations here in the Triad helping specific clients, the general public and each other to build a better and closer community.

I look forward, with interest, to watching the new local emphasis develop.

I, for one, believe that local facts and events help color our approach and participation in national and global events.

Nancy Cavanaugh
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Wayne Campbell

I dare question the patriotism of the Bush-haters, the anti-liberators, the appeasers and the sunshine patriots who call for our soldiers to retreat from our war against evil in Iraq. I dare question the patriotism of people who falsely accuse our president of lying about the cause of the war, specifically those Democratic Party politicians (Hillary Clinton, Harry Reid, Ted Kennedy, Joe Biden and John Kerry) who once called for Saddam's removal.

Like President Bush, these Democrats accused Saddam of developing WMD, harboring terrorists and engaging in state-supported terrorism. I dare question the patriotism of the media when they fail to highlight our victories and progress but only focus on and exaggerate the negatives.

These actions are unpatriotic because they embolden the enemy, which cannot win militarily and has no popular support among the Iraqi people. These actions are unpatriotic because they erode support for the war among the population.

The declining poll numbers then put pressure on weak-kneed politicians to withdraw our soldiers and abandon the Iraqis who have shown overwhelmingly in two major elections that they indeed want freedom.

If we withdraw prematurely, the terrorists will take over Iraq and turn it into a base to wreak havoc on the world. Remember when the Taliban ruled Afghanistan? If we stay, Iraq remains a beacon of freedom for Arabs and a rat trap for terrorists who went there to die at the hands of our troops and their Iraqi allies.

The Bush-haters, the anti-liberators, the appeasers and the sunshine patriots claim the war is a disaster and we are losing. This is pure garbage. Just because the enemy shoots back does not mean you are losing the war. Just because it takes time to build an effective army from scratch does not mean you are losing the war.

The fact is we removed Saddam and Iraqis are enjoying freedoms they have never experience before, such as the right to vote. The fact is Iraq will never threaten our nation with a WMD attack. The fact is our troops are defeating the terrorist animals.

The fact is the terrorists have failed to disrupt two major elections; they have failed to topple the new Iraqi government; they have failed to prevent thousands of brave Iraqis from joining the new army and police; they have failed to generate popular support; and they have failed to start a civil war.

The writer is a Greensboro resident.

The News & Record does its readers a disservice when it serves as a tool for the White House spin machine rather than reporting a story ("Bush grieves with family," Nov. 25). It should be clear from the headlines of the following day that Bush's visit with the Russoli family was timed for the president's convenience and as a shot in his battle to win back the increasingly skeptical American populace.

Any displays of sympathy on the part of the man who created this war, whose friends have profited by it, and whose intransigence continues to bleed the U.S. military should by now be clearly seen for the crocodile tears they are. Strength? Honor? The lowliest Marine knows more about those words than the entire Bush White House.

My hope is that those words truly ring in Bush's ears until he does the strong and honorable thing and brings our troops back from the morass he created.

Andrew Smith
Asheboro

In a meeting with President Kennedy in 1961, Charles de Gaulle warned, "Once a nation has been aroused, no foreign power, however strong, can impose its will upon it. It will sink to a bottomless military and political quagmire, however much you spend in men and money."

The first Iraq war was nothing like the current one. In that conflict, sufficient numbers to constitute an insurgency were not stirred to action. They were not galvanized by the desperate but real hope that if they persisted in their rebellion, the occupying power, with mainly its prestige on the line, would grow weary of the drain on its resources and finally admit the futility of fighting an indigenous people with everything at stake and nothing more to lose.

The United States is a great and powerful country. It was a great and powerful country when it withdrew from Vietnam in 1975. So was France when it withdrew from Vietnam in 1954 and Algeria in 1962, the Soviet Union from Afghanistan in 1989, Great Britain from Iraq in 1941, Israel from Lebanon in 1985 ... . The war in Iraq in not winnable, and the administration knows it, or it should.

John Picard
Greensboro

David Whitehead says, "God loves all His children, be they thief, liar, killer ... or even gay" (letter, Nov. 22). Mark File, a leader in his local church who "happens to be gay," doesn't remember Jesus having a list of rights and wrongs. He doesn't see it "anywhere in Jesus' teachings."

Where are these guys getting this stuff? Jesus had a very specific list of acceptable and unacceptable behavior. In one notable public teaching, Jesus named "evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly" as things that make us unclean (Mark 7:20-23, Matthew 15:19-20). Then he went beyond any religious leader to proclaim that even entertaining thoughts of these things is tantamount to committing the act (Matthew 5:17-22; 27-32).

Let's stop making up what we want to hear and claiming Jesus said it. Jesus didn't say, "All we need is love," "come together" or "give peace a chance." That was John Lennon. Jesus was very specific about the fact that what he called "sin" separates us from God, a place he desperately didn't want us to be. Yes, God loves all of us. He loves us enough to tell us the truth about ourselves.

Thomas L. Pless
Greensboro

With all the added "pork" in the congressional bills as of late, President Bush should ask for line-item vetoes. This would allow for fewer corrupt congressmen helping their friends for favors, and for more of what needs to happen in Washington. Not only this, but taxpayer dollars wouldn't be wasted on seemingly useless projects.

We have way too much national debt already. Why should we increase it because congressmen want stuff for themselves? Maybe we could put the "pork" money back into something useful, like Social Security. If a teenager like myself is going to pay Social Security taxes from my meager paycheck, it had better still be here when I'm old enough to use it.

Christian McCall
Colfax

Your article on the Nuremberg War Crimes Trial (Nov. 20) brought back vivid memories for me. I attended a court session May 10, 1946. To see 18 men on trial for crimes against humanity and to observe them and the court personnel was an unforgettable experience for me -- history being made.

Adm. Karl Doenitz was on the stand, and he gave information from Adm. Chester Nimitz as part of his defense. This was regarding the rescue of enemy forces who were in peril on the open sea as a result of naval battles or submarine attacks.

It is of interest to note that the prisoners who were hanged were cremated at the Dachau concentration camp (which I also visited) -- the last people killed there.

On the Internet, I have found the testimony given the day I was there, and it is most interesting to read after nearly 60 years.

Joseph Hudgins
Greensboro

There is a need for weather shelters to be placed at the city bus stops. Many times I have seen people standing in the rain waiting for the bus. Most of the time the people are older, handicapped or mothers with young children.

One particular bus stop poses a great safety hazard for the bus riders. It is located on Cotswold, next to the Wal-Mart on Battleground. At the stop, there is hardly four feet from the road to a guardrail. This is a shame for a city such as Greensboro.

Maybe the city can address this, or even Wal-Mart, which benefits greatly from this stop, can. Building sidewalks is nice, but let's build something that will be used more.

David Jones
Greensboro

I am writing in regard to the article, "New day-care ratings worry owners" (Nov. 13).

All I have ever done is take care of children. I have run a day care in my home. I was a foster mother with the Children's Home Society for 20 years. I have worked in a day care, and now I have the honor of caring for my six grandchildren.

Would I be able to get a job at a day care? No. The state tells me that I do not have the proper education. I would like to think that I do, however, have the experience. Some people have a gift of caring for children.

Becky Burcham
Greensboro

Recently U.S. Rep. John Murtha, a strong supporter of the war in Iraq, said we should withdraw our troops. In this, he joins the likes of Harry Reid, Howard Dean and Nancy Pelosi.

Well, Rep. Murtha, cutting and running with our tails between our legs like we did in Vietnam is not an exit strategy. It's a dangerous strategy.

This is another example of the party to the left politicizing the war. You can't have it both ways. You can't say you support the troops when things go well, and then when things go bad you want to run like a coward.

I know Democrats who are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan who support their party but are glad that a Republican is president because they don't think their party has what it takes to defend our country from danger. We lost and failed in Vietnam due to political pressure, but we cannot fail this time.

We cannot and we must not lose, no matter how much the likes of John Kerry, Murtha and Max Cleland want us to. Cowards cut and run. Real Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force and National Guard fight with dignity and honor until the mission is completed.

Pablo Torrente
Greensboro

I recall gas prices hitting more than $3 a gallon and it was President Bush's fault. If it was his fault (as some said), why don't we now give him credit for the current price, which is less than $2 a gallon?

Those of you who believe the president has control of the price of gasoline should be thanking him for persuading the big oil companies to lower the price.

Silly me. I forgot you only look for negative things to happen to this president and our country.

Don Wendelken
Summerfield

In response to the letter, "County must reduce spread of HIV/AIDS" (Nov. 28), trading sex for crack ranks high in our community as the cause of transmission of HIV/AIDS; yet, the HIV/AIDS-prevention efforts do not make long-term substance-abuse treatment, which is needed for crack addiction, a priority. Many do not even mention substance-abuse treatment.

Passing out condoms and needle exchange do help prevent transmission but are only Band-Aids, doing nothing to treat the addiction.

If they would focus even half their needle-exchange/harm-reduction efforts on advocating for appropriate substance-abuse treatment, we might begin to see a reversal in the transmission of this disease.

We need a real, comprehensive, committed, coordinated plan to address this epidemic now.

Susan Mills
Greensboro

There may have been times when things were said about Terry Grier that were perhaps unwarranted. As a general rule, and especially in Terry's case, one has to judge a man by what he does rather than what he says or what is said about him.

In November, we saw Terry stand by idly as a school board facing myriad problems, many of them complicated by financial shortfalls, such as getting new schools built, supplies (such as paper) and manpower, etc., spend the better part of two school board meetings (one until 1 a.m.) not attending to these problems but debating and figuring out how they can pay a man who's making $210,000 a year another $7,000 a year. Then, when they did come up with a plan, the man said his "goals" may be unattainable.

Fellow citizens, the above says it all. We're getting flim-flammed. Everybody knows it.

One goal is attainable: Let's pay this man, and show him the door.

John Gehris
High Point

A wiser one than Solomon said that the way to overcome the strong man is to "first bind the strong man and then spoil (plunder) his house" (Luke 11:22).

Thomas Sowell wrote wisely for the News & Record (Nov. 29), "Potentially deadly consequences for letting international terrorists tie up our legal systems" await America.

Sowell concluded that nuclear weapons in the hands of terrorists "is a chilling prospect and it is madness to tie our hands in any way in trying to forestall or counter the catastrophic potential."

I like to think that Uncle Sam may have Nazarite qualities, as did Samson, and will rise to the occasion before eventually dying heroically, not knowing that his strength was gone.

Jim Ellis
Stoney Creek

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Bryan Chitwood

Your editorial board and Thomas Sowell stepped beyond the pale with the publication of his Nov. 29 column endorsing torture. While such irresponsibility is par for the course for the Bush apologists, it is unacceptable for my community newspaper. Cancel my subscription.

Publishing crazies and dubious talents such as Sowell and Cal Thomas does nothing to enlighten the public discourse. The irony is that these right-wing radicals claim the moral high ground and preach condescendingly on values. Religious intolerance, murder and torture are not traditional American values, and I don't care how many legal opinions the Bush administration drafts to state otherwise.

Sowell falls back on the discredited Israeli reasoning that torture must be employed because lives could be saved if one terrorist could be made to talk about an impending plot. I guess we should also take up a missile-based defense system as well, just in case a huge, scary meteorite suddenly appears out of nowhere. Or, what if a giant, radioactive, carnivorous catfish lurks in the murky depths of Lake Townsend? Shouldn't the Greensboro police be armed with nuclear-tipped harpoons and allowed to torture anyone who ever had contact with a catfish?

Torture doesn't work and is the antithesis of traditional American values. Just because Sowell would say or write anything to stay in the good graces of the Bush administration doesn't mean it should be published. What were you thinking?

The writer lives in Greensboro.

Regarding the article by Margaret Moffett Banks about generous givers wanted by the city of Greensboro (Nov. 27):

The basis of the article is that Greensboro is looking for wealthy CEOs and families to donate money and create a future vision for the city.

I think the article ignores the opportunity of the city to reach out to every resident for support and development. The average resident may not be able to donate $2 million, but if you could get 10,000 of them to donate $200 a year, then you would have the money you need each year and have 10,000 people with a vested interest in the future of Greensboro. Maybe you should be reaching out to local small businesses and colleges instead.

You never know who might be the next Trump or Oprah, and wouldn't it be better if they were already loyal to Greensboro?

Jennifer Varney
Greensboro

In a year of natural disasters, Greensboro is now faced with an unnatural one: Habitat for Humanity has been hit by a money catastrophe -- not because the community doesn't support it (we do), and not through mismanagement (it has one of the best records in the nation.) No, the reason that Habitat is suffering is because of a devastating theft.

Now it's time to flash up on the mind's eye the magnificent people we've seen over the years -- the volunteers and homeowners -- pictured standing together in the sun, their faces glistening with sweat and pride. Open your hearts and wallets, Greensboro. Habitat for Humanity needs and deserves every dime you can send.

Laurie White
Greensboro

Peggy Noonan is to be commended for having the courage to state publicly what many of us have felt for several years ("A nation off the tracks," Nov. 20). The country seems to be like one of the galley ships of old, powered by men with oars, only they're facing in opposite directions. The result is the ship is dead in the water.

After Sept. 11, the public was so distraught and frightened we became a nation of sheep, relinquishing total control to a taskmaster we thought could guide the ship through the storm and safely back to port. Now, it's looking like it's every man for himself. Those on the oars better head for the doors. Sink or swim.

The ancient adage "divide and conquer" certainly applies to the way the American public has allowed itself to be splintered into special interest groups easily exploited by those who profit by doing so. The "I got mine" attitude referred to by Noonan is very prominent these days.

I hope and pray that something will occur to pull us together again instead of tearing us apart. We deserve better.

Bill Wallace
High Point

The problems with Wal-Mart extend beyond its lack of compassion for its employees. The Walton heirs abandoned Sam Walton's "made in America" practice for a more lucrative "made in China" venture, in the process dooming U.S. manufacturing jobs.

China's party-state, led by Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao, is aware that half of the country's rivers are putrid. Cultivable land is shrinking; their three seas are inundated with heavy metals; and with nine of the world's 10 most polluted cities, their record speaks for itself.

By the year 2030, 300 million Chinese will be 65 or older. China's health care system ranks 144 among all World Health Organization members.

China needed a savior, and it came in the unlikely form of American capitalism, specifically Wal-Mart. Jiang Zemin stated that Wal-Mart has contributed to "China's rise" and that it is now able to "beat back imperialism." Chinese autocratic doctrine is clear: As resources are ravaged and/or destroyed, it must initiate the consumption of its neighbor, in which America will have no choice but to intervene.

Other ventures exist in China, but when historians look back for causation of this possible global catastrophe, Wal-Mart will be the linchpin.

Parris Lee Patton
High Point

Several years ago, I was diagnosed with macular degeneration. It is an eye disease that, over a period of time, can cause blindness. I am on medication to slow the growth, and it seems to be working. At least I thought it was until Hurricane Katrina. Now I wonder whether other people are losing their sight.

Yes, we all are aware that the government -- local, state and federal -- was slow in its response, but the people of different races were there for each other.

I saw so much love, caring, sharing between people who were bound together by tragedy. I saw the best of us helping the rest of us. I saw the worst of us, looting, raping, price gouging, etc. When the storms of life hit, what we are inside comes out to reveal the real person. Those of us who work as a team make the dream work.

Let's not play the race card. Mother Nature doesn't choose one race over another. People showing compassion for each other despite the uncertainties they faced was truly a beautiful sight for my sore eyes. These are the positive images I want to preserve.

Shirley J. Wright
Greensboro

The shooting of Trooper J.C. Horniak shows yet another clear example of our failed criminal justice system. The suspect, Marvin Johnson, was a convicted murderer out on parole. He is currently wanted by the Richmond, Va., police department for felony assault, assault and battery (two times) and breaking and entering. He had a chance to turn his life around when he got out on parole. He chose instead to continue to prey on the rest of society and to gun down a young officer to avoid getting caught.

I can't wait for the case to go through the system so I can read the editorials that will enlighten us about his poor childhood and all the other "reasons" for his actions. Anyone want to change their position on the death penalty?

James Gray
Ruffin

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Stacy L. Smith

As we passed World AIDS Day (Dec. 1), I am struck, as a longtime AIDS advocate, that we don't seem to be learning the lesson. The lesson as I see it lies in the prevention of the disease. The only cure for AIDS is going to be the prevention of it.

We need to start to address with our attention and resources the very important aspect of HIV prevention. HIV prevention is messy and might not be the type of activity that is talked about at high tea, but it is necessary and is the only way out of a full-blown HIV epidemic in this country (and county).

People who shoot drugs should get treatment and clean syringes. People who engage in sex should be told about prevention methods that reduce the spread of all STDs. And people who have HIV should know and not spread it, and people who do not have HIV should know it and not get it. Testing should be regular and without stigma.

Countries like South Africa, Malaysia and China are grappling with this epidemic with far fewer resources than here in the United States. The only thing missing here is the will. Do we understand this? We have the know-how, the expertise, the money, and the ready professional resources available in our public health and public welfare agencies. They are just looking for the leadership from the people. The only thing missing is the will.

Please get involved. Talk to someone, anyone, your Aunt Bertha or a national representative. Just have thoughtful dialogue and let your conscience guide you.

