News-Record.com

In what way is Oliver North, whom the Old North State Council of the Boy Scouts has invited to be its fund-raiser speaker, representative of "citizenship and patriotism," as field director Tim Harper thinks? By working subversively to defy established law in the Iran-Contra affair?

In a recent survey organized by the University of Maryland's McConnell Center, presidential historians rated this Reagan-era scandal as one of the 10 worst presidential mistakes.

And does Cub Scout master Tom Franklin really believe that, "Anybody you put up there is going to be controversial"?

When I led my son's Cub Scout den, we did not place so high a value on dissembling and cynicism. Whatever the Boy Scouts is teaching by inviting North to speak has little to do with either history or ethics but everything to do with money. Oliver North may be a hero to some, but without doubt he is also divisive, partisan and capable of dishonoring his president and the nation's laws.

For the first time, I am ashamed to have my Life Scout associated with the local council of the Boy Scouts. Thankfully, we still live in a nation founded on principles that are larger than its scandals.

Scott Culclasure
Greensboro

Today, the Greensboro Coliseum becomes smoke-free. Because secondhand smoke is an important health hazard, leading to heart attacks with as little as 30 minutes of exposure and causing asthmatics and others with respiratory problems to have acute attacks, this is a major advance for health. But there is a fortuitous bonus.

The coliseum will host the ACC women's, ACC men's and first two rounds of the NCAA basketball tournaments in the next three weeks. There will be 28 games, all but two in doubleheader formats. Because of other uses of adjoining spaces, smokers will not be able to leave the coliseum for a cigarette break and return during the course of these doubleheaders.

It is established that 70 percent of smokers want to quit and more quitting takes place at times when smokers are confronted with a smoke-free environment. Faced with the prospect of several sessions lasting five hours or longer without smoking, spectators at our March Madness may make this sensible choice.

Cessation is the single most important step to improving health for most smokers. Professional counseling is available by dialing 1-800-Quit-Now (1-800-784-8669) from 8 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week.

Richard J. Rosen, M.D.
Greensboro

Next time you use Google, take a moment to click on the ads that appear on the right of the screen. Then contact these companies and tell them that you will no longer be buying their products or using their services as long as they continue to advertise with Google and Google is a puppet of Chinese oppression.

Daniel J. Flak
Greensboro

Your editorial (Feb. 21) regarding your desire for "opposition" for U.S. Representatives Miller, Watt, Fox and Coble is so transparently self-serving, it would be laughable if it wasn't so pitiful.

I do not believe for a moment that you wish this simply for a good debate on the "issues" and the "democratic process." You want this so you can have more "news" to report ad infinitum, whether there really is any news or issues of import to report.

Opposition, however meaningless, would be hyped by you in hopes of more circulation and consequent advertising revenues.

Has it ever occurred to you that these congressmen rarely have serious opposition because the electorate is very satisfied with the jobs they are doing? At least three of them win with large margins of victory, and that is truly democracy in action: The majority rules and is apparently satisfied.

John Beaman
Greensboro

I wish to apologize to the media for just now reporting a hunting accident that occurred in 1950. My boss, chief engineer of Fieldcrest Mills Inc., was dove shooting with his safety engineer. During the hunt, the safety engineer shot his boss in the seat of his pants. He was not seriously injured and no bird shots migrated from his wounds to his heart. It is felt that there is no need for further investigation of the incident.

Bob Wilkerson
Eden

The left wing continually searches for fault with the Bush administration without any constructive ideas about how to solve problems. Their main goal is destructive criticism of him and seemingly the country, too.

There is a serious problem to be solved -- millions of Muslims in the world who want Western civilization eliminated. The latest example is their deadly reaction to cartoons in newspapers.

The solution to this problem is new and complex. How do you fight an army of worldwide suicidal guerrillas who are not in uniform and have no home-base country? How do we try to collect information about their activities without intruding on our own privacy? How to stop Iran from becoming nuclear?

This problem has been festering for decades and, with Sept. 11, boiled over.

Bush is the first president who has had to seriously deal with it. Check back in five to 10 years to see if the liberation of Iraq was a good idea or not. Instead of just bashing Bush and America, give us alternatives.

Paul Camp
Greensboro

By Steve Simpson

It is likely that everyone who has watched television, surfed the Internet, or read a newspaper or news magazine is aware of the tragic aftermath of the publication of the political cartoon portraying the Prophet Muhammad wearing a turban depicted as a bomb.

The cartoon has been published widely. Both the cartoon and the violent reaction are despicable. The media certainly have a responsibility to report the event and the right to publish the cartoon.

But, was our community really well-served by The Rhinoceros Times publishing the cartoon in the name of informing its readers when it was known to be insulting, insensitive and inflammatory to Muslims everywhere?

In recent years, the Greensboro community has worked hard to bring together our many different faiths, ethnicities, cultures and races to discuss issues that keep us apart, create barriers to open communication and deal with past hurt and insensitivity. Among those efforts are the Greensboro Community Truth and Reconciliation project, the Mayor's Mosaic Project, programming of Faith Action, Lutheran Family Services, Jewish Family Services, National Conference for Community and Justice and many others.

Progress is sometimes slow, tedious and controversial for those of us who want to see a unified community, but nevertheless progress is made.

Do not the media have a responsibility to further that progress whenever possible?

Printing this volatile picture is a step backward. It insults our Muslim brothers and sisters and portrays Islam as evil and murderous to many who know little of the peaceful philosophy of the religion.

The National Conference for Community and Justice of the Piedmont Triad implores The Rhinoceros Times and others to consider wisely and responsibly their power of the pen and how to exercise their right to use it.

Let us all help Greensboro join together rather than divide further.

The writer is executive director of the National Conference for Community and Justice of the Piedmont Triad Inc.

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Bob Hall

We commend House Speaker Jim Black for recommending an important set of reforms for the political process and for effectively opening the door for more discussion related to campaign finance reform, ethics and lobbying reform. We think it is vital for legislative leaders to begin discussing ways to address the escalating arms race in political fund-raising that is at the heart of so many of the issues being investigated today.

From the beginning, Democracy North Carolina has stressed that the real problem is not Black -- it's green. The money chase in state politics is out of control, and it is distorting the election and the law-making process. Certainly, we must hold wrongdoers accountable, but we must also address the root cause of problems.

In his column on Feb. 19, Rob Christensen of The News & Observer described the "Washingtonization of Raleigh or the professionalization of politics." As he noted, "Most of the political money flowing into Jones Street is from people who expect something out of the legislature. Nearly every sizable contribution includes an unwritten IOU."

That's the basic definition of special-interest domination. The public interest suffers. Candidates feel trapped in an arms race. Voters feel pushed out, etc. It's time for political leaders in North Carolina to discuss how we can adapt the "voter-owned" public financing program now in place for appellate judges to other offices. Arizona and Maine have provided a public financing option in the last few legislative cycles, and more than half the candidates are using it.

Public financing is not a freebie -- candidates have to raise hundreds of small qualifying contributions from registered voters to qualify to use public money. Now is the time to get serious about serious reform -- provide candidates with a real alternative to the money chase, reward those who reject special-interest money and focus on accountability to voters. Empowering those candidates (and their supporters) will do wonders to apply pressure for a cleaner political process.

The writer is director of Democracy North Carolina.

The members of the Board of Directors of the Piedmont Interfaith Council, representing a dozen faith traditions, wish to respond to the uproar provoked by cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad. While we deplore violence in the name of religion, we also deplore any explicit or implicit message conveyed by those cartoons. Our rejection of violence in no manner represents any disrespect for Islam, or for any tradition. In fact, Muslims in our community and around the world, protesting peacefully and creatively, are demonstrating their own commitment to peace and reconciliation among peoples.

For 24 years, PIC has worked to build bridges of communication and understanding in the community and we invite all people of faith to join us in this mission. We share far more in common than we have differences. We call upon each of us to be sensitive to our neighbors' distinctive traditions and to work for mutual understanding and peaceful resolution of our differences. This surely is a time to practice the golden rule inherent in nearly all religions. By respecting our neighbors we also honor our own faith traditions.

James and Jo Hull
Greensboro

The writers are co-founders, Piedmont Interfaith Council.

I saw the Danish cartoons attributed to having caused Muslim outrage in The Rhinoceros Times.

If there is no recognized likeness of Muhammad, and the Muslims are not to look upon or draw images of Muhammad, how do we know these cartoons are depictions of Muhammad? There is nothing in the cartoons that identify the characters. The individuals depicted in the cartoons do not even look alike, so how can the Muslims know if, and, which character is Muhammad, and why are they looking at the pictures anyway?

Robert Adcock
Reidsville

How do the members of the Bush administration take themselves seriously? As if they haven't failed badly enough in the war on terrorism, we now learn that they approved the outsourcing of control of six major U.S. ports to Dubai Ports World, a company controlled by the United Arab Emirates.

I think that this move would send the wrong message even if that country had been tough on terrorism. However, the country has a very troubling security record, especially in regard to Al-Qaida and to the transfer of nuclear materials. Clearly, this is a ridiculous lapse in judgement that cannot be permitted to continue.

I urge the Congress to reject this deal and for the immediate resignation of all members of the Bush administration that approved the deal.

Benjamin Thomas
Greensboro

I cannot believe that in today's time that we could even consider giving control of our ports to any foreign nation.

1. Don't Americans need the work?

2. How can we trust these nations that help to attack us to run our ports?

We must be crazy to even consider such an thought.

Terry Isler
Jamestown

Enough already about Dick Cheney and the accident. This was an unfortunate event, and, yes, I am sorry that someone got hurt. Will someone in the media please tell me why this was such a huge deal. The gentleman that was shot was not a public figure; the accident in no way affected national security, the economy or anything else that really matters nationally.

For the press to even think they should have been told at all irritates me. I thought the press was supposed to report news, not create stories where none exist. If newspeople would go back to reporting news instead of trying to be celebrities, this country would be a lot better off. This was a private hunting trip between two friends. The only reason the press is mad is because they didn't get an extra day to blow everything out of proportion.

I would be willing to bet most people feel the way I do. If everything that happens to a public figure like Cheney is news, then let's report how many times a day he uses the bathroom. Or maybe people should know he brushes his teeth side to side instead of up and down. Could the press please grow up.

Jeff Rhudy
Greensboro

On Feb. 16, I was invited to Hampton Elementary to see a PTA production of "The Wiz." I must say I was amazed by everything I saw there.

First of all, it was wonderful to see the turnout. It was a packed house. Many times in today's world you don't see parents and neighborhoods coming out to see their kids do anything. There weren't a lot of costumes and lights; however, the students created one of the most enjoyable and believable productions I have ever seen. They made me believe they were the characters they were playing. This got me thinking. It's so important to give young people an opportunity to use their imaginations. I feel with TV, video and the streets, imaginations are coming in short supply.

To all the parents who are supporting these types of activities, keep up the good work. Also, thank those teachers and artists who take their time to work with our kids. Most of the time we have one or two children to take care of; imagine trying to costume and teach a song to 50 of them.

Finally, congratulations to the students at Hampton Elementary for a job well done. Hope to see more soon.

Alex Crawley
Greensboro

In his article, "Greensboro makes a faith-based statement" (Ideas, Feb. 19), Bob Wineburg identified several exemplary faith-based organizations providing essential services to our community. Left off his list, however, was Guilford Interfaith Hospitality Network (GIHN), an ecumenical effort providing shelter, food and case management to homeless families with children.

Indeed, more than 50 local communities of faith support GIHN: Jewish, Catholic, Greek Orthodox and Protestant churches from many denominations. The network's mission, "Connecting faith-based communities to provide hospitality and hope for homeless families," underscores the important concept that persons with different faiths and perspectives can and should work together for the common good.
Incidentally, GIHN operates in and finds support from congregations in both Greensboro and High Point, linking two cities that historically have chosen to work apart rather than together.

Manning A. Connors
Greensboro

The writer is chairman, GIHN Board of Trustees.Greensboro

Too often, headlines trumpet ominous developments everywhere, foretelling gloom and doom. But no Jeremiah am I. Perhaps there may yet be time for wiser leaders to emerge and show us down saner paths. Meanwhile, even in troubled times, I find much to please me now, and I also recall many pleasures from years past.

Consider the often seen but seldom noticed hills and fields and forests of our lovely country. Electronic marvels that faithfully reproduce music (from when it was music). Even oft-maligned TV, with diligent searching, offers commendable entertainment. Literature, art, loving family and friends.

And what far-flung wonders we have seen. The incomparable Grand Canyon. The ethereal beauty of the natural wedding chapel of Kauai. The ubiquitous pigeons that serve as grace notes to the magnificent Piazza San Marco in Venice. And, yes, the glitzy monuments to unabashed avarice in Las Vegas.

We were given a marvelous planet, complete with bountiful resources for those who will use them well. How sad that many of us prefer to proselytize and fight and generally hammer the Golden Rule into shards.

Why can't we all help each other and live together in peace?

Dan Maddox
Greensboro

Regarding Jim Sartwell's letter (Feb. 18) about how quickly the media covered separate incidents involving Cindy Sheehan and Britney Spears — purely non-events — and not the Cheney hunt:

The media tend to blow everything out of proportion. Who cares abut Cindy Sheehan and Britney Spears and hearing it all day long?
There are certain places the media do not belong. The Cheney hunt was one of them. The time taken to report this incident is irrelevant. The public was told in due time — after the wounded party was cared for, after his family was notified and after other, more important needs, not the needs of the press, were met.

It is one thing for the media to cover an incident, but when the ill-informed reporters give their personal opinions, it becomes ridiculous. And, by the way, I don't recall anyone anointing the "media" as first to know, last to be heard.

Marilyn Gideon
Greensboro

Regarding Joey Cheek, our Olympic gold-medal speedskater with his Olympic gift to the charity Right to Play: His generosity is priceless for our community. Our check is in the mail to:
Right to Play
Attn: Ellen McCance
Chelsea Piers, Room 5925
New York, NY 10011

Tom Ward
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint:

By STEPHEN P. MILLIKIN

Rosemary Roberts' vicious and baseless attack on Ollie North Feb. 17 was not even marginally justified.

The thought of the Boy Scouts being contaminated by Marine Lt. Col. Ollie was too much for Rosemary to swallow. Without knowing what Ollie will say March 7, without regard for his First Amendment right to freedom of speech, and without a hint of any redeeming feature that Ollie may have, it appears that Rosemary is advocating a Ban Ollie campaign. Why treat in such a shoddy manner this Marine officer, Naval Academy graduate and Vietnam combat veteran decorated for leadership and bravery under fire?

Rosemary gives two reasons: First, she reminds us that in 1985, some 20 years ago, Ollie attempted to assist in freeing from captivity U.S. citizens being held hostage in Lebanon. This seems like a worthwhile project, but it got Ollie into a political thicket. His efforts were thought by some to be a violation of a vague and somewhat senseless law enacted by a confused Congress.

Ollie's conviction was reversed on appeal. Thus, Ollie stands not guilty.

Second, Rosemary objects to Ollie speaking to the Boy Scouts because, in her words: "He is an avowed right-wing conservative and thus a politically polarizing figure. Surely, the Scouts could have found a fine speaker with no political connotations." (Come on, Rosemary, you can't be serious.)

Rosemary says that she inquired of the Scouts as to why they had invited Ollie and was told: "We felt that some of the leadership qualities that (North) possesses are some of the leadership ideals that we hope to instill in young people in Scouting," to which Rosemary snidely commented, "Let's hope he wasn't referring to North's illegal Iran-Contra caper. Nor even to North's outspokenly conservative politics because Boy Scouts are supposed to be above the political fray." (Come again? Since when?)

Rosemary closes with a whimper of an objection: "But Ollie North as a symbol of Scouting? I hope the Boy Scouts use better judgment next time."

So, to Lt. Col. Ollie North and to other stalwart Marines, so much for the hard-earned and blood-splattered but much-deserved reputation of the Marines for dedication to duty, courage, determination, loyalty, fortitude, strength, sacrifice and other qualities of leadership that are instilled in all Marines, whether they are liberals or conservatives, qualities Scouts might do well to emulate.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

During the next three weeks, Greensboro has the opportunity to be on the world stage. We have the privilege of hosting the women’s ACC Championship, the men’s ACC Championship and the first and second rounds of the NCAA Eastern Regionals.

These events will bring thousands of people to our community who in turn will spend millions of dollars that will economically benefit a number of our citizens. We are the only community in the country that has ever hosted three events on successive weekends. This is certainly a significant honor.

None of this would be possible without the enthusiastic support of more than 700 volunteers and a very dedicated coliseum staff. We all need to thank Matt Brown, the director of the coliseum and especially Dr. Harrison Turner, who coordinates the volunteers.
Also, Dr. Turner has just been selected Dermatologist of the Year by the National Dermatology Association.

This is a wonderful honor which he justly deserves. We should all be proud of our community and those who work so hard to make it great.

Jim Melvin
Greensboro

Our community’s health will be improved if the Guilford County Board of Commissioners supports dental clinics as part of the Guilford Adult Health and Guilford Child Health clinics.

My role as teacher of family medicine residents and as practitioner in the Moses Cone Health System Family Practice Center provides frequent contact with patients who have insufficient financial resources or insurance to cover dental care. Our physicians are often faced with the challenge of managing patients’ medical health while it is adversely affected by dental disease.

A common example is the patient whose diabetes cannot be adequately controlled due to chronic infection in the mouth. The poor control of their blood sugars contributes to early development of heart attacks, strokes, loss of limbs and kidney failure.

Another is the elderly patient who becomes malnourished because painful gums and lost teeth interfere with eating. These patients had very limited access to dental care before the Guilford County Dental Society’s efforts to provide volunteer care.

Monies that the county expends to support dental clinics at Guilford Adult and Guilford Child Health will be multiplied into a much greater effect on patient’s health and ultimately into cost savings for their medical care.

Wayne A. Hale
Greensboro

The author of a Danish children’s book on the prophet Muhammad made a mistake by seeking to illustrate her book and not taking the hint at the lack of volunteers. The Danish newspaper made a follow-up mistake when it decided to venture out on deeply disrespectful limbs of free speech. The right to freedom of speech should not be an excuse for making poor choices.

With the power of freedom of speech, there is inherent responsibility to be attentive to diverse faiths and not downgrade rules that others hold close to their hearts. We should not interpret our privilege as some absolute green light to say whatever we want whenever we want about anything we want.

This issue clearly illustrates how free speech cannot be a peaceful human right unless tempered with strong personal integrity grounded on principles of tolerance and respect for our fellow man, his faiths and the rules therein.

Peter Copeland
Greensboro

Here’s how serious the Bush administration is about homeland security: They recently vetted a company controlled by the government of the United Arab Emirates to operate six major East Coast U.S. ports.

I’m not an anti-terrorism expert, but I do have enough common sense to think that maybe having one of the three governments in the world that recognized the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan could present some possible security problems in the future.

If the United Arab Emirates can operate our seaports, why don’t we outsource our airport security to the Saudis? After all, only 15 of the 19 Sept. 11 hijackers came from Saudi Arabia.

And, while we’re at it, why don’t we see if we can’t get an Iranian company to oversee our embassy security — they have plenty of experience in the field.

Kent Boyles
Greensboro

Concerning your Feb. 20 article, "Bowles: N.C. teacher shortage deserves higher priority," I'd like to say as a minority parent, I'd like to see the active recruitment of more minority teachers. And then, there is absolutely no way to recruit entering college freshmen into the field of education after this generation has witnessed our public schools become the "everything" for our society — from orphanages to social services providing food for students to take home on the weekends.

Instead of rewarding education bureaucrats who have no inkling of teacher needs and happiness factors with tremendous salaries and perks, a study of teacher salary increases based on job performance and employment demands needs to be done by economists or corporations that regularly perform such tasks in the private sector. Until society once again makes teaching look respectable, inviting and integral to our nation's success, there will be no mass influx of education majors and resulting teachers. Corporate sponsorship of school systems in every aspect, including supplementing teacher salaries and benefits, may be all that can save the profession.
It is a shame that no one wants to teach our nation's children. It is even more of a shame that we do not want to pay those teachers what they are really worth.

Karen Mebane
Burlington

As a Guilford College sophomore, I am dismayed that college administrators are getting such negative feedback from the community about the proposal to allow students (beyond their first year) to choose roommates of either sex. The intent behind the policy change is to provide a comfortable and harmonious living situation for all students, regardless of sexual orientation. Those who worry that it will only increase sexual activity among heterosexuals miss the point entirely. As it is, homosexual students are allowed to share a room and students are engaging in sexual activity regardless of desires to the contrary.

