News-Record.com

I am writing in response to the rather sanctimonious editorial, "Exercise in incredulity" (April 21). The writer rushes headlong to the defense of the newspaper's source of the leaked RMA report on the local police department.

The contorted excuses for Councilwoman Bellamy-Small's suspicious stance were not unexpected. Nor was the news of the EEOC complaints filed by black police officers. All of it seems predictable and planned.

The editorial characterizes the report as "about underhanded activities in the Police Department during the administration of former Chief David Wray." Neither Wray nor his attorney has been able to examine the report, thus it is impossible to rebut. The editorial calls upon the city to release the report.

Well, here's an idea: Since the editorial page calls for the release of the report, and since it rests in the hands of the editors, I recommend that the newspaper simply publish it so that readers, including the GPD employees, can scrutinize it for fairness, accuracy, objectivity and underlying motivations, perhaps some of which were not all that honorable or noble. Are you willing to do what you cravenly ask others to do?

Fred H. Gregory
Greensboro

I was thinking about immigration reform over the congressional Easter vacation. As a social worker intern working with Latino families, I daily witness the struggle for existence that immigrants face. Theirs is certainly not the easy life, in their home countries or in this one.

Many of us who are citizens have earned our citizenship the easy way: birth within this country's borders. Some of the political elite seem to have forgotten their own immigrant roots. Intoxicated by their self-determined wages (up $16,700 in six years) and an enviable vacation (one week for St. Patrick's Day and the two-week Easter vacation), Congress has obviously fallen out of touch with the issues that are important to working-class citizens and this country's responsibility toward immigrants, illegal or not.

I have heard many Latino families discussing today's boycott of work. If this boycott is followed by a large number of immigrants across the country, we will see whose vacation time and whose work really impacts the daily functioning of this country. The economy of this country would collapse without the boost we gladly accept from "illegal" labor. Hopefully, this reality will dawn in the minds of some of our saner politicians.

Madan Gopal
Hillsborough

Rosemary Roberts' article (April 14) on outspoken retired generals hit a nerve. One sentence in particular shows Roberts' woeful ignorance of things military and constitutional.

In speaking in favor of retired flag officers openly disagreeing with our war efforts, she ignorantly states that, "It may embolden active-duty officers to protest more vigorously when civilian military planners concoct misguided plans."

In case some of you readers don't get it, what Roberts is favoring is the ability of the military to exercise control over our civilian leaders. Not only is this constitutionally prohibited, any serious student of history knows that once the military starts exercising control over the civilian leadership, any last vestige of freedoms once enjoyed then disappears. Only a cursory look at the tin-horn Third World dictators shows the folly of Roberts' arguments.

Harry Truman knew this when he fired Gen. Douglas MacArthur, one of the most beloved generals in American history. Ballot boxes are meant to elect our leaders, who then appoint and control our military forces. It is not meant to be the other way around. What Roberts wrote appears to condone treason for the sake of supporting her liberal viewpoints. Thoughtful readers should question her motives.

Steve Gorden
Kernersville

Recently the question was asked, "Why should working taxpayers be forced to take responsibility for those who do not take responsibility for themselves?" Opponents of social welfare feel the system actually makes poverty more attractive. They feel such a system not only encourages welfare recipients to live marginalized lives, but it also places an unfair burden on the workers who must pay for the program.

Welfare proponents argue that freedom means nothing if people do not have the ability to exercise it. To do that, they need a minimum level of well-being.

This position is taken from a conviction that people have dignity based on their ability to choose. Meaning, when human beings are given the chance to express themselves fully, they are, by nature, interested in the well-being of society and all its members. They will not only work but will also offer assistance to the needy, bringing the poor to an economic level where they can begin to act in a similar respect toward others.

The issue of social welfare is not merely a disagreement of rights but a matter of life and death, malnutrition and nourishment, disease and health, ignorance and education. Welfare is not only a good thing to do, it is a moral imperative.

Mark Johnson
Greensboro

Many people don't really understand homelessness. For example, not all homeless people are addicts and drunks. Individuals who are homeless do have opportunities to get back on their feet.

There are many programs in the Greensboro community that are trying to eliminate homelessness altogether, but in order for that to happen the different agencies need to work together. The homeless population is a group of people with various needs, but their greatest need is housing. Finding affordable housing is probably the most difficult thing to do next to finding a job because, in order to get housing, you first must qualify.

The main two reasons homeless individuals don't qualify for conventional housing is lack of income and criminal/credit backgrounds. Luckily, there are transitional housing programs available to help homeless individuals and families transition back into mainstream society. These programs offer supportive services to these individuals. The main goal of these programs is to promote self-sufficiency and to move people into permanent housing.