The writer is a family therapist and lives in Greensboro.

During this holiday season, I have had the unique “opportunity” to be confined to a wheelchair due to an injury. I use the word “confined” loosely because I can use crutches, but using crutches while shopping is not only inconvenient but also hazardous.

The stores are so crowded that even the main aisles become obstacle courses for the physically impaired. Some of the stores I could not enter because they were so packed. The wheelchair couldn’t make it between the tables at the front door, and another store had parked a buggy full of stock right in the middle of the main aisle going out.

When I began this journey in the wheelchair I questioned, “Why me”? My independent nature has been drastically reduced to relying on others for many things that I would otherwise take for granted. I now have greater admiration for those who are unable to get around in our clutter-filled world, not only those with physical disabilities but also mothers with strollers or baby carriers and older people with walkers.

My holiday shopping experience this year has not been what I had hoped for; however, the lessons I will take from this experience will last a lifetime.

Adrianne Berbaum Haley

Asheboro

Despite the News & Record’s continuing effort to make us relive that most unfortunate 1979 confrontation between two vile groups of individuals, neither of which were from Greensboro or Guilford County, until now I have resisted my desire to respond. But your Nov. 6 “Tensions continue to haunt residents” article was the proverbial straw.

In the good tradition of the News & Record, your staff writer again refers to this event only as the “Klan-Nazi shootings” rather than the “Klan-Nazi-Communists shooting” that it was. She mentions Klan-Nazi and/or Klan eight times, but communists only once. Granted, she did prefer “CWP” to Communists Workers Party on three occasions, keeping the readers thinking anti-Klan/anti-Nazi, but certainly not anti-communist. Heaven forbid.

Both are obviously despicable organizations and failed ideologies, though history reveals that many times more people have died as a result of communism than Nazism. So why your reluctance to label the “CWP” what it was and is: communism? Why the penchant for soft-pedaling and virtually sugar-coating communism?

In the 1950s, journalists and academics enjoyed harassing conservatives (with some justification) for “looking for a communist under every rock.” Then, and apparently today, many wonder (with equal justification) why so many journalists and academics seem to ... “seldom find a communist they don’t like.”

Clyde L. Hunt Jr.

Greensboro

Maybe you never heard of Harvey Preston Brown from Randleman. He touched the lives of many. He passed away Nov. 17, a victim of coronary artery disease.

I am writing for two reasons. I especially need to thank those who came to the memorial service and couldn’t get into the crowded church. It was a cold, windy day. You couldn’t hear what was being said inside or even see to the front of the church. Some had small children, or are in poor health.

Yet, you tolerated the discomfort and some even stood in the street to show respect for my father. I pray that the Lord will always smile upon you.

I am also writing to urge everyone to take care of themselves. Don’t ignore chest pains. They may go away, or it’s you who could go. There are low-cost clinics for testing. Discover and treat coronary artery disease, high blood pressure or aneurysms before it’s too late.

Daddy was a good man with a heart of gold who should have been here longer than 65 years. Think of yourselves and your loved ones.

Don’t let something take you away if it can be avoided.

Shauna B. Carrick

Randleman

Why would a sitting president pay a visit to Mongolia? What U.S. diplomatic or other purpose would be served by such a visit? Those questions invaded my thoughts when I learned of President Bush’s planned visit, and those questions were further piqued by the photo of the president shaking hands with an apparently common, unidentified Mongolian (News & Record, Nov. 22).

A partial answer came in the article, “Bush grieves with family” (Nov. 25). During the president’s brief trip to Mongolia on Nov. 21, he took a moment to honor Lance Cpl. Andrew Rossoli, of Greensboro, who was killed in October while serving in Iraq.

This is the only reason I have discovered for the visit and, while an honorable intent may be suggested, it comes across as a staged event.

I trust (and welcome) that I may become better informed in time, but for now, I fail to find any compelling national interest that was served by the visit — the risks of harm to the president and the nation trump any honorable intent.

Bill Thornton

Mebane

Rosemary Roberts says she’s never found religion and evolution to be incompatible. Further, she discounts the Genesis history of creation.

I’ve never been able to understand how one can pick and choose what they wish to believe about the Bible. Either it’s all true or not.

It is said that Thomas Jefferson went through the Bible and tore out the pages he disagreed with.

The University of California system is being sued by the Association of Christian Schools International for disallowing Christian school-educated students to enroll there.

U.C. in reviewing courses has objected to what it calls a biased English literature with Christian themes and history and science texts with a creation nuance as well as the standard content.

Recent Gallup polls indicate

60 percent of Americans believe religion is given too little presence in public schools.

I’ve always had trouble believing in the “long shot” of evolution.

Every day after 3:30 p.m. there are Christian scientists debunking evolution on WHPE radio (95.5 FM).

Carol M. Pulliam

Oak Ridge

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Laura J. Ford

Your editorial cartoon in the Nov. 28 News & Record of the pit bull who ate Santa Claus is timely, blunt, dark humor which, unfortunately, is right on the mark.

How many more maimings, maulings and deaths is it going to take to get our municipal, county and state legislators to put some restrictions on the owners of known aggressive dog breeds?

I do not hate dogs. I am an animal lover who owns two sweet, gentle, small house dogs who are at risk every day (as am I) when I take them out to walk, properly leashed, in our neighborhood.

We have had several close encounters with aggressive, threatening pit bulls who "accidentally got loose."

One lives right next door, un-neutered, chained and ignored. What a perfect setup for a tragedy such as the recent incident in Texas in which an elderly lady was horribly mauled and killed while mowing her lawn. My heart goes out to her and her family.

This scenario is repeated over and over, often involving young children who wander too close to a chained and territorial animal. Can we not legislate some common-sense requirements for people who want to own a known aggressive breed?

Education, proper containment, altering, licensing and restrictions on chaining all make sense. I have spent a significant amount of money recently to partially fence my large yard just to keep my dogs and myself safe when we step outside.

Is it too much to ask that owners of aggressive breeds do the same? Should they not be held at least to the same standard as responsible owners like myself? I think their accountability should be higher, considering the liability they are placing on the public.

According to CNN, the lawmakers in Ontario, Canada, and Dade County, Fla., have recognized and dealt with this problem accordingly. Many other locations are considering restrictions.

Meanwhile, we citizens of Guilford County just hold our breath and pray it will never happen to us, or to someone we love.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

When I sit in front of the TV and watch the genocide that's taken place in Darfur, my heart sinks to sadness. This sadness is for the innocent, poor and suffering black people of Darfur. Where is the world's pity and compassion for these people?

All these great nations can find it in their hearts to send help to the Balkans, Afghanistan, Iraq, Vietnam, Korea and anywhere in the world, but not Darfur where millions of people are being killed. Blacks are not worth the fight.

It saddens me as a black American and veteran that this nation can spend billions of dollars to fight these past wars but can't send one aircraft carrier to the African coast to stop this war. The cost would be very small, considering what this nation is spending now for wars.

For anyone to say that we don't need to send troops or get involved, then I say to you the next time there's a war to be fought, then you go. I'm tired to seeing black Americans go off to war fighting all these conflicts.

Larry Haywood
Greensboro

Let's look hard at the big picture. First, the minuses: Iraq. Terrorism. Massive deficits. Hurricane aftermaths. Insufficient or no health insurance and retirement income (Time, feature, Oct. 31). Corruption and incompetence in Washington and their handmaiden, cronyism. Declining national esteem. Drug costs. Underemployment. ... You complete the list. Should be a long one.

The biggest plus is the ingenuity and indomitability of the average American. Vast technology strides. Store shelves overflowing with goods. Services available -- if you can afford them. The country is actually functioning pretty well. As long as the credit cards hold out.

And the future? The biggest problem is that this lamentable administration has three years remaining.

So, how can we avert worse problems? The previous administration proved it was possible to manage our affairs efficiently.
Though this is political anathema, we need to muster courage to cancel the recent tax cuts. And we must leave Iraq. Now or later, there is no satisfactory time. Better now. There is no virtue in "staying the course" when the course is this errant. The money is needed elsewhere. Lives must be saved.

Public opinion defeated the ill-advised Social Security proposal and the second Supreme Court nominee. Let's employ it again.

Dan W. Maddox
Greensboro

Perhaps Barry Davis (letters, Dec. 2) has been living under a rock by comparing Jimmy Carter's service to the United States to George Bush's. Granted, President Carter's tenure as president wasn't stellar, but he has more than made up for it since he's been out of office.

What went wrong with George Bush when he attacked Iraq? What did Iraq have to do with 9/11? Absolutely nothing.

With Bush's unfavorable rating as president at around 65 percent, Davis is fighting an uphill battle defending him and his policies.

We will be paying for George Bush's mistakes for decades. Let's see if he is in the running for a future Nobel Prize. He should be impeached and charged for international war crimes, in my opinion.

Robert Bedwell
Greensboro

My friend Rick Martin is a good and honest man, but sometimes he's wrong, as in his letter "Jesus asks for change in sinful behavior" (Nov. 28).

In it he says, "to infer that he accepts our behaviors that are contrary to the teachings from the Old and New Testaments is just not correct." But observe these words of Jesus: "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, do not resist an evil-doer." Turn the other cheek, go the second mile. Jesus encourages rejecting some Old Testament commands!

Mr. Martin says: "(homosexuality is one of those forbidden behaviors listed repeatedly)." Where? Jesus never mentions homosexuality.

He agrees that Jesus rejects no person who comes to him, "But we all come to him on his terms." How can he accept everyone, but only on his terms?

And if one is to accept the literal inerrancy of the Bible, remember that the penalty for homosexual behavior, as for adultery, is death! I think my friend, or any other decent human being, would not insist on that penalty.

Arnold Johnson
Greensboro

In his attempt to justify the North Carolina Baptists' exclusion of gays ("Jesus asks for change in sinful behavior," Nov. 28), Rick Martin says, "...we are asked to deny those desires of the flesh that are contrary to biblical teaching. This is a heavy burden for homosexuals as it requires living a life without a mate of their sexual preference."

Martin has made a rather profound observation without realizing the implications. Would a loving God create homosexuals and then require them to live a life without love? What kind of cruel and sadistic God would do such a thing?

Those who attack the rights, dignity and worth of gay people say they do so in the name of love but this is not love. Love requires one to know those it loves. By excluding gays, the North Carolina Baptists refuse to learn the truth about them and their lives.

Gays are increasingly showing the courage to live out their identity with integrity. This allows society to see that the love between same-gender couples is no different than that between a man and a woman.

To deny gays the same rights and respect is cruel, inhuman, and undemocratic.

Cris F. Elkins
Greensboro

I was interested in the front-page story Nov. 27 on Greensboro's historically charitable reputation and its future. I would remind us of the great success of the United Way and the Greensboro Jaycees over the last 50 years.

The many foundations, with the Bryan Foundation in the lead, have established a successful road map for the future. Greensboro has a strong church community and a large annual fund-raising base that successfully encourages generous contributions far beyond the boundaries of those faith institutions.

Finally, one of our great assets is the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro. In its young life, it has attracted more than $85 million from donors for many uses by charities and institutions far and wide, bringing in hundreds of prospective community donors. This gives the city huge reason for optimism, and I believe that the foundation will be more than 10 times its current size in the near future.

Inspirational people like Judge Henry Frye, the incoming chairman and former state chief justice, give donors confidence that they are in good hands. Walker Sanders and Patrick Weiner at the foundation are ready to take calls from all citizens about how they can become part of this caring community. Call them at 379-9100.

Tom Ward
Greensboro

I just read the article, "School construction money favors Democrat counties." Twenty-five Democrat-leaning counties will receive additional money for school construction under the new lottery law. Only three Republican-leaning counties will be eligible for extra school construction money.

Counties with property tax rates higher than the state average would be eligible for "bonus" school construction money. A county with lower rates will not. In other words, the tax-and-spend members of the General Assembly who voted for the lottery and Gov. Easley are rewarding counties with high property taxes and penalizing those with lower rates. They are rewarding government inefficiency and penalizing government efficiency.

Twenty-five top Democrat-leaning counties will receive bonus school construction money. Twenty-three Republican-leaning counties will not. Davidson County is on the will-not list.

William Wood
Kernersville

In response to the letter, "Bush's supporters carry responsibility" (Dec. 2):

I have kept my opinions to myself recently, but now it seems Cathy Lally has relit the fuse. Her letter seems entirely based on the precept that her intended audience actually cares about, or desires, her forgiveness on any of the issues on which she whines.

The sanctimonious odor of this opinion, quite frankly, is disturbing and all too common among the liberally inclined. She mentions the hypocrisy of "single-issue voters," meaning, in liberal speak, anti-abortion voters who allegedly support the killing of children in the Iraq war, while ignoring her own hypocrisy in supporting the killing of unborn children under the guise of "civil rights."

I absolutely reject her argument, particularly when she mentions that others died to give her that right. Those others are our patriots currently fighting the terrorist threats to this country in Iraq, Afghanistan and other areas, so Lally can have the "right" to put forth her ideas.

Steve Gorden
Kernersville

This country has been in several wars, most of them noble efforts in defense of this nation or other nations. This is not one of them. Before the war, the president argued there was an al-Qaida/Iraq connection and there were WMDs in Iraq, and with only Great Britain's agreement, we invaded Iraq.

It has long been an accepted principle of this country that we should not be the aggressor nation, and further that we should not fudge the facts of why we went to war in an attempt to justify ourselves. And, on the test of those principles, this president has failed this nation.

We were wrong to go to war in Iraq when we should have focused on terrorism. We should have known the difficulty of invading another nation and fighting a war alone. There is ample historical evidence of it. And, we should have anticipated the harm to our image worldwide.

Now the president wants to fund the war and the Hurricane Katrina response and, at the same time, somehow cut taxes, and he wonders why his ratings have dropped.

The way to the hearts and minds of the American people is through the plainspoken truth, Mr. President.

Gary Parker
Archdale

Comparisons of Iraq to Vietnam have been floated since it became apparent that the U.S. military would be bogged down in Iraq, fighting a shadowy enemy, with no front line, back line or any measurable gains. Now the comparisons have become even more stark and incredible.

The White House is now withholding unclassified documents concerning a 2001 historical report on how American officials distorted intelligence about the Gulf of Tonkin incident in 1964. The reason? Fear it might "prompt uncomfortable comparisons" between the actions of the Bush White House and the Johnson administration to power up the war effort, according to Scott Shane of the New York Times. Given this revelation, nothing this administration does can be surprising. The public is catching on.

According to a Harris Poll recently released by the Wall Street Journal, 64 percent of Americans believe the Bush administration "generally misleads the American public on current issues to achieve its own ends." Clearly, this White House has its own agenda and will do whatever it takes to implement it. Lying, withholding information, falsifying information and sending Americans to war. Interesting that, in 1991, Dick Cheney said invading Iraq would constitute "the classic definition of a quagmire." Quagmire indeed.

Jo Boykin
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Larry W. McEntire
I was delighted to read, "My fond memories of Glenwood" (Nov. 22), by Nancy Ann Brady Dunton.

Memories of my youth flooded my mind. I was born on East Bragg Street but moved to Freeman Mill Road about 1948 or 1949. We knew about everyone on our road for some distance. A small store right across from the old elementary school ballpark was where I had my first job hauling groceries. Down the road was Mr. Fields’ store where I also worked as a meat cutter and stock clerk. I also worked for Bob Butler as a stock clerk during my high school and college years. It was from Glenwood that I caught the bus into town to sell the Greensboro Record from the street corner.

As for living conditions in our home on Freeman Mill Road, we had coal and wood most often carried in by yours truly. Later, my grandmother installed gas heaters for my room as well as the room next to the kitchen. It was cold in other parts of the house, but we did have a nice bathroom with a tub, toilet and hot water.
The TV we had back in 1949 sat on a piece of furniture and couldn’t have been more than 12 or 14 inches on the screen. We watched channel 2 and Lee Kinard, and our phone number at that time was just four digits.

I attended Clara Peck School and usually rode my bicycle or walked to school. I have many fond memories of the Boy Scout troop in the United Methodist Church, the influence of the Florida Street Baptist Church, and my own home church, the Glenwood Friends Meeting. I drive through Glenwood at every opportunity since I still have some cousins living there.

The writer lives in Asheboro.

Regarding the column, "North Carolina's court system tied in knots," by Judge Bill Constangy (Dec. 4): To the many steps suggested by Judge Constangy in his effort to untie the knots in North Carolina's court system, I would like to add the expanded use of mediation.

Currently, the courts can and do order cases into mediation. But mediation is also an option available to parties in dispute without ever entering the court system.

As a graduate student in UNCG's Conflict Resolution Master's Program, I am convinced that if more people chose mediation as a method of resolving their conflicts, it would help reduce court case loads.

Mediation is a powerful process that encourages people in conflict to participate actively in reaching their own agreement. It also relieves a judge and/or jury the burden of being placed in the position of having to make a decision for the disputing parties.

Choosing mediation is a self-empowering process that can contribute to increased efficiency of the court system by reducing case loads of overburdened courts.

Betty K. Mayo
Greensboro

My husband and I have been participants in the Guilford County Schools for 22 years, first as parents, then as in-laws to a wonderful second-grade teacher. We're grateful that our two grown children are no longer counting on the support of the school administration, specifically Dr. Terry Grier, to ensure a healthy, aggressive education.