Non-heterosexuals are forced to pay extra money to live in a single room or in an apartment, where opposite-sex suite mates are already permitted, simply to avoid the discomfort and stress of living with somebody to whom they might be attracted. This is fundamentally unfair and disrespectful. Guilford has excellent institutions set up to address any gender-related concerns that come up in the course of college life. These avenues for constructive problem-solving will remain open if the administration acts upon the gender-blind housing proposal. Those who criticize this idea should take a moment to walk in another person's shoes.

Malcolm M. Kenton
Greensboro

I have practiced Emergency Medicine in Greensboro for more than 25 years. Over the years, I have seen many Guilford County individuals suffering with dental complaints. Unfortunately, providing dental care in the Emergency Department is at best a minimal help to these patients.

A permanent dental clinic that could provide general dentistry to those in the community that have no means of receiving dental care would prove beneficial to these patients' overall health. Lack of dental care may contribute to loss of teeth, deterioration of gums, diabetes, heart disease, psychological issues and chronic pain.

Our county has come together to address health issues before. There is care provided by Moses Cone Health System to all, regardless of their ability to pay. HealthServe Community Health Clinic cares for those who have no health insurance, and Guilford Child Health provides primary and specialty care to our smallest and most precious residents — our children. It is my hope that the same generosity, vision and leadership will again prevail, making a permanent dental clinic a reality in Guilford County.

Norman M. Mayer, M.D.
Greensboro

The writer is past president, Guilford Emergency Physicians, P.A.

Two myths regarding the minimum wage should be exposed. One portrays teenagers as the primary beneficiaries of an increase. The facts are 71 percent of workers receiving minimum wage are adults and the average adult minimum-wage worker provides 54 percent of his/her family's weekly earnings. The other myth is raising the minimum wage will produce job losses, particularly among workers the increase is designed to help. Economists studying the 1996 and 1997 increases in the federal minimum wage found no systematic significant job loss. Researchers found the employment effects were generally small, statistically insignificant and almost as likely to be positive as negative.

It is encouraging that 80 percent of North Carolinians favor an increase in the minimum wage. If it had risen at the same rate as CEO pay during the decade of the 1990s it would be over $25 an hour. The federal minimum was last increased in 1997. Subsequent inflation has increased the general price level by 21.7 percent and seriously eroded the minimum wage's purchasing power. Clearly, an increase is past due and four out of five of us say so.

Lawrence B. Morse
Greensboro

The writer is a professor, Department of Economics, N.C. A&T State University.

It is truly appalling that the Boy Scouts would bring Oliver North to speak at their breakfast event. Oliver North's conviction for obstructing Congress, illegally shredding documents, and taking an illegal gratuity were only reversed because his testimony before Congress had been granted immunity. It could not be used against him.

It sounds as if the Boy Scouts think their terrible choice is validated because North will make them lots of money. What kind of values does this reflect? How do we explain this to our children?

Cathy Kimel
Greensboro

I think Greensboro is a great place for teenagers to grow because it is the perfect atmosphere for teenagers to learn that the real world is not a safe place.

This is the real world where drugs, guns and crime happen. There is not a real happy way of living in the world. That's the truth and there is no way of getting around it.

Teenagers know this firsthand because sometimes they are the ones involved in it. I am a teenager myself, so I know this for a fact. Now, I will let the Greensboro community decide if this is true or not.

Alex Roseman
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Ches Kennedy

Regarding recent letters about "Brokeback Mountain" and other gay, lesbian and transgender issues in the News & Record:

Greensboro has an incredible gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community supported by straight allies of many faiths, races and cultural backgrounds. I speak from experience, having served on cultural, religious and health-interest boards. What I see from the straight allies who support the GLBT community here is not simply tolerance but acceptance of people who make Greensboro a better place to live. We have a common goal.

I have gay friends who are teachers, lawyers, doctors, insurance salesmen, civic champions and construction workers and love living in Greensboro. We participate in leadership roles in churches, neighborhoods, nonprofits and government. Greensboro has one of the first GLBT organizations to operate as a foundation with an endowment. The Guilford Green Foundation was established in 1996 as a nonprofit to support the Triad Health Project, the AIDS service organization.

The GGF has grown and now makes grants to organizations as diverse as Friends for an Earlier Breast Cancer Test, the National Conference for Community and Justice, Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, Women's Resource Center, Triad Equality Alliance, N.C. A&T PRIDE, Common Sense Foundation and the N.C. Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Last year, the Guilford Green Foundation partnered with the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro on a major fund-raising initiative spurred by a $50,000 matching grant from the National Community Funding Partnership for Lesbian and Gay Issues. Because of fund-raising success in Greensboro, the national organization granted a second year of matching funds. Guilford Green Foundation successfully raised more than $132,000 last year from GLBT and straight persons.
Greensboro is anything but homophobic on Friday nights when downtown is packed with people attending Green Queen Bingo. It is a fun evening. Approximately 60 percent of attendees are straight allies and more than 400 people participate. Who knew such an event would be so popular in Greensboro?

The Guilford Green Foundation's mission is to "courageously unite community." It and other organizations, gay and straight, make Greensboro a great place to live by doing just what they say they want to do: unite community.

The writer, who is gay, is the past co-chair of the Guilford Green Foundation and owns O'Kennedy's in downtown Greensboro.

The editorial page on Feb. 26 was my reward for continuing to search for worth in the editorial pages of the News & Record.

Charles Davenport, would you please request your piece be reprinted monthly ad infinitum? Dr. Andrew Brod, yours is the first balanced presentation of oil and the economy I've seen anywhere other than The Economist.

Now for a favor: Would you please do a piece revealing the economics of managing ports and the financial risks attendant? Where do the dollars go? From whom, to whom, for what services?

I only wish I could extend this same note of appreciation to Flemming Rose for his truly exceptional piece on Islam and us.

Many thanks again.

Tom Jordan
Randleman

I applaud the News & Record's decision to not publish the Danish cartoons. Your reasoning, as expressed in John Robinson's column Feb. 19, was sound. Freedom of the press needs to be tempered, as Robinson stated, with taste, tone and civic value.

In addition, for me as a Rotarian, the decision not to publish also adheres to the Four-Way Test. Thank you.

Jim Kennedy
Greensboro

High Point, the "white flight" is ready to take off. Destination: Westchester, High Point Christian Academy, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Our Lady of Grace, Wesleyan, Greensboro Day, Caldwell Academy, Shining Light, Bishop McGuinness and any other private school. Now loading. Arrival: 2006-07 school year.

We even serve beverages and peanuts.

Nancy Gillespie
Jamestown

To be honest, I didn't support the idea of going to war from the start, and I've always feared catastrophe. But, America, I think we better realize that if this thing in Iraq doesn't work, it could mean really bad news for the entire world.

We Americans are good people by nature, so we need to start believing in ourselves again. Whether you are a Democrat or a Republican, we have no choice but to hope for success. This is no time for "I told you so."

My advice is that we, as a nation, dedicate ourselves to succeeding in Iraq. Now, that doesn't necessarily mean supporting just the use of military force; it's also very important we show goodwill to that region. I think a mixture of strength and compassion is this country's best hope for remaining the world's greatest superpower.

It's time to show everyone that a freedom-loving secular democracy can uphold the ideals of Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism or Buddhism better than ingrained dogma.

Jason Brown
Thomasville

When is enough enough? We are losing our freedoms and right to vote, people are suffering and dying, and we owe so much to foreign countries. Our country is in big trouble. Please do something.

Jacalyn Engler
Greensboro

Greensboro Muslim leader Wajeh Muhammad says, regarding the cartoons published in The Rhinoceros Times, "It made me sick to my stomach." But he does not comment on the feelings of the thousands of innocent victims and their relatives in the outrageous murderous bombings of Sept. 11, 2001, by his fellow Muslims. Nor does he comment on the recent worldwide murders of innocent people by his fellow Muslim anti-cartoon demonstrators.

I believe Wajeh Muhammad has his priorities out of order. It is time that his fellow Muslim leaders speak out against the atrocious murders of Muslims and non-Muslims by their fellow Muslims. That public statement is long overdue.

Frank Reinking
Burlington

For five years, all we've heard from Junior and his gang is "terror, terror, terror," and now he wants to turn over control of six of our ports to a country that harbored some of the very terrorists responsible for Sept. 11? This ploy is as pathetic as it is transparent.

No doubt his "expert" cronies decided that this would be a way to apologize for Junior's declaration to reduce our dependence on foreign oil during his State of the Union address. Do they really think that no one is paying attention? Is no one paying attention?

How can we let this madness continue? When is it going to stop, and what are you doing about it?

Carol G. Williams
Greensboro

Is it a federal law, in spite of all the horrific killings and stated agenda to take over the world, that Islam must be referred to as a "peaceful religion" by our newspapers and politicians?

Gary Marschall
Greensboro

An article in the News & Record, "White House details land sales" (Feb. 11), caught my eye. I cannot see selling the public land, our national treasures, for any reason. Once it is in private hands, it is gone.

The development lobby probably has spent a bunch and will continue to try to acquire "isolated, expensive-to-manage parcels" that "no longer meet the needs of the Forest Service." As soon as the developers get a hold on these useless pieces, they will suddenly become something of value to the people who can afford them. Right now they have an irreplaceable value to all American citizens.

There is a section of the Uwharrie National Forest in North Carolina that has no roads, no houses and no trailer parks in it. I've paddled by it. It is beautiful. I can imagine what it will look like if this deal goes through. When any public land is moved to private ownership, it becomes private, with fences, gates and "Keep Out" signs. We, as a nation, lose.

Jim George
Greensboro

The News & Record condemned the Rhino Times for printing cartoons offensive to Muslims, yet on another page you printed more (not new) pictures of Abu Ghraib that you knew would ultimately lead to more Americans dying. Please spare us the poppycock about "the people have a right to know," which seems to apply only when it demeans our military or President Bush.

Shahnaz Khawaja's defense of Islamic violence over offensive cartoons (Feb. 19) failed to deal with the real issues: Why is Islam involved in almost all world conflicts, and if it's only "radicals," why are Islamic governments, i.e., Iran, Saudi Arabia, Syria, etc., supplying and financing terrorists, trained by their mullahs in their mosques? The Muslim concept of "diversity" seems to exclude the thousands of Christians killed annually in Islamic countries and their plans for annihilation of the Jews, all for the glory of Allah. If Islam is misunderstood, I'm afraid it's by the blind leading the blind who refuse to see the handwriting on the wall revealing Islam's vision of world dominance.

Allen Bullard
Randleman

Editor's note: The News & Record has not condemned the Rhino. We simply explained why we chose not to publish the cartoons.

Now that the maps are drawn, it is time to move on. It's time for all parents to work through our differences for our children's sake. We need to show them that we can disagree but still work and live in the same town. All children deserve the very best education that we can give them. I am tired of all the arguing and fighting.

Please, for our children, let's come together and work to improve the education at Central, Andrews and Southwest.

Debbie Gallemore
High Point

Our government has tried to convince us that the choice in Iraq is either "stay the course" or "leave in defeat." Rep. John Murtha recently explained that "we have become the enemy."

The choice is not between victory and defeat. The choice is whether to continue to do what does not work or to seek new directions for a road to a sustainable peace.

The exorbitant cost of this war can be measured in loss of lives and national treasure. A military solution will not end the war. Iraqi people need clean water, food, electricity, schools, hospitals, sewage treatment, security from crime and control of their government and society.

The Friends Committee on National Legislation recommends that, instead of spending billions more on a failed Iraq war and occupation, Congress should push for withdrawal of troops and no permanent military presence there.

The cost of continuing the war is driving up the huge federal debt. Congress is trading off human needs here and abroad for the war in Iraq. By being there, the U.S military is slowing Iraq's progress toward a democracy that reflects its own culture, history and mores.

The U.S. cannot abandon its responsibility to rebuild Iraq, but the military should leave.

Eppie Turner
Greensboro

Regarding Mary Speidel's letter, "Cable viewers deserve a choice of channels" (Feb. 15), I agree with her 100 percent about all the trashy channels we are subjected to and pay for but never watch.

My main concern is the rate increase. Last month, Time Warner Cable increased another $4. I know a lot of senior citizens who depend on TV for their only entertainment. People on a limited income will soon be unable to afford cable due to these price increases. If people could select and be charged only for the channels they watch, it would help decrease their bill.

On Feb. 15, I called twice and left messages for a return call on the recorder of David Marshall (regional manager of Time Warner Cable). I have yet to hear from him.

No one at TWC has any information on pay-per-channel. I want to know if a plan for pay-per-channel has been implemented and how long it will take to go into effect.

Thank you, Ms. Speidel, for bringing this to the public's attention. My next letter will be to my congressman.

Betty Phillips
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Martha McKee-Koletar

After reading your gasoline-igniting editorial, "Return to Grimsley offers second chance" (Feb. 22), I wanted to rip your hate-mongering editorial into a million little pieces and throw them into the garbage where they belong.

Instead of writing such an inflammatory editorial filled with opinions instead of facts, I think it would have been far more appropriate to write a positive article about the peaceful way Josephine Boyd-Bradley was received and the giant step forward she made in the civil rights movement.

I don't minimize her brave character. In fact, I truly admire her courage and applaud her actions, as it must have been very hard indeed. What I don't admire is your "colored" opinion of this historical occasion. You were not in Greensboro at the time, were you? Greensboro doesn't need your left-wing, hate-filled spewing in the name of righteous journalism.

My brother was a student at Greensboro Senior High at the time she attended and he doesn't remember any bad treatment of her. Most certainly, he would not have been a participant in any such awful behavior.

In addition, I happened to have been in the dime store when those young black students came in and sat down at the counter. I, too, was a part of history. I didn't witness any bad treatment of these students at all.

Why should Grimsley apologize? For what? You have given absolutely no specifics of demonstrated bad behavior but rather espoused damaging rhetorical nonsense. Do you have proof that her family dog was killed because of race? Do you have proof that her father's shop was intentionally burned because of race? Do you have proof that her mother was fired because of race? If so, give this information to us.

You state that she had no friends and that she was taunted. Do you not realize that, unfortunately, lots of kids are taunted? This is not to say that is good, but it is not always because of race.

You and your newspaper are doing terrible harm to a city that once was a great city in North Carolina. You seem to delight in race-baiting and stirring up trouble between the races. Why are you constantly bringing up things that happened more than 40 years ago? There can only be one reason, and it is because you and those of your ilk are the real racists. Stop it. Please let Greensboro go back to what it once was: a city filled with love and hope among all races.

The writer lives in Bolivia, N.C.

In reference to the U.S. National Slavery Museum, I hope that all of our history's facts are shone under a bright light. Here's a few ideas: It is estimated that more whites were in involuntary servitude than all slaves combined. These people were treated worse than blacks because they weren't purchased, thus expendable.

Next is the Emancipation Proclamation. Black Americans especially should read this document. Lincoln is not the "Great Emancipator" millions of children have studied. In its own words: (slaves held) "within any State or designated part of a State the people whereof shall then be in rebellion. …" He "freed" slaves over which he had no control. In 1858, he said, "… I am not in favor of bringing about the social and political equality of the white and black races …"

There are more than 27 million slaves in the world today. Let's hope these can secure their own 13th Amendment, as we have in the "Land of the Free."

Stephen Botts
Whitsett

My family and I have been subscribers to the Greensboro Daily News, Greensboro Record and News & Record for more than 60 years. From time to time, I have contributed to the letters-to-the-editor section as well as the op-ed page. However, I have come to the end of my rope.

As a lawyer, a member of the State Bar Council, and the Chief Justice's Commission on Professionalism, I find your printing the letter by John Griffith (Feb. 24) outrageous. You will recall that Griffith stated that "bagging a Republican and a lawyer with one shot makes a good day of hunting in my book."

If this is your idea of a positive contribution to the public discourse, then I don't have any use for your publication. It would seem to me that with your recent preoccupation with diversity, multiculturalism and similar issues as demonstrated by your attitude concerning the Muslim cartoons, that your publishing this letter is totally hypocritical.

If this is your organization's attitude regarding our legal and political system, then you need a basic course in civics and political science.

Please refund the remaining credits that I have on my subscription and cancel it immediately.

G.S. Crihfield
Greensboro

My husband and I graduated from Andrews High School in the early 1990s. When we attended Andrews, the racial and socioeconomic makeup was largely balanced and provided an accurate view of the world. Our high school experience was very positive.

We graduated from college, got good jobs and now have our own family. We live in the Blairwood area that, with the new redistricting, will be shifted from Andrews to Central. This will move our children to the school that is farthest from our home. However, we support the school board's effort to diversify the schools and wish other parents would do the same.

Public school districts should be drawn for the good of everyone, not for the good of one school or one neighborhood. The best that could happen is for the change to be embraced.

If the effort that was made to fight the redistricting was turned to support for all the schools, the effect would be phenomenal. The teachers, students and administrators need our support now more than ever.

Caroline Rodden
High Point

I sometimes read The Rhinoceros Times for humor, but this time, they have entered the fray on the proper side. As you noted, they recently reprinted two of the famous Danish cartoons that have so disturbed many Muslims.

But America believes in the right to political or even improper speech and the press. We see a sense of humor as necessary to life. We also believe in the right of all religions to meet and worship in their own way. We have those rights because of our heritage and our Constitution with its amendments.

If we should go to war, one good reason would be to protect these rights and to maintain the quality of life that flows from them. Frankly, there is no more appropriate way to fight such a war than with cartoons and free speech.

Why do so few Muslims condemn the killing, rampaging and murdering of innocent citizens in evident violation of the Quran? Has no one noticed that it is the murdering brothers who have placed the bomb on Muhammad's head? The Danish cartoonists merely noticed that the bomb was there.

James D. Deere
Greensboro

Back during 1992 and 1993, I had just moved to Greensboro from Durham due to an unexpected turn of events. I was desperately seeking some sort of solace to help me adjust. One of the ways I discovered to help me cope was spending time at Oka T. Hester Park.

Whether it was no more than listening to music such as Mary J. Blige, Intro, Prince, Snoop Dogg, Shanice Wilson, Eric Sermon, Dr. Dre, or just the radio and dancing on the rear lawn and having fun along the way, or having a slice of Elizabeth's Pizza and a Pepsi, the warmth of the park and all my activities were very comforting. That experience has been dear to me every since.

However, Painter Boulevard has now cut through, and I've begun to notice that the look of the park is changing — way too business-like for my taste. If you've ever visited the park, you know what I mean.

Now it's 13 years later and with warm weather fast approaching, I find myself being reminded of that summer of 1993 again in all of its glory. Let's help bring love, beauty and cuteness back to Oka T. Hester Park.

Karlah Koulibaly
Greensboro

There's nothing more that I detest than a hypocrite. The Republican Party and many of its supporters have just taken the gold medal in this respect.

It was fine with the Republican leaders and their supporters when the Bush administration locked Democratic leaders out of committees when determining the best interests of this country. But the GOP leaders cried foul when the Bush administration left them out of the recent port management deal. If these same people had been holding the Bush administration accountable from day one, they wouldn't now be saying, " I just don't understand."

Bush's parents couldn't do anything with him and neither will his colleagues or supporters be able to. Send him back to Texas or better still, send him to a mental institution along with anyone else determined to take up for him come hell or high water.

Rebecca Thompson
Burlington

Why is it that we do not value those who provide care when we are sick and frail? Most often the people who perform the most intimate of our personal care are not paid a livable wage. We expect them to care for the most fragile members of our society, but we expect them to do so without adequate compensation.

If you or someone you know is receiving care at a hospital, adult day care, long-term care facility or home health company, be an advocate for change. Communicate how you feel about the value of this care. Let the administrators of these organizations know how you feel about the importance of rewarding this care with adequate monetary compensation and benefits.

Anita Brock-Carter
Greensboro

I am writing in regard to the outrageous prices of heating gas. We are a retired couple living off a fixed income, but we are fortunate not to have to pick between medicine and staying warm.

Last month, our gas bill was $421. This month, it was $241. The two months before, it was $129 and $118. My husband called the gas company, and they tried to say they didn't read the meter every month and the month of $421 was because of the two lower months. I say this is a bunch of bull.

Go ahead, folks, we may as well set our thermostats on 80 degrees instead of 69 degrees. I'm going to write the Utilities Commission, and I advise you to do so.

Peggy Carter
Eden

Kathe Latham (letter, "With free speech comes responsibility," Feb. 23) says that Trudy Rubin (column, Feb. 14) and Western media outlets frame the Muslim outrage over attempts at free speech in "far too narrow a context." Latham adds that not talking about the ramifications of inflammatory speech is "simplistic and irresponsible." Is there free speech?