As a future social worker and a member of the community, I feel it is my responsibility to provide the resources, education and training that will support the under-served in obtaining meaningful employment and housing.

Oreon Shaw
Greensboro

John Freeman's April 23 News & Record review of Claudia Emerson's poetry collection, "Late Wife," berates the volume partly on grounds of its style. Emerson's lines, he says, "are prosy, full of airy extras, their single posture a dogged upward glance." He refers to a phrase only 21 words long as a "symphony." He complains of feeling "claustrophobic, bullied into a pretzel of sympathy."

Those who criticize the language usage of others ought themselves to demonstrate at least some primitive level of skill. Freeman couldn't mix his metaphors more thoroughly with a Cuisinart.

I urge readers to try "Late Wife" for themselves. To accept Freeman's judgment is like taking piano lessons from a tone-deaf spot welder.

Fred Chappell
Greensboro

The writer is a former poet laureate of North Carolina and a former professor of Claudia Emerson at UNCG.

I was deeply disturbed by your article "Missed By a Prayer" (April 23). Your double entendre title was as cruel as it was clever; because for every Jeremy Ackerson there is an Andrew Russoli who was killed in Iraq in midst of and in spite of hundreds of prayers.

The prayer itself, Psalm 91, rings hollow and harsh for children who have lost parents and parents who have lost children in this ongoing nightmare in Iraq. If this story is "an affirmation of faith" and indication of "God's presence with us every day," then the deaths of more than 2,000 soldiers must evidence either God's cruel caprice or terrible truancy.

Or could it simply be that, as you more sensitively state, Sgt. Ackerson was "lucky" that day? For every soldier "missed by a prayer" there is one saved by a different talisman, e.g., rabbit's foot, four-leaf clover, etc.

One person's faith is sometimes another's superstition. Your article comes dangerously close to confusing and conflating the two. And for anyone who has ever lost a loved one prematurely, either by an enemy bullet, a deadly disease or an automobile accident, this story is anything but comforting; indeed, it could be construed as callously cruel.

David Ramsey
Greensboro

I'm a taxpayer and I approve of Roy Carroll asking the city and Guilford County for tax money to help him redevelop the old Wachovia Tower. When we moved to Greensboro, I loved it right away; it had the feel of one big, beautiful residential area. However, when I went downtown, especially at night, it gave me an eerie feeling. Where were the people?

People living downtown are what make any city alive and well.

The Wachovia Tower with condominiums, offices and shops will make the city of Greensboro more truly our "hometown."

DeWitt Barnett
Greensboro

Who made the decision to alter the Pat Oliphant cartoon that was reprinted in the April 19 edition of the News & Record? In the original, which can be viewed at The Washington Post Web site, Secretary Rumsfeld is very clearly wearing the German Iron Cross around his collar, a device Oliphant has used in subsequent depictions of the Secretary of Defense. Do political cartoonists allow for editorial interference with what is, after all, their own editorial comment?

Scott Culclasure
Greensboro

Editor's note: On rare occasions, the News & Record edits small details in illustrations if they are considered gratuitous or offensive. If the entire thrust of a cartoon is considered objectionable, it is not published at all.

Regarding the article "Pit bull owner gets prison" (March 30):

Thank goodness there is a court in this country that has made this pet owner responsible for the actions of her dogs.

This pet owner in Spotsylvania, Va., allowed her three pit bulls to roam the streets, against the city ordinance, which led to the attack and death of an 82-year-old woman and her pet Shih Tzu in the victim's own front yard.

The pet owner and her attorney argued that she should not be held responsible because the dogs were the ones that committed the act. The jury did not see it that way and convicted her of involuntary manslaughter and two misdemeanor charges of allowing her dogs to run loose. She was sentenced to three years in prison.

A woman and her pet are dead by the careless action of this pet owner who disregarded her responsibilities, then denied being at fault. I'm glad she was convicted. If all of us were held accountable for breaking the law and the penalties were enforced, there would be a lot fewer tragedies like this one.

Thank you, Spotsylvania County Circuit Judge Ann Hunter Simpson, for upholding the jury's sentence.

Kitty Mae Thompson
Greensboro

Thank you so much to Kathleen Parker for her column, "Fact and myth must Duke it out," (April 20). I can relate to both sides of the situation in Durham because I'm a single parent and a Duke parent. My son lived in that very same white house before he graduated.

If a rape took place on Buchanan Street back in March, punish somebody. If a rape did not take place on Buchanan Street back in March, punish somebody else.