To say we're alarmed at the decimation being heaped upon our schools would be a gross understatement. The more we talk to teachers and parents experiencing this wholesale ravaging of school policies, the more convinced we are that school administrators are focused only on dollars, not on children.

For example, studies from the mid-1980s tracking the effectiveness of teacher assistants are in no way applicable to the volume and psychology of the student population in modern-day classrooms. We would like to see Grier not only reinstate teacher assistants, an invaluable tool to both teachers and students in our over-crowded classrooms, but also restructure his philosophy to produce budget alternatives (i.e., perhaps a salary cut for our highest-paid administrators starting with himself) that benefit our children — not sacrifice them in pursuit of the almighty dollar.

C.A. Dyson
Greensboro

I, like millions of others, have had it with the PC crowd. Christmas is a federal holiday.

Did the Grinch, ACLU or an atheist steal Christmas? Maybe we did.
I was reading the News & Record advertisements Dec. 4. I found one, just one, reflecting Christmas. I will patronize Garden Ridge exclusively.

I can celebrate Christmas Dec. 25. I will celebrate the birth of Jesus 365 days a year.

Gail Derence
Greensboro

I get sick of far-right conservatives and the far-left liberals getting caught up in the obnoxious name-calling, finger-pointing, blame-game. Both are simply far out. Period.

I wish both would cease looking down their noses, with their holier-than-thou, name-calling, know-it-all attitudes. And please spare us the "if you don't agree with me, you are not patriotic" attitude.

The majority of Congress is a bunch of self-serving crooks, and have been for a long time. I voted for George W. Bush (the first term, not the second), who misled our country into the quicksand of Iraq, among other things, and I voted for Lyndon B. Johnson, who led us into the quagmire of Vietnam with his fabricated Tonkin Gulf Incident.

So, my voting record is not that good. However, if our political system allowed the most intelligent, ethical and fair-minded people to attain office, instead of the wealthiest people buying their way in, our country might correct domestic economic inequities and regain the position of leadership and respect it once held in the world.

Wayne Veach
High Point

Where does Charles Davenport (column, Dec. 4) get off telling me that Howard Coble's constituents "don't care much" for John McCain? I am one of Rep. Coble's constituents and I have a great deal of admiration and respect for Sen. McCain. But I suppose in Davenport's bleak view of the world, it's not even possible to care for someone with whom you disagree.

In that case, I can only feel sorry for the man. But, of course, what he really means it that he considers Coble's constituents to be only those who are far right-wing like himself. Reality check: We have a representative form of government.

Henry Hackett
Greensboro

Life for Pakistanis is more difficult than ever. On Oct. 8, an earthquake caused 73,000 people to die and about 250 children's bodies were found afterward. Reporters conjectured about 2,000 people died in Kashmir but only 250 were found.

Even though the winter is coming, few even have a tent to live in. They don't know whether they're waiting for aid or for death. Their lives are insecure. The most pitiful is watching children suffer. They are not strong enough to survive the cold. The situation's getting worse because it continues to rain and snow.

The number of deaths has increased. Hundreds of people, most of them children, have contracted pneumonia. More than a hundred people were brought to the hospital with hypothermia and respiratory diseases. I believe that people will continue to die.

I am calling on you to do something to help these people. Donate food or clothes. Show the world you care.

Yen Tang
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By David Wolf

It was our great fortune, since our evacuation from New Orleans and Hurricane Katrina, to get to know the wonderful people of Greensboro and the Triad area. From the beginning, my wife and two girls have been greeted with warmth, compassion, and generosity. My family has since returned to New Orleans to rebuild our lives, but we take with us the spirit of Greensboro.

All that was given to us during our stay will be "paid forward" to those in need. We are appreciative for every relationship that we made in North Carolina, and we ask for your continued support in the arduous task of rebuilding New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region.

The list of people to thank is long but everybody I dealt with on a daily basis was helpful from the get-go. Jim Corkhill at Lowe's, the guys at Crown Honda, Chrissy White at the Guilford County Department of Social Services, the people at the Red Cross; all were concerned with our well-being first. Everyone at Pilot Elementary, where my cousin Lisa Richardson teaches, went out of their way to help my children, as have the people at Sedgefield Presbyterian Day Care.

Finally, I must thank these individuals for going the extra mile: Keith and Sue Hurley; Jim and Karen Salthouse (and their generous friends and family); Gerry Havlina; Lou Garrison; Gracie and Caroline Womack; and so many others, all of whom know what they have done to make our time in North Carolina so special. Wherever we are, we will always remember the caring we received during these trying times. God bless and happy holidays, Greensboro. You have a lot to be proud of.

This column also was signed by David, Kirsten, Zelia, and Sidonie Wolf, all of whom live in New Orleans.

Hooray for the Guilford County Health Department's flu-shot clinic on Dec. 3. It was a model of efficiency. I exited my parked car at 9:15 a.m. and at 9:29 a.m. I was back and ready to come home, having gone through the entire procedure of registering and getting the shot. Surely I speak for the hundreds receiving flu shots when I say thanks to all those gracious folks who worked so efficiently that Saturday.
Hooray especially to the Bryan Foundation and the other powers-that-be for making the new building and its abundant parking spaces possible. It is inconceivable to me that such a complex event could have been managed with similar efficiency in the old facility. Guilford County really did it right this time.
Herman Middleton
Greensboro

I am writing out of concern about the exclusion of the word "Christmas" from stores, ads and products such as trees. I find this very pathetic.

All the little chickens are running around desperately trying to be politically correct and not offend 10 percent of the population while they offend the other 80 percent (10 percent couldn't care less).
Well, I think I have a solution to their dilemma: If Christmas is no longer Christmas and is now just a holiday, we do not need a tree at all. After all, I do not put up a tree on the Fourth of July, so I don't need one now. This will allow me more time to spend with my family, anyway.

Also, I do not need to buy any gifts as I do not buy gifts for Labor Day, Memorial Day or New Year's. That will alleviate quite a bit of consumer debt, and I do not have to fight the crowds to buy things that will be obsolete by next year. The problem is solved.
Kimberly M. Jones
Lewisville

When the Iraqi people have their first election (Dec. 15), let them decide on troop withdrawal. Place two simple selections on the ballot: troops stay; troops go.

How would Americans like it if we were occupied by foreign troops? I believe the insurgency would be impossible to stop.
Neil D. Meisch
Asheboro

I wish to applaud the writer of the article published Nov. 29, explaining the outcome of the lawsuit brought by Diebold Election Systems. It was clear, concise and historically accurate. I believe that someone new to the subject would have learned as much about this crucial issue as I did.

It is unfortunate that Diebold is unable to comply with the law and offer a secure voting system. But there are other, more qualified companies that are apparently better equipped to adapt to change. I thank the newspaper for reporting on matters of election integrity, which are so fundamentally vital to democracy in our state.
John Bonitz
Silk Hope

Once upon a time, many species of birds came to my bird feeder each day. It was wonderful to watch them from my window. Now the birds are gone. The woods in which they lived are gone. The bird feeder sits there full of seeds, and no birds fly here to eat them. Now, instead of sheltering beautiful birds, the woods have been replaced by apartment buildings.
Alice Ashman
Greensboro

Americans, let's thank our kids for being so willing to repay the United States for the money being borrowed to finance the war and so all of us can enjoy a good economy.

And, let's thank our kids for being so willing to repay the funds our government raided from the Social Security trust account.

Finally, let's thank our kids for being so willing to ante up the new funds required for baby boomer Medicare and Social Security.
America's kids are the greatest. Thanks, kids.
John Sexton
High Point

It is sad to note that your paper, so often derided as part of the so-called "liberal media," could not find one reader to voice an actual objection to the death penalty. Five out of six of your "Reader Responses" Dec. 1 was pro-death penalty, and the other only mentioned its failure to deter crimes.
What about the fact that innocent people are often killed (such as Ruben Cantu of Texas, who was 17 when he did not commit murder)? Or that a disproportionate number of those killed by the state are poor, minority and/or of below-average intelligence? Or that some of them had lawyers who slept through their trials or appeared drunk? Some liberal media. I've seen more fair and balanced discussions on Fox News!
I am curious as to how many of those rabidly in favor of the death penalty also call themselves "Christian" and/or "pro-life." Jesus taught forgiveness. Just ask Karla Faye Tucker, who was born again and began a Christian ministry before being executed in a Texas jail.
Eric Welder
Greensboro

As Hurricane Bush passed through our area, our local residents got the same old bad taste in our mouths that we have seen again and again throughout our state. Big business, political fund-raisers and a hand-picked group were the only ones who were allowed to take in the activities.

With laws being passed to ship North Carolina's jobs elsewhere, it was nice that we were able to see a company that has made it through the tough times of factory layoffs and plant relocations. How does that saying go? Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while.

Lynn Dostal
High Point

Greensboro, this is a big thank you from me to you. A year ago, the News & Record published my letter, "Newcomer loves city but not smoke." Here we are a year later and several restaurants all over the city have gone smoke-free. I hope many more plan to do the same.

A recent letter on smoke-free dining written by a Greensboro College student made me realize something: Smoke-free restaurants open themselves up to a much larger customer base when they go smoke-free, increasing their opportunity to do better financially. She is not the only college student in the area who wants smoke-free dining. There are almost 50,000 students alone in Greensboro, and more than 80 percent of them are within three miles of downtown.

If you don't believe going smoke-free is financially smart, check the 'Net and you can find records on cities in the United States that report smoke-free dining has improved their revenue.

Jeff Milroy
Greensboro

A lot more people are tired of your Bush-bashing besides Patricia Friedrich (letter, Nov. 29). It's a terrible thing losing our boys in Iraq. However, the terrorists killed 3,000 on Sept. 11, 2001. Iraq is attracting these terrorists, keeping them from the United States.

R.B. Smith
Asheboro

Wayne Campbell's Counterpoint, "We're winning war for Iraqi freedom" (Dec. 3), vilified all persons who oppose the war in Iraq. I take this personally. How dare Campbell accuse me of being unpatriotic or label me as an appeaser, anti-liberator or sunshine patriot because of my opposition? How dare he accuse me of being a Bush hater because I oppose the president's actions? I am not consumed with hatred for the president; however, I strongly dislike his policies.

Every time I see the picture or read the name of another member of the military dying in Iraq, or I see or hear of another person losing a limb from an exploding roadside bomb, or I see the face of a mother or wife who has lost someone, or an Iraqi child bleeding, or the face of an Iraqi woman whose family or home has been destroyed, I cry inside. No, we cannot abandon these people, but my parents always taught me if you make a mess, clean it up. It is now time for this administration to clean up its mess.

Joy Bolling
Stokesdale

The president and both political parties have surrendered homeland security to terrorists and illegal immigrants. The excuse of needing workers is silly when increasing the quotas for legal immigrants would have solved the problem and obtained better workers, without prostitutes held in slavery and drug dealers.

The United States is a nation of laws that must be obeyed voluntarily. Those who fail to obey our laws are criminals and must be punished as such, without exception. The penalty for illegal entry into our country includes deportation, not amnesty.

The guest worker program is a new name for the documented worker program. It changes nothing and is impossible to enforce. The president is attempting to put out the political fire his pandering ignited. His policies continue to provide cheap labor for corporate farmers.

The Republican Party in control of our national government has failed to function. No longer can citizens ignore the threat of open borders to our homeland security. We must honor our obligation of citizenship as indicated in the Declaration of Independence. If we are fooled twice, shame on us.

James D. Williams
Graham

I am writing on behalf of The Highlands, part of James Landing. We are in dire need of a sidewalk on Piedmont Parkway. In 2002, we were told that our project would be done in 2005. It is now moving toward 2006. We are now told we are "not on the books" for this to be done.

Our street, Piedmont Parkway, is being extended. Doesn't it seem reasonable and economically sound that this short strip (approximately 200 to 300 yards) should be worked into the existing plan? If materials, equipment and labor are in place in the neighborhood, it seems feasible that our sidewalk could be completed.

It is extremely dangerous to walk along the grassy area bordering Piedmont Parkway, but we are forced to in order to get to the local shopping areas. The ground is uneven and walking is treacherous. A misstep could cause a pedestrian serious injury.

When Piedmont Parkway is finally completed in 2006, the traffic will be even heavier, with danger to walkers more intense.

We have handicapped residents in motorized wheelchairs. These residents, too, will be able to access both shopping centers when the present sidewalk connects both shopping centers.

Nancy Willis
Jamestown

The following is a counterpoint column:

By Devona Sands

It's time someone spoke up and told the truth about the "shameful episode" in the day-care program, Kids Companion, whose site is located on the campus of New Vision School of Math, Science and Technology.

As the parent of a child who attends New Vision School, I am disgusted by the reckless radio comments and sloppy reporting of this incident. What happened to this kindergarten child under the supervision of day-care workers in an after-school program not connected with New Vision School is inexcusable. However, New Vision School teachers, staff and principal had nothing to do with it.

This day-care program has a site on many campuses throughout Rockingham County, but the school sites on which the Kids Companion program operates merely provide a space for before- and after-school care. Rockingham County Schools hires and oversees this day-care program, but the teachers, principal and other New Vision staff are not involved. In fact, New Vision, a year-round magnet school with some of the highest scores in the county and the fewest discipline problems, was on three-week fall break when this incident occurred.

The parents, staff and leadership of New Vision School are just as shocked by the distasteful treatment of this little girl as is the general public. But get your facts straight. Newspaper articles, radio reports and editorials continue to name New Vision School and its teachers as the culprits in this incident, and this simply is not true. Stop blaming a school whose teachers work outrageously long hours to bring top-notch teaching and learning to their students for actions that occurred while New Vision teachers were on break. What happened is unforgivable, but the teachers and administration of New Vision school are taking the blame for Kids Companion.

I am proud of the excellent instruction and moral education my child has received and will continue to receive at New Vision School, and I am tired of sitting by and watching a wonderful staff being crucified in the media for something totally unrelated to New Vision School.

The writer lives in Madison.

It was interesting to read in the News & Record that the Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point and Kernersville Chambers of Commerce want to guide the development of 53,000 acres of land between Piedmont Triad International Airport and Kernersville and that they have been chosen to control future development in our area.

It could be another example of the Chambers of Commerce thinking that they have the right to develop any vacant parcel of land in our area, regardless of the current owner's wishes and that they alone know what the public needs.

Unfortunately, with the municipal governments supporting the use of eminent domain and forced annexation, our homes and land are no longer safe from land- grabbing by local governments that, in most cases, will do anything to increase their tax base and appease developers.

If residents oppose the chambers' plan to desecrate more of America's rural heritage in the name of "progress," let your elected officials know.

If not, when the chambers have finally buried our area under a carpet of asphalt, urban sprawl, pollution and traffic congestion, may it "rest in peace."

C. Robin Dean
Clemmons

President Bush has spoken convincingly and effectively, as usual, recently. We are proud that he selected North Carolina to enumerate the state of our robust economy, which is in no small measure due to his courage, integrity and perseverance. These same attributes have taken us far in the global war on terrorism, as well as led to his successful appointments to the courts, most especially the Supreme Court.

The obstructionist naysayers may be eating crow one day soon. I recommend they enjoy it with Tabasco sauce. Thanks to Sen. Lieberman and Fox News, we are learning what we've always known about the elite mainstream media. They have a biased and arrogant socialist agenda and just don't come clean with America on the facts.

Hillary Clinton, like the bum she's married to, blows in the wind on issues for the sole purpose of running for the Oval Office and says whatever she thinks people want to hear. Now that we know the tax cuts worked, she's all in favor of them (and the list gets longer). The only difference between her and the Boston Straddler (John Kerry) is that one of them wears lipstick.

Bob Guertin
Jamestown

As our president more and more becomes a rogue leader seeking illusions of grandeur and excesses that ordinary citizens dare not expect lest their consciences devastate them, I wonder at what point our leaders, sworn to uphold the Constitution, will do just that.

It seems to me we have a president who believes loyalty to his vision should trump the Constitution. So it concerns me to know precisely when our military will uphold its sworn duty with respect to the Constitution. That none swear to uphold and protect the president, now seems an appropriate time to ask at what point does the Constitution matter more than the serving president?

William McCarver
Reidsville

Will no one address the self-righteous indignation of Leonard Pitts? (column, Dec. 3) How arrogant can he be to proclaim a short supply of moral courage among proponents of capital punishment?

While he rants about the single case of Ruben Cantu, whose determination of innocence is dubious at best, and proclaims generosity with someone else's life, he totally ignores all the innocent people who are killed by persons who were not executed after they had committed a homicide. This greatly outnumbers those falsely executed, and your own newspaper has reported these innocent deaths on many occasions.

Pitts lacks the moral courage to face how many people are killed by killers who escape from jail. He surely has the resources at the Miami Herald to find out, if he had the moral courage to do so.

John R. Dykers
Siler City

I work in the University Relations Department at UNCG. Each day, we collect press clippings, but on Nov. 24, we were looking for a clipping that would deeply sadden my heart and spirit. A student of UNCG, Allen Patterson, had passed. Allen was no ordinary student — he was paralyzed from the chest down and moved around campus in a wheelchair by blowing in a tube.