Sure, you can caricature President Bush as a monkey with his finger on the red "nuclear" button with no fear of retribution, but say something stupid even without malice that offends the wrong folks and your life is ruined — see Jimmy the Greek and Al Campanis, to name two.

At any rate, the true simplicity here lies in the minds of Latham, those of her ilk and Muslims worldwide who are so bent out of shape over cartoons but seem to be mute when it comes to such horrors as the beheading of three Christian schoolgirls by Muslims in Indonesia, the murder of hundreds of schoolchildren in Russia by Muslims, the slaughter of thousands of Christians in East Timor by Muslims and the televised beheadings of innocent civilians in Iraq, some of which occurred during shouts of "praise Allah."

Steve Schorr
Browns Summit

For a recent contribution to "Five on Faith" on the worldwide cartoon controversy, I wrote a major caveat (left unprinted): While cartoonists should be free to lampoon, newspapers are equally "free" (wise/culturally sensitive) to choose not to publish such satire. Demographics of subscribers and advertisers' demands usually influence such decisions.

To Jay Callaham, ("Five on Faith," Feb. 18) "Piss Christ" by Andre Serrano is a photograph, not a sculpture. The artist speaks movingly of his spiritual quest in Catholicism. Mother Teresa herself worked in the spirit of Jesus of the dung heap (Golgotha may have been one), working among those cast off by society. "Holy Virgin Mary" by Chris Ofili is not "smeared" but carefully adorned with wrapped, preserved and traditionally honorific African elephant dung.

Ethnocentric bias leads us to project only the features of art we wish to hate, not seeing fully or clearly. Strong, shocking art may provoke us to redirect our eyes and minds.

Jim Langer
Greensboro

The article on the system to regulate cafeteria choices, (Feb. 21, News & Record) very much got my attention. I saw the scene described through the child's eyes.

That boy with the reasonable lunch who made the decision to choose a brownie for dessert had to stand there in the lunch line surrounded by other students while the cashier took one look at his "lunch card" pre-approved by the parent and told him to put back the brownie. Imagine, for a moment, the verbal reactions sure to come from the other students, both immediately and in times to come.

Haven't we had it emphasized again and again how much bullying goes on in school and the possible consequences thereof? Do we intend to give the bullies a ready-made target just by encouraging good eating habits? Aren't discussions about healthy choices best made in ongoing warm and friendly conversations between parent and child?

To have a respectful child, one must treat the child with a sense of respect.

Cindy Holt
Greensboro

This letter is in response to the Feb. 24 News & Record headline, "Lying in court almost risk-free."

It appears that more and more crimes are becoming risk-free. A front-page article the very next day showed that for one noncitizen, a crime (DWI) carries no consequences until a death is finally involved.

A friend of mine was involved in a car accident with a man who had no insurance and no valid driver's license, and the officer let him drive away when it was over. My friend was told that unless a violent crime was being committed, it wasn't worth their time because the courts and jails are already overcrowded.

It is getting harder and harder for me to teach my children to respect authority and the government of this country. I don't understand who is actually in charge and why no one is accountable.

Kathy Long
Stokesdale

Charles Davenport's column, "Beware propaganda in poverty 'studies" (Feb. 26), calls attention to the North Carolina Justice Center's study of the working poor. Let's do some math.

Choose a job from the classifieds: sanitation workers, hotel housekeepers, child-care workers and cashiers are essential in our community. Multiply the hourly wage by 40, then by 4.3 weeks a month, then take 30 percent to see if you can afford housing ($6.50 per hour equals $335 for housing).

Choose an apartment from the classified ads (or look at www.socialserve.com to see available rentals) where rent plus utilities fits your paycheck, along with food, transportation, medical, day care and other expenses.

If your job is a restaurant dishwasher, you and all other dishwashers could go back to school to become journalists to pay the rent, but would there be enough journalism jobs for all and would everyone wash their own dishes in the restaurant?

After doing the math, think again about the Justice Center's statistics for working families in poverty.

Whatever our political persuasions, we can see for ourselves the difficulties of living on the wages paid for essential jobs. As a community, will we do more about housing for the workers upon whom we depend?

Beth McKee-Huger
Greensboro
The writer is director of the Greensboro Housing Coalition.

The Greensboro Police Department's and your editorial response just reveals how immature a "city" Greensboro still is. Obviously, the Greensboro culture is still not accepting of public displays of dissent, discord or controversy and responds to such events with tactics very similar to the former Soviet Union: police repression and intimidation; arrests; and denunciation and distortion in the "official" media.

The city establishment wants to present Greensboro as a vast, placid and generic office park where nothing unusual or unchoreographed ever occurs. But in reality, this city is a volatile melting pot of competing class, race, age and political communities that need to get used to each other as is done in most other mature cities nationwide.

Until such happens, future public demonstrators should make use of today's ample video technology to document such events for witness by this nation and the world.

Duncan Mitchell
Greensboro

Many thanks to the News & Record for the recent article, "Too many doggies in the window," for the editorial, "When puppy love doesn't last," and for the mention most recently of the "tsunami of abandoned puppies." All underscored the acutely overcrowded conditions at Guilford County Animal Shelter due to an unusually high intake of surrendered animals this winter.

These important messages to the public were directly responsible for a record number of visitors and consequent adoptions at the shelter last week. For this we are truly grateful.

However, we still need to find responsible and loving homes for the literally hundreds of orphaned dogs and cats that remain available for adoption. As a community, we must continue to work together to educate our citizens to spay and neuter companion animals in order to begin to reduce this overpopulation crisis.

Barbara G. Williams
Greensboro
The writer is a volunteer and board member, Guilford County Animal Shelter.

My church, Guilford College United Methodist Church, sponsors two Montagnard families. A disturbing event occurred recently, involving one of these families.

That family, along with many other Montagnard families, lives in Glen Haven Apartments. A gang of teenage "thugs" has been terrorizing the residents and vandalizing the complex.

The father of one of our sponsored families had recently purchased a truck to be used in a lawn-care business he has just started. The driver's side window and rear window were completely shot out by these vandals.

I am in the insurance business and work with several glass companies. I related this story to the people at Binswanger Glass Co., who did not hesitate to replace the windows free of charge. It is nice to know that there are people in our business community who respond with compassion in time of need.

The unsung hero in this story is Kent Carter, a member of our church. He has worked tirelessly behind the scenes in helping these families acclimate as they seek a better life. When this vandalism occurred, he was there shortly thereafter providing service, assistance, care, comfort and concern.

David R. Shoulberg
Greensboro

When it comes to fighting global poverty, American politicians are experts at making lofty declarations.

Last July, at a meeting of the world's most powerful leaders — known collectively as the Group of Eight -- President Bush vowed to double U.S. aid to Africa by 2010. Speaking to the United Nations months later, he urged wealthy nations to commit 0.7 percent of their total national income to fight global poverty.

These are commendable goals, but after they were made, the U.S. government has made no real efforts to meet them. Last November, for example, Congress cut billions of dollars from the president's proposed budget for foreign aid. At present, the U.S. government gives a mere 0.16 percent of our national income to fight poverty, ranking our country second to last among developed countries.

As citizens and voters, we have to send a clear message to our representatives that these promises to increase funding for development must be kept.

Bita Emrani
Greensboro
The writer is a high school senior at The Early College at Guilford.

Mecklenburg County probably will continue to vote for the favorite goose that continues to lavish golden eggs on the Queen City, state House Speaker Jim Black.

While probably guilty in the eyes of most citizens of North Carolina, Black likely will never be convicted.

Still, there might be a way to see that he is no longer speaker: Elicit a pledge from every candidate running for the N.C. House that, if elected, "I will not vote for Jim Black to be speaker."

If the candidates won't make this pledge, they will become very vulnerable to their opposition.

As one elected official has said, "This mess stinks. Let's begin to clean up now."

Bill Garrabrant
Raleigh

I'm perplexed by the likes of Jean Gordon and the League of Women Voters who wish to make our jails more comfortable for our local criminals. It would seem to me that the best deterrent for them returning would be the remembrance of what a horrible place it is to spend time.

They (the League of Women Voters) remind me of the Hollywood liberals who were so upset by the execution of the "Crips" leader who murdered four people in cold blood, Tookie Williams.

At worst, they preferred life in prison for Williams. It was pointed out in another article that the cost of life in prison for "Tookie" would pay for four-and-a-half underprivileged young people to attend Stanford University for four years.

Executing a person who has taken four lives, immediately, and using the money to educate four young people is a no-brainer.

Mitch Mitchell
Greensboro

Regarding Sohail Khan's opinion ("Readers discuss cartoon conflict," H4, Feb. 26): The writer must be new to this country. Jesus has been depicted in cartoons, works of "art" and other media far more vulgar than the "turban cartoon." As much as they offend us, we choose to turn the other cheek, not cut it, and all attachments, off.

M.M. Way
Graham

This school board says that it loves the children of High Point, but then with no hesitation board members turn around and contradict themselves.

Compare the consideration the Parkview area had to that of Penn-Griffin. Surveys were made, mileages were detailed and participation in the traditional local neighborhood school was discussed at length. None of this for Parkview children. Has the school board labeled those parents as not "worthy" of input? After Fox 8 went to that area, we now know that many there do not want to be bused either.

Now compare the Ragsdale-Adams Farm proposal to Whites Mill. The words each individual member of the board stated as they voted out that map should be the very same reasons why Whites Mill children should still be at Southwest.

This was a tragic decision for High Point. In the Whites Mill area, many are already selling their houses or looking into private schools. How far north will the school board go when children do not turn up at Welborn?

Meanwhile, none of those that asked for diversity are being bused.

Martin Phillips
High Point

I would like to present a challenge to your paper to research and report on the problems that our school board and superintendant have created. The whole lot seems to be rife with hidden agendas, misappropriation of taxpayer funds and blatant disregard for the betterment of the students, families and the taxpayers.

I, for one, would like you to investigate how our tax money is being spent. So many times in the past we have increased school budgets and given bonds for promised construction, and the money seems to be diverted to other areas. As a taxpayer, I want this group to be held more accountable for their actions.

If the city of Greensboro can fire a police chief over his actions, then we as dissatisfied and angry taxpayers must demand that our elected officials and hired leaders serve residents accordingly or suffer the same fate. The upheaval and anger of taxpayers, parents and students have ramifications that go well beyond the effects of self-interest. I have lost all confidence in the board and Terry Grier. I believe this subject is a relevant and timely one that needs to be thoroughly investigated and reported.

David Pope
Greensboro

I was schooled in the '50s and '60s when the education of students and the assessment of their academic knowledge was a given.

Ironically, 40 years later, much of our educational system has become a cesspool of ignorance and political correctness void of educational purpose.

When the faculty at Harvard rendered a no-confidence vote for their president, Lawrence Summers, it was a sad indicator of the faculty's selfishness and its sheer arrogance, divorced of its duty of properly teaching today's young.

Grade inflation is evident across the educational spectrum. Prominent schools such as Harvard, Princeton, Columbia, MIT and others have sadly acknowledged this fact.

Grade inflation in college shows an uninterrupted seam in the illusion-of-success scam of many students; otherwise, many high school valedictorians would sport averages of C or below in college. Summers wanted to change the system for the better and got fired.

If the arrogance and aloofness continues, Harvard, once the epitome of greatness, will be reduced to community college status -- stifling excellence, condoning failure and accepting mediocrity.

Donald Bernstein
Kernersville

Respect for peoples' beliefs is essential for peace. When we ridicule people's religion or ethnicity or sex or nationality in the name of freedom of expression, they will fight back the way they know best. In the case of Muslims, they felt their best weapon was violence.

I read with interest Fleming Rose's long list of justifications for publishing the trash that has caused so much violence (Ideas, Feb. 26). He mentions a Danish comedian who "had no problem urinating on the Bible in front of a camera." I'd like to ask him if he would treat his own mother's picture with the same despicable disrespect.

The sad fact is that our children will pick up on this attitude and behave without any respect in school and in society, and think it is all part of their freedom guaranteed by our Constitution. Is it any wonder that modern Western society turns out more and more anti-socials and criminals?

I'd like to ask Flemming Rose if he is really happy with the outcome of his cartoons -- if his leap into the absurd was really an act of courage or one of puerile insensitivity.

Matthew Thekkekandam
Greensboro

You published the view of a self-proclaimed agnostic (Feb. 25) who wrote, "organized religion truly is the opiate of the masses." He concluded that old familiar theme with, "How delusional it is to believe that one's religion is 'right' while everyone else's is wrong, and we all know this includes Christians as well."

We all know that a man called Peter was not "delusional" when he said to Jesus, "To whom shall we go, thou hast the words of eternal life, and we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus answered, "Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil" (John 6: 68-71). Only this one named Judas proved to be delusional.

One out of 12 leaves a pretty good percentage of us Christians who are not delusional.

Jim Ellis
Stoney Creek

I was appalled to read on the front page of your Feb. 28 paper that George Bush is proposing cutting the VA health care budget. This after an emergency $1.5 billion had to be allocated in 2005 so the VA system could accommodate the 85,000 new Iraq/Afghanistan veterans needing VA medical assistance.

Imagine the sticker shock when this clueless administration and Congress get the bill for all the benefits due to those they have sent in harm's way.

Historically these benefits have ended up costing nine times what the original wars did. Bush will have to choose between tax cuts for his rich friends or benefits for these veterans.

Jerry Anthony
Greensboro

Are my eyes deceiving me? Did I just read an article in the News & Record titled "Veterans face cut to benefits in '08 budget" (Feb. 28)? Does the Bush administration really plan to cut veterans benefits to help reduce the huge budget deficit? Is this the same President Bush who has exhorted us all to "support our troops" and denigrates any person who questions the wisdom of the war in Iraq with the notion that we are "undermining our troops"?

Does this same president, who set us on the course for war with the one country in the "Axis of Evil" that did not have WMDs or the potential for nuclear weapons, and has contributed in large part to our current huge deficit -- does this same president plan to "ride off into the sunset" at the end of his term in 2008 and reduce the large deficit he helped create -- on the backs of the very soldiers he asked to fight and die or be maimed for life?

What is wrong with this picture, or are my eyes deceiving me once again regarding the Bush administration and its priorities?

Carol P. Stevens
Greensboro

I felt so sorry for Sasha Cohen, the ice skater in the 2006 Olympics. There she was, right on the front page, under the caption "Silver Slipper" (Feb. 24, News & Record), with the story of her falling in the competition for the long skating event.

Why not mention and praise her for finishing first in the short event and winning the silver medal in the long? Why would you print this instead of something positive?

I hope she didn't see it. People who print news can be so insensitive. What would you have written if she were your daughter?

Shirley Austin
Eden

When I was younger, I lived in a house that backed up to the woods. My older brother and I explored and tried to find salamanders. We spent hours in these magical woods. The last time I went to visit, I saw, instead of the wonderful forest, nothing but rows and rows of houses.

As a Boy Scout, I went to a county commissioners meeting last year. We were surprised that the commissioners said yes to every request to rezone land so businesses could build on wooded land.

We are learning in my sixth-grade science class at Kernodle that trees provide oxygen and act as shelter for animals. The woods are also entertaining and educational. I grew up camping with my family and the Boy Scouts and have grown to love the outdoors.

Every day as I ride through town, I see an airport, new houses, gas stations and car washes where trees used to be. Some of this construction is good, but there has to be a limit. Twenty years from now, I would like my kids to be able to play in the woods behind our house and be able to go camping.

Luke Crawford
Greensboro

As vegans, we were very pleased to find your March 1 article defining different types of vegetarians and providing some recipes and Web sites. However, we wonder how you could have omitted one of the most prominent names in the vegetarian/vegan world: PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). No organization has more helpful information, literature, videos, etc., to offer than PETA. They have even written their own cookbook.

They provide informative literature for adults and, appropriately themed, for younger readers, too. They offer schools whatever materials they need to educate students about vegetarian/vegan lifestyles and about ways they can help improve the lives of animals.
PETA is a wonderful organization that has done more than any other to alleviate the suffering of animals around the world. Please provide the following information for your readers who wish to contact PETA: www.PETA.org, GoVeg.com, 1-888-VEG-FOOD.

Patty and Ron McIrvin
Greensboro

I want to talk about how schools should have more technical classes like product design, child development, food technology and graphics products. I think teens would benefit from classes like these because they would be able to use the various skills for all of their activities.

When I lived in England for four years, I learned a lot about these types of technical classes. They have opened up a whole new world of opportunities for me.

For the teens in the United States, their traditional classes don't usually cover these "outside" life-skill activities; so, with these classes, they would be able to learn and use more skills more often.

Justin Pollock
Greensboro

The writer attends Guilford Day School.

In Trudy Rubin's column, "Cartoons have proved their point" (Feb. 10), with all due respect to press freedoms and freedoms of expression, I would like to explain that this issue has nothing to do with fundamentalist or terrorist or radical Islamists.

It has nothing to do with cultural collision or the clash of civilization.

This is about the fact that the right to freedom of expression cannot entail the right to offend the religious sentiments of believers.
As we are Muslim, we have the right to be angry and to protest when our prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was violated and insulted and depicted in a way that offended us. We cannot accept an assault against Islam.

We are an Islamic nation and cannot be silent or be lax when they insult our prophet. We should be defending our prophet. We have every right to feel outrage over 12 drawings that include an image of our revered prophet.

Despite that, I believe in peaceful protests and reject violence as a way to express discontent with what may be printed in the free press. I believe in a dialogue of civilizations, not in a clash of civilizations.

Finally, freedom comes with responsibility -- to be thoughtful about others.

Eissa Elwaleed
Greensboro

Your Feb. 25 Cryptoquote in the Life section was by Abraham Lincoln: "When you have an elephant by the hind legs and he is trying to run away, it is best to let him run."

What he had in mind then we do not know, but his sage advice is apropos to today's crisis in Iraq. Bush and cohorts maneuvered the country into war, surely realizing that an elephant came with the package. However, they chose to ignore repeated reliable warnings. (Be sure to read the front-page article March 1 about the deliberate brush-off.)

Now the elephant is of gargantuan size. Bush is barely hanging on. It's a tug of war. Bush hasn't called "uncle" yet, but neither has the elephant.

Dorothy Meehan
Graham

The United Arts Council of Greater Greensboro would like to congratulate the Greensboro Merchants Association on its 100th-year anniversary. The annual dinner celebration on Feb. 28 was a vibrant and dynamic evening.

We applaud GMA for choosing the arts, specifically Community Theatre of Greensboro, as the medium through which to tell its story. The event was a rousing success, and we were proud to be a part of it.
Thanks for demonstrating the power of the arts, and best wishes in your next 100-year adventure.

Jeanie P. Duncan
Greensboro

The writer is president and CEO, United Arts Council of Greater Greensboro.

The following is a Counterpoint.

By BOB GAINES

I want to thank the manager of the Bridford Parkway PetSmart for allowing Triangle Beagle Rescue to hold an adoption fair at the store on Feb. 12 and WFMY for giving us TV coverage. PetSmart, of course, often hosts such events, a sign of its continuing commitment to community goodwill.

We are having another adoption fair at the PetSmart in Hanes Mall, Winston-Salem, on March 18, which we hope will be equally successful.
For those potential adopters who believe that beagles are a rather "loud" breed, any beagle owner can dispel this rumor. Beagles bark or howl no more than most dogs. That reputation may be due to hunters who keep them in packs in squalid pens, under which circumstance all dogs will bark. Beagles are the most gentle and affectionate of all family companions, as anyone who has a beagle will attest.

We also understand the current plight of the Guilford County Animal Shelter, which has a staggering load of abandoned animals, and we often refer potential adopters there, especially when they cannot afford our much higher adoption fee (because of the veterinarian bills). One of our new foster families just adopted a beagle mix from the shelter, one of many such rescues from the local shelter in recent years.

Relations between breed rescue groups and local shelters can sometimes be strained, but most shelter managers understand that rescue groups can be of great help in stemming the tide of unwanted animals and taking some of the pressure off public animal shelters.
All of us who rescue unwanted animals are, or should be, in the same business -- finding them good homes in order to avoiding killing them in shelters.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

One of Greensboro's native sons, Raymond Rogers, recently passed away at age 83. He will be sorely missed well beyond his family circle, church and hometown.

To remember his humble farm and factory roots, Raymond Rogers wrote — he wrote essays, he wrote poems and his reflections were poignant. Raymond penned lines about ordinary people.

His memoir, "Getting Through the Depression" appeared in The Bobbin & Shuttle magazine as did his poem, "Dewberry" — a dignified retrospective about the garbage man of his boyhood village.

Rogers did not want his mill village family and neighbors to be remembered as "victims" of an industrial tragedy. He proudly shared their values, ethic of hard work, "make-do" spirit and humility. He challenged modern historians for whom mill company "paternalism" has become a dirty word.