Susie Cox
High Point

Charles Davenport Jr. wrote in the News & Record (April 23) of "circumstances that breed division and clashing of cultures" regarding immigrants living in the United States.

These "circumstances" include individuals who speak their native languages, take pride in their native lands' flags, and continue to practice their traditional customs.

What strikes me as odd is that a person so concerned with the "division and clashing of cultures" accuses immigrants who speak their native language as living in "linguistic slums," acting in a "distasteful" manner by waving their nation's flag, and that our country should be focusing on the assimilation of immigrants. It seems to be that Davenport's intolerance and disregard for immigrants' values, customs, and traditions are at the core of the "division and clashing" he is so worried about.

Perhaps Davenport and those who share his views should spend more time thinking about the unique traits of their immigrant ancestors, the reality that most "Americans" can still identify with their European roots, and that the best way to foster unity is through communication and respect for everyone's world views and less time holding on to the myth of the "once-common [American] culture." Then, maybe, we wouldn't be so divided.

José A. Villalba
Greensboro

I enjoyed your opinion piece detailing the 16 reasons to support the proposal to refurbish the former Wachovia tower. I hope we see the project come to fruition.

I had to chuckle when you pointed out that Roy Carroll was even able to sell Dennis Glass on the idea. Judging by the new name on the former Jefferson-Pilot tower, I'm guessing that selling Mr. Glass on an idea is not particularly difficult.

Joseph F. Mullinax, III
Greensboro

I cannot believe the audacity of developer Roy Carroll in asking the city and county for $2.1 million to help subsidize his $37 million renovation of the old Wachovia building.

Carroll noted that the top level of the building will be his personal residence, the ground level will contain shops and the second level will house offices.

If the city and county agree to subsidize Carroll to the tune of $2.1 million, it will be the Greensboro and Guilford County residents who help buy and pay for Carroll's personal residence.

Carroll described his need for the $2.1 million as "critical" and said, "I don't know where I would turn, I don't have a good Plan B."

Here's a Plan B for you, Mr. Carroll: Instead of asking the residents of Guilford County to subsidize your personal residence, please beg the millions from Jim Melvin and the Bryan Foundation.

This is the perfect opportunity for Mr. Melvin's organization to put its money where its mouth is and make a sizable contribution to support another project in downtown Greensboro, even if it's one in which his group has no financial interest. After all, "It's good for Greensboro."

Greg Gibson
Greensboro

After reading the April 11 article, "Board says no to bank, drugstore," I wonder if real estate attorney Marc Isaacson would be willing to live in our neighborhood. Every day for over six years, we have endured the constant clatter of construction and the insistent beeps from trucks and backhoes.

This was a beautifully wooded area that was rezoned (with his father as the attorney) from single-family to multi-family Hummer-housing (Willoughby End), over the protests of the entire neighborhood. Isaacson's statement, "A pharmacy and a bank, this is not a new concept, folks. This is the kind of development that Greensboro has seen and embraced for many years," comes from someone not living in the world of the ordinary citizen.

Most people who have had their home areas rezoned have not welcomed these intrusions, but have had them rammed down their throats. It's unfortunate that the zoning regulations are just about worthless and that the City Council has so little backbone when it comes to saying no to developers.

How about respecting and abiding by the zoning guidelines and regulations? Now that would be "embracing" a concept.

Kent Tager
Greensboro

Be afraid. Be very afraid. He hears only what he wants to; he promises but never delivers; everything he has put into the system has failed; he provides for the rich and cares for no one except his own cronies.

He has started a war with no end and blatantly has said those who come after him can take care of the war he put us into. He put incompetents into office and denies they have done no wrong. He and they profit from his "mistakes" or non-intervention.

Now, he says, "No, it is not true" while his finger draws closer to the red button to start yet another war. The reason: He has the power of pre-emptive strike regardless what his advisers say. What part of the word "no" doesn't he understand?

Maniac, war monger, dictator, destroyer of our beloved system and way of life. He must be stopped by the voters who can block him through Congress.

Otherwise, be afraid. Be very afraid.

Zora Bunin
Jamestown

The column on your religion page is called "Faith Matters," so I found it amusing that atheist Eric Harrington's thoughts were published in it (April 22). If this was a golf column, we would not expect to find the thinking of a non-golfer published in it, would we? What could someone who has never tried golf and does not even believe that golf exists have to say that would benefit the golfing community?

Harrington wrote that he is in the "religious minority." I disagree. With no belief in God, and without any faith, I say that Harrington is not in the faith community at all.