I had seen Allen for years either on his way to class or, at times, sitting in front of the Elliott University Center. He became a very vibrant part of the campus community.

Unfortunately, I did not know Allen on a personal basis, yet I knew he inspired me to appreciate my health and physical capabilities. I knew to respect the education I had, and the graduate degree I was pursuing, because it was indeed a privileged gift.

Allen not only inspired me but also Christopher Reeve, who shared his story on "Good Morning America." Our campus will not be the same and, to be honest, it shouldn't be. As a student, Allen's presence was meaningful, and it is my honor to share this with his family and the greater Greensboro community.

Debbie Schallock
Greensboro

I very much enjoyed Jim Schlosser's column on Virginia Zenke and her book, "Mid Life, Mid Century and Mid South" (Dec. 5).

We've had the pleasure to work for Mrs. Zenke, and on one occasion, while in the Washington area, installing draperies, accommodations by the Zenkes were no less than the country club with attendants arriving at 8:30 sharp to turn back bed covers and leave mints on the pillow case.

Looking forward to her book.

Chris G. Hall
Archdale

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Douglas O. Bell

The city of Greensboro should exercise its right of eminent domain to take the property at 201 and 211 N. Cedar St. from Bill Agapion. The city should pay Agapion the fair market value of the property and not a penny more.

The legal precedents for this course of action are well established and have earlier this year been affirmed by the Supreme Court. In June, the Supreme Court upheld the right of New London, Conn., to use eminent domain to take well-kept private property for the sake of a mixed-use development. If that is permissible, then the city of Greensboro would certainly be justified in taking Agapion's blighted land and redeveloping it with new quality mixed-use development.

The idea that the city would use taxpayer money to pay Agapion's asking price, which is well in excess of the fair market value of the property, is fiscally irresponsible. Allowing Agapion to make such a tremendous profit on property that he has allowed to fall into disrepair would set a terrible precedent. Every other landlord in the city could then rightfully consider purchasing property, letting it fall apart, and then selling it for a hefty profit to the city in the name of re-building the community.

The citizens of Greensboro should be outraged. The News & Record should be ashamed of itself for supporting such a ridiculous waste of taxpayer money ("Council should buy Cedar Street land," editorial, Dec. 2).

The writer is a professional engineer who lives in High Point.

Once again sparks are flying within the Southern Baptist Convention. And, once again, the prejudice of those who condemn homosexual individuals as unrepentant sinners makes headlines.

As a gay man, I applaud the courageous congregations that reject the convention's policy of excluding individuals of homosexual orientation from fellowship. These churches lovingly embrace and nurture the youth of their congregations who, in the process of discovering their sexual identity, may determine that they are gay.

Yet gay youth within convention-compliant congregations are sadly made to feel not only abnormal or inferior but, more disturbingly, condemned by their churches. That these young people are taught that their innate sexual orientation classifies them as unforgiven sinners is a disturbing condition with potentially painful and even tragic consequences.

A church's doors should be open to, and its fellowship embracing of, all who may choose to enter.

John Faulkner
Greensboro

What a heartwarming combination of stories on B1 of the Dec. 8 News & Record. The 77-year-old college student receiving the gift from her fellow A&T students and the governor hugging Vennie Suber as he delivers the 3 millionth Meals on Wheels meal to her. Thank you for the good news. It was very touching and inspiring.

Carol Brown
Greensboro

Can we end the discussion on the Bible versus homosexuality now? Here's how we do it.

All who believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God and that all of it is true -- and who have not just studied and read the word, but have asked the Holy Spirit to interpret and clarify the word -- know exactly what the Scriptures say about this subject.

We are all individually responsible for our personal relationships with God. If you know God and God knows you, he reveals to you his nature, and anything contrary to his nature will not settle peacefully in your spirit. The peace of God comes from obedience. Blessings also come from obedience.

We have choices. We make these choices. We are responsible for those choices, and we will receive either blessings or curses for those choices.

To try to convince another of right and wrong is not the believer's job. If you want someone to see things in another light, be obedient to God. Let your light shine, love one another and throw seeds of love and truth without judgment and step away and let God water and weed and let the Holy Spirit convince.

A blessed Christmas to all.

Katherine Shelton
Greensboro

I helped picket Kentucky Fried Chicken on Dec. 5. I estimate 75 percent of the thousands driving past didn't want to know and earnestly ignored us. Fifteen percent tried to take in the visual information offered. Two percent became angry. How dare they! Troublemakers! Eight percent laughed, smiled, fist-saluted, hooted, waved and joyfully expressed their support for PETA's plea for mercy for these helpless feathery creatures. Perhaps they too affirmed a small group (80 percent female) of shivering people protesting the status quo.

Out of self-respect, instead of butchery, let us show a degree of empathy.

John Robins
Greensboro

So, what do you think about "our" federal government?

A German man is suing the CIA because he says he was kidnapped, sent to Afghanistan and tortured.

The Italian government has issued warrants for 22 CIA agents who allegedly kidnapped a man and sent him to Egypt where he was tortured.

In England, the media are talking about a memo where George Bush threatened, or joked, about bombing al-Jazeera. Tony Blair's attorney general e-mailed several newspapers and told them not to write about the memo or face prosecution under the Official Secrets Act.

In Congress, Randy Cunningham resigned after admitting that he received $2.4 million in bribes. Former House majority leader Tom Delay has been indicted on felony charges. Senate majority leader Bill Frist is under investigation for allegedly doing basically what Martha Stewart did. And don't forget Scooter Libby.

We have secret prisons, secret trials, sealed warrants, torture, renditions, white phosphorus, roving wiretaps, free-speech zones, water-boarding, FBI spying on library and medical records, airline passengers being searched even though the cargo isn't, new domestic spying powers for the Pentagon, shoot-to-kill orders and bald-faced lies.

I think it is time for a regime change.

Chuck Mann
Greensboro

In my preparation for the holidays, I stumbled across a short story about a Christmas at the White House years ago during another war.

This story recounts some words spoken by Winston Churchill in a Christmas Eve address to the American people. I wish these words rang true for us today, but I feel sure that we cannot be as confident as he:

"Ill would it be for us this Christmastide if we were not sure that no greed for the land or wealth of other people, no vulgar ambition, no morbid lust for material gain at the expense of others, has led us to the field."

Stephanie McMullen
McLeansville

Our paper showed our beat-up president on the front page lauding the Triad plant in Kernersville with success, and below it a story about a 10-cent leap in the price of gasoline. Let's not invite him back too often.

John Kincaid Sr.
Reidsville

Fast forward to 2050.

History book index: "Years 2000 to 2008 : Eight years of shame and disgrace in American history."

Robert Schaffer
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Brian Tousey

I found the story about "Bam the hero dog's" demise quite saddening and disturbing ("A hero dog dies doing what dogs do, chasing a cat," Dec. 3). Here is a dog who, acting on instinct, was able to save his family from a house fire. Yet this same dog, again acting on instinct by chasing a cat, did not have a secure enough environment so that his own life could be saved by his owners.

He chased the cat out on a public street where cars frequent, and was hit by a car and killed. How ironic and bittersweet.

Are we human beings who increasingly rely on responsibility, reason and laws -- not instinct -- unable to protect the creatures we call pets and in many cases include as members of our own family? Pets that, like Bam, may one day protect and save our own lives?

While I sympathize with the family in the loss of their pet, it is Bam, the hero dog, for whom I really feel sorry. He sounded like a good dog with otherwise many years left to live.

I hope this family will invest in making a secure environment should they choose to invite another animal, especially a dog, into their lives. It just takes one second, one odd circumstance, one running cat, and then boom -- Bam is gone.

Although my dogs have never saved my life, you can bet they can trust me with theirs, a responsibility I accepted when they were adopted. People, please think.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

What a great photograph by Lynn Hey on the front page of the B section (Dec. 7) showing our new City Council, with three new members, holding hands in unity before starting their first meeting together.

The new members, Anderson, Barber and Wells, speak to the depth of talent and commitment in this great city. The three outgoing members, Burroughs-White, Perkins and Vaughan, with their combined 37 years of service deserve our endless thanks. It was pointed out that Vaughan, after 14 years of council service, spent almost a year of his life just in City Council meetings.

May the eloquent words of the Rev. Wayne Robinson in his invocation come true, "that through their (new council) effort we shall see an even brighter Greensboro," and may we salute in gratitude the past and new members.

Randal Romie
Greensboro

Congress will discuss what it calls the "Darfur Peace & Accountability Act." We urge you to pick up your phones and call your local representative, or send him or her an e-mail or letter supporting this act. This will make a great difference in the lives of those affected.

Darfur refugees will spend this winter at camps with a short food supply. The Darfur crisis has already claimed more than 400,000 since 2003. Take action and let the Darfur people enjoy their New Year. Give them hope.

Mohamed Osman
Greensboro

The Coalition for a Secure Driver's License intends to plaster racist billboards all over North Carolina. Its billboard shows a Middle Eastern male wrapped in a keffiyeh, holding a grenade and a N.C. driver's license. I often teach Middle Eastern boys and girls, and they feel the impact of such racist images acutely.

Like all immigrants, their families have come to this country in hopes of creating a better life for their children, but when they are confronted with blatant, racist ignorance, the children still don't have the luxury of knowing peace.

While the coalition claims it hopes to "strengthen our nation against terrorism," its racism only serves to strengthen terrorism both in this country and abroad. Its racism is terrorism because it inspires hatred, fear and insecurity. When we perpetuate stereotypes, we dehumanize others and lose our own humanity, as well as our own security.

We need to look deeply into our actions and determine if we are creating peace or war.

We need to consider what kind of future we want for our children. Who are our children? My students are our children; they are Arab, African, Latino and Asian. They are American. They are our future.

Deborah Greene
Greensboro

Recently, both the House of Representatives and Senate passed bills that cut Medicaid, food stamps, student loans and other social programs designed to help the poor, the young and the elderly. The rationale was that these cuts were needed to deal with the budget deficits.

Then the House, soon to be followed by the Senate, passed a bill that will increase tax cuts aimed at the very wealthy. The rationale is that these cuts will stimulate the economy. Never mind that these tax cuts will cost $20 billion more than the savings gained from the bill cutting entitlement programs.

Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, "The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little." I think of this quote, note the general lack of public outrage over these events in Washington and despair at how far our society has moved away from a time when we took responsibility for those less fortunate than ourselves.

Alexey Ferrell
Greensboro

Concerning your editorial, "Other sacred texts merit place in court" (Dec. 10), you say:

"For people of faith, swearing on the Bible makes a powerful statement about their intent to tell the truth. That opportunity should be provided for people of all religions by allowing them to make their oaths on the scriptures that light the way to truth for them."

How many "all religions" are there? How many different "scriptures that light the way to truth for them" exist?

What about atheists? What "holy scripture" would be required for them?

You say, "For people of faith, swearing on the Bible makes a powerful statement about their intent to tell the truth." Why? For people of faith (your context seems to equate "people of faith" with Christians) the Bible admonishes to "… swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation," James 5:12.

If the court represents the state, why have any religious scriptures in court (separation of church and state)? Why not just make it a crime regardless of faith, or no faith, to tell a lie in court?

Tommy Guyer
Thomasville

One thing we have learned over the years is that everyone in jail is innocent and most become preachers when they get on death row. It has always been said there are no atheists in a foxhole. Stress makes you see things differently.

Stanley "Tookie" Williams made his mark in life. The gangs that supposedly don't exist in our public schools can be his legacy. The dead people he left behind are another legacy.

Ken Sawyer
High Point

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Michael Northuis

Wayne Campbell's Counterpoint, "We're winning war for Iraqi freedom" (Dec. 3), was not only offensive but factually inaccurate. The Senate, including the Democrats who Campbell cites, voted to give the president the option of war only when all other options were exhausted. As facts are emerging about the lead-up to war, we find that the Bush administration indeed "cherry-picked" the intelligence info it gave the Senate.

German intelligence sent the CIA a briefing canceling an earlier briefing stating that Saddam had chemical weapons at the ready, citing that their source proved bogus. Bush used the earlier briefing info in a speech after receiving the second. In the same speech he stated that Saddam could send a nuke here in 45 minutes.

The Atomic Energy Commission told the administration before we went to war that the aluminum tubing that was "irrefutable" proof that Saddam had an up-and-running nuclear program was untrue. Not just Joseph Wilson but two other sources told Bush/Cheney that there was no nuclear program in Iraq. The bipartisan 9/11 Commission says that there was no working relationship between Saddam and bin Laden.

So let's see, Bush attacked a sovereign Iraq on knowingly questionable information; we continue to torture Iraqi citizens; we used white phosphorus on them. The Bush squad has silenced the press both here and in Iraq, substituting its own propaganda as fact. Aren't the aforementioned actions the same as the ones that Saddam is on trial for?

The war is ruining our economic future and our credibility worldwide. All our allies are jumping ship; the whole Mideast wants us out; 80 percent of the "free" Iraqis want us out (so much for democracy) and 45 percent of them want to see us dead.

So, if you want to call me an "unpatriotic Bush-hater," go ahead. Bush should be right there next to Saddam when the sentences are handed down. My patriotism will be restored when the American people step up to the plate and swat these capitalist oil-pimps from the government.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

This holiday season, let's remember our soldiers serving abroad. Their sacrifices are greatly appreciated. The greatest gift we could give them is to bring this war to an end. The burden of this war is disproportionately borne by the same troops doing their second and third tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

We need to stop filling our houses here and abroad with widows and orphans, with the severely disfigured and maimed. We need to stop this vicious, self-perpetuating cycle of violence. It only brings out the worst in humanity.

Let us not get caught up in the trivialities of the season, whether it's "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays." Let us resist Bush's mantra, "We are winning the war in Iraq." This insults our intelligence.

This holiday season, I pray that we come to our senses. I pray that we let the God of Abraham resolve the problems of the world. And, if you're a military family with a loved one serving overseas, I pray with all my heart that when your doorbell rings, it is good news and not bad.

Mack Wilder
Greensboro

Eric Welder (letter, Dec. 11) said it right. His comment regarding silence on the death penalty prompted me to do what I should have done much earlier. I have been moaning that we have become passive in political life and silent in front of outrage, but not in public.

Why we are not outraged at the weapons of mass destruction used on unarmed, unprotected, nameless people of Darfur? The WMD of murder, village annihilation, rape, starvation, child abuse continue while we wag a finger.

It is embarrassing that our secretary of state is forced to explain to a doubting world that we do not torture. And to do so in parsed language. After four years, our first responders in emergencies cannot talk with each other. When will we really mobilize against HIV/AIDS and come to grips with the tragedy? Must we continue to discuss whether to rebuild New Orleans rather than how we must proceed toward that end? We promised.

The anniversary of the U.N. Declaration of Human Rights went unnoticed in the News & Record; the anniversary of the creation of UNICEF was ignored. Am I outraged? You bet. Will I remember on Election Day? You bet.

David P. Haxton
Greensboro

I'm bothered by prices. Not the usual gripe of inflation or gouging. Nope, this is the pervasive 99 cents. Maybe it's just me. Everywhere and everything. Such as fast-food 99-cent deals. Can you buy it for 99 cents? Nope. Add tax, you're paying $1.06. How about the commercial for an extra pizza for a buck? In the commercial, some kids get a buck for yard work. Later, at the pizza place, they hand over the dollar and get a pizza. Forgot the tax: $1.07 or no extra pizza. Why does everything have to be $9.99, $19.99, etc.? Do retailers actually think we can't figure out it's one penny less than the next dollar?

Don't get me started on gas stations: $1.99 and 9/10ths? Huh? I wish I would cut up my pennies into tenths and give them nine of 10 pieces. Maybe the mint should make "tenths of a cent" coins.

Why can't the "dollar" menus be set up for taxes, too? I'd like to get a burger for a dollar and pay a dollar. The gas stations can stop the tenths stuff too; go ahead, round up. Merry Christmas.

Charles Walker
Greensboro

Recently, during a break from playing in the orchestra of the Winston-Salem "Nutcracker," I came across the article about how Greensboro's production was being touted as the one using "NOTION," a music program that samples orchestral sounds and reproduces them through technological means to emulate an entire symphony orchestra with the assistance of a skeleton crew of live musicians. A shrewd cost-effective move, no doubt, by the "powers that be," namely the ballet company.

I want to thank (with sarcasm) the powers that decided to take jobs away from musicians during this time of year. Oh, but don't you dancers worry. Using robots in place of live dancers to perform "Nutcracker" could never happen ... or could it? I'm sure musicians of yesteryear could have never imagined such a thing, either.

Mark Biggam
Winston-Salem

On Tuesday, the City Council will vote on an amendment to the Greater Greensboro Comprehensive Plan to permit rezoning of a 4.5-acre tract in Glenwood from single-family to multifamily residential buildings.

As residents of Glenwood, we strongly oppose this rezoning and comprehensive plan amendment. Glenwood is one the oldest neighborhoods in Greensboro and has great historical significance. We already have many vacant rental units and numerous absentee landlords. This greatly interferes with our ongoing efforts to revitalize this wonderful neighborhood.