It was my honor to know Raymond Rogers — "Mill hill kid," World War II veteran, postal worker, Sunday school teacher and poet.

The movement to preserve the heritage of the South's cotton mill people will miss the power of his words and wisdom. His death reminds us of the need to gather this generation's life stories now, while we can.

Lynn W. Rumley
Cooleemee

Why would we close schools due to student low grades, thus putting all the blame on students and families?

How about poorly qualified teachers, lack of teaching assistants to help problematic students and lack of staff, including principals who really care about the students?

I have worked in problem schools in New York and special programs in reading and math were used, plus all staff had to be dedicated to the students. How about putting the blame where it belongs?

Lenore Reinhard
Greensboro

I think it's safe to say the rate of teen pregnancy is still quite alarming. But how can someone at the age of 15 be a parent if they, themselves, are only a child?

Unfortunately, it's too controversial to teach more about safe sex rather than abstinence in schools because it may push morals and values on someone that contradicts what he or she is taught at home.

Isn't it obvious, though, that these kids are going to do what they want regardless of what they are taught at home?

In addition, teenagers have no concept of the consequences of an unplanned pregnancy and the extent to which their lives will change. Why not, then, provide them with the proper education on safe sex and make contraceptives more available, rather than ignore the fact that this is a huge issue that teens are facing today?

This could potentially reduce the number of unwanted babies that are being conceived, the number of abortions that are performed, and the number of deaths of an infant or mother as a result of these abortions.

While we know that the safest sex is no sex, in many cases no sex is not reality.

Meghan Oftring
Greensboro

Nine months ago our family moved to Jamestown from Syracuse, N.Y. We decided on retirement in the Triad after exploring other areas. I thought I would share some observations about our new home at this time.

The positives: People have been very welcoming in and around Jamestown.

Greensboro is a city that is positive in its outlook with a lot to offer: terrific restaurants, growing cultural and sports venues, beautiful walking and biking trails, beautiful weather, excellent colleges and universities and opportunities to volunteer.

My wife volunteers at the local elementary school and I volunteer at the North Carolina Zoo. Our daughter attends UNCG and loves the area and school.

Yet not everything is perfect no matter where one lives.

Why aren't developers required to help with new educational demands by paying a percent of their profits towards an educational development fund? School enrollments are up and developers should contribute their fair share.

I cannot understand how trash-laden roads such as High Point Road, U.S. 311, N.C. 68 and Business 85 are at all inviting to furniture market visitors or anyone else.

We are happy we moved here and will continue to make positive contributions to our new home.

Kenneth Trager
Jamestown

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Mark Moore

The editorial, "Teach for America" (Feb. 26), concerned the urgent need for science and math teachers in our public schools.

The editorial quoted the president of the UNC system, Erskine Bowles, stating his concern that our universities have produced only a handful of physics teachers in recent years.

In a related news article last week, Bowles made mention of the need to do something about the image of teaching being one of low pay with poor working conditions. I found it unusual that he was concerned with fixing the image instead of the problems.

It is ironic that the late Dr. Richard Feynmann, the physicist who discovered the cause of the Challenger explosion, gave a speech to the National Academy of Sciences in which he said, "Hardly anyone can understand the importance of an idea, it is so remarkable. Except that, possibly, some children catch on. And when a child catches on to an idea, we have a scientist.

"It is too late for them to get the spirit when they are in our universities, so we must attempt to explain these ideas to children."

He said that in 1955. Two years later we had Sputnik and an urgent need to get more science and math in the public schools. Sound familiar?

So what happened? Why this same, new urgency?

The problem is actually very simple to explain. The image of teaching being a low-paying job with poor working conditions is a reality.

College students have figured out there are more lucrative and satisfying professions to which to aspire. Sadly, they think there are better endeavors and who can blame them?

Let's face facts. A teacher has to work approximately 25 years and hold an advanced degree before making $50,000 per year.

This doesn't bode well for anyone wanting to have children, a decent car and a median-priced home in Guilford County.

If salary isn't reason enough for a teacher shortage, ask any teacher about student discipline and the pressures of end-of-grade testing accountability.

While we're looking at this emergency, perhaps the News & Record could do some reporting on how much North Carolina spends on our universities versus elementary, middle and secondary schools.

The writer is an Advanced Learner teacher at Brooks Global Elementary School.

I am glad your paper printed the story (March 4) of Anya Romanet's crusade to raise money for a maternity hospital in her native Moldova. We, in this country, don't realize how fortunate and blessed we are to have the wonderful hospitals that we do.

The article states that the hospital in Moldova has no heat or running hot water, even in bitterest weather. Newborn babies are cleaned with water heated in a dirty tub, and the mortality rate is 40.4 deaths per 1,000 births. Anya (age 19) is trying to raise $165,000 to bring heat and hot water to this pitiful hospital.

There are so many desperate needs in all parts of the world and in our own country as a result of Katrina. It would be easy to shrug and say this is just one more. But I have an idea: If all the wonderful medical staffs of our local hospitals alone would take up a collection of "A Mother's Smile," I'll bet that goal of $165,000 could be reached. Please pass this suggestion on to any nurse or doctor you happen to know.

God bless you, Anya, for your very worthy crusade, and may you reach your goal.

Vivian Robinson
Jamestown

Now that the majority of the school board has spoken, it is time to break up Dudley and Northwest. What is so good for High Point must be good for all. It must be the mission of the school board members now so they will not be labeled hypocrites.

Even the editor of the paper should demand this socioeconomic policy. I am sure the editor did not worry about where his children would attend school when he bought a house. If he did, then he is surely a hypocrite. He may even send his children to private school. If so, then he needs to keep his opinions to himself.

Of course, I am totally frustrated with the entire situation. In some cases, the board cherry-picked neighborhoods (Meadows at Jamestown) to change schools. This may be or should be illegal. I feel sorry for all the extra busing and the kids who want to play sports but cannot due to lack of personal transportation home. But, hey, it will make everyone smarter.

Charles Poston
Jamestown

In George Will's recent column (March 5) about John Edwards, he decries Edwards' embrace of a paradigm of poverty that "has been refuted by four decades of experience." He implies that, unlike himself, politicians such as Edwards do not have the time to truly master any subject.

Will is correct in asserting that the current paradigm (at least in the minds of conservatives like himself) explains poverty as resulting from "nonmaterial deficits" such as "punctuality, hygiene, industriousness and deferral of gratification." His assumptions that Edwards' paradigm has been refuted and the new paradigm is better, however, were never addressed.

The change in paradigm may reflect a loss of political will to address poverty rather than a discrediting of an understanding that poverty is produced by economic and political forces as well as behaviors that are influenced by those forces.

What Will does in his column is expose the current paradigm in all of its ugliness -- that the poor are to be blamed for their poverty and the wealthy are to be admired for their efforts. Perhaps such a self-serving bias is needed by affluent conservatives to justify their efforts to dismantle social safety nets while supporting tax breaks for the wealthy.

Robert Aronson
Greensboro

Matt Brown stated that we had several interested people looking to place an ice hockey team in Greensboro; however, it had to be done quickly if we wanted a team for 2006. Apparently, he has not been able to close that deal and instead puts a worthless arena football team here. There is no semblance between that sport and real football.

I think we desperately need a new coliseum director. Joel Coliseum beats us out for the big events and it is a much smaller venue than ours. Jim Oshust had his problems, but at least he could land first-class events. As has been stated before, we have the largest arena in the country without a permanent occupant.

In conclusion, Greensboro must be satisfied with mediocrity.

Don Edwards
Greensboro

I am writing this in reference to Doug Clark's Second Opinion column (March 1) about Michael Brown. Clark has given quite a few words to telling the story of Michael Brown. The volunteer work that he does is great, but actions speak louder than words.

My question is, is he willing to support his words with some action? It would seem like the News & Record, with its resources, could find some work for Michael Brown to do. It seems like what he needs is help in getting employment reestablished so that he can move on with his life and career. Are Clark and the News & Record willing to help him in this?

Bob Ketay
High Point

I read the editorial (Feb. 21) about the honor being bestowed on Josephine Boyd Bradley. I am very happy that she is getting recognized for the brave stand she took during the early stages of the civil rights movement. I have often thought about her, and I am sure I could not have done what she did. She certainly deserves the recognition Greensboro (Grimsley) High is giving her.

As a member of the class of 1958, however, I think your editorial was unfair to the majority of students who were at Greensboro High that year. While I am sure there were some unpleasant incidents, most students were not involved in them. I was active in student government, and I know a real effort was made by the student government and many other organizations on campus to make her year as pleasant as possible. Many of us felt it was not fair to her to be the only black person at GHS, a decision certainly not made by the students.

I must add that the person who took the famous picture of the sit-ins at Woolworth's two years later was Rufus Russell, a friend of mine and also a member of the "infamous" class of 1958.

Peggy Sink Fitzpatrick
Ellicott City, Md.

I read with interest your editorial, "Right decision, but not a shared vision" (Feb. 25). I would not be surprised to learn the editors are graduates of Guilford County public schools. The title and the contents did not match. There were no supporting arguments for the declaration it was the "right decision."

I find it hard to believe the majority want "the best possible education for students." It seems the current goal is to mix up the students via redistricting and magnet schools to make it harder to track and compare test scores. Putting students into AP courses just to increase the numbers and get Guilford County on a national list isn't in the best interest of the students. I agree that having higher standards and tougher courses would be beneficial, but if you place students in classes much above their abilities, what does that truly accomplish? I know I would not gain much by being placed in a class with nuclear physicists.

One of the best indicators of student success is parental involvement and expectations. How can parents be involved if they cannot even get to the school? Building auxiliary gyms and new administration buildings hardly supports the goal to "provide the best education possible."

Susan Smoot
McLeansville

Several of Scott Culclasure's comments (letter, March 1) surprised me coming from a former scout leader.

First off, his time in scouting should have availed him to the fact that people sometimes make mistakes and that everyone should be allowed to redeem themselves.

Secondly, that he would believe what he reads and hears from those reporting the facts as the truth in its entirety. The comments I made were much closer to, "Short of having someone like Billy Graham or an astronaut like John Glenn or Jim Lovell speak, almost anyone you put up there is going to be controversial."

He made no suggestions of alternate speakers. To question what I might believe based on what was printed, versus what I said, is not very scout-like. A phone call could have cleared it up. Too many people take what is reported as the whole truth when in fact it is often edited to make a point.

If scouting had more volunteers and additional donors inside this council, we would not have to look outside for help. North's visit was about money, money to continue teaching scouting's message of "Do My Best," to build a better boy. To volunteer, call 378-9166.

Tom Franklin
Greensboro

"When statesmen forsake their own private conscience for the sake of their public duties ... they lead their country by a short route to chaos." When playwright John Bolt attributed this quote to Sir Thomas More in his 1960 work, "A Man For All Seasons," he was criticizing politicians who see no pause in sacrificing their beliefs for political expediency. The public has come to regard this sad trait in politicians as acceptable.

It is not only unusual, then, but particularly shocking in our time to find an individual in public office who is willing to sacrifice personal gain for his beliefs. Your Feb. 25 article about reform-minded John Blust invokes that type of shock as he has seen his position relegated to the back rows and dungeons of the state House in exchange for preserving his integrity.

For those citizens who still care about what goes on in Raleigh (and how that impacts your community), now is the time to support principled public servants like John Blust and reroute the ship away from destination chaos.

Eric A. Richardson
Greensboro

On page A6 (March 1), the News & Record decided to print a questionable article about our troops in Iraq and some meaningless poll.

First, any combat soldier/Marine will tell you he wants to go home; it is only natural. It has no meaning except, "I would rather be home."

Second, a poll taken in a combat area borders on ridiculous. The next questions will be: "How do you like the food?" "How is your ammunition working today?" "Did you sleep well last night?"

What is the purpose of printing such a column, to fill up space? In the last sentence the writer does indicate that troops in a combat zone will be negative about their situation. The survey is ridiculous and so are the writers of the article and those who print it. Another example of professional journalism.

Don Mulligan
High Point

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Billy F. Hammack

Jackie Robinson died at 53, a brief flicker of light in the life of a real American hero. Baseball was his game, but civil rights was his passion.

A grandson of a slave and son of a sharecropper, Jackie could have failed miserably but was taught true moral values by his mother. He was a competitor and a fighter and was not nonviolent, but he became an ally and friend of Martin Luther King Jr. during the civil rights movement of the 1950s and '60s.

Jackie broke the color barrier in 1945 in the minors and in 1947 in the majors. The Brooklyn Dodgers gave Jackie a chance and he suffered in silence until he retired in 1956. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1962. What a man of courage.

Jackie died too soon in 1972. Baseball justly removed the number 42 from the backs of all baseball players to recognize the game's Most Valuable Player.

Jackie gave so much to his people and the civil rights movement. He once said, "We ask for nothing special. We ask only to be permitted to live as you live as our Constitution provides."

A faded picture shows Jackie stealing home in 1955, a year before he retired. He slid into the business community and became an ardent supporter of the NAACP during his latter years.

After a month-long celebration of civil rights, you could say don't forget the "field of dreams" that Jackie inspired. The dream is still alive, the dream is becoming a reality, but does the table of brotherhood include you?

As my two grandsons love baseball and play it with style, I am thankful that they do not have the same challenge that Jackie had. They are white and he was black, but they look on him as an American hero.

But the example that Jackie set has been forgotten by the black community. He had the nerve to "talk white." He had the nerve to become successful. To talk, dress and act like the success he was. He was the first but not the last.

Anyone would be well-served to study Jackie's life and emulate his courage and his faith.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

I saw your article about the Jefferson-Pilot "merger" with Lincoln Financial. I assume you have a copy of the agreement mailed out to shareholders a couple of weeks ago, but if not, I would certainly like to bring it to your attention.

I am really disgusted that they would "sell us out" like they did. It is up to the Lincoln directors as to whether we can retain our shares, which I have been buying for some 24 years. I have purchased shares for my three grandchildren through the transfer agent, under the gifts to minors act. Don't know what will happen to those.

Also, if the Lincoln directors see fit to "take away our shares," they will do so at about $5 less than the market price. How can this be?

I would like to see this exposed and some answers as to what the shareholders can do about it.

Richard Stum
Greensboro

Although I'm just in my late 50s, I have a granddaughter in her first year of college. Therefore, your article and the other write-ups addressing the co-ed dorm rooms remind me how upset the idea makes me.

Are the college officials just immoral, or do they lack common sense? It would seem maybe both answers the question.

Our young people need good examples in parents, grandparents and school officials. They also need policies that support decency and sensible arrangements.

I'm surprised more Quakers aren't speaking up to protest the potential co-ed policy for Guilford College.

Carol M. Pulliam
Oak Ridge

In 2011, ex-President Bush emerges from private life to promote his memoir in an exclusive Barbara Walters interview. He's tanned, trim and eager to rebuff recent charges by former cabinet members and staffers. He says planting "seeds of democracy" in the Middle East was his greatest achievement.

When Walters cites the week's body count, he insists the "situation is still developing" but "one day people will thank the U.S." for invading Iraq. He predicts that bin Laden will soon be captured. His face darkens when Walters quotes an open letter written by the Swift Boat Veterans of Iraqi War who accuse him of having "lost Iraq."

He spends a third of the interview discussing his faith but falls short of criticizing extremists camped by his ranch who've demanded he explain why his administration failed to have Roe v. Wade overturned.

When Walters suggests that Bush's great-grandchildren will be paying for his administration's huge debts, he shrugs. He ignores her questions about his lobby group assisting oil companies doing business in repressive nations. He says he has "not had the chance" to visit New Orleans since the 2005 flood.

He jokes about his golf game.

Andrew Young
Greensboro

Thanks to Katie Reetz for telling readers how easy it is to be vegan ("Vegetarian diets have many variations," March 1). I've been vegan for more than 13 years and can attest that there are many great-tasting meat and dairy alternatives, such as Boca Burgers, Gimmie Lean meatless sausage, Morningstar Farms veggie steak strips and chik'n strips, Soy Delicious non-dairy ice cream, Wholesoy yogurt, and more, available in many supermarkets and health food stores.

Most ethnic restaurants offer a variety of vegan and vegetarian options; Starbucks offers Silk soymilk, Burger King offers a BK Veggie, and even the military offers vegetarian MREs.

I encourage anyone who wants more information to visit GoVeg.com and watch "Chew on This," a thought-provoking video listing 10 of the most compelling reasons to go — and stay — vegan. New vegetarians can also order PETA's free 30-Day Veg Pledge pack, which includes a DVD, helpful cooking and shopping tips, coupons, delicious recipes, and expert nutritional advice, online or by calling 1-888-VEG-FOOD.

Heather Moore
Norfolk, Va.

The author is a senior writer for PETA.

On March 4, a reader wrote regarding the Boy Scout fund-raising breakfast with Oliver North and asked, "How do we explain this to our children?" I have not found any children interested in this issue, but I did corner my 6-year-old nephew while he was doing his schoolwork.

I explained that Oliver North is a best-selling author, television personality and decorated Marine who made serious mistakes 20 years ago. I told him that more than 300 adults paid a lot of money to hear North speak to benefit the Boy Scouts. He asked why the Scouts have to raise money, and I explained that only a portion of their support comes from the United Way. He asked why the Scouts didn't get a different speaker. I said that Rosemary Roberts had suggested they get a noncontroversial speaker but that I doubted anyone would pay much for that.

He told me Col. North's visit is a great idea and that he is more concerned that I am bothering to read what Rosemary Roberts writes. I promised him I would do better. My young nephew is a smart guy.

Barry A. Smith
Greensboro

I found your Feb. 27 article, "Hot Plates — North Carolina offers 100 different ways to express yourself," interesting but certainly not revolutionary. For at least 40 years, my "personalized" license plate has read "SAVEARTH." I think that remark is superior to any of the 10 most popular plates you listed, but I admit that my cause is prejudiced.

John West
High Point

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Jack Elam

From 1978 to 1985, I was chairman of the Process Gas Consumers Group with headquarters in Washington at the main office of our counsel — Sutherland, Asbill, and Brennan. PGC is a group of Fortune 500 users of large amounts of natural gas. Our primary concerns were adequacy of supply and cost. As supplies diminished, our efforts increased. (For Cone Mills, I entered into seven contracts to assure delivery of gas to our finishing plants.)

We got the attention of President Reagan and the Congress. I met with the president and his staff with about 12 invited members of other interested groups, and urged that he use his influence to protect supplies and direct that price be based on a free market. (We were told he could only stay for 15 minutes. He stayed for 30 and told us a very funny story about lawyers and seemed entirely relaxed. The next day we invaded Grenada.)

At this time Ken Lay was the CEO of Houston Natural Gas Co., a relatively small supplier. I asked Ken to have lunch with me and speak at our next PGC meeting. He accepted, was well received, and strongly supported our program.

Ken and I were asked to appear before Senate and House committees to discuss our views on natural gas issues, which we did. During this time, we lunched together five or six times and became friends. I got to know him well and admired him, which I still do. One trait we share is that neither of us is a "figures" man. (I struggle with my bank statement each month.)

In retrospect, I know that he built Enron with his personality and his marketing ability. He surely had to depend on people he trusted, and I believe with all my heart that he was ultimately betrayed by those people he depended upon to do the numbers while he put together deals to build Enron.

Along with the Enron employees who have suffered terrible losses, he will be destitute and may go to prison. If he does, that will be a miscarriage of justice. It is too bad that the media have already ruined his reputation before a verdict is reached in his trial. The media coverage may make a fair trial impossible.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

I'm not a parent with a child involved in the new "High Point Plan." I don't live in that district. I'm a Guilford County taxpayer.

Two of the letters published thus far make it sound as if this is a racial issue among the parents and teachers. Wrong. I question the motives of the members of the board who voted to bus children for "diversity."

The schools and neighborhoods involved are diverse. How much diversity is enough?

The parents want neighborhood schools. They have that right. Why are schools that are less diverse not targeted? Check the percentages. Contact the school board and ask this question.

The new plan will bus students to schools miles from their homes. This is a hardship. If the child misses the bus, how do you get them there if you have no car? How do you pick up a sick child? How do you get to parent conferences?

Once again, the poor suffer. The cost of fuel for busing could be better used. The only way for this to be reversed is for one of the six to bring it up. Contact them and ask for another vote to return us to neighborhood schools.

Carol Dunn
Greensboro

On Feb. 22, the legislators in South Dakota passed a bill that outlaws virtually all abortions, even in cases of rape or incest. This act is a direct attack on the personal lives and health of women all over the United States, not just in South Dakota.

If the politicians in South Dakota are truly concerned with reducing the number of abortions, maybe they should work with groups like Planned Parenthood to increase access to birth control and sex education.