Inappropriate redevelopment impedes the historical integrity and character of the Glenwood neighborhood and the original intentions of its design.

Ken and Mary Anne Collins
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Stephen G. Wessells

Enough, already. We've had five columns in one month all repeating the same three falsehoods about intelligent design, which not one columnist has shown that he knows anything about.

Falsehood No. 1 is that intelligent design (or ID) is just creationism with a makeover. However, Michael Denton, whose book, "Evolution: A Theory in Crisis," started the whole ID ball rolling, shows in his first chapter that he believes Genesis has no scientific value.

William Dembski, one of the foremost defenders of ID, wrote in "The Design Revolution," "the design theorist's critique of Darwinism begins with Darwinism's failure as an empirically adequate scientific theory, not with its supposed incompatibility with some system of religious belief."

Both Denton and biochemist Michael Behe, whose analysis of irreducibly complex molecular structures led him to become a counterrevolutionary, began as evolutionists and were led to question Darwinism by empirical observations that evolution could not explain. That's what science is supposed to do, scientists say -- until the evidence challenges evolution. Then they retreat behind the ramparts of dogma and hurl epithets of "creationism" and "pseudoscience," hoping to break the siege.

The second falsehood is the claim that ID has no empirical evidence to support it. All one has to do to pop this rhetorical bubble is read Denton, Behe or Dembski. Clearly, none of your columnists has bothered to examine the other side before misrepresenting it, which doesn't fill me with confidence in their commitment to scientific impartiality.

Third, they all assume that evolution has the empirical support ID lacks. But where are the fossils showing minute transitional mutations? Even evolutionists have to admit that the missing links are still missing (those that aren't frauds) and have to scramble to cover their embarrassment with the new improved model.

Who has observed one species evolving into another? Who has observed life spontaneously emerging from nonlife under natural conditions? If ID is not science because it can't be measured, neither is evolution. Scientists love to bludgeon Christianity with the spectacle of Galileo heroically banishing the darkness of dogmatism with the light of irrefutable fact. Today the shoe is on the other foot. Now it's evolution trying to silence with distortion and bluster the defenders of intelligent design, whose challenge to the entrenched dogmatism of Darwin with equal courage and fortitude has the Darwinquisition running scared.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

I wish to join Kimberly Jones ("Eliminating Christmas will cost merchants," letter, Dec. 11). Christmas is a Christian holiday and I am a Christian. I like to hear the familiar "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year."

I celebrate Christmas to remember the birth of Jesus Christ and in so doing I spend money to buy presents, decorate the house and have a family dinner, all of which enriches merchants to the tune of hundreds of dollars from my household alone. If there is no Christmas, but merely a holiday, I see no reason to celebrate and if this continues, I will opt out of the celebration and allow the merchants to live without my contribution.

I don't plan to make a big fuss over the matter; I simply will not spend my money on something in which I do not believe. This same choice belongs to the small group of people that the merchants are trying so hard to appease.

In the coming years, I expect to read in your newspaper that the "holiday" was a big, fat bust, and the merchants do not understand what happened.

But, we will know, won't we?

Judy Barham
Kernersville

Recently, within a day or two of the thousandth execution in the United States in post-modern times, the brutal sex murderer of a teenage girl in Florida was condemned to death. The girl's mother clearly expressed the feelings of many of us when she bitterly exclaimed to the CNN camera: "I want him dead." And why not, monster that he is?

What about life in prison? Our instinctive response usually focuses on the same emotional vein: that would be too easy, get him off the face of the planet. We entertain the fantasy that his death will clear out the cesspool full of such feelings.

Perhaps we can even feed off some religion-generated images of such a beast roasting in hellfire. Then we can feel some well-justified satisfaction. Maybe.

Two problems remain: first, how could my feelings find resolution through someone else's death? Besides, that would typically mean that during 15 or so years of a legal appeals process, I need to keep stoking the flames of my own anger by thinking about someone I'd rather forget.

Second, how do I reconcile these feelings with a self-image of an enlightened and loving human being?

We don't, and that's a very high price.

Kevin Haggerty
Summerfield

There has to be something seriously out of whack with the automobile industry. The so-called Big Three are offering discounts that are three times as much as I used to pay for their products. And the Japanese and Koreans are eating their lunch more each year.

Maybe we need a regime change more in Detroit than we did in Iraq.

George W. Rash
Trinity

Many Democrats and Republicans feel that it would be catastrophic if we just pulled out. They are more interested in what is happening to Iraq than what is happening to America. Don't they understand this war has created catastrophic conditions here? More than 2,000 of our young people have been killed and thousands wounded. This is happens every day. How many more are we going to lose in a war that was unnecessary?

Billions of dollars are spent on the war that should be spent on America's needs. Our deficit is now more than $8 trillion, much of it owed to China. Could this be why we import so much from China?
Why are these politicians more interested in the future of Iraq than in America's future? Stopping the war now will save American and Iraqi lives.

There are many Americans, Iraqis and nations that want to see us out of Iraq. We can defeat terrorism by joining with the rest of the world.

Had Bush given the inspectors time to complete their job, we would not be in this mess today.

William J. Colozzi
McLeansville

To Charles Davenport: If conservatives wouldn't act like scratching posts, the media wouldn't claw them ("Media routinely beat up on right," column, Dec. 4). You may have noticed that you are part of the media and you spend a lot of the time bashing liberals. Pots, kettles, whatever.

Seriously, complaining endlessly doesn't change minds. Other conservatives bleat approvingly, liberals dismiss you out of hand. The net effect is negligible.

To paraphrase my mother, "If you haven't got something interesting to say, don't say anything." To quote a very wise 11-year-old at the Ig Nobel Prize ceremony, "Please, stop. I'm bored."

Robert Koch
Greensboro

So Michael Skube (who teaches journalism at Elon University) says this in his article about blogs in the News & Record (Dec. 4), "It is commentary, no different from street-corner preaching, or for that matter, the words you're reading now. But if you've done both, you know the difference between reporting and commentary is critical.

Reporting is occasionally exhilarating but should always be exciting. A reporter, if he's worthy of being called one, respects the craft's cardinal rules: accuracy, impartiality, fairness, verification, proper attribution."

I assume, that in his classroom, he leans heavily on commentary. I say that because after reading his Bush-bashing article printed on Sept. 11, he certainly would not be worthy of teaching reporting by his own definition.

Barney J. Yaskiewicz Jr.
Greensboro

By Laura Moyer

The following is a Counterpoint column:

"Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays"? Christmas today, in its traditions and time of year we celebrate are mostly pagan.

Christians, until 337 didn't know or care when Christ was born. No one's birthday was observed. They counted death days. The first two centuries His birth was downplayed by the church.

To acknowledge it, was akin to observing Christ as a god. Christ was born in spring, not winter. The Bible says Christ was born at night while shepherds watched their flocks. The shepherds watched their flocks at night in spring during lambing. The rest of the year they were corralled but not watched.

Christians marked Dec. 25 as a legitimate holiday because of the rival religion, Mitharism. Mithras was the "sun god" of Romans. This religion by the early 300s threatened the existence of Christianity. Christians found themselves in competition to keep their religion growing.

They decided to "join" the pagans and created a day to observe Christ's birth. They made the holiday in midst of the heavy celebration time of the pagans. So became the date of Dec. 25. It was observed by much prayer and gathering of a "mass."

By 337 "Christ's Mass" had a permanent hold in the western world. Later, because of paganism, we have the traditions of mistletoe from the Druids of Britain, the Christmas tree from the Druids of Germany, etc.

To all those that angst over "Happy Holidays" or "Merry Christmas," be thankful that this is a holiday that we all come together as one. Christmas is the only holiday that is honored worldwide by pagans and Christians alike. It is one of the only times that all people come together in appreciation for what we have, and to share with those that have less.

Whether we say "Happy Holidays" or "Merry Christmas," it all means the same. We are all celebrating peace, love and charity. The basis for the long survival of any society.

The writer lives in Asheboro.

I don't understand these people who are upset with retailers who are forgoing "Christmas" shopping for "holiday" shopping. Do you really want America's shopping obsession to be connected to your religious celebration rather than a pagan holiday? Retailers make an enormous amount of money this time of year, and you want their profit to be made off of the name of Jesus?

It makes more sense to boycott the stores that try to get you in the door by using the word "Christmas" as an advertisement, and keeping Christmas as a word that invokes spiritual celebration rather than a shopping frenzy.

Cheryl Hill
Graham

I wish someone with more authority than I have could impress upon Megan Morris that it is not right to keep a serval as a household pet. Sabre could have a great home at the Carnivore Preservation Trust, a nonprofit organization in Chatham County that rescues and houses a variety of exotic large cats. Here the cats are housed in natural habitats that cover over 55 acres and are very well cared for while they are allowed to remain as wild as possible. The Web address is www.cptigers.org.

Come on, Megan. Have a heart.

Marilyn Wolf
Greensboro

I would like to respond to our president going to Kernersville to visit a plant that was doing good business.

Why didn't he visit Cone Mills or Unifi or other textile plants that have all but closed down, putting hundreds or more out of work, instead of one that is thriving, calling it "in-sourcing"? How many of these plants can he find?

He needs a reality check. Doesn't he have anything better to do with his jet and escorts and bodyguards? I think so.

I would like to thank Robert Bedwell and Dan Maddox for their opinions in the paper (letters, Dec. 8), which I fully agree with.

Ronald P. Vincent
Reidsville

Gerry Chapman's call for immigration reform (Second Opinion, Dec. 10), which echoes that of President Bush and countless others who champion a three- to six-year legal working status for illegal aliens, failed to address an obvious flaw inherent in this whole misguided proposal. Does Chapman believe that someone will come to the greatest nation on earth, produce approximately 2.8 automatically naturalized American children (check your latest census statistics if you don't believe me), and then leave it all behind after six years? At least Chapman, unlike Bush, had the guts to admit he would rather not "speculate" as to whether or not these illegal immigrants would return to their home countries.

Perhaps I am not smart enough to calculate the economic benefits of low-wage immigrant workers, but I do know we have a 6 percent unemployment rate in addition to a frighteningly growing number of able-bodied people who, instead of working, choose a taxpayer-funded livelihood by way of a most counter-intuitive welfare system.

Steve Schorr
Brown Summit

Thank you, City Councilman Mike Barber, for having the courage to put politics aside and call the argument for closing of the White Street Landfill exactly what it is: a political one. It doesn't take a CPA to conclude that keeping the White Street Landfill in operation is the most cost-effective method to deal with Greensboro's garbage issue for the next 50 years.

While it is true that we have already invested heavily in a transfer station, continuing to use the White Street Landfill has to be more cost-effective than exporting our garbage to an out-of-town landfill, which at any time might decide it no longer wants our garbage. The high cost of transporting our garbage also would be eliminated.

Could this be the beginning of a new era? A return to common sense on the part of our City Council?

Gary Wegner
Greensboro

I agree with the letter from Kimberly Jones of Lewisville (Dec. 11) that the exclusion of the word "Christmas" from stores, ads and such is deplorable. Once the shopping is done, and Dec. 25 arrives, many of these same merchants and other individuals wanting the word "Christmas" removed will still open presents and eat their "holiday" dinner. You see, this "holiday" is to be celebrated.

And why is it celebrated? Of course, there has to be a reason for celebration. And what would that reason be? Oh, yes, the birth of Jesus Christ.

That, in my mind, shows a dangerous ignorance on their part. They want Christmas removed from the holiday. The irony being, of course, is that without acknowledging Christmas and therefore Christ's birthday, there is no holiday.

So, as Jesus long ago stated in the Scriptures, and may also say of denying Christmas: "Ye therefore do greatly err."

Betsy Pope
Greensboro

It is time for the city to put an end to the Cedar Street stalemate.

Denying benefits to Bill Agapion in order not to reward him for bad behavior will result in a continued blight on our downtown. At this point, the focus should be on how the Cedar Street property is punishing the entire community. The city should find ways to penalize Agapion that do not require making all of us suffer by allowing the disgrace to persist. The "cut off our nose to spite our face" approach to Cedar Street is not working.

The dilapidated Cedar Street property is taxed at much lower rate than market value, which is costing every single one of us. A quality redevelopment of the Cedar Street site will quickly pay back a modest public investment through the tax base enhancement it will create.

The unprecedented use of eminent domain by the city of Greensboro would result in the issue being tied up in court for the foreseeable future. The citizens of Greensboro have been punished long enough. I implore the City Council to seize this opportunity to get rid of the cancer in our downtown.

Gail Barger
Greensboro

The view of the writer of the Counterpoint article regarding the Cedar Street property owned by Bill Agapion ("Seize Cedar Street property," Dec. 13) is scary.

The last time I checked, the value of any property is the amount that a buyer is willing to pay for the property and the owner is willing to sell the property for, with neither being under the obligation to buy or sell. Fair market value is not a consideration.

To say that private property should be seized for mixed-use development by the city or any other governmental agency under the guise of eminent domain is absolutely wrong.

The decision referred to in Connecticut created a firestorm from people all over the country. Eminent domain is for the public good, not to allow private property to be condemned so others can make a profit on it. If the city wants to buy the property, then let it buy it. If it feels the price is too high, then don't buy it.

The choice to buy or sell is between the owner and would-be owner.

Only they can determine what the actual value is.

Edgar G. Phillips
Pleasant Garden

As a resident of Colfax, I am concerned about "The Heart of the Triad" land-use study chaired by Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation (PART). It is my understanding that PART has funded $200,000 for this study, and that another $200,000 has been raised by PART from local governments and interested businesses.

PART's authority and purpose is given by the North Carolina General Statute Chapter 160A, Article 27. The statute defines the purpose of regional transportation authorities as promoting the development of sound transportation systems. There is no language that allows funding of land-use and economic development studies.

I am of the opinion that PART has greatly overstepped its authority in promoting this study. The fact that residents of the affected areas have been denied participation in the study is an indication of just how illegitimate this project is. I challenge the participants to prove their authority to conduct these studies.

Mac Bradley
Colfax

I had to chuckle at the heading to Bob Guertin's letter, "President providing terrific leadership" (Dec. 13). I read it and found the rhetoric familiar, including stating that President Bush's "attributes have taken us far in the global war on terrorism."

President Bush refuses to take even a little responsibility, or blame, for attacking the wrong entity after Sept. 11. His blunders have continued, with the lack of response to Hurricane Katrina tantamount.

Having said that, I find it interesting that in Guertin's letter, he quickly bombards Hillary Clinton and John Kerry with name-calling, and even calls former President Clinton a "bum." It shows a lack of character and class to resort to this. Our culture is full of bashing the opponent. We can agree to disagree, work together and discuss our differences with respect.

I do not like the style or politics of our current president, but he is the president, and he does not deserve to be called demeaning names by anyone. Former presidents, current and former senators, congressmen, etc., do not deserve it, either. It is the style of someone defending a losing cause to resort to name-calling.

Kent Benfield
Greensboro

My husband and I moved here to Greensboro a little over two months ago from New England. Many states have gone entirely smoke-free in a public environment, such as Massachusetts, Rhode Island, California and New York, to name just a few.

In the beginning, back home in Massachusetts people screamed and hollered that they would lose income if the customers couldn't smoke while dining. Fortunately, dining, sporting events and shopping in those states are now completely smoke-free, producing a wonderful, more healthy environment. The restaurants did not lose business and the food tasted better, too. It's a much nicer working environment for the staff as well. Any time we dined out, the wait for a table was just as long as prior to the smoking ban.

We love it here in Greensboro except for the smoke in so many places. I was so happy to read Jeff Milroy's letter in the paper ("Smoke-free dining draws more customers," Dec. 12). Hopefully, someday soon the South will catch up with the Northeast in that regard.

Thank you to those restaurants and other businesses that are now smoke-free. That's always our first choice. Leave the smoking at home, please.

Janice O'Malley
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Mike Crouch

Poor Mike Skube ("Blogs are no substitute for solid reporting," Ideas, Dec. 4). Sitting alone in his ivory tower of journalistic correctness (no doubt admiring his Pulitzer for criticism), lamenting and sniffing about how these unkempt, uncivilized, truculent, illegitimate, pretend-journalist wannabees (aka bloggers) have caught on, rapidly gaining credibility and readership over him and his buddies in the "established professional journalistic club."

Skube laments, "They haven't come up through the ranks"; haven't paid their dues. His conclusion: This is all so much noise about nothing anyhow, since no one (he knows) probably has time to read them. That was like his lament that no one he knew voted for Bush.

News flash, Mike: The reason blogs exist and people read them is the American public has lost trust in the mainstream media journalist establishment. That is also why Fox News is thriving. You see, Americans aren't dummies. We know you are biased. We want news, Mike, real, factual news, "just the facts, ma'am," not some journalist's slanted version of an actual news story, nor some story cherry-picked from among other, more-newsworthy items because it happens to fit the worldview or agenda of the "journalists."

Sorry, Mike, the genie's out of the bottle. You and your mainstream journalist buddies have abused the trust of the American public, so we no longer rely on your editorials masquerading as news stories. We have found other, more reliable sources and we don't need you to find out what is going on. So you and your buddies in the mainstream press are now reaping your just rewards: a long, slow but inexorable slide into inconsequence.