Akeesha Harris
Greensboro

It was one of "those days."

My favorite bathrobe was not on the hook, I had to add water to my shampoo, the coffee filter slipped, the bird feeder was being attacked by squirrels, wind had scattered limbs over the yard, my paper was late, rough day at work, missed my church service. Who could I blame? How about our president? He should be accountable.

How pathetic does this seem? I don't agree with every choice he has made, but I voted for him, and I will get off my "high horse" and on bended knee and pray for him, and all our leaders. May God bless America. We sure need it.

Deane S. Taylor
Summerfield

After watching the Oscars, I am amused at the members' message of fighting the ills and injustices in our world. As a youth growing up without TV, I went to the movies regularly and watched "Our Gang," Tarzan, Stepin Fetchit and movies in which black people were always causing problems and getting into trouble. I knew from these characters in the movies that there was a difference in people.

Buckwheat showed the world how big and white his eyes could get and how much his hair stood straight out when he was scared. Tarzan always whipped up on the black natives, Stepin Fetchit played roles that made him act like an idiot. Hooray for Hollywood.

Then along came the movie, "The Thomas Crown Affair," in which the crook got to keep the money, the girl, and a plane trip to freedom. My generation was taught that smoking and drinking were what the stars did. That the glitz of Hollywood trumped the pits of West Virginia. As for racism, Los Angeles is a good example of race-relations efforts, isn't it?

Thanks again, Hollywood, for all your good intentions in helping to solve the problems you helped create in the first place.

G. Alden Smith
Greensboro

On the March 5 front page, you ran the headline, "Bias preserved in deeds." My thinking when I read this was, "Yeah, that was pretty rotten, but it happened 60 years ago. Why revisit an old wrong when that wrong has already been righted?"

Then in the Counterpoint, "Editorial provokes racial trouble" (March 6), I read that I am not the only one who thinks you are still stuck in the past. The article calls you to task for race-baiting, and I agree with the writer that you are doing terrible harm to Greensboro with your inflammatory agenda.

Do you think your written articles are making Greensboro a more united or a more divided place to live? I think you are making Greensboro more racist, and that is a very bad thing.

George Russell
Whitsett

In the March 3 Washington Post [registration required], Eugene Robinson wrote, "Some in the administration are now calling it (the Iraq War) 'the long war,' which indicates no end in sight." Can we doubt the truth of this statement since President Bush has said that our troops will stand down only when Iraqi troops stand up? Now informed that not a single battalion of Iraqi troops can function without the support of U.S. troops, three years after the onset of the war, we have to wonder just when that day will be.

In the Feb. 17 issue of the News & Record it was reported, "U.S. military spending for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan will rise to $115 billion for this year -- nearly $400 billion since the fighting started ..." With no end in sight, how long can we continue to spend $2.5 billion a week in Iraq? Perhaps the insurgents in the Middle East are using the same tactics that we used on the Soviet Union, when we used competitive military spending to force them into near bankruptcy.

Further, how many more of our brave men and women will be killed or maimed before this war ends? "The answer, my friends, is blowing in the wind."

Joy Gann Brown
Mayodan

The United States and a few of its allies still suffer from the age-old idea of white supremacy. After all, up to maybe 30 years ago, white supremacy was the law of the land in America, as well as in South Africa, among other places. That's why it is so sad that, after all the injustice, murders and terrorism black people faced (not from Islamic extremists, but from Confederate flag-waving Americans), we still see these same injustices inflicted upon Muslim people across the world.

To draw a derogatory picture of the Prophet Muhammad is the equivalent of drawing a derogatory picture of Martin Luther King Jr. during the civil rights movement. If you can't see that, maybe you are the same type who didn't see anything wrong with the racist practices of the past, and that's truly pathetic.

Nicholas Mabry
Greensboro

I fail to see your reward in the incessant bashing of the tobacco industry. Your creating a dilemma in this concern can only encourage troublemakers to force plant closings.

We are suffering daily with manufacturers moving plants and hundreds of closings eliminating millions of jobs. These moves increase taxes and government liabilities with unneeded pressures on the overworked few who can least afford it.

How wise would we be to focus on preserving our resources rather than to continue to eradicate them? We need to show more concern and desire to improve or community and help create a more desirable world in which to live and rear our families.

It is imperative that we continue to support our government and manufacturers. We can survive.

Elizabeth Way Breazeale
Greensboro

There was a time when GOP was the grandiose acronym for the "Grand Old Party," meaning the Republican Party. However, the recent activities of this political group could more accurately be described with the acronym: "Greed Overwhelms Probity."

This is confirmed by the manner in which Corporate America has taken control of our government through the GOP and is destroying the egalitarian character of our democracy.

It is time to return to the basic tenets of our Constitution.

Richard Zachary
Greensboro

Mitch Mitchell (letter, March 8) wonders why the League of Women Voters wants to coddle inmates in the jails.

Look at it this way. Say you weighed 180 pounds when you graduated from college. Now you weigh 300 pounds. You would have had to buy larger clothes. It's the same with the jail. The 1994 study recommended a new jail. The capacity of the Guilford County jails was 562. The average number of inmates was 570 (with a high of 605). The cost seemed too high. We decided to try alternatives.

Some space in the Greensboro jail was converted to house inmates. Now the capacity is 672. The average number of inmates last year was 866 (with a high of 952). What to do? Read the Kimme report. Go have a look at the Greensboro and High Point jails. Inmates are sleeping on the floor in hallways or on tabletops and the floor in day rooms. Most are waiting for their day in court; they have not yet been convicted.

Guilford County continues to grow, and with it the number of inmates in the jails. Something needs to be done. Do you have a better idea?

Emily Herman
Greensboro

The mental health reform plan of 2002 was intended to make services for those with mental illness easier and more accessible, but the opposite has occurred. The Guilford Center, which was the guru for mental health services, has now divested its services into the community and is now the LME (Local Management Entity) for Guilford County.

Many case managers at the Guilford Center have lost their jobs. Area community service providers, which must be approved by the Guilford Center, contract with the center to provide services to the mentally ill. These community services providers are now taking the service orders and doing the assessments. Guilford Center now gives referrals to clients to agencies that provide mental health services. Instead of going to one place to obtain help, those with mental illness must search out their own help through referrals. Who follows up on these individuals to ensure that services have been provided?

Has this reform made it easier for those experiencing mental illness? Has the buck been passed once again to those who are stigmatized by a society that is afraid to try to understand mental illness and the devastation it can bring to an individual and/or family?

Debbie York
High Point

How encouraging to see that the Greensboro Coliseum is now smoke-free and that the incidence of teenage smoking is decreasing.

Sadly, on a recent trip through the airport terminal, I was appalled at the strong odor of smoke coming from the lounge area on the concourse. It was uncomfortable to buy food in the nonsmoking area because the smell was so pungent. This is the first impression visitors to the Triad get upon landing. Not only is this unhealthy for the employees and passengers at PTI, but is this the impression we want to give others who visit us? If Chicago's O'Hare Airport is smoke-free, there is no reason why Greensboro's airport shouldn't be smoke-free.

William E. Morris Jr.
Eden

On March 3, a 22-year-old Iranian-born student named Mohammed Reza Taheri-azar drove an SUV onto the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill, deliberately trying to kill people and succeeding in injuring nine. After the incident, he seemed singularly pleased with himself, smiling and waving to crowds after a court appearance, at which he explained that he was "thankful for the opportunity to spread the will of Allah."

Taheri-azar said that he wanted to kill people on the UNC campus in order to "punish the government of the United States for their actions around the world." Specifically, he wanted to "avenge the deaths of Muslims around the world."

There are those who shy away from calling this an act of terrorism because he acted alone and has no ties to any terrorist groups. Nevertheless, it seems clear from his own words that Islam motivated his actions. Meanwhile, I thought that Islam was the religion of peace.

If Muslim violence continues within our country, there is a simple remedy, FDR's Executive Order 9066. This time it will be Muslim internment.

Jason Motley
Winston-Salem

They say that those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat its failures. Let us conduct a history lesson.

September 1941: Hitler invades Poland and other European nations while getting the Holocaust moving full speed ahead.

October 1942: Under the "Trading With the Enemy Act," the U.S. government alien property custodian halts operations at New York's Union Banking Corp. A bank official is said to be running Nazi front groups in the United States. His name is Prescott Bush, the current president's grandfather. Companies financed by UBC included the Silesian-American Corp., which had a director named George Herbert Walker. Sound familiar?

September 2001: Buildings in New York and the Pentagon are attacked by Arab radicals, 17 of whom have connections to Saudi Arabia.

In 2002: President Bush invites leaders of the Saudi royal family to a barbecue at his Texas ranch. (Among other things, they complained about women at the airport.)

In 2006: President Bush vows to veto (which would be his first veto ever) any bill stopping a United Arab Emirates company from taking over operations at six major U.S. seaports, even though Bush admits he was unaware of the deal.

Gee, the more things change, the more they seem to remain the same.

Ed Creamean
Danville, Va.

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Rev. Odell Cleveland and Brad Miller

We recently joined many community leaders in Greensboro to talk frankly about how intertwined local and national issues have become and how our community can address them.

In talking through the proposed program cuts in the federal budget, the conversation regarding job training programs was spirited. Much is at stake in having a trained work force as our economy moves from a manufacturing base to technology and distribution. The programs that train new and dislocated workers have been cut by about $120 million over the last three years and are vulnerable again this year.

Key questions that arose at our recent meeting are: What is being done to hold on to successful job training programs, and what do you say to people who depend on these programs to improve the economic standings of their families?

The Welfare Reform Liaison Project has helped our community through innovative education and job-training programs that prepare people affected by the whirlwind of economic change. It succeeds because of its ability to partner with the government, businesses, the faith community and other nonprofits.

Concerned citizens should be aware of the consequences associated with some of the budget proposals. The Federal Community Service Block Grant -- the allocation that supports WRLP in important ways -- is slated for elimination in President Bush's 2007 budget.

We need to take an honest look at the impact budget cuts have on programs that truly assist people in achieving self-sufficiency. We believe in cutting wasteful spending but believe it is wasteful to cut effective programs.

The Rev. Odell Cleveland is president/CEO, Welfare Reform Liaison Project Inc.; Brad Miller is a member of Congress, 13th District.

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Richard A. Koritz

The editorial, "Alleged UNC driver defies 'will of Allah,' " March 7, ends with a lecture to "Muslim American leaders" that they should "teach their young people that violent responses to perceived grievances violate the will of Allah." Together with "other Americans," "they should condemn hatred and work to create more peaceful communities." It all sounds very reasonable. But much is missing.

There is no mention of the U.S. government, the intended subject of UNC-Chapel Hill graduate Mohammed Reza Taheri-azar's violent act. There is no mention of the ongoing war being waged by this government against the Muslim people of Iraq. Nor that this war of occupation waged by the United States was and remains based on faulty intelligence. Finally, there is no lecture to Jewish and, especially, Christian leaders to teach their young people anything different.

The people of the United States now know that the two arguments used by President Bush to justify the U.S. military invasion of Iraq were lies. (Remember WMD and the alleged "link" between Saddam and Osama.) Thanks to the Downing Street memo, etc., most of us now realize that the Bush leadership knew they were lies when it foisted them on us. Yet, the U.S. population, made up predominantly of Christian and Jewish Democrats and Republicans, has allowed the Bush government to continue its war of military occupation against this Muslim country. We have continued to finance the war with our taxes and provided our sons and daughters as cannon fodder. We have failed to demand that Bush be impeached for war crimes.

The News & Record editorial lecture is one-sided and misdirected. "Charity begins at home." We can begin to "create more peaceful communities" by doing everything in our power to support our troops in Iraq by bringing them home now.

The latest poll shows that 72 percent of these U.S. troops in the field have bravely expressed the view that the U.S. military should pull out immediately or within the next 12 months. In the face of their military training, discipline and brainwashing, our troops know that there is no just reason why the United States is occupying the Muslim country of Iraq.

Join us at our weekly Monday afternoon "Bring the troops home now" vigil on the corner of Friendly and Eugene streets from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. No more blood for oil.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

Well, gee. That was easy. So, Homestead gets off scot-free for bilking the citizens of Guilford County and the homeowners they pretended to assist. Wow. That's some district attorney we've got. Let's see, his excuse for not prosecuting was, "well, uh, there really was, like, nothing we could trace because, you know, like, they didn't keep good records." Well, duh.

Have you ever heard of scam artists, Mr. District Attorney? That's what they do so well — confuse holy heck out of inept DA's offices by authorizing illegal activities after the fact and just not keeping good and accurate records — on purpose — while buying tons of bling and escaping from the toils of exploiting the impoverished and underprivileged.

Hello. Honestly. What on earth do the municipal officers in this county really, really do?

Lonnie Groendes
Greensboro

To the city of Greensboro: Congrats on hosting another successful ACC Tournament. Having been to this event in Charlotte, and last year in Washington, D.C., it was great to find friendly people in the restaurants and bars, no crowds to deal with, and very light traffic around town. My friends and I had a super time and look forward to returning.

Note to ACC: The tournament belongs in Greensboro permanently.

Jimmy Graham
Mooresville

Playing the "blame game" is old hat and essentially nonproductive, fueling more circular argument and polarization (divide and conquer is not a wise strategy). Precious time and energy go to waste, and our children's educational fate slowly spirals downward.

Yes, I said our children, for I believe we are not only our brother's keeper but, more importantly, our children's keeper.

We, the team, consisting of all individuals involved in the lives of the children — parents, guardians, educators, clergy, caretakers, caseworkers and the like — must unite to foster the success of children. We must be willing to sacrifice our time, talent and finances (we must sacrifice equally, not give equally) toward our greatest treasure — our children; for where your heart is, there will your treasure be also.

Linda Wheatley
Greensboro

The photo of Al Skinner, Boston College's basketball coach (March 12), is yet another example of racism on behalf of your paper's editors. Coach Skinner is shown as a flaming, wild-eyed lunatic, whereas Coach Mike Krzyzewski is pictured as a character with a calming, counselor demeanor.

These contrasting photos seemingly speak to the hearts and minds of your editors who approved of their publication.

Moreover, the picture of Coach Skinner lets your black readers know exactly what the News & Record thinks of their heroes and role models.

James N. Fuller
Johnny B. Hodge
Greensboro

H. Scott Hoffmann/News & Record

Joseph Rodriguez/News & Record

Boston College coach Al Skinner (top) confronts a referee during the ACC Tournament. Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski gives a hug to Wake Forest’s Justin Gray after Duke’s victory. The photos were published on different pages Sunday.

It's inexcusable to conclude there are no criminal charges in the Project Homestead fiasco. Is there no recourse for taxpayers who financed this mess?

Surely, City Council members who authorized the project, provided tax dollars and failed to audit it, despite warnings from the city auditor, for fear of losing the Rev. Michael King's votes, must bear some liability, not just responsibility that is already well established. I mean real "liability."

If the laws protect them from fines or jail time, they should forfeit their seats. They were elected as stewards of the taxpayers' dollars and guardians of city assets and they failed on both counts. They have lost any right to their seats.

If any current or previous council member profited directly, via a below market rate loan, below appraised value property, or any other means, they should repay the city for their gain.

The SBI report, paid for by taxpayers, must be made public immediately.

The News & Record should identify council members who voted in favor of Project Homestead and failed to vote for constant monitoring.

The March 13 editorial states, "Some council members chose to ignore a city auditor's warnings…" Name them. They immediately should be removed.

Dixon Johnston
Greensboro

We who are trapped in the absurdity of the current administration, encourage the Democrats to get their act together and their slate ready.

I, for one, would like this ticket: Al Gore ( intelligent, politically experienced, committed to saving the Earth) and Nancy Pelosi (isn't it time we had a woman with the right values begin this ascent?).

But then, again, who would want to have to fix the mess Bush has made of everything?

Everything: the unreasonable war, now with more dead and injured Americans than were lost in Sept. 11; the loss of respect of most all other countries in the world; the unprecedented debt, now ready to exceed the legal limit of $8.2 trillion; the rejection of the UN demand for action on the detainees; the total destruction of the environment, from glaciers to national forests, even North Carolina's barrier "islands in peril" (News & Record, March 8) due to rising tides — global warming.

Maybe the real solution is to leave the whole thing in Republican hands and watch them squirm to get out of the total mess they've made.

Gay Cheney
Browns Summit

The picture of J.J. Redick on the front page (March 9) shows why I believe your paper has been anti-Duke for as many years (40) I have been a subscriber. The picture had been previously printed with another story about basketball. I am sure you have many other pictures of J.J. that would be a better than a picture that does not show his true personality.

I would bet my bottom dollar Maria C. Johnson, who wrote the article, is a UNC graduate or a dedicated fan.

Bernard Zales
Greensboro

Editor's note: Johnson graduated from the University of Kentucky.

In your article on Oliver North's fund-raising speaking engagement to benefit the Old North State Boy Scout Council, (March 8), Maurice Hull, vice president of the sponsoring group, claims that scouting has been unfairly labeled as a right-wing organization. He then states, "That's simply not true. We're tolerant of all religious beliefs."

Religious beliefs are not the issue here. Oliver North is not a religious leader in any forum. He is a leader in numerous right-wing political organizations for which he's an outspoken pundit.

To invite a widely recognized voice of right-wing politics in our country as principal speaker for a major fund-raising event, and then deny that the sponsor is not right-wing challenges reason.

Boy Scouts may not be right-wing, but their leaders on the Old North State Council apparently are. Otherwise, they would not have invited North. At $750 per seat, few beyond the right-wing faithful would consider attending.

Marge Cromer
Greensboro

Leonard Pitts did what he condemned. In "Thou shalt not quote Bible selectively" (March 11), "literalists" are subjected to his own "sanctimonious sincerity" with "he has had it up to here with the moral hypocrisy and intellectual constipation of Bible literalists." He agreed that the teacher, who believes that homosexuality is "wrong according to the Bible," is a bigot.

Pitts is a bigot. A bigot is defined as "a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices."

Pitts is intolerant of biblical "literalists." But his argument about selective quotes is flawed at best and dishonest at worse.

Never mind that Romans 1:27 expressly condemns homosexual acts. The meaning of this verse is quite clear. Ignore or reject it, but one cannot deny what it says.

Thanks, Mr. Pitts, for allowing us to "think what we think, no matter how stupid it is." Whether Pitts believes anything in the Bible literally, I don't know.

I, for one, believe that sin, judgment, the cross, the Son of God, heaven and hell are literal. If Pitts believes not, and is correct, we both have nothing to worry about in the end. If literalists are right, someone is in big trouble.

Tommy J. Brightwell
Madison

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Jesse Duncan

It is important to clear up some of the confusing and stigmatizing information that was reported in the article, "Man gets prison time for biting an officer" (March 7).

As the director of prevention for Triad Health Project, Guilford County's largest provider of HIV/AIDS services and education, I need to state that HIV cannot be transmitted to another person through a bite.

Misinformation continues to cause non-infected individuals to fear and discriminate against persons living with HIV.

Science tells us that saliva does not transmit HIV; therefore, kissing, sharing food, glasses or utensils, and even biting, does not transmit HIV.

Although the skin of the officer may have been broken, there was no contact with the blood from the infected man.

Even if the cut had come in contact with the infected blood, the chance of infection would have been extremely small since HIV is a very weak virus and dies immediately upon exposure to air.

As well, the whole purpose of bleeding is to push out any germs or harmful agents before they get into the body, so if the officer was bleeding, it is likely any harmful germs were already pushed out of the laceration, further preventing infection.

We know after 20 years of studying HIV that the deadliest assault a person with the virus can execute is through sex as 85 percent of new infections result from unprotected intercourse.

I am relieved, but not at all surprised, to hear that the officer did not test positive since the chance of oral transmission of the virus was highly unlikely.

However, with more than 3,000 individuals currently living with HIV in Guilford County, the Police Department and the community at large are going to encounter HIV-infected persons.

Triad Health Project fully supports the efforts of the Greensboro Police Department and would welcome the opportunity to provide HIV educational services should a similar situation occur again.

Finally, I would suggest that education is certainly a stronger defense against HIV than sensationalism.

The writer is a Greensboro resident.

I've always been taught that "the world doesn't owe you a thing." While I appreciate and applaud Bob Ketay's good intent (letter, March 12), I must take issue with his idea that the News & Record "owes" me a job.

While I have no qualm, whatsoever, with accepting that kind of benevolence, the News & Record and like sources are already doing what they should: providing classified employment ads and other resources that allow me and others in my situation to move into gainful employment under our own efforts.