As the old saying concludes, Mike, "You can't fool all the people all of the time," but nice try.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

We are following with great interest the reaction to early thinking about possible school changes to more adequately meet Guilford County student needs.

One idea we hope will not advance beyond "what if" would change Washington Elementary School to a single-gender program, eliminating boys or girls from that academic arena.

We are not Washington parents, students or faculty members. We are volunteer tutors from northwest Greensboro. We chose to come to Washington one day a week to help students in crucial early stages of reading development.

This is our second year at Washington. We sense the challenges and frustrations that teachers, staff and parents associate with under-performing schools. But we also feel a welcoming atmosphere and appreciation for our involvement in students' learning experiences.

We are grandparents whose public education background is very different from Washington's reality. But we have found our place with the help of Ava Hoffer and other faculty members. "Our students" are intent upon learning and performing - minus that word "under."

Washington is finding itself through efforts of staff and parents who want their students to improve. Please allow this school time to focus on achievement, without distractions of possibly more dramatic changes.

Barbara and Stuart Teichman
Greensboro

How many red foam antlers does it take to winterize a home? Most people attending the Festival of Lights in downtown Greensboro didn't come in search of the answer to that question, but answer it they did.

Sixteen families will benefit from lower energy costs this winter, thanks to the tremendous energy and enthusiasm of News & Record employees.

They succeeded in getting virtually everyone at the Festival to donate to United Way in exchange for this holiday fashion statement. The antlers were the must-have souvenir of a great evening, and, as a result, more than $950 was collected for United Way's winterization kit project. Thanks to everyone who donated.

United Way is partnering with Lowe's, which is discounting the kit materials; the Volunteer Center (call 373-1633 to join a winterization team); and the Greensboro Housing Authority, which will identify the homes; to carry out this project, which is modeled after a proven program in Maine.

We were so impressed by the News & Record staff, whose zeal for antler-peddling turned a very cold evening into a warm memory. It's wonderful to spend time with people who care about their community and are proud to work for our daily newspaper.

Jan Hampton
Greensboro
The writer is vice president, marketing, for the United Way.

Congratulations to all involved in the recent Guilford County flu-shot clinic in Greensboro.

The clinic was perfectly organized to handle the large crowd that was already there at 7:30 a.m. when I arrived.

Scores of people got us registered, documented and into the actual inoculation area where there were an estimated 20 nurses administering the shots.

Once inside the building it only took about five minutes before exiting. All personnel, from the deputies monitoring the line to the registration people and the nurses, were pleasant, helpful and professional.

And I was one of those with the preconceived notion that bureaucracy can't do anything right.

Wayne Blessing
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Robert Healy

In a recent speech, President Bush said, "Many advocating an artificial timetable for withdrawing our troops are sincere, but I believe they're sincerely wrong."

Let's see who is wrong.

The phrase "artificial timetable" is ridiculous. There must always be set parameters for all military actions, period. That is, unless the goal is imperialistic domination.

This administration had no real parameters in place. They ignored the region's history, our generals and strategic experts. In fact, they ignored everyone but themselves.

Furthermore, recall the revelation that there was no exit strategy prior to our unnecessary invasion. No forethought was given beyond the cinematic "shock and awe" that Rumsfeld sought. No plans made for Iraq's security and stability. No concern for the much-needed infrastructures that would have assured a viable transition from dictatorship to democracy.

Not a thought was given to the possibility that relatives of the tens of thousands of innocent civilians killed might not take kindly to their "liberators," or that others would choose to seek power in the newly made political vacuum for themselves.

Now, more than two years in, Bush comes up with another absurdly misnamed policy, "Victory in Iraq." The self-contradiction is tragic. The result of this administration's incompetence is clear: dead soldiers, dead civilians and the stirrings of possible civil war.

A well thought-out, reasonably timed withdrawal plan is not "cut and run" but intelligent foreign policy.

At this point, what Bush "believes" is irrelevant. After the military triumphed, it was the political goals that needed to be reached for complete success. Instead, vanity ruled the administration's actions. Now chaos rules Iraq.

"Pulling our troops out before they've achieved their purpose is not a plan for victory," Bush said. Our soldiers continue to suffer because his doctrine is a failure.

Bush is wrong: The troops' purpose was achieved. His wasn't.

The writer lives in High Point.

In the world today, a lot of people think anyone who believes in Islam is a terrorist. I disagree with those who think and say that. Because Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden are Muslim, it doesn't mean other Muslims are like them.

Saddam has been captured by the U.S government for murdering innocent people and torturing people. The U.S. government said that Osama bin Laden is responsible for Sept. 11. If they are guilty of those things, then they are breaking the rules of Islam. The Quran, the holy book of Islam, says that terrorism, unjustified violence and the killing of innocent people are absolutely forbidden in Islam.

Islam is a way of life that is meant to bring peace to a society, whether its people are Muslim or not.

Kodou Ndure
Greensboro

Oh, come on. The only person who can take Christ out of your Christmas is you. Stop trying to dictate how others wish to express the greetings of the season.

Season equals Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, New Year's, etc. What a selfish society we've become. Seems like "It's my way or no way."

Kathy Jones
Randleman

Whether you're watching NBC's "Today" show or using common sense, the conclusion is the same. When school nurses are in short supply, students are at risk. "Today's" school health segment (Dec. 15) told the story of a student with asthma who experienced seizures after misusing medication for an attack. This is one example from a scary list of possible emergencies. But school nurses are needed for more than emergency care. They are "first responders" for kids experiencing all kinds of issues: serious mental health problems; undiagnosed health conditions (poor vision, for example) that interfere with learning; peer pressure to engage in unhealthy lifestyles. School nurses do not solve every problem, but they are essential in keeping students well and ready to learn. State and national groups recommend one nurse for every 750 students in order to get the job done.

In Guilford County the current ratio is one nurse for approximately 2,250 students for this school year. Think this is dangerous or simply not using good sense? Write, call or e-mail Superintendent Terry Grier or school board Chairman Alan Duncan.

They might just listen.

Robin Lane
Greensboro

The writer is a pediatric nurse practitioner.

As chairman of the 2005 campaign for the United Way of Greater High Point, I am pleased to note that we have currently raised $3,426,997, which is approximately 83.5 percent of our $4.1 million dollar goal.

We continue to be awed and grateful for the overwhelming generosity of this community toward the United Way, particularly in a year touched by natural disasters and affected by many other competing charitable giving opportunities.

If we are to reach our goal, however, we need everyone's help. We must work together to ensure that our partner agencies do not face the prospect of reduced funding and that our neighbors in need don't face reduced services.

Please, send in your donation to the United Way of Greater High Point today. Help us help children and families thrive, promote the health, independence and self-sufficiency of senior citizens and those in need, and make our neighborhoods safer.

If you are considering your year-end gifting options, please know that your United Way is an excellent investment in your community and that your gift will make a tremendous difference in the lives of others here in Greater High Point. Thank you!

Jeff Miller
High Point

The writer is president and CEO, High Point Regional Health System.

I live in a nice area where neighbors are generally kind and considerate to one another. However, some of my otherwise good neighbors are irresponsible dog owners. Dog owners who walk their dogs to their neighbor's property to make deposits seem to be clueless as to why this is not acceptable. They go to the trouble to walk their pets to their neighbors' lawns because they don't want to step in the collection of natural fertilizer in their own yards, but they seem to think it's OK if that fertilizer ends up on the bottom of my shoes.

If I owned a dog, no doubt I would take it for walks, but I would carry a simple plastic grocery bag to clean up after my pet. The thoughtful dog owners who practice "poop and scoop" show respect for their neighbors and the environment as well.

Sandra Eldred
Greensboro

Your teen page writers left the impression that it takes money to prepare and raise your score on the SAT and other standardized tests (Dec. 15).

You don't have to be rich to go to college. And you don't have to pay money to prepare for the SAT.

Free test preparation is available to everyone at CFNC.org, not only for the SAT, but for the ACT and GRE, too. CFNC.org has all the resources students and parents need, all in one place, to help plan, apply and pay for college.

You don't have to spend money to prepare for the SAT, just log onto CFNC.org and start practicing.

Ben Kittner
Raleigh

The writer is Market research and public relations manager, College Foundation of North Carolina.

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By William K. Oden

My father, uncle, sister and I, and my four children all attended public schools in Greensboro. Mostly, we walked to and from school; if necessary, our parents provided transportation.

None of us ever rode a school bus.

Our student bodies were from differing socio-economic backgrounds, but we got along well. There were no fights, no crime, assaults or gangs. We developed friendships that have lasted a lifetime.

We survived the Great Depression and World War II. Our scholastic equipment consisted of blackboards, well-worn textbooks and a library. The authority of our teachers was absolute; no one wanted a visit to the principal's office; that would have resulted in a dreaded call home.

All of my family and most of my friends are college graduates.

What has happened to cause the public school system to degenerate into its present chaotic state?

First, I believe the consolidation of the three former school systems was a disaster. I disagree with the absurd contention of the News & Record (editorial, Dec. 4) that Guilford County should be looked at as "one neighborhood." Rather, Guilford County is many neighborhoods and towns, both historically, geographically and socially, each with its own cohesive identity. To attempt to unite all sections of Greensboro, High Point, Oak Ridge, McLeansville, Pleasant Garden, etc., into one school system is patently nonsense.

Second, the only way to regain stability and order is to either abolish the present system and start all over with separate systems, or create separate sub-systems in each area so that all students could attend "neighborhood schools" in the true sense of the term, which would generate community support, parental involvement and healthy school spirit and pride, like we had in the good old days.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

Regarding Rosemary Roberts' Dec. 16 column on DNA:

DNA is a remarkable tool that solves crimes, protects our communities and frees innocent people. North Carolina has made significant progress in using DNA to fight crime thanks to the tireless efforts of the men and women of the State Bureau of Investigation Crime Lab, the strong support of Attorney General Roy Cooper and new laws passed by the General Assembly.

Over the past five years, we've more than quadrupled the number of DNA analysts at the Crime Lab. We're now able to test all rape kits and we have worked with local law enforcement agencies to clear more than 6,000 kits from their shelves.

In 2003, we started taking DNA samples from all felons to include in North Carolina's DNA database. As a result, we've used the database to catch more murderers and rapists this year alone than in the entire decade before the database was expanded.

The SBI Crime Lab is using DNA to help local law enforcement convict the guilty and exonerate the innocent, and we're working to do even more.

Robin Pendergraft
Raleigh
The writer is the director of the State Bureau of Investigation.

I am writing as a core conservative American to express my views regarding the so-called "Patriot Act." Although I changed my voter registration to independent because of embarrassingly rampant spending, and I vote Libertarian in local races, my Reagan conservative ideals remain as such.

In a nutshell, and in my view, the Patriot Act is much too loosely defined and, because of related legislation, it groups almost every suspected nonviolent crime and every average American into the definition of the word "terrorist." I believe it would be wise that this bill strictly define who a terrorist is before being submitted to a vote in the Senate, and also have a relatively short "sunset provision" to again re-evaluate the effects on Americans' civil liberties and the application of the resulting law enforcement procedures.

It is my wish as well to surveil potential terrorists with aggressive zeal and diligence; however, the average American's liberties and privacy must be strictly off-limits to any potential federal intrusion.

I believe it prudent to state that our founders would abhor this piece of legislation as it stands now and is currently formulated.

James Murray
Winston-Salem

North Carolina school systems are struggling with new legislation that requires them to pay teachers for time they haven't yet worked. Schools are now required to pay teachers a full month's pay no later than Aug. 31, though the first student day can be no earlier than Aug. 25. Consequently, teachers have been "prepaid" for time not yet worked all year long, and unless the legislation is changed, they will be again next year.

Teachers who leave the employ of the school district midyear for health or other personal reasons are often surprised and hurt to learn that they actually owe their employers back for two weeks or more of pay. Often, this news couldn't come at a worse time.

Prepaying employees is bad policy; not since the coal mines of the Depression Era have employers been allowed to put their employees into debt, but current law requires it.

These poorly designed requirements should be repealed now, while school districts have time to plan for the coming school year.

Bill Bucher
Salisbury

The writer is an assistant financial officer, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools.

They are beautiful and a sign of the season. But for many of us, they are a frightening allergy risk. Poinsettias: big, beautiful, blooming red flowers pose a powerful allergy reaction to people yet few realize the danger. To those of us affected, the walls of flowers that engulf us as we walk into grocery and retail stores, our churches and our friends' homes can mar the joy of the season.

It took a Christmas cantata where I could not sing, swallow or talk to realize that what had started as a mild reaction had grown worse over several years. It was after that fateful year that I realized my extreme symptoms were a product of poinsettias. Thanks to understanding church members and students as well as silk poinsettias, I can now enjoy the season and limit exposure.

I hope this will be helpful to people who experience respiratory problems during the holiday season and who had not been able to pinpoint the reason.

S.C. Landreth
Madison

Last week President Bush agreed to sign a bill that would prohibit cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment of anyone in the custody of the U.S. government. This anti-torture legislation is a secular version of the Golden Rule. It protects American military personnel by not giving foreign governments or terrorist organizations an excuse to torture captured Americans.

This bill also upholds our Constitution, which insists that even those accused of heinous crimes have a right not to be subjected to cruel and unusual punishment. Torture, on the other hand, was the stock in trade of Saddam Hussein's dictatorship.

So it is shocking and disturbing that Representative Howard Coble (R-6th) voted against this bipartisan anti-torture legislation. His vote does not reflect the civic or religious values of our communities. I hope that voters in next year's elections will have a credible alternative to choose from when they cast ballots for U.S. Congress.

Marvin Lindsay
Salisbury

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Terry Odom

The News & Record is unfortunately mistaken in its editorial, "Other sacred texts merit place in court" (Dec. 10). North Carolina law specifies use of "Holy Scriptures" in court, which, up to this point, has meant the Bible.

The editorial states that people of all faiths should be allowed to "make their oaths on the scriptures that light the way to truth for them." Of course, this opinion is an excellent example of the irrational and self-contradictory political correctness that has invaded not only our judicial system, but our educational institutions as well.

No rational person can believe that the Bhagavad-Gita, the Bible and the Quran, for example, all light the way to truth. If the other scriptures lead to truth, then the Bible has to be false.

The only way you could agree with the News & Record is if you believe spiritual truth is just a mental construct and has no basis in reality. Faith is just a state of mind and is not based on facts. In essence, man created God, not God created man.

Then, it would naturally follow that you reject absolute truth, you believe humans are an accident of nature, and life has no meaning or purpose. Christianity is a myth originating in the human mind on the same level as Santa Claus.

In that case, in order to be consistent and rational in our beliefs, then we should remove all scriptures from the courtroom, including the Bible. In essence, the judicial system in America would have its foundation in atheistic philosophy, which would be more reasonable and consistent than the News & Record's solution.

However, opinion polls show that the vast majority of Americans are not atheists. Of course, in this country, we all have the right to believe anything we want, but that doesn't mean anything we believe is right.

Multiculturalism cannot be the guiding light to public policy either, which is something our Muslim brothers understand perfectly. They realize that the politically correct idea that all religions lead to God is inconsistent, self-contradictory and irrational.

Most Americans believe in the reality of absolute truth, and that truth can be found in the Bible. We cannot have multiple contradictory religions represented in the courtroom and expect to have any rational basis for justice.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

Habitat for Humanity does good work and should not have to use its limited funds unnecessarily to conduct an audit because of employee malfeasance. I would like to see Greensboro CPA firms volunteer pro bono to lead a team of retired area CPAs and other qualified people to do the work.

The Dec. 16 paper (page A3) reports only 13 percent American adults have a prose proficiency level adequate to understand "complex activities such as comparing viewpoints in two different editorials." Does that speak to the inadequacy of our education system or to the thought that 87 percent of editorials don't make any sense?

With all the problems facing our school board and school administrators, should they be tasked with or worrying about finding minority companies to participate in the building of our schools? Think about it.

While we should give minority firms a level playing field, or even favorable access, do we want any firm building our schools which does not have enough gumption (initiative) to go and seek that business?

I don't understand why people attend activities such as the coliseum Holiday Concert and then talk during the performances. I'm sure I don't go to listen to their incessant chatter.

Bruce Raynor
Greensboro

You are publishing numerous letters and articles critical of America's efforts in Iraq. These were written prior to the monumental turnout in the parliamentary elections, characterized by both high total numbers and broad participation by Sunnis.

These writers are stinging from President Bush's two election victories. They should take their complaints to the ballot box where they have tasted numerous failures in presidential and congressional races in recent years.

They also met failure in the Iraqi election which is another positive milestone for the policies of the Bush administration and, therefore, a refutation of negativism toward our troops and mission. Iraqis will have a fledgling parliamentary government, broadly elected, which lends to building compromises and coalitions. Though expensive in the short term, this can work great. "Mission accomplished" comes to mind.

You could tell that the Iraqi elections had come off well because NPR and the Today Show relegated coverage to fourth place behind some weather stories, etc.

One writer invited readers to call him an "unpatriotic Bush hater." The second part is evidenced by the content of these writings. "Unpatriotic" is a suggested description although others may be just as fitting.