As for Doug Clark (column, March 1), he stated that he volunteers with the Guilford Interfaith Hospitality Network through his church; therefore, he has already gone above and beyond the call of duty.

Thank you for your thoughtfulness on my behalf, Mr. Ketay, but perhaps a more productive effort would be to support the many local organizations on the front lines of the homelessness issue with your dollars and time so that many of us can benefit. These organizations thirst to work with citizens of your caliber.

Michael Brown
Greensboro

The executive branch of government should not conduct domestic wiretaps without the overview of the judicial branch. While President Bush has extolled the virtues of his secret wiretapping, he has yet to reveal to the American people any evidence that this type of practice has identified terrorists.

The FISA court was a reasonable oversight body, and its organization reflects the wisdom of Congress in offering a reasonable but rapid review of wiretapping decisions. If the Republican majority blocks this, they will face the wrath of an electorate that values privacy and distrusts arrogant pursuit of power.

Karl Fields
Greensboro

I recently looked at the N.C. Department of Correction Web site trying to determine the sex offenders who might live in my neighborhood.

When you enter your ZIP code, you get a list of registered offenders, but when you look at the ZIP codes for the addresses -- try 27401 -- the streets listed are all over town, not just in 27401.

I have contacted the DOC but have had no reply. The result is the Web site is useless for trying to locate offenders near your home. If you know the names of individuals, you can check them out, but if you do not know the names, it seems the Web site is no assistance.

I believe the public is being misled when they try to use this Web site to see a list of offenders who live in their neighborhood. The DOC needs to correct the information on this Web site to report accurate information, and I cannot find anyone who will even respond to my inquiry.

Ken McMasters
Greensboro

As a Smith High School graduate, I was saddened to learn of the possible closure of Smith and Dudley high schools.

Hopefully, the school board will take the steps needed to improve the quality of these schools. Our children deserve no less.

Karan Crews
Greensboro

In a recent decision at some level, one of our area's largest employers has acquiesced to "religious correctness" and chosen to remove Good Friday from the list of recognized holidays. In its place is Memorial Day.

Don't get me wrong. I am a veteran and fully respect Memorial Day. For many years I wondered why the same employer did not recognize Memorial Day's rightful place among holidays -- but not at the expense of the most holy and reverential religious day in the eternal past and future.

A thousand or a million years from now, all the Memorial Days won't matter, but all of our fallen soldiers and their families and friends will be in need of what Good Friday and our Lord's work on the cross offers us all. Ironic how this exchange must have been rationalized, to treat the day of the greatest exchange as just another day at work. What's next?

Heaven help us.

Joe Hughes
Oak Ridge

In reply to Dr. Norman Mayer's letter, "Dental help for needy should be top priority" (March 4), as a dental worker, I want to thank him for his concern about dental care for the needy. I have been in dentistry for many years. I also worked in the Health Serve Dental Clinic. Many patients came in, received care and were so thankful for the help and care we gave.

There's a great need for dental care in our community. Many cannot afford dental care.

Periodontal disease left untreated can cause infection to hurt the body. Decay in the teeth can cause pain. I also would like to see a plan to help people who need pain relief, fillings and cleanings. Health Serve is a great place to go for health care. So much dental care is needed that it's hard to get lots of patients seen.

Thanks for bringing dental heath to the public awareness.

Victoria Troxler
Julian

I enjoyed the article, "Volunteers secret to tourney success" (March 11). Without a doubt, Greensboro's greatest attribute is its sense of Southern hospitality and volunteer efforts.

Other volunteers key to the success of the recent basketball tournaments are those recruited and trained by Steva Allgood, director of convention services for the Greensboro Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. These volunteers are a group of 125 dedicated Greensboro citizens who see to it that all visitors are exposed to Greensboro hospitality. During the tournaments, this group of volunteers is stationed at various hotels and strategic locations to help visitors with pertinent information regarding directions and restaurant options, to name a few.

During the 2003 ACC men's tournament, one volunteer, after putting two and two together, returned six books of tickets to the rightful owners who misplaced the prized possession during the frenzy of March Madness.

The rest of the year these volunteers remain engaged to assist our organization in welcoming all meetings and events, large and small, and to ensure that Greensboro keeps its best foot forward.

Thanks to all of the volunteers who make Greensboro shine when the spotlights are both on and off.

Henri Fourrier
Greensboro

The writer is president, Greensboro Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.

I take issue with a recent letter (March 12) by Don Edwards with regard to Matt Brown, director of the Greensboro Coliseum.

I wonder if Edwards considers the women's ACC Tournament, the men's ACC Tournament and the NCAA regional in three consecutive weeks mediocrity. I suggest Edwards ask Commissioner Swofford if he thinks there is mediocrity with Brown and his staff. He should also ask all the local restaurants, hotels and merchants if there is mediocrity in the millions of dollars Brown and his staff provide by booking great sports events, Broadway shows and musical events on an ongoing schedule into the coliseum complex.

I suggest Edwards stop and smell the roses of the good things Matt Brown and his very capable staff bring to Greensboro along with a vision for the future.

If Edwards wants a hockey team in Greensboro, he should put his money were his mouth is and place a team there instead of standing on the outside criticizing good efforts.

Jim Greenway
Greensboro

It troubles me that Rep. Howard Coble did not feel "concern" or "lose any sleep" over the National Security Administration practice of wiretapping domestic phone calls without a warrant. This is a very serious matter. It is forbidden by Article IV of the Constitution and is contrary to a law passed by Congress that authorized a panel of judges to decide speedily whether or not domestic wiretaps should be permitted. The judges have rarely turned down a request.

In trying to protect our democracy from external enemies, we must be careful not to allow fundamental liberties to be eroded.

Lynette Wrenn
Greensboro

I am writing because I believe Greensboro should have more places for teenagers to get together and hang out. Our town has practically nothing except for the movies and places to go eat.

Teenagers should have a place where they can socialize and have fun with their friends. This is important for building social skills, and people meeting new people is a good thing. With better social skills, more and more kids will have better social lives.

We should invest in building a big place for teenagers to go. The only club I know about for kids our age is Confetti's, and it's certainly not big enough to hold all the teenagers in Greensboro. Without a place for teens to go, they either have to stay at home and be bored while doing nothing, or they are tempted to do bad things or things that they aren't supposed to be doing. The fact that they are tempted to do things such as drugs and alcohol should be an incentive for the community to address this issue.

Parents don't want their kids going in the wrong direction and making mistakes. Therefore, Greensboro should have a place for teens to just go and hang out and have fun.

Mina Maria White
Summerfield

At a time when bad news and negative stories about our young people seem to permeate the media, how refreshing it was recently to see on national TV that women and men from N.C. A&T and other schools spent their spring breaks, not in alcohol-induced revelry at some sun-drenched vacation spot, but on the Gulf Coast helping to clean up and rebuild shattered homes and lives. We would do well to follow their example, and we should hope that such "Aggie Pride" is contagious.

Lindsay Davis
Greensboro

Millions of us must have no more doubts. Total and absolute madness has taken over the administration in Washington. It is spending $440 billion for defense against enemies we created by meddling in other countries' business, including $70 billion until September for reconstructing Iraq, which we ourselves destroyed.

There are cuts in needed social programs while we are squandering money in defense against enemies of our own creation, including those we made by supporting Israel. We recently have interfered with independent Mexico, for example, by forcing Cuban businessmen out of a hotel in Mexico City owned by a U.S. corporation. This is worth a Nobel should a prize ever be granted for unduly interfering with other countries' affairs.

Our invasion of Iraq has caused the killing of more Iraqis than during Saddam's 30 years. When are we going to learn to mind our own business and stop acting like the world's cops? Or will it take another Sept. 11?

Helio Salvador
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Daniel Gitlin

I want to thank the people of Greensboro and all the volunteers who helped make the ACC Tournament such a wonderful success. I live in New Orleans and have been a lifelong Duke fan. This past year, after Hurricane Katrina, I have had to live with the aftereffects every day. Workers are so scarce here that my employer put a block on taking vacation time until March 1.

After the storm, work got extremely difficult (I work in retail and sell computers), and the demand for us to work long, hard hours was almost too much to take. In the back of my mind, I kept the idea of taking some of my savings and going to Greensboro for the tournament. I asked off and about six weeks ago was granted the weekend of the tournament and made plans to attend.

Because of the warmth of the people of Greensboro, I can honestly say that for the first time since the storm, I was able to completely forget about Hurricane Katrina. Instead of the storm, I got to think about basketball, and only basketball, for days at a time. It wasn't until I got back on the plane Sunday afternoon that I realized what a wonderful vacation I had gotten.

Whether my team won or lost, I went into this trip with the mind-set that I was going to let myself forget about the stress and pain that I feel here every day. And what a wonderful experience I had in Greensboro.

Again, I want to thank the city and all the people who helped make it possible. It was a weekend that I will never forget.

The writer lives in New Orleans.

Judge Manning listed 19 high schools that need academic improvement. One of those schools was James B. Dudley High School, my alma mater and a school I represent on the Board of Education.

While there is room for improvement, we can't overlook the tremendous positive academic impact Dudley is making.

Academic highlights include:

• Eleven students scored 1600 on their SATs
• School of Excellence Award - Most Improved School
• Mathematics Rookie Teacher of the Year - Philia Mozie
• Guilford County High School Teacher of the Year - Franklin Goins
• 15-point composite test score increase since 2003

Dudley is committed to excellence. Since 1929, Dudley has been presented with almost every challenge imaginable, and it has met and surpassed each one. This current challenge will be no different.

Since the publishing of this list, I have been blessed to receive numerous phone calls and e-mails from current and past Panthers pledging to help. Judge Manning's list has sparked a renewed sense of "Panther Pride" and a heightened dedication to Dudley's success.

I am pleased to join principal Phyllis Martin and the teachers and staff of Dudley in committing ourselves to the continued academic success of all Dudley students.

Amos L. Quick III
Greensboro

The writer is District 9 rep­resen­tative and vice chairman, Guilford County Board of Education.

Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, appeared recently on "Meet the Press." The host, Tim Russert, seemed barely able to mask his incredulity over the general's responses to questions on how the Iraq war is going.

According to polls, the majority of Americans have come to believe that the Iraq war was a mistake and that it's time to take steps to end it sooner rather than later. Amazingly, the shift in public opinion mirrors what happened during the Vietnam War, as does the government's insistence that things are not as bad as they seem (light at the end of the tunnel).

The time has come for the public to demand that this fiasco be brought to a close within six months. The polls appear to prove that is exactly what the majority wants; if November arrives and we're still trapped in the quicksand, we need to send a strong message at the voting booth.

If you're happy with the status quo, are too complacent to care, or don't feel your opinion matters, you need to think about what being a citizen of the United States means and the responsibility that comes with that honor.

Bill Wallace
High Point

While watching yet another promo about the television show "The Sopranos," I couldn't help but think what a topsy-turvy, hypocritical world we live in.

When the buzz began about the movie "Brokeback Mountain," local and national talk radio programs, newspaper articles and Internet blogs could not make enough satirical and unkind comments. A movie about love. The heart wanting what it wants and the fact that love knows no gender.

Yet, after a long absence, which should have been a permanent absence, "The Sopranos" returned. This is a television program that glorifies man's inhumanity to man, spousal abuse and murders to the extreme. Yet these same media outlets acted as if the return of "The Sopranos" was the greatest event in human history - more anticipated than the Second Coming.

Yes, this is a topsy-turvy, hypocritical world we live in.

Doug Astin
Reidsville

As your editor, John Robinson, stated in his column "First Amendment puts power in your hands" (March 12): The public does indeed have a right to know how its government is operating.

The Associated Press article (March 12), "Nursing home data being screened for the public," is just one more example of a less-than-forthright disclosure of information that concerns the citizens of North Carolina. Government agencies, legislators and businesses seem more concerned with embarrassment and lost revenues than the welfare of the public when it comes to oversight and accountability reporting.

If this is a national trend (and it appears that it is), it is time for all citizens to speak up.

Monica Shuster
Greensboro

The Feb. 27 editorial, "A safe place to tell a lie? How about the courtroom?" reminded me of my father who strongly modeled honesty, and it became my top value.

Abraham Lincoln said that ignoring moral values "deprives our republican example of its just influence in the world." His comrades esteemed his honesty, which helped him earn the nickname of Honest Abe.

Revelation 21:8 (NKJV) reads, "The cowardly, unbelieving, abom­inable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death." The only word preceded by the word "all" is the word "liars."

"It is far better to avoid an act we will later regret than to live with the consequences" (attributed to Dennis Fisher). Choice is a powerful freedom we all have, but we cannot choose the consequences.

Nadine Kernodle
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Jim Saintsing

The urge to "allow homeowners to strike language from their property records" must arise from a misconception about our public land registry. Contrary to what many may think, there is no master title record for every piece of property. Searching a title (lamentably) does not mean pressing a button and getting a report back. It requires checking old public records to see if title really passed and what enforceable restrictions apply to a given piece of land.

This county has more than 200 years of accumulated copies of documents, more or less indexed under the name of whoever owned (or claimed to own) a piece of property at a moment in time. Physically removing a restriction from the public records would involve either mutilating the paper, microfilm or other medium the record is stored on, or digitally altering the electronic image of the record. Would the Register of Deeds or the state archives keep uncensored versions in a back room, for licensed historians only?

The Supreme Court made racial deed restrictions unenforceable by the states in its 1948 decision in Shelley v. Kraemer. Legally, such restrictions now have no more significance to anyone's ability to buy and sell real estate than an errant ink blob from the pen of one of the long-dead scriveners in the clerk's office.

So, letting people "clear their records" might answer an emotional or aesthetic need but would certainly not address a legal one. However the deed is undone, the fact is that an individual homeowner does not own public records about his or her property. When we take our scrap of paper down to the Register of Deeds office and pay a recording fee, the recorded copy of our scrap becomes part of the community's property, not to mention its history. If you delete lines from a deed in your chain of title, you're deleting it not only for yourself, but for everyone else - all your present and future co-citizens who have a legal right to see what's on the public record. Among those records, the old racial deed restrictions just sit there, everyday historical proof that once - and not so long ago - residential segregation was the law, imposed and enforced by white lawyers, judges, clerks and sheriffs.

Mutilating public records would not change the history of our home-grown apartheid; it would just make that history seem more foreign and distant than it really is.

The writer is a lawyer and lives in Greensboro.

In the March 16 News & Record, you had a front page article, "Plan submitted to fix stairways at apartments," by Taft Wireback, with a photo of the smiling Melvin "Skip" Alston, Guilford County commissioner. This article concerned his private real-estate company's lack of management of St. James Homes, low- or no-income apartment complex, and its substandard stairs for this 90-unit complex.

I recall reading negative articles previously regarding Alston and real-estate complexes in the last year or so in your paper. Maybe those were about the same complex.

Succinctly, the point. The voters of Guilford County should oust Melvin "Skip" Alston from office at the next voter opportunity That he is an African American should embarrass those of similar racial persuasion. He has preyed on poor people regardless of race for personal gain, and for that should be retired from "public" service.

Wes Trotter
High Point

I have been amused at the rationale of those supporting our local Boy Scout leaders in having Oliver North speak recently. They say "he made mistakes, and even broke the law by some accounts, but it was over 20 years ago."

I would like to submit Ted Kennedy, the senior senator from Massachusetts, for consideration as the 2007 speaker. He has served our country in public service admirably, in my opinion, and after all, Chappaquiddick was almost 37 years ago. Alternating polarizing figures just might be the answer.

Kent Benfield
Greensboro

Can someone help me understand the purpose of the Guilford County Animal Shelter? In my ignorance, I thought its goal was to find homes for homeless animals and prevent the euthanasia of unwanted cats and dogs. I called the animal shelter on behalf of my grandparents whose cat has been missing for several days. I described the cat and asked if one fitting that description had been brought in to the shelter. I was told that they cannot give any information about animals brought to the shelter. Excuse me? Are we protecting the confidentiality of animals at the pound? I was told further that my grandparents would have to come to the shelter to look for the cat, and bring proof of ownership (photos, vet bills, etc.) and a valid driver's license. So, bureaucracy and red tape appear to be what the Guilford County Animal Shelter is all about. I hope no one tells the animals that are sitting in their cages, hoping for a home.

Theresa Gordon
Browns Summit

Teen tobacco use is a hot topic in North Carolina, but according to a recent article in the News & Record, smoking rates among students here are declining. In Guilford County, a community partnership is working to reduce this problem in area middle and high schools.

Alcohol and Drug Services and Guilford County Schools, funded by the Moses Cone Wesley Long Community Health Foundation, and the Guilford County Tobacco Use Prevention Coalition, funded by the N.C. Health and Wellness Trust Fund, are partnering to see these positive results. Students are trained as peer educators in the schools and community to prevent tobacco use, promote compliance with the schools' tobacco-free policy, promote 1-800-QUIT NOW, North Carolina's free smoking cessation help line, and to encourage restaurants and youth-friendly venues to become smoke-free.

Please support your schools as they work diligently to address this problem.

Catina Galloway
Greensboro

When I read about the American Obesity Association targeting soda as the real target in the fight against obesity, I thought I should address the interesting fact that just now the AOA starts to talk about the effects of soft drinks.

As a teenager, I see my fair share of soft drinks, whether I, or one of my friends, consume them. The fact of the matter is it is not the soda that helps lead to obesity, it is each person's ability to control how much they eat or drink. Is it really any one food or drink that is at fault, or is the AOA just targeting something out of its inability to tell the general public the truth?

Andrew Lowrey Davis
Greensboro

I am disappointed that Sens. Elizabeth Dole and Richard Burr voted against restoring fiscal discipline to the federal budget. On March 14, our senators joined 48 other Republicans to defeat a "pay-as-you-go" rule that would require that senators "pay" for spending increases or tax cuts by cutting spending elsewhere in the budget.

This rule was in place during the 1990s and limited the growth of federal spending and led to a balanced federal budget. Since the rule lapsed in 2001, federal discretionary spending has ballooned, as has the budget deficit.

Both senators pledged to cut federal spending and reduce the deficit when they ran for office. Sadly, there is a disconnect between their campaign rhetoric and their voting behavior.

Steve Martin
Burlington

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Melanie Rodenbough

Apologizing has been hot for a couple of decades now. Politicians call endlessly for apologies, usually when they want to fan the fires of controversy. Similarly, your newspaper has been hyping up a controversy over the apology Grimsley High School is said to be making to Josephine Boyd Bradley later this month. You have reported that the school invited Dr. Bradley here so Grimsley can apologize to her for the harassment she suffered as the school's first black graduate. But that is not the purpose of her visit.

All this contrived and contentious contrition sent me to the dictionary. Who knew there were different kinds of apologies? There are the "I'm sorry if I offended you" kind, which reflect neither true regret nor responsibility. Then there is the simple, compassionate "I'm sorry," which reflects regret but not responsibility.

The "institutional apology" occurs when the representatives of an institution apologize on its behalf. Public figures can get a lot of mileage when there was an historic institutional wrong, but people disagree about whether an apology will solve the related current problem. We see this kind of debate when pressure is brought to bear on the Australian government to apologize for the historic persecution of the Aborigines, or on the U.S. Senate to apologize for the failure of previous Senates to pass an anti-lynching law.

Those with a personal apology to make to Dr. Bradley might indeed find that to be a healing experience. Reasonable people might disagree about the value of an apology on behalf of the school. Then there are those who just enjoy or seek to benefit from creating a controversy between apology proponents and those who find apology meaningless absent personal responsibility for wrongdoing.

Fortunately, that is really not what Dr. Bradley's visit is all about. What we at the school are planning is a celebration of the accomplishments of a Grimsley graduate who succeeded against innumerable odds in a culture that made success difficult for a black woman. What we also know is that black and white members of the Grimsley community are working together to provide an occasion that will be meaningful to anyone who cares to celebrate such a story, no matter their race. It seems to me that finding such common ground is about the most positive contribution any of us can make to the difficult conversation about race. Surely, it's a lot more positive than fostering a controversy about apologies.

The writer is a Grimsley High School parent.

Thank you for publishing Richard A. Koritz's Counterpoint (March 17), which shamelessly apologizes for the deranged mentality that led to Mohammed Reza Taheri-azar's failure to drive his rented SUV in a courteous and civilized manner.

While Koritz's pathetic excuses for Taheri-azar's motives reveal a gross failure by both individuals to grasp reality, it's good these outrageously flawed views have been exposed.

Now, any rationally thinking person, regardless of their position on the war in Iraq, can easily see through the hate-speech babble and twisted pandering of the radicals who are hijacking the anti-war movement. Koritz gives dissent a bad name.