Frank Rakestraw
Greensboro

I enjoyed the column by Chad Roberts ("Let newspaper press keep on rollin'," Dec. 15). I wish him good luck in his career.
I think his opinions that "news coverage is usually more thorough, informative, and objective," and that newspapers provide "level-headed presentation of the news" illustrate the current state of journalism education.

These ideas are a primary reason newspaper readership has declined. Until the last decade, the mainstream media had a monopoly on what stories the public heard or did not hear, and what spin was on them. With the advent of the Internet, talk radio and Fox News, the stories previously not heard are now out there. People now see both sides and realize they are only getting one side from most newspapers.

Roberts should read The New York Times and The Washington Post from where many of your articles come, and check these same stories from other sources. I think he will quickly realize why people are getting tired of bias or incomplete newspaper stories and are seeking other sources for a more balanced picture. He could help the News & Record greatly by reprinting both sides of a story without introducing opinion.

Richard Langdon
Greensboro

The article on the illegal immigrant charged with the sexual assaults in the Triad proves several points most people already know.

The government's effort to stop illegal immigration is a joke. Companies that hire illegals are not doing their job in making sure these people are here legally. Last, but not least, the bleeding hearts say that illegals take low-paying jobs that most Americans won't do. Boy, I sure would hate to take a job paying over $40,000 a year since I make about half of that now.

Now, we are going to spend thousands and thousands of taxpayers' money to defend him while hard-working legal Americans are struggling to put food on the table. Only in America.

Robert Watkins
Eden

I have listened with great interest to a group of local pastors who were upset that many stores in our area were using the phrase "holiday shopping" instead of "Christmas shopping." They were encouraging Christians not to spend at these stores.

Purchasing gifts has little to do with celebrating Jesus' birth. I would have been far more impressed if these Christian leaders would have encouraged Christians to buy less and give more to places like our local homeless shelters.

These would be the places Jesus, Mary, and Joseph might be found in this Christmas season. The other statement was a bit too self-righteous.

Bernard Hess
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Billy Hammack

You would think the News & Record does not have an obligation to its senior readers to try and clarify the confusing situation with the new drug benefit program. It is pretty darn clear that a lot of people do not understand.

If you are on Medicare with Part A and Part B, you are qualified to carry the brand-new (Part D) Drug Prescription Benefit for Seniors. After a detailed computer search, I am absolutely thrilled with the good results we found.

Many seniors are not computer literate and cannot find and understand the same results that we found. The News & Record could play a vital role in providing an understanding if it really chose to do so. My question is, why not?

There are many HMOs authorized by Medicare to help provide this service and you have probably heard from most of them. If you do not understand this new benefit, do not feel bad. Most people don't.
Even the people selling these plans do not clearly understand. That is unfortunate. We also found it difficult to choose the right plan, but, fortunately, we chose one that clearly "saves our family" approximately $350 a month.

Our savings amounts to 71.5 percent of our previous expenditures, so you can see the reason we are so happy. My medication is probably more than for most, but for those who have a higher cost than I, their savings would be much greater.

Thank you, President Bush. Some people, who do not understand what this new benefit means to seniors on a fixed income, will "mislead you if you let them."

Don't let the left-wing politicos confuse you. It is a good program. The only problem is that it is going to cost the government a bundle. And how does the government come up with the new money? You guessed it — new taxes.

When an agent signs you up for one of their plans, they will earn approximately a paltry $50 bucks. But this is just a door-opener for them. It will give them a chance to help you with any other insurance needs you may have. It will also allow them the opportunity to earn more money.

I hope you won't let any of these naysayers cost you a bundle.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

As an active dance artist in the community, I was thrilled to see three articles last week (Dec. 15) dealing with arts in the Triad.

One article reported on six theatre companies, the symphony and a music festival. I was disappointed (but not shocked) to see that dance had been overlooked.

The N.C. Dance Project, which hosts a variety of activities in the community, including the N.C. Dance Festival and has been in Greensboro 15 years, was not mentioned, nor were any other dance companies.

The article "Museums, arts groups woo younger audiences …," which managed to mention the Greensboro Ballet, still disregarded modern dance. N.C. Dance Project offers low-cost, no-tech studio shows, free gallery performances and numerous outreach activities.

"Taking part in arts …" blatantly left dance out, stating "For many, participating in band, chorus, drama or orchestra in school fosters a lifelong interest in the arts," despite the large number of full-time dance programs in the Triad.

The Triad has a sizable, growing, dance community with a history. If we want to retain the professional caliber of dance artists that we produce through our schools and universities, it is imperative that we offer dance the appreciation and respect it has earned.

Christine Kiernan
Greensboro

In her Counterpoint ("Christmas holiday has pagan roots," Dec. 17), Laura Moyer is at once correct and misleading. It is undeniable that much about Christmas — its dating and some of its traditions — has pagan connections. Early Christianity unapologetically co-opted pagan holidays in order to divert the commitment of professed believers away from the distractions of their popular culture. (A church does the same today when it promotes a "harvest festival" in lieu of Halloween.)

However, when Moyer asserts that the church in its first two centuries downplayed Jesus' birthday because "to acknowledge it was akin to observing Christ as a god," she disregards history, historical theology and scholarly consensus regarding the dating of the books of the New Testament. There is scant evidence, scriptural or otherwise, that the church ever did anything besides observe Christ as God.

Such specifically Christian conviction is Moyer's to accept or reject. What is not hers is the right to imply that the doctrine of Christ's deity was birthed two centuries after Christ himself.

Steve Pressley
Greensboro

The writer is associate pastor, First Baptist Church.

I found disconcerting Nancy McLaughlin's story on Jim Barnhill "The suffering servant," Dec. 10), a long-time acquaintance whom I wish well (great description of his egg "yokes" technique).

Psalms 22:1, however, does not "quote Jesus." The Psalmist never heard Jesus.

Perhaps Jesus recalled the words as he was dying (likely, a later writer plugged them in for post-facto confirmation Jesus' death was prophesied). In any event, switching syntax from "quotes Jesus" to "Jesus quotes" would have been far closer to the truth.

Another possibility avoids this controversy: The phrase "My God, why have you forsaken me?" ("in extremis," meaning "at the time of death," and in less archaic form) would be common even today. The thief on the next cross and Holocaust victims alike could as easily have cried the same.

Thus, the words as occur in the Psalm and as reportedly spoken by Jesus may be pure coincidence.

Perhaps with more circumspection, future (unconscious?) bias can be avoided (note the story's substitution of "hallowed" for "hollowed eyes").

Jim Langer
Greensboro

Mark Biggam criticizes the Greensboro Ballet for using NOTION to realize the full musical score of "The Nutcracker" (letter, Dec. 16).

Surely, he knows that the ballet's mission is to provide the best artistic experience for the audience and the best education for its student members, despite its limited budget.

For several years, the ballet has been forced to play "The Nutcracker" to a CD recording, but this year's performance includes 14 professional musicians. Rather than musicians losing "jobs to new technology," this is new technology creating jobs.

Notion allows a conductor to respond to dancers' tempi, allows inclusion of live musicians, and offers an alternative to having to choose between full orchestra or none at all.

We musicians at VirtuosoWorks understand the limits of our own technology, and, therefore, encourage inclusion of live players whenever Notion is used for orchestral emulation.

Of course, Biggam is free to refuse any playing gig made possible by Notion.

Jack Jarrett
Greensboro

The writer is with VirtuosoWorks Inc., and conductor, Greensboro Ballet's "The Nutcracker."

As a 20-year-old member of a Southern Baptist church, I applaud the Baptist State Convention's stance on homosexuality. But, as is usually the case, many are offended by the actions the Convention takes.

Whenever an issue is discussed among Christians, the final authority is, and always should be, the Bible. Therefore, any resolution passed by the Convention should line up with Scripture.

In the New American Standard Bible, 1 Corinthians 6:9 says, "Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, not adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals ... will inherit the kingdom of God."

If the Bible calls this lifestyle "unrighteous," why should those who follow Christ accept it as being all right? Any church that promotes the homosexual lifestyle violates Scripture.

Homosexuals should be treated with the same respect afforded everyone else. If they come to church, they should be welcomed. But like any other unsaved individuals, they need to understand that their sin separates them from God.

If they turn from their sins, they will be accepted just as everyone else, by the church and by God.

Christopher Jessup
Greensboro

Regarding the letter, "Picketing of Kentucky Fried Chicken," (Dec. 14): While I have the utmost respect and admiration for chickens, alas, they are so good to eat and also healthy for you.

But in sympathy for these adorable birds, I am forming an organization called PETC (People for Educational Training of Chickens). Hopefully, this could improve their lives and mentality and they could join the mainstream of civilization, or rise to a "higher pecking order," so to speak. Then people would quit asking demeaning questions like, "Why did the chicken cross the road?"

The only bad thing about PETC is that it probably would cause starvation for millions of people in the world and put hundreds of thousands of people out of work.

I also find it very sad that our liberal press does not report the body count of dead chickens in the Iraqi war. I only wish that members of my rival organization, PETA, would stop their cats from the mauling and killing of our robins, cardinals, mice and chipmunks.

Not too many people realize that cats taste a lot like chicken.

Mitch Mitchell
Greensboro

I don't know if I should be amused or upset by the lack of planning and communication from the Guilford County school board. On their Web site they claim that they have a plan for makeup days due to inclement weather, yet they don't share those potential days, making planning for parents, teachers and staff impossible. So with three days' notice, they think it is OK for everyone to change their plans for the winter break. Since when are makeup days not taken from the spring break or added to the end of the school year?

Is it a power trip or just total incompetence? Oh, wait, what a silly question.

Amy Clear
Greensboro

This letter is in response to the editor's note on Darrell Lee Hayden's letter (Nov. 21), "Coast Guard serves with the U.S. military."

The editor's note stated that the Coast Guard "is a member of the Department of Homeland Security, not the Department of Defense." This statement can be misleading. It doesn't matter that the Coast Guard is under the Department of Homeland Security; it is still a military service.

There are five military services: Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard. All services should be recognized because they all work together to keep America free and safe.

Beauford R. Smith
Greensboro

Regarding the gas tax hike article by Margaret Moffett Banks (Dec. 17), I ran the numbers based on Moffett Banks' numbers and came up with the following analysis:

At a very modest 30 gallons per week of gas consumption for a frugal two-wage earner/commuter household that is in a combined Federal/State/Social Security marginal tax bracket of 33 percent, an annual gross income of $66 will be needed to pay for this resulting annual gas tax increase of $43.68. At a $15 per hour wage rate, that translates into an annual burden of 4.4 hours of labor to keep up with the insatiable appetite of the highest taxed state in the Southeast.

Moffett Banks' flippant, trivialized and cavalier closing with "Relax. It sounds worse than it will actually feel. The increase will cost just 56 cents for every 20 gallons of gas," is indicative of her utter contempt for the taxpaying "sheeple" of North Carolina.

Victor Jeffreys
Burlington

In view of Stephen Wessells' Counterpoint, ("Opponents distort intelligent design," Dec. 16), in which he refers to biochemist Michael Behe's "analysis of irreducibly complex molecular structures," I would invite him to peruse Sean Carroll's, "Endless Forms Most Beautiful," particularly pages 298 and 299.

To quote in part, "But Behe's main claim, that the living cell is an entity of irreducible complexity, is empty. Behe was counting on biology to hit a wall in reducing complex phenomena to molecular processes. He joins a long line of prognosticators whose pessimistic forecasts have been obliterated in the continuing revolution in the life sciences."

Indeed, there is no "distortion and bluster" in the careful study and teaching of the science of evolution.

Thomas L. Harmon Jr.
Greensboro

As 2005 winds down and we look forward to 2006, it is an appropriate time to remember all the good things we have. In that spirit, I thought this would be a wonderful time to thank our friend Stanley Frank for the many contributions that he has made to our community over the past half-century.

He almost single-handedly conceived, planned, constructed and supervised our beautiful airport. We will for many years enjoy the fruits of his vision and labor.

Stanley also has been a significant contributor to virtually everything worthwhile in our community. He was a charter member of the Greensboro Development Corp. and helped lead that organization in many worthwhile efforts. He has been a lifelong supporter of our golf tournament and, even though he has been ill lately, he is still interested and wants our tournament to be the best it can be.

Every college and university in our area has been the beneficiary of his generosity and personal interest. For example, he was one of the five founders of the Division I athletics program at UNCG.

So it is a wonderful time to say "thank you," Stanley Frank.

Jim Melvin
Greensboro

I am a native of Greensboro and grew up in Glenwood. I still own a home there. I am very dismayed at the current attempt to develop additional low-income apartments in that area. Many homes have been restored and many people are working hard to help this wonderful, old neighborhood regain its stature.

To have apartments literally wedged behind the homes on Willomore Street and Glenwood Avenue is a terrible thing to contemplate. Please, let's not allow this to happen. It's unwanted and unneeded.

Nancy B. Dunton
Greensboro

On Dec. 14, two types of voting equipment were exhibited in Greensboro: touch-screens (Direct Recording Electronic machines), and optical scan machines which read paper ballots. After seeing a demonstration of both types of equipment, I believe that we would be much better served in Guilford County by the optical scan machines.

Optical scan machines are more efficient and economical than the touch-screens. Voters tie up the touch-screens while making their selections. But those using optical scanners simultaneously mark a paper ballot and simply insert it into the machine, so the process is much quicker. Only one optical scanner is needed in each precinct but several touch-screens are required, making this choice more expensive.

The touch-screen's paper record is like a cash register receipt. The print is very tiny and the paper flimsy. The record stays in the machine and is very difficult for the voter to review or the election official to count should that become necessary. Paper ballots used with optical scan equipment are easy to mark and to read.

Guilford County commissioners should make the wise choice of optical scan equipment to save taxpayer money.

Denise Baker
Greensboro

The timely article in the Dec. 15 News & Record about adult literacy in the United States highlights a significant problem in Guilford County. Fortunately, an agency in this county focuses on improving adult literacy.

For the past 15 years, Reading Connections has been concerned with those people in our community who want to improve their literacy skills. Adults contacting the agency have many reasons for requesting services. Some folks want to help their children or grandchildren with school work. Some want to get a job or improve their position in their workplace. Others have a first language other than English and know the importance of communicating in English when living in an English-speaking country.

These are adults who want to learn and are willing to commit the necessary time and effort to improving their lives, so they call on Reading Connections where volunteers provide free, one-on-one tutoring. Staff and volunteers conduct small-group working sessions addressing various aspects of literacy.

Guilford County can be proud that our community recognizes and supports adults who want to contribute more to our society through education. Check out the Web site www.readingconnections.org for more information.

Lynn Bennett
Greensboro

The writer is a Reading Connections volunteer.

Are other bird-watchers missing goldfinches and purple finches and other such like? There are not even many squirrels at the pecan tree here.

A friend with the same problem has a fine pond, showing that the recent drought did not cause them to leave us. An occasional enemy hawk is not newcomer enough to drive them away.

A very few cardinals, blue jays and wrens — pestered by an overseeing mockingbird — come to the sunflower seeds. But most feeders, filled with sunflower seeds and thistle seeds, hang there untouched.

Old-timers can remember some early spectacular patterns that are no more. We had flocks of evening grosbeaks inhaling bushels of sunflower seeds. And there were a few winters brightened by orioles. Our mother baked quick cakes for the orioles, giving thanks for the Chapel Hill and Southern Pines retirees credited with attracting those beautiful orange and black friends to our part of the world.

Is this November-December different from the most recent years in other back yards?

Maxine Garner
Liberty

The N.C. Lottery Commission home office and central operating office should be in Greensboro. Greensboro has the best, most complete access to the interstate system, the airport has the best facilities and shortest access to other North Carolina airports, and the best electronic communication system to and from Greensboro is second to no other location. Employee commutes in Greensboro are shorter and far less stressful than in Raleigh or Charlotte.

Surely you and our elected representatives in Raleigh are lobbying strongly to have the N.C. Lottery Commission locate here.

Donald Wojek
Greensboro

So, exactly how disturbing is President Bush's reasoning on this whole wiretap issue?

Bush has asserted that he and his administration are entitled to operate outside the law, that they are doing so, and that they will continue to do so if they feel there is strong enough justification. He doesn't need, or intend to seek, approval from Congress or from the courts. Period.

Come on, people! What he's really saying is that the laws of the United States don't apply to the president. Isn't that about it?

If that's the case, then how many other laws is the Bush White House breaking? Doesn't it make you wonder? It should!

Jeff McEntire
Kernersville

There was not a word about our Bill of Rights in the Dec. 15 News & Record. As a former teacher of social studies, I always taught the Bill of Rights more than once in a school year.

These rights are fundamental to our liberties. Our leaders are slowly eroding their principles. I doubt there were many teachers who even thought to say anything about our Bill of Rights on Dec. 15. I wonder what Americans will believe 50 years from now. Shame on America if we don't get back to our constitutional principles.

George Deaton
Stoneville

Luther Turner, who delivers the News & Record to our home in Burlington, is very deserving of some recognition. For more than 22 years, he has been a prompt, dependable, considerate carrier. When the weather is inclement, he pulls into the driveway and places the paper near our door. He is one in a million, and we think you should do a feature article about him, give him a party, a large bonus, or honor him in some way. We would like to know more about this fine gentleman.