Rich Brenner
Greensboro

In the Burlington and Greensboro area, there is not much worry about gangs. Everyone knows about the Bloods and the Crips around here, but no one really has to deal with them. All of this hoopla about the MS-13 gang is outrageous. I find it frightening that this "virus" has been successful in spreading as far out from Los Angeles as it has.

It's terrible that anyone would want to be a part of a gang that would kill someone for taking a few steps on their territory. It's amazing that a child the age of 11 or 12 can be talked into shooting people for the gang. I understand that it is difficult for the authorities to stop this gang.

Frankly, as a teenager, I cannot understand why people my age are filling their world with murder, drugs and jail. I know the motives to join may vary from person to person, but it's still distressing to me that some people my age have killed many people. I see this gang as a sickness and I feel that it degrades my age level and generation.

Michie Edens
Burlington

There are a multitude of family and living arrangements evident today, and it is not always feasible for both biological parents to remain together and rear their children. However, research indicates that children develop best in families where the biological parents live together in a healthy marriage (Child Trends, 2002; Building Strong Families, 2003). Children reared by both biological parents in a healthy marriage are less likely to be poor and more likely to go further and do better in school.

Research also suggests that spouses in healthy marriages experience higher levels of physical health, enjoy greater happiness, and experience greater economic security.

Developing and maintaining a healthy marriage does not happen by accident. The skills needed for a healthy marriage can be learned.

If you are interested in enhancing your skills for a healthy marriage, be sure to attend the African American Healthy Marriage Summit sponsored by the Guilford County Family Life Council. The summit will be held 7-8:30 p.m. Friday, April 7, and 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 8.

For more information, call (336) 333-6890, Ext. 221, or visit the Web site at www.gcmarriage.org.

Simon Whittaker
Greensboro

I'm an eighth-grader at Jamestown Middle. Regarding the problems at Smith and Dudley, I've been concerned about the outcome of this issue.

A Superior Court judge has said that without the two schools making significant strides, the schools would be shut down. That issue alone creates problems about space and overall educational well-being for students countywide.

Overcrowding is a recurring problem in Guilford County and without these two facilities, one being 4-A, the problem would be a ridiculous, uncomfortable nuisance.

The second and most obvious problem is the community of the schools. Shutting down these minority-dominant schools and splitting up cliques and groups would only create social problems and draw negative activity to their new reassigned schools. For it isn't the buildings that need shutting down, but the behavior and bad decorum inside these schools.

Samantha Robertson
Greensboro

I am a 13-year-old student who will not be attending any of the schools targeted for closing; therefore, I feel my opinion is not based on a favorite school.

I have been reading articles on this subject, and it appears that these schools are below state standards. However, in Guilford County the schools in question have admitted this failure and appointed new principals to turn things around. I don't feel these principals would have been chosen if they couldn't make a difference; therefore, they should be given a chance to prove themselves.

We are being taught to look at the whole truth. All stories have a beginning, which is the schools' existence, and a middle, which would be maintaining standards, growth and expensive renovations to remain open. If they don't do this, are they going to close? What will happen to the buildings then? They are equipped for education.

Will more money be spent on renovation for some use? Where will the teachers go? What will the end of the story be?

LaToya Settle
Gibsonville

The letter (March 17) concerning the perceived racism showed by the News & Record by printing pictures of Coach Skinner and Coach Krzyzewski shows the writers themselves have racist eyes.

What I saw was a coach (and an excellent coach, I might add) standing up for his team by confronting an official with whom he disagreed. In the other picture I saw a coach hugging a player (not one of his own players) for doing a great job during his college basketball career.

So, to sum up, there was a black coach standing up for his team to a white official, and a white coach hugging a black player who wasn't even on his team. The only problem I see is that there are "way too many folks who refuse to let racism die."

Nancy B. Dunton
Greensboro

By David C. Partington

I write to lament both the headline, "A terrorist or just a wacko nut case?" as well as the demeaning language used to describe those who may or may not suffer from mental illness as "wacko," "nut case" or "nuts" in Kathleen Parker's Second Opinion column (March 9). I am the father of a young adult woman who suffers from the brain disorder of mental illness. She is not a "wacko nut case."

I am a member of the Board of Directors of Sanctuary House, whose mission statement reads: The mission is to facilitate the recovery and rehabilitation of adults with serious mental illness in Guilford County so that they may achieve and sustain satisfying, meaningful roles and lives in the community. I am not volunteering my time for the benefit of "wacko nut cases." I do not hold membership in NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) because of my concern for families who have loved ones that are "wacko nut cases."

Mental illness is a brain disorder. In our community and in our nation, many are working to eradicate the stigma that accompanies mental illness and to encourage all to cease and desist from using demeaning language when they speak of those who may or may not suffer from mental illness.

If it is determined that Mohammed Reza Taheri-azar is clinically mentally ill, let's not use the words "wacko nut case" to describe his illness.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

I enjoyed reading Sue Schultz' account of the rise in smoke-free dining (March 20). Ten years ago when I was carrying my first child, I asked staff at the mall, the courthouse and various restaurants to go smoke-free. The rise in voluntary nonsmoking restaurant policies is one example of how far we've come to make Greensboro a healthier place to raise children.

Unfortunately, we still have not made all public places safe from the dangers of tobacco smoke. Despite some advances, a state law will not allow our own community to determine what sort of local standard we wish to set. The legislature recently allowed Greensboro to set a smoke free policy in our coliseum with positive approval from the public.

I hope our representatives will take note — it's time for the state to let us clear the air. Our children deserve it.

Donna Dinkin
Greensboro

Effective March 20, Alcohol and Drug Services is no longer providing inpatient detox services at its Wendover Avenue facility. In the short term, local hospitals have agreed to assume those services.

The Guilford Center is acutely aware of the magnitude of our county's substance abuse problem. We hope to use this opportunity to bring together the concerns outlined in the News & Record series on crack cocaine addiction, the work of the Substance Abuse Coalition and the directives of the county commissioners. We view this as an opportunity to improve and expand services for Guilford County.
We believe this is the perfect time to rebuild our public substance abuse program from the ground up. Our focus will be to develop a system of quality care with consumer choice.

Using the Request for Proposal process, we will invite interested agencies to apply to become substance abuse treatment providers. During the interim, ADS will continue providing outpatient treatment, methadone and halfway house services at the Wendover location.

Individuals clearly are stronger when supported by friends, families and communities. We must work together to defeat the problem of drug addiction.

Dr. Sheron K. Sumner
Greensboro

The writer is chairwoman of the board, the Guilford Center.

I am a 13-year-old eighth-grader. I'm an adolescent of considerable intelligence. (I have an IQ of 104, maybe more.) I'm expressing an issue probably expressed by others but not like I am. I'm talking about the "No Child Left Behind Act."

I believe no child should be left behind, but only if that child wants to learn. There is unacceptable ignorance, idiocy and laziness in our schools. I'm not speaking against those who try. That's completely different. Yet, I'm sick of idiots who aren't willing to learn.

There are also those who want to live "da thugg life." Pardon my French, but just get someone to employ you selling dope.
What the NCLB Act has to do with it is simple. Instead of following local graduation requirements, they kept stupid students who make straight Ds or Fs, and have behavior problems through the cracks. That leaves unnecessary stress on teachers. It's bad enough they're underpaid and taken for granted. This is why substitutes never want to come back.

I don't understand why the NCLB Act lets students who waste teachers' time through the cracks.

Betty Ogburn
Greensboro

What a wonderful article, "Dog's Best Friend" (March 12, People & Places). With all of the negative articles in the headlines these days, and so many people accusing this paper of being biased about one thing or another, it was heartwarming to read the story of Skip Potter and Project Racing Home.

Although Skip's disability affects his body, it doesn't seem to affect his giant heart. Kimberly and George Jewell's patience with Skip, teaching him what needs to be done and allowing him to figure out how to get it done, has certainly paid off in a dedicated volunteer for the organization. Skip, Kimberly and George Jewell are certainly all angels to the retired greyhound.

Kudos to Project Racing Home for giving Skip this fantastic opportunity. I hope to see Skip honored on local television news as a volunteer of the week, or year, soon.

MaryJane Stotts
Greensboro

Jacky Dowd's question about Project Homestead underscores a basic problem. The years of Homestead's unethical behaviors escaped the attention, much less action from the entities that should have been on the job — the state's attorney general and the federal Internal Revenue Service.

There's lots of culpability, including a nonprofit board asleep at the wheel, but the oversight agencies were missing in action.
The DA's conclusion that Homestead's expenditures were unethical, but lacking in evidence to declare the actions illegal, demonstrates why tougher laws are necessary to ensure that nonprofit miscreants like the Homestead executives and board don't stick it to shareholders — the taxpayer.

Project Homestead hurts the credibility of every good nonprofit, not to mention every reputable community development corporation. But the answer isn't to write off Project Homestead as the lost cause of a "bad apple," but to use it along with the Nature Conservancy, Red Cross, and others to raise the bar for accountability and put real muscle into oversight and enforcement. Otherwise, Dowd and others will encounter more Project Homesteads governed by self-enriching CEOs and memory-deficient boards.

Rick Cohen
Washington

The writer represents the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy.

I truly enjoyed and can relate to the articles written by Tracie Fellers and the latest one written by Chad Roberts (kudos to them).

Myrtle Barrett Soloman
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint.

By BETTY FRANKS

Wow, what an eye-opening article that appeared on A1 of the News & Record (March 10).

Many hours were spent by the News & Record's reporting staff in an effort to bring to light questionable actions by Project Homestead. You remember the organization that received hundreds of thousands of dollars from the taxpayers to build affordable housing for some of the county’s poor families. It now seems that the district attorney was unable to find enough evidence of criminal wrongdoing to bring to bear any charges against this group.

The most interesting facts of this search are the excuses given for the lack of "evidence."

The organization was suspected of and investigated for possible fraud and at least misuse of public funds to the tune of at least $500,000.

Now we are to forgive this misuse because of "poor memory" and "shoddy bookkeeping practices." In this case, it seems that such public funds can legally be used for "cruises, vacations, personal items and such" if the "board" of the organization using the funds approves it.

OK, so you can legally use public money received for one purpose in any way you choose as long as you can't remember it or keep proper records? Let me be the first in line to sign up for this license to steal.

The statements in this article by Doug Henderson that are equally disturbing to me are, "Some local politicians may have bowed to the Rev. Michael King’s considerable political clout" and "ethical issues are outside the scope of my investigation."

It seems to me that "ethical issues" have come to mean considerably more to local politicians and the DA's office in the case of ex-police chief David Wray. Maybe he has no "political clout"... ya think?

The writer lives in Greensboro.

Your front-page article, "Don't sell forests, Easley tells Bush" (March 15), startled me since Easley has been raising our taxes ever since he entered office. Of course, his cohorts, Senate leader Marc Basnight and House Speaker Jim Black, have helped him every step of the way.

Our gasoline tax is among the highest in the nation. We are told this is to pay for roads, while in actuality much of it is drained every year back into the general fund to pay for these worthies' pet projects. It is high time for these worthies to account for what they are doing with our money instead of the usual soft soap that they put out.

If your paper is worth the paper it is printed on, you would do some investigative reporting.

Ralph F. MacDonald Jr.
Stoneville

Thank you, News & Record, for your timely interview of retired city of Greensboro Audit Director Jacky Dowd.

Thank you, Jacky, for posing questions that should be asked and answered.

Anne J. Vaughan
Greensboro

I commend Tommy J. Brightwell for his letter (March 18) about Leonard Pitts' column (March 11) and totally agree with his position.

Pitts chose to use secondhand information to belittle a teacher, going so far as to say she was "entitled to think what you think, no matter how stupid it might be."

It seems that Pitts was basically saying, "Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but if it differs from mine, then it's wrong." Throughout the column, Pitts exhibited many of the same behaviors for which he criticized this teacher. He seemed to be especially fond of quoting the Bible selectively, the very thing for which he based his criticism of the teacher. Then he stated, "Just once, I'd like to read a headline that said a Christian group was boycotting to feed the hungry. Or marching to house the homeless."

Whom would he suggest that we boycott or march against? Christians typically carry out these activities behind the scenes, organizing, working in, giving to and otherwise supporting these causes and many others. Admittedly, much more could be done, but we certainly do not do these things in order to make headlines.

Darrell Kidd
Randleman

In his latest press conference, President Bush said, "The American people, I suspect, will be affected by what they see on their TV screens."

Shouldn't the American people be more affected by what their president says? When will the war in Iraq end? When is enough enough?

The American people want an exit strategy for Iraq. What we've seen on our TV screens are lies, dissembling and fabrication. What we've seen from our president is the same. We lead the free world. Let's be leaders.

Paul Crenshaw
Greensboro

Since my family and I moved to Greensboro five years ago, I've been very impressed with the News & Record's coverage -- your championing -- of the local arts scene. And your readers clearly pay heed. As a member of the board of the Community Theatre of Greensboro, I've seen ticket sales skyrocket after shows are reviewed in your pages.

So you can imagine my consternation when I discovered that you would not be reviewing CTG's production of Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" (running through Sunday at the Carolina Theatre). Your assistant features editor told me, "So much is happening on the entertainment front this weekend that we simply don't have the resources to cover it all." Therefore, I am completely baffled by the fact that only one theater review appeared last weekend (Triad Stage's "Brother Wolf").

Please clear up my confusion: Is the News & Record reducing its arts budget? Does that make sense in a town striving to overcome its "Greens-boring" image?

Although you couldn't find the resources to review "Beauty and the Beast," your readers still have time to see this amazing show, lovingly crafted by nearly 300 local volunteers -- 45 actors and 250 behind-the-scenes supporters.

Eleanor Schaffner-Mosh
Greensboro
The writer is president, CTG Board of Directors.

The following is a Counterpoint column:

BY BILL YANER

I don't get it. For 13 years now, this Yankee has been learning and appreciating the ways of our community in dealing with its most important challenges. Yet this one has me stumped.

Two high schools in High Point drop below district and state academic levels as well as not meeting our superintendent's ideas of socio-economic balance. So, we buy a bunch more buses, put a lot of kids on them for a lot longer time each day and zig-zag them all over the city to make things right. A couple of years later, when that hasn't worked and the effects of school by lottery have the community totally fed up, we put High Pointers once again through the pain and divisiveness of redistricting.

Now zoom up to Greensboro. Same school district, same issue of testing scores at two high schools comes roaring off the gavel of a Superior Court judge, and same socio-economic imbalance looming in the background. This time, however, there's not a peep about busing or redistricting. This time, according to Terry Grier's op-ed piece, it's all about hiring excellent new principals, conducting audits by "nationally recognized experts," increasing staff and funding, and creating an early college academy program followed by entrance into GTCC "with expenses fully covered by the district."

Such an outpouring of energy and resolve. Those kinds of actions are sincerely welcomed and applauded. But I'm still wondering just one thing, Mr. Grier, which I will ask you in this open letter: Why are our challenges at Dudley and Smith being handled so profoundly differently than how we've been handling Andrews and Central?

And here is where this Yankee has not yet learned to avoid impolite questions in public: Are there two sets of standards steering policies for Guilford County Schools? Fourteen years after the consolidation of our districts, can we ask and expect this same passion for educational excellence in Greensboro to be extended to all this county's citizens?

The writer lives in High Point.

How did having sex with someone go from being considered special to being considered casual fun? Today's teens have decided to change their perception of sex so as to not make it such a big deal. This sudden change has resulted in many teens having sexual contact too early in life. By doing so, they make a big leap into something they have no knowledge of and nowhere near the maturity level to handle.

Also, they make themselves highly vulnerable to STDs and pregnancy. I suppose some of them don't realize how important contraception, and more importantly abstinence, are.

Readers may think this is written by an adult, but, in fact, I am a teenager with perhaps a lone voice advocating abstinence.

Chandler Knight
Greensboro

I read with considerable interest and concern Dr. Svi Shapiro's article (Ideas, March 19) regarding the lack of instruction in moral and spiritual values in our schools. I assume Dr. Shapiro is referring to our public schools, as most of the independent schools in North Carolina with which I am familiar have extensive character development curricula and often require community service as a part of the educational process.

Phillip Stewart
Graham

I have to put on hold my constant urge to complain about columnists Molly Ivins (every time), Eugene Robinson (most of the time), Leonard Pitts (half the time), and Ellen Goodman and Maureen Dowd (I've lost count) in order to applaud Editor John Robinson for his March 19 tribute to Stan Swofford, Bill Hass and Bob Burchette.

I mostly know these long-time newsmen by their bylines and credits -- excellent writers and reporters who have done their jobs with skill and dedication.

Thank you, Stan, Bill and Bob.

Bill Beerman
Greensboro

I rarely agree with your editorials, but "All in the family" (March 17) was almost one of those times. Yet, in commenting on Sen. Hillary Clinton, you managed to get in your usual bias through a less-than-successful nod for editorial balance. By using the word "coincidentally" in citing "United Arab Emirates ... has donated at least $500,000 to the Clinton presidential library," you missed editorial balance by a country mile.

Is the writer truly naïve enough to believe that UAE donation was coincidental?

Still, it must be gratifying to get two new readers since those who wrote the letter, "Photo of black coach shows editors' racism" (March 17), surely have not previously read the News & Record.

Harris Johnson
Greensboro

The results are in. President Bush is winning the war that he and his supporters are waging against America's working people. In the five years (2000 through 2004), median annual real income for the typical family is down $1,700.

The Bush gang has managed something else for which they can be proud. The New York Times reported on Feb. 28 that the real earnings of new college graduates actually fell 5 percent between 2000 and 2004.

To be fair and balanced about the Bush administration's economic record, some Americans have done well under his leadership. According to Forbes magazine, the United States reported a record increase in the number of billionaires. Their numbers increased from 262 in 2003 to 313 in 2004.

In the future, I will vote only for politicians who will increase the minimum wage.

James G. Boyett
Whitsett

So, Terry Grier has now convinced the county commissioners that he has a plan to improve Smith and Dudley high schools to get them off Judge Manning's hit list. How strange that when Dr. Grier was detailing his plans for the improvement of these Greensboro schools, he never once mentioned the virtues of diversity, forced busing or transferring in kidnapped children as solutions to their academic problems. How ironic that the very recommendations countless Southwest Guilford-area parents made in the public redistricting forums (smaller class sizes, special programs, increased teacher salaries), which were ignored as solutions for our schools, are now championed by our fearless school system leader as the solutions for Smith and Dudley.

Does anyone on the school board see the irony of this situation? Could there be a double standard at work here?

Neither neighborhood affected by Map C3 supports the attendance lines it creates -- this includes Parkview as well as White's Mill. It is time for our illustrious school board to jettison the discriminatory Map C3 immediately and get back to the business of truly educating our children.

Remember, the sign out front reads Guilford County Schools.

John Bullock
High Point

Tommy Brightwell (letter, March 18) calls Leonard Pitts a bigot for being intolerant of biblical literalists who use selective verses to condemn homosexuality (column, March 11). A bigot is someone who is utterly intolerant of any creed, belief or opinion that differs from one's own. Pitts has studied the scientific and medical facts about homosexuality and listened to the witness of gay Christians. Have biblical literalists done the same?

Fundamentalists claim that only they have the absolute truth. They reject science, reason and change if it contradicts their belief system. They're unable to adjust to new understandings and cultural awakenings. Fundamentalism stifles creativity and freedom and results in oppressive and relatively backward societies. It is a religion of fear based on a tribal mentality that threatens peace and co-existence.

I much prefer a religion of love, joy, peace, hope and acceptance based on a community where all people are valued for who they are as God's children, and where justice comes from loving all people as we love ourselves. I define tolerance as the individual endeavor to overcome ingrained prejudgment and prejudice by opening the mind and heart. Is Pitts the bigot? I think not.

Cris F. Elkins
Greensboro

One so often hears, "I don't like what's going on in Washington (or Raleigh, Guilford County), but who cares what I think?" I've checked out the following and you can, too: When an officeholder gets a personal message from a constituent about an issue, he or she realizes that the opinion expressed represents that of at least 100 others who didn't bother to write.

Simple arithmetic reveals that if 100 like-minded letters are received, then 10,000 opinions are represented. You are probably much more of a heavy hitter politically than you realize.

If you were an officeholder, would you not appreciate hearing from those you represent? After all, you never claimed to be a mind-reader, right?

Remus Turner
Greensboro

Words cannot be found to adequately express my appreciation for the services rendered from the staff at the Greensboro Coliseum recently. My wife is a handicapped cancer survivor of seven years, and we have been married for 50 years.

Attending all the first- and second-round NCAA basketball tournament games was a dream come true. Supervisor Luke Comer, Tommy Johnson and wheelchair attendant volunteers Kara Westmoreland and Jeff Blanchard truly have the spirit that our president asked of us: "Go out and do something for your neighbor."