Faye and Arthur Peele
Burlington

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Melanie Wilcox

On Dec. 4, Charles Davenport's column, "Media routinely beat up on right," suggested that the Fourteenth Amendment should be repealed because it bestows citizenship on the children of illegal immigrants.

The Fourteenth Amendment is one of three amendments passed immediately after the Civil War. It provides equal protection and due process to all persons, regardless of citizenship. This was deemed necessary because the newly freed African Americans were frequently unable to obtain their rights as citizens. Protection of all "persons," as opposed to only "citizens," was necessary to make progress toward equality in our nation.

This amendment has allowed integration to occur, offering educational opportunities to minorities who previously were sent to so-called "separate but equal" facilities. It has also been used to protect women and aliens from oppressive actions by federal, state and local governments. Moreover, the Fourteenth Amendment has been used by the Supreme Court to protect all of us from unreasonable searches and from cruel and unusual punishment. It incorporates from other amendments the protection of free speech and freedom of religion.

Loss of this amendment would legitimize many intrusions into our personal lives. Our homes would be subject to arbitrary invasion without warrants. Our freedom to worship or speak out against tyranny without fear of reprisals would be jeopardized. Those in this country legally, but without citizenship, would have no legal rights. Those from other nations held prisoner here would have no legal protection.

Those born in this country are citizens according to this amendment. Their parents are not, unless they, too, were born here or choose to become citizens. Many second-generation immigrants from Europe, the British Isles, Africa and Asia are citizens by virtue of birth in the United States.

Davenport seems to dislike both progress and diversity because they involve change. He disparages progress and enlightenment and speaks of diversity as a scourge.

That the United States has a serious problem with illegal immigration is undeniable. Denying fundamental protection of human rights to those immigrants will not solve the problem. Encouraging racism, creating a new class of people without rights, is unacceptable. Solutions must include holding employers of illegal immigrants responsible, providing those immigrants with options to become citizens or leave our country, and creating realistic solutions to stop those who cross our borders illegally.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

It seems that Americans have little negative reaction to the revelation that the president has authorized spying on American citizens, contrary to the laws of our country. This is alarming because of the historical atrocities that occur when a society allows itself to be manipulated by fear. The Holocaust is a prime example.

Some will object to the comparison, but tyranny does not begin with the wholesale slaughter of 6 million people. It begins with creeping violations of the law and the abridgment of human rights. It begins with imprisonment and torture of people who happen to have the wrong name, wrong religion or wrong skin color. All of these acts are predicated on fear.

The leaders who perpetrate these acts are not inherently evil. Few, if any, who are, are able to conceal their megalomania and rise to positions of power. It is, rather, the corrupting influence of power and the intoxicating drive to keep and acquire more that can drive ordinary men to excesses.

History has shown this to be true. Do not believe that this can't happen here. It can and will, unless we have the will and courage to stop it before tyranny grows too strong.

David Johnson
Greensboro

To Terry Grier and the school board members who support him, and all of the other social engineers who concocted the now-defunct High Point lottery school assignment plan that resulted in school friendships torn apart, increases in violence, lowered property values, eroded educational scores and all of the associated emotional trauma, I have just five simple words — ha, ha, ha, ha, ha. Oh, yeah, and by the way, why is Grier still here?

Bill Stevens
Jamestown

Our Founding Fathers would be turning in their graves if they learned about the continuous and rapid erosion of freedom, liberty, constitutional civil rights, and human decency taking place in the United States of America.

This letter is to encourage readers, both Republicans and Democrats, to contact Sens. Elizabeth Dole and Richard Burr. Ask Sens. Dole and Burr to vote against the continuation of the Patriot Act.

The U.S. Senate has the constitutional duty to protect us against a threat far more lethal than foreign terrorism. The threat is the internal attack by the Bush administration on traditional American values and civil liberties. This threat is further evidenced by the recent disclosure that President Bush approved spying on American citizens without legal authorization.

Please contact Sens. Dole and Burr immediately and ask that they vote against continuation of the Patriot Act.

William Watson Purkey
Greensboro

On the evening of June 30, 1934, Adolf Hitler carried out his "Night of the Long Knives." By the next day many of his political enemies — estimates range from 70 to almost 400 — had been ruthlessly executed.

Shortly after the purge, a German legal scholar named Carl Schmitt published "Der Führer schützt das Recht" ("The Father protects what's right"), in which he argued that Hitler had not only been legally right to order the deaths, but also acted with perfect virtue by doing so. Schmitt, a believer in dictatorship over democratically elected government, defended the executions by claiming Hitler was part of a higher moral law than that which abhorred murder. In Schmitt's mind, whatever "the leader" did was divinely anointed as being above the purview of other men.

It's been said that were it not for Schmitt's justifying that Hitler was above the law, the Nazis would never have enjoyed as much legal authority as they did when they began turning Germany into a fascist state.

I couldn't help but think of Carl Schmitt when I saw how some are now claiming that President Bush "broke no law" when he violated the Fourth Amendment by letting Americans be spied upon without warrants.

Christopher Knight
Greensboro

It is a tribute to the First Amendment that utter nonsense such as the opinion piece by George Bisharat printed on Dec. 14, 2005, can be presented in a public forum such as the News & Record Second Opinion page.

Putting aside Mr. Bisharat's anti-Israel bias and his obvious disappointment that Israel wasn't destroyed in the 1973 war, his implying that Israel's weapons arsenal was the cause of Saddam Hussein's interest in chemical and biological weapons is absurd.

Even more untenable is his assertion that Iran will halt its nuclear weapons program if Israel destroys its arsenal. Certainly, Iran and Israel's other enemies would be delighted if Israel dismantled its defenses.

Steven Akman
Greensboro

U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx is correctly focusing her attention toward the issue of illegal immigration and Gilberto Hernandez. I would like to think, as it seems U.S. Rep. Brad Miller does, that no illegal resident can acquire a home loan or any other credit without verification by federal agencies. But in my own experience with previous co-workers, this has not proved to be the case.

I know of at least five cases of home loans acquired in Winston-Salem that were of a suspicious nature and personally do not believe that this one case with Hernandez was a fluke.

Employers should be required to complete Social Security checks, and so should all loan agencies. I do not mind legal immigration and legal loans.

Foxx has a valid point. Many citizens in North Carolina do not know what is really going on right where they live and work. Miller says if Hernandez is convicted, he should serve time.

Not on my dime!

Kathy Sechrist
Thomasville

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Randy Cox

Having followed the recent revelations about President George W. Bush's sanctioning of warrantless eavesdropping on American conversations, I'm surprised at the lack of public outcry over yet another abuse of our civil liberties.

Many Americans feel as the president does — that when it comes to national security, anything is justified in fighting terrorism. But why should we allow so many of our freedoms and liberties to be eroded?

What's also disturbing is that anyone who speaks out against the White House rhetoric can be attacked as unpatriotic and threatening national security. And President Bush's characterizing the disclosure of the legally questionable domestic spying program as a "shameful act" on Dec. 19 is a double standard. He never used that phrase to describe the leak of Valerie Plame's name.

On the 60th anniversary of the Nuremberg Trials, it is worth noting the words of Hermann Goering: "Of course the people don't want war. But after all, it's the leaders of the country who determine the policy, and it's always a simple matter to drag the people along whether it's a democracy, a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship.

"Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism, and exposing the country to greater danger."

America is considered a symbol of both freedom and civil liberties around the world. What's troubling is to see so many Americans indifferent to violations of their privacy and rights to free speech.

The writer lives in High Point.

A couple of years ago, Rabbi Fred Guttman commented in your paper that if the "Jesus Film" DVD was distributed to the residents of Guilford County, he would recommend to his congregation to garbage it. Guttman reasoned, by stating himself a biblical authority, that Jesus himself would regard this effort to distribute that DVD as a colossal waste of money since so many would trash it.

Guttman made some recommendations of how to better use the funds and claimed that Jesus would have preferred that those missionaries who were planning on distributing the DVD do those things instead.

In Guttman's recent article (Dec. 21), he rants on about the war in our country against Christianity being "bogus." He claims Jesus (and even Muhammad, calling them "biblical prophets") would find many other worthier causes for Christians to fight for than putting Christ back in Christmas.

I cannot help wonder why I am attending Westover Church, which I have considered to be the superior Bible-teaching sanctuary in Greensboro. I am now considering switching over to Temple Emanuel where apparently there is more true biblical perspective and a clearer picture of who Jesus is and how he wants us to live.

Bob Aronson
Greensboro

I would like to respond to the recent letter titled, "Why liberals hate Wal-Mart."

First, liberals do not hate Wal-Mart, only their virtual monopoly power in the retail industry. Wal-Mart abuses its monopoly by demanding that its suppliers provide products at a price dictated by Wal-Mart, or Wal-Mart will not sell their products.

This demand has led to the loss of countless American jobs as manufacturers have gone to the absolute cheapest source of labor by off-shoring American jobs.

American workers cannot compete on cost with workers where there are no labor, wage or environmental laws. Off-shore sweatshops amount to a human rights abuse. Do we want our country reduced to the same labor and environmental conditions as in India?

Wal-Mart is just taking advantage of the Bush administration's bias against American workers. The real question that American workers should be asking themselves is, "If conservatives love America so much, why are they sending our jobs overseas?"

Randy Scott
Greensboro

This month marks the tragic anniversary of the world's worst natural disaster, when a giant tsunami extinguished the lives of nearly 200,000 people in Indonesia, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka and other countries on the Indian Ocean.

Yet, each year, seven times as many Americans die of heart disease, stroke, cancer and other chronic, killer diseases that have been linked conclusively with consumption of meat and dairy products. Meat consumption also dumps animal waste in our waterways, destroys wildlife habitats to grow animal feed and tortures innocent animals in factory farms and slaughterhouses.

Because of the many benefits it brings to us and our planet, let's make a New Year's resolution to replace meat and dairy products in our diet with wholesome, delicious vegetables, fresh fruits and whole grains. With every supermarket featuring a large variety of these foods, as well as a rich assortment of soy-based veggie burgers, soy dogs, deli slices, ready-to-eat frozen dinners and soy milk and ice cream, it's got to be the easiest resolution we'll ever keep.

Allen Freburg
Greensboro

This is regarding the story about the City Council voting to remember the three A&T students who were killed in a wreck in November on U.S. 421.

Why would the Greensboro City Council have a special vote to remember these students? I hate to see anyone lose their life in a tragic accident like this, and we all do careless things when we're young. The facts remain: This car was traveling at twice the legal speed limit and putting innocent people's lives in danger. U.S. 421, like most rural roads, often has deer and other wildlife in the road, especially at the time these people were traveling. This particular area on U.S. 421 is notorious for deer crossings and is well monitored for speeders; obviously that night was an exception.

I see no reason for a special remembrance, other than to use the story and the car as a tool to show the consequences of speed and inexperience.

Curtis Hinshaw
Liberty

When Jack Abramoff implicates with proof 20 or more congressmen for corruption in 2006, can we agree to send them home without pay, pension or health care benefits?

Richard Lloyd
Thomasville

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Barbara Ann McAbee

Recently the school board voted for the lottery aspect of the High Point "choice plan'' to finally end. Many are thankful. Now a new proposed map where all of Florence Elementary School feeds into Welborn Middle School and Andrews High School is on the table. Like other maps, this one will surely be tweaked to serve special interests.

Forced redistricting, whether accomplished by a lottery or neighborhood swaps, will never work. It will be a constant battle of "who will not go" until the real problems of education are addressed. No one should be forced to attend a school on record as one of the four lowest-performing schools in the state. It would be a No Child Left Behind opt-out school had Title I status not been removed. Struggling students should not continue to be hidden in the numbers. Any additional space at this near-capacity school should be used for lower student/teacher ratios.

Every student deserves a quality education in a safe neighborhood school. With the school board's goal of "one county system," High Point deserves to be treated like the rest of Guilford County. All schools should be given the adequate resources and quality teachers that children deserve.

After nearly three years of constant turmoil within the High Point community, any new redistricting must be put on hold. No new high schools are on the drawing board for High Point. There is no need to redistrict. In fact, some projects have been dropped. Energy and resources should be put into improving performance, enhancing the focus theme programs to create a draw and support teachers and staff. Magnet programs without a forced lottery need to be expanded and allowed time to develop and grow. Additional grant funds can be sought. A time-out is in order and no new "forced redistricting" approach should occur.

This is the most sensible way to proceed if the school board hopes to establish peace and cooperation from a dedicated and energetic community. We have all learned valuable lessons of what happens when there is lack of community buy-in. The futures of our children depend on the cooperation and support of parents. Any success for future bond referendums depends on sincere efforts by the school board to finally establish peace within the community and true accountability in education.

The writer lives in Jamestown.

I am responding to the letter from Mark Biggam (Dec. 16) claiming musicians lost jobs to technology in Greensboro Ballet's production of "The Nutcracker" this year. While I understand his concerns, his assumption is incorrect. The Greensboro Ballet has not used live musicians for Nutcracker since 2002. We would love to have the full sound of the Greensboro Symphony, but we simply cannot afford to do so at this time.

Moving forward, Greensboro Ballet will add live music to all possible performances, although the first priority is to restore our professional dancers. After all, we are a ballet company and our mission is to offer ballet performances of the highest artistic caliber given the resources available. This year, NOTION offered to provide us with 12 musicians and a conductor along with the computer program. I gratefully accepted their offer. We were thrilled to provide live music at our performances once again.

Maryhelen Mayfield
Greensboro

The writer is artistic director/CEO, Greensboro Ballet.

I was happy to see an article dealing with autism on the front page of the Dec. 26 paper. However, as a senior in the special education program at UNC-Charlotte, I was bothered by the language used. For years, it has been widely encouraged to use "people first" language when describing people with disabilities. In the article, "Loving Lucy," the writer uses the terms "autistic people" and "autistic children." This is no longer the politically correct way of describing persons with disabilities. I and many others who push for the forward movement of the treatment of people with disabilities would really like to see more educated writers who no longer perpetuate the old and stigmatizing way of talking about persons with disabilities.

Lindsey Dominey
Charlotte

I was appalled, shocked and disgusted when we arrived at the coliseum on Dec. 10 for a state cheerleading competition.

Parents had driven from all over the state — Asheville, Charlotte, Greenville and other locations. They arrive, and it's "Welcome to Greensboro, parking is $6, Merry Christmas!" We have attended numerous competitions, even on a national level, and parking was never $6. What is so special about our parking lot? Could it have been due to the fact that three events were held on the same day?

Another concern: Two events ended at the same time, and traffic was at a standstill. No one directing traffic! A lot of disgruntled out-of-towners do not want to return to Greensboro!

Jane Christopher
Pleasant Garden

I offer a proposal. The U.S. military will withdraw from Iraq, the Patriot Act will not be renewed and the United States will stop monitoring phone calls by potential terrorists.

In return, if there is another terrorist attack on the United States, the Democratic Party will disband and contribute all of its assets to the families of the victims. The Democratic senators and representatives will resign, and The New York Times and the ACLU will contribute $1 trillion to the fund for the families.

If Democrats and the "left" truly possess the courage of their commitments, it's now time to put up or shut up!

Donald Bernstein
Kernersville

I would like to thank Rabbi Fred Guttman for his article in the Dec. 21 News & Record. If we all had his attitude on life, this world would be a much better place. Taking his lead, let's join together in helping each other and making this a better place to live.

Neil W. Yeargin
Greensboro

I submit this as an obituary. Our dog, Jack, became ill and died at 4:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2005.

Love your pets. They ask nothing from you but that. He will be sorely missed for the comfort and the kinship he offered.

Phillip Williamson
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Jim Wheeler

Regarding your Dec. 23 editorial, "A question of power," we all agree: The president, as commander-in-chief, should in a time of war have all the tools needed to "win."

Americans have no issue with international spying programs. Even quirks caused by new technology can be accepted: for example, a phone call from Syria to Iran that happens to route through a phone hub in Omaha can be readily rationalized as international.

Most have no issue with domestic spying programs focused on international events. Lines legally tapped to learn about the pending World Trade Towers attack would have received wide acceptance.

Some would have no issue with domestic surveillance programs with good reason and real basis. The folks in Oklahoma City would have appreciated someone legally listening to conversations between McVeigh and Nichols.

In a time of war, few will have an issue with precautionary domestic spying programs as long as the government uses legal means to genuinely figure out where to apply American resources.

The rub is eavesdropping without warrants, without the check and balance our country was founded upon. It is abuse of the system — unbridled authoritarian use of power — that is so troubling.

The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC) was established in 1978 in reaction to real events, including unauthorized illegal wiretaps at the direction of those working for former President Nixon. Since 1978, FISC has approved 19,000 covert surveillances and rejected only five. There is even a 15-day grace period after the covert surveillance begins before formal approval must be obtained. There is no excuse.

The calamity is in the arrogance of leaders who think they are above all law and don't need to be troubled with simple tasks like getting belated approvals.

The News & Record is correct in saying America needs to be concerned about a government gone amok — a government of mostly lawyers who apparently feel the law applies selectively, as they decide, only if one gets caught, and then only maybe.

The real problem is this leadership has destroyed its own credibility at a time of war. That is incredibly sad, because we face truly terrifying threats.

The writer lives in Winston-Salem.