As I age a little more into my golden years, who won in the tournament will be forgotten. What will be remembered is how my handicapped wife was assisted on two special days in the Greensboro Coliseum by the above individuals.

Archie Brantley
Knightdale

On the front page of the News & Record (March 21), we hear the final cost of the International Civil Rights Center and Museum could be more than $10 million.

Before we have another fiasco like Project Homestead, where taxpayers' money ends up in the hands of dishonest individuals, it is time for our elected officials to get involved. Let's move the center to the A&T campus before we waste any further funds on Elm Street. Surely there are other citizens beside myself who sense the smell of mendacity in the air.

George Burfeind
Greensboro

Sunday morning (March 19), I listened to Bob Schieffer's interview with Dick Cheney on CBS's "Face the Nation." My diagnosis of Cheney's comments: The VP has "Iraqtile dysfunction."

Bill Burnett
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint:

BY KEVIN GREEN

The excitement started a little after noon on March 2 and continued until after 5 on March 18, and once again, Greensboro glowed in the national spotlight.

We, as a community, should be very proud of what Matt Brown and his wonderful staff at the Greensboro Coliseum did for our city's image during this incredible run. The tens of thousands of visitors to our city were treated to a clean, safe, festive environment and left with a lasting impression of the true hospitality of our fine city.

The improvements to the coliseum we have made over the years have paid huge dividends in hosting these and other events. But we cannot lose sight of the need to keep our facility up to date, allowing us to compete for these exciting events. The Greensboro Coliseum is our "crown jewel" and a great economic boost to our area, as reflected in the $40 million to $45 million impact over the last three weeks. The television viewers across the nation saw Greensboro splashed across their screens for three straight weeks, and the impact of that message cannot be measured, but it sure does add to the national exposure.

Our tournament host committee, led by Dr. Harrison Turner, assembled a group of 700-plus volunteers to make sure that everyone who had a question, needed assistance or just wanted to see a friendly smile was greeted promptly and professionally. The volunteer group is what makes Greensboro proud to call itself "Tournament Town." Thank you to all who helped make the tournaments an unparalleled success.

The News & Record's coverage of the tournaments was first class and gave those visiting Greensboro an informative recap of the past day's events. The News & Record showed the ACC and NCAA the level of coverage they deserve when they are in town. Thanks to all the staff who worked so hard to make it happen.

Let's celebrate our accomplishments, be proud of our complex on Lee Street and work together to see that the coliseum continues to shine for us for many years to come.

The writer is chairman of the Greensboro Coliseum War Memorial Commission.

As a student at Dudley High School, I feel that the uniforms will not solve anything. One thing that Dr. Grier and the rest of his staff have failed to mention is that Dudley has some of the highest social studies and science scores in the state. There are a lot of intelligent kids at Dudley who can operate just fine without uniforms. With everybody looking the same, students will just find something else to talk about as they walk the halls.

If the uniforms are supposed to raise our test scores, then can we have some decent materials at school and teachers who are actually committed to teaching and helping kids succeed? If we cannot have that much, how are we supposed to succeed in our lives?

In my opinion Guilford County is setting students in Dudley and everywhere else up for failure. To all the Dudley students who may read this, if you don't want uniforms, then let's step up and do what we are supposed to do.

Justin Thomas
Greensboro

Boy, the Bush administration surely is a big energy waster. They allow monster cars and trucks on the roads while gas prices go through the roof. They play footsie with big energy companies like Enron while the little guy pays and pays. Then they go and steal The Light At The End Of The Tunnel from Vietnam and turn it on in Iraq. They say it will be on for years and they try and leave it on all the time, but it only works a couple of hours a day. Oh, well.

Spencer Andrews
Greensboro

I chuckled reading your March 19 editorial disapproving of trading forest land for schools: "This looks like a transparent attempt to pay the bill without adding to an already record federal budget deficit." Imagine that: our government transparently paying for something — and not adding to red ink. Huh?

The U.S. government once owned outright most of the Louisiana Purchase. It would have been nice if we could have left it as pristine as it was 200 years ago, but practicalities are practicalities. I think there is more practicality in the proposal than in Gov. Easley's mathematics.

Jack Glenn
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Carl Alexander

Take a look at Forsyth County schools, and you will see a positive picture of public education. Simply, it's leadership with vision by its superintendent and school board.

Forsyth is building new schools, on or under budget, with accountability for bond funds, using them as promised. They have established trust, something that Terry Grier and our school board have not done. Forsyth recently opened two new high schools, Atkins and Reagan. Atkins will have three internal schools: biotechnology, computer technology and pre-engineering. Both are designed for 1,200 students, as is Northern High School in Guilford County, but they will cost $23 million each, while Northern is more than $43 million. Isn't Atkins what we were told Andrews would be? Looks like no leadership with vision here to see it through — talk and promises, but no delivery. High Point didn't get world-class schools, just yellow buses.

Forsyth has educational quality across its school system, with 85 percent of students in grades three through eight performing at grade level in math and reading. How many are in GCS? The achievement gap between majority and minority students continues to narrow at a rate faster than the state average. Ten of Forsyth's schools earned recognition as "Honor Schools of Excellence," and 14 schools were named "Schools of Distinction." GCS complains about teacher turnover, but guess where they are going? Yes, Forsyth. They have an open enrollment program that lets students select schools of their choice, the best of both worlds — neighborhood schools and choice.

Forsyth's vision is student academic achievement in safe state-of-the-art facilities, with excitement and commitment to lifelong learning, and parents and teachers as district partners in learning. District leaders believe that human diversity is a valuable and vital asset to their system but place a higher value on the educational achievement of all of their students in a safe school environment.

Wouldn't it be nice if GCS had such a positive and forward-looking vision, instead of none?

Judge Manning is right; we need leadership, not more money. Experts on leadership will tell you that a great leader has vision and is able to inspire others to the attainment of that vision. If you don't have a vision, you can't be a leader and inspire others to attain that vision. That is why GCS will continue to flounder. Terry Grier and the school board don't have a vision that they can articulate and inspire people to rally around.

The writer lives in Kernersville.

North Carolina taxpayers should wonder if they're getting their money's worth from the University of North Carolina system when students are reading novels and comic books ("College students assigned comic books, novels," March 23). One of the more unfortunate trends in higher education is for colleges to worry more about keeping their students happy than about expanding their knowledge and improving their skills. Give students a choice between "The Odyssey" and a comic book and most will go for the latter.

A recent government survey, the National Assessment of Adult Literacy, shows that only 31 percent of college graduates are proficient readers, a number that has been declining. The erosion of the curriculum as evidenced by your article has much to do with that.

George Leef
Raleigh
The writer is director, the John W. Pope Center for Higher Education Policy.

As a cardiologist, I was glad to see the progress in restaurants becoming smoke-free now reaching about half the total in Guilford County (News & Record, March 20). This is in line with the increasing number of states — now 14 — and countries — six — in which all public places are smoke-free. As more scientific studies show the dangers of secondhand smoke, increasing numbers of voluntary and mandatory policies will continue to ban smoking.

Chief among these findings are studies that show a half-hour exposure to secondhand smoke doubles the risk for a heart attack in high-risk individuals. Aware of this effect, the Centers for Disease Control warns high-risk patients to stay clear of environments that contain secondhand smoke.

The Moses Cone Hospital System has made plans to become totally smoke-free in July on all of its campuses, and the building in which I practice is doing the same.

While state law currently prevents any local community from mandating smoke-free public facilities, it is encouraging that so many restaurants and other businesses have voluntarily chosen to do so and have been rewarded by financial as well as healthy outcomes for this decision.

W. Spencer Tilley Jr.
Greensboro

While Andrew Davis (letter, "Real issue is choice," March 22) points out that drinking soft drinks is a choice, I hope if he has an obesity problem, he is reading the nutrition information label. If he is drinking by the 20-ounce bottle, the calories listed seem low, but if you look at the "servings per container," you will see that the soft drink companies consider a 20-ounce bottle to contain 2.5 servings per container.

Is it reasonable to expect obese people to screw the cap back on one-and-a-half times to consume the low-calorie portion, or should the soft-drink companies reveal the entire number of calories per container?

Would Davis be willing to say to an alcoholic or gambler, "It is all a matter of choice"? Because most people need to drink at least a quart of liquids a day, and we are galloping through our days at top speed, many may grab a 20-ounce container — or two or three — without realizing that this is equal to eating several candy bars a day.

The problem of obesity is not as simple as making a choice. Why do you suppose someone would choose to undergo major gastric bypass surgery if they could choose simply to eat less?

Libby Thompson
Greensboro
The writer is a registered dietitian.

While presented with the noble goal of helping us to "just get along," "A conversation with Greensboro Muslims" (Ideas, March 12), contained some serious misstatements. Those who were interviewed stick to the politically correct line that Islam is the religion of peace, which is no sure thing.

Nor is it true that atrocities in the Middle East are of a political, not religious, nature.

The Quran, official rule book of the "Religion of Peace," contains more than 100 verses advocating war. A few examples: "Slay the unbelievers" (9:5, 2:191); "O Prophet! Strive hard against the unbelievers and the hypocrites, and be firm against them. Their abode is Hell, an evil refuge indeed" (9.73).

Jihad is a constant element of Islamic theology. Evidently, the followers of the "Religion of Peace" find controversial cartoons more offensive than the slayings and beheadings of innocents — at least their reaction to both suggest this to be true. When Muslims throughout the world become as concerned with the atrocities committed by their fellow Muslims as they are with harmless cartoons, perhaps the world will have more sympathy for them.

Robert Hudson
Pelham

The following is a Counterpoint:

BY PHILLIP J. KIRK JR.

Your recent editorial, "State, federal tests give differing scores" (March 9), correctly pointed out some challenges facing the state and national testing of North Carolina students. However, it unintentionally did our students and educators a disservice by not highlighting the tremendous progress made in North Carolina's public schools on national tests during the past decade.

For example, our fourth- and eighth-graders surpassed the national average in math scores last year. In fact, North Carolina has made the greatest math gains in the nation since state NAEP testing began for each grade.

In reading, our fourth-graders are tied with the national average and our eighth-graders are two points above the average for the South and two points below the national average.

In the latest writing assessment, North Carolina's fourth- and eighth-graders' writing scores surpassed the national and Southeastern scores.

In science, our fourth-graders tested at the national average and our eighth-graders were above the average for the South but four points below the national.

On the SAT, our percentage of students taking the test (74) is among the highest in the nation and our students have made more progress among the high-percentage SAT states than any other state. We are closer to the national average than at any point in history at only 18 points below it.

The point is, we are making substantial progress, but North Carolina and U.S. students trail students in many other countries. For instance, despite their substantial improvements in math and science, our students are not improving in reading. So we cannot be content with where we are.

Yet the trends are in the right direction ... upward.

The State Board of Education and the General Assembly need to support the continued raising of standards, which are still too low. The business community needs to accelerate its involvement and support for public education or we will never achieve the level of educational attainment that we must have in this nation.

The writer is chairman emeritus, State Board of Education.

It's always good to get back to the Piedmont, see longtime friends, and catch up on topics being used to divert the public from real issues like campaign financing and the resulting corruption in government, the environment, unemployment and funding public schools.

When I got "home" at the end of February, the papers were filled with the outrage in the Muslim world over a couple of cartoons. One national columnist even wrote that "everyone should be able to accept being insulted." I agree. But "everyone" in this case means them — you know, the people over there whose sand is on top of our oil. They seem strange because we've never taken the time to even try to understand them.

Well, Mr. Columnist, just for fun, why not try the following? Nothing serious. Just go to a town in the Midwest, put on a robe and wrap a towel around your head, then start burning American flags in front of the farmers' market. If you require more education after the one you'll surely receive, then go to the Bronx, put on a white sheet and wave a Confederate flag while shouting insults.

Once you're out of rehab and able to travel again, I invite you to be my guest at any bar serving liquor-by-the-drink in Utah.

Bob Robertson
Germany

The Greensboro YW Teens are excited about joining other Guilford County teens for the third Adolescent Health Advocacy Day from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on April 5 at Jamestown Town Hall. AHAD is an opportunity for Guilford County youth to share their health and wellness concerns with local and state elected officials.

One issue for focus is the nurse shortage in Guilford County schools. A medical emergency with no assistance is a constant concern of students. Or who would be better to take care of children with a chronic condition such as diabetes than a school nurse? Without enough nurses in the schools, school staff must provide the medical care.

The recommended ratio is one nurse for every 750 students. In Guilford County there is one nurse for every 2,400 students. Policymakers, please help. Join us and show your support to the youth of Guilford County. For more information, please call 641-6113.

Geralynn Sylver
Greensboro

I would like to respond to a letter (March 20) by Lynette Wrenn from Greensboro titled, "Coble demonstrates troubling attitude."

First and foremost, the U.S. Constitution does not guarantee a right to privacy. Additionally, Article IV is the Full Faith & Credit article. Essentially, Article IV directs the states to treat each citizen fairly and equally in state-to-state affairs.

While I may agree with the position, I truly hate when people speak with authority and are dead wrong. The president has exercised an executive order he believes is in the best interest of the country. Agree with the decision or not, but cite correct sources.

David Williams
High Point

In your March 15 article on Gov. Easley's protest against the sale of North Carolina's national forest land, a move that I heartily support, you chose to run a photograph of the banks of the Linville River near the Pisgah National Forest. It was an appealing picture with blue forget-me-nots and may have been chosen for that reason, or because it was easy to pull from your file.

Your choice was disappointing, however, because the threatened sites shown on the accompanying map are much closer to us in the Uwharrie National Forest and in adjacent Randolph County. I expect more from the newspaper I've supported for more than 40 years.

Terry Fripp
Greensboro

Would my grave be any deeper if I were killed by a driver impaired on crack cocaine as opposed to a driver impaired on the sleeping pill, Ambien?

Jim Crabtree
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint:

BY TONY WATTS

Phobia is a strange word; and while it generally means "fear," in most cases it is considered an "unreasonable fear." It is a word that can, when attached to a host of other words, immediately bypass the reasoning powers of an entire culture. That's what Leonard Pitts has done in his journalistic bullying of those who believe that homosexuality is wrong, particularly "biblical literalists."

Using the politically charged name-calling that often accompanies his columns, he addresses the "biblical literalists," of which I am a part, and the "homophobes," of which I am not, as if they are somehow synonymous. So, I guess I'll try to set the record straight.

It isn't homophobic to fear the effects of reason abandoned by an entire culture. Logic involves many things, but one thing with which the homosexual activist must contend is the reckless abandon of the law of non-contradiction. To believe that one lifestyle is right and the other, an opposite and mutually exclusive lifestyle, is equally right is an ethical contradiction at best.

It isn't homophobic to fear for a culture that does everything in its power to undermine God's intended purpose for the sexes. Sin is a reality that is part and parcel of the Gospel message, and homosexuality is a serious outworking of that inherent sin nature. While sin, more than anything else, is man's desire for autonomy from God, the modern homosexual movement is the epitome of rebellion against Him.

Neither is it homophobic to fear the kind of God that rises from Mr. Pitts' biblical "non-literalism." I am convinced that any rational person would fear a God who could/would violate his own nature and then ignore his own created purpose for the sexes by his approval of a totally contradictory lifestyle. The God of biblical "non-literalists" sounds just a little too human for me — "literally."

Finally, it really isn't homophobic to fear the biblical "non-literalism" with which Pitts identifies himself. While ranting and raving about "biblical literalism" he still maintains, somehow, that God "loves" humanity. Does he mean literally? Talk about selective Bible quoting.

At this point, it should be obvious that I am not attacking the homosexual per se. My disdain isn't for those trapped by their sin but for those "Christophobes" like Pitts, who do everything in their power to keep them there by redefining morality with an agnostic interpretation of reality.

The writer is a member of Pilot View Baptist Church, Thomasville.

I am a 10th-grade student with a GPA of 4.25. I am writing on the topic of James B. Dudley High School and the issues incorporated with the school.

My problem is not that we have to get uniforms, it is that we have no voice in the issues. As high schoolers, we are supposed to be getting prepared for the real world, and in the real world you have choices. Some of us feel as though we have none.

Guilford County wants us to bring up our scores, and I can understand that, but do uniforms accomplish that, or does taking down all the extracurricular trophies in the trophy case help us to want to succeed? No. What it does is make some want to rebel.

The motivations that we have are in those trophies, and it is not like Dudley does not have academic achievements posted. All you have to do is look at the trophy case or on the acceptance letter or SAT board. It seems the media and Guilford County want to portray Dudley as a horrible place to be, and, really, you cannot judge unless you are there.

Domonique Garland
Greensboro

As a senior in the school of social work program at UNCG, my passion lies with today's youth. Yet, what troubles me most is the way our youth are continuously portrayed in the media.

We overwhelmingly hear of the few who act out violently, drop out of school, harm themselves or others and commit crimes. The public images present our youth in a dangerous and negative light.

What does this do to our youth? It stigmatizes them, but most of all, it underestimates their abilities. It sends them the message that they are not good enough and that they will never amount to anything. It gives them no healthy role models their own age to look up to, or to let them know what kids are truly capable of.

As a future school social worker, I fear that this stigmatization will turn into a self-fulfilling prophecy. So, I would like to end this letter by saying the following to our youth: Strive to be all that you can, and look within yourself to find that potential, because it lies within every single one of you.

Emilie Hart
Summerfield

Thank goodness I live in Greensboro. If our officers were so afraid of a 40-pound boxer puppy they had to shoot it multiple times to deal with it, as High Point officers did recently, we'd be rampant with crime.

How do those High Point officers expect to deal with, oh my, a 120-pound woman? Or worse, a 200-pound man? If they feel they need to shoot anyone who is not compliant who weighs over 40 pounds, should High Point residents be concerned about an aggressive 8-year-old child as well?

Maybe High Point needs to take a lesson from "The Andy Griffith Show" and only give their officers one bullet each until they learn some respect for their weapons.

My condolences to the family of the puppy.

J.R. Taylor
Greensboro

Opponents of the bill to suspend executions for two years (H529) claim to speak on behalf of murder victims' families. But, in fact, not all of the victims' survivors approve of the death penalty.

North Carolinian Betty Parks' daughter was murdered in 1975. Parks said the "celebration of the death of another human being desensitizes all of us to human pain and suffering. I would rather their energies be used to meet the needs of the survivors."

Tennala Gross of Greenville, whose brother was murdered, said, "My opposition to the death penalty is grounded in my Christian faith that the redemptive love of God is for all people and that no human being has the right to take the life of another."
Coretta Scott King said, "Although both my husband and my mother-in-law were murdered, I refuse to accept the cynical notion that their killer deserves the death penalty."

The feelings of murder victims' survivors run the gamut and are too complex and personal to be easily characterized. No one — on either side of the death-penalty debate — who hasn't walked in their shoes can claim to speak for them.

Tom Edgerton
Greensboro

When peace activists enter a war zone, they have to know they are at risk like any others fighting the global war on terrorism. Their intentions may be honorable, but to the terrorists they are the enemy, and it should be no surprise if they are captured. They can oppose the presence of foreign troops in Iraq, but they are just not in touch with reality.

The News & Record headline said "rescue"("Troops rescue activists,"March 24) because that is what happened by British and American troops. We share in the sorrow over any death, and Tom Fox's is no exception.

I am, however, abhorred that the rescued activists and those at Guilford College used the word "released"repeatedly and had the arrogance to blame the United States for the activists' capture. They clearly don't understand or accept the consequences of Sept. 11.
They don't grasp the fact that it is the terrorists and insurgents who are fighting the Iraqis who are on the verge of some form of democratic governance, not the Americans.

The rescued activists and those at Guilford College using the word "released"did not have the courtesy to thank the rescuers. How inconsiderate.

Dolores A. Guertin
Jamestown

I am a 14-year-old student, and I am concerned with a letter to the editor published March 16 about how someone wanted to put all Muslims in an internment camp for our safety. This aggravates me because we have already done something like this in World War II.

A lot of people, including myself, have said that it was wrong to put innocent people in internment camps just because of their religious faith, nationality or ethnicity. There are a variety of religions and nationalities in America, and we all have the right to live as free citizens of this country.

My point is that, just because someone from one religion did something bad, it doesn't mean everyone in that religion is dangerous. It's not right to punish innocent people for someone else's actions.

Holt Dunn
Greensboro

The writer attends Guilford Day School.

It has been reported that Guilford County District Attorney Doug Henderson's review of Project Homestead's operations found he lacked evidence to file charges.

If this is true, the DA is either totally incompetent or an accomplice to the crimes, and he should be investigated by the FBI.

John Jay Bredenberg Jr.
Greensboro