It's a free country, and I have no problem with Harrington's atheism or the Piedmont Freethought Association. However, if the News & Record finds any of Harrington's ideas worthy of publishing, they belong on the editorial page, not in a column called "Faith Matters."

Mike Baron
Greensboro

The April 24 issue of Time magazine identifies Republican Sen. Conrad Burns of Montana as one of the five worst U.S. senators. And the April 24 News & Record reports that Sen. Elizabeth Dole, R- N.C., recently campaigned for Burns, saying to a crowd: "He's doing such a great job."

Reminds me of the old saying, "Birds of a feather flock together."

Bill Burnett
Greensboro

It was sufficiently astonishing to see the winners of the 2006 Pulitzer Prizes in poetry and journalism reported recently as local news, but what was truly incredible was the review of Claudia Emerson's prize-winning book of poetry that appeared in the April 23 Books section. It is a very good thing that the reviewer was not a member of the distinguished Pulitzer committee that gave the award; let us devoutly hope that he never is.

No poet connected with Greensboro, other than the occasional visitor, has ever won the Pulitzer. I can only imagine what treatment awaits the unfortunate Greensburger who wins a Nobel Prize!

Tom Kirby-Smith
Greensboro

I think it is great that the Greensboro City Council has voted in favor of voluntarily taking lie detector tests. Since the council works for the people of Greensboro, shouldn't we have the right to submit questions that they can be asked?

I think they should be asked if they have done anything unethical or illegal since they have been elected to office. I assume that most of them would not refuse to answer that question, unless they have something to hide.

Chuck Mann
Greensboro

On April 27, new community columnist David Johnson wrote, "The press has failed to expose the fallacy in the administration's attempt to characterize the (warrantless domestic spying) program as one that only spies on terrorists."

Mr. Johnson has every right to argue this view, and many surely agree with him. He could be right; I don't know. But to be credible and persuasive — or to actually change anyone's opinion — he should offer evidence for anything presented as a statement of fact.

If the press has indeed failed to expose such a "fallacy," it seemingly isn't because of a lack of motivation, considering the furor over domestic spying. Can Mr. Johnson expose it? Does he have specifics to back up his assertion? If not, perhaps he should have developed another example.

Much of today's opinion writing is the verbal equivalent of sticking out one's tongue and then running, which doesn't add much to the level of civic discourse.

To be fair, I don't believe that was Mr. Johnson's intention, and I wish him and the other new community columnists well as they begin to offer their thinking and writing for public evaluation.

Bob Garner
Burlington

The YWCA's Equal Pay Day, observed April 25, heightens awareness of unfair pay for women. Women generally earn less than men and work more to lessen the salary gap.

Much of the blame for the disparity in earnings is associated with women's work and family roles. Although some companies are attempting to balance inequalities by giving women "flex time" to accommodate work and home, many are not making the effort to consider the numerous responsibilities gender roles have forced on women.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, women earned 24 percent less than men did in 2004. Women of color have even greater financial disparities. Asian women earned 20 percent less, African American women earned 34 percent less, and Latinas earned 45 percent less than men. Unequal pay means that our skills, abilities and talents are discounted and undervalued! We must continue to strive for justice in the workplace.

Nicole Baker
Greensboro

Many of our young men and women are receiving felony charges for whatever reasons. Many of them are 14 and 15 years old. Are there any employers in this area who are willing to give a job to an ex-offender who, (1) was a child when charged; (2) has served his or her time; (3) has learned life's lessons the hard way; and (4) would like a chance to prove themselves as able to hold a job and be upstanding citizens in our society?

I know several of these young people in my neighborhood. Please do an article on how this group in our society can get on their feet. Who are the employers who are willing to hire a rehabilitated felon, even if it is only for a tax break? I also know that many of these young people get extremely frustrated when they are constantly told, "No convicted felons here!"

Francis McFadden
Greensboro

The April 9 article, "Partisan bickering slowing Congress," regarding our congressional leaders in Washington was disheartening to say the least. The article stated that Congress has taken roughly 21 out of the last 30 days off.

Meanwhile, according to a recent study by the National Sleep Foundation, the average American works 46 hours a week and gets seven days vacation a year. However, if you let our senators and representatives tell it, they are regular working-class Americans just like the rest of us. They also say that the reason for this much-needed rest is that they can no longer get along. Sounds like children on a playground.

Hopefully, the elections later in the year will remind them of who their employer is.

Josh Burnette
Greensboro

May 10 is Confederate Memorial Day in North Carolina. Sadly, it will be observed only by heritage organizations such as the Sons of Confederate Veterans and United Daughters of the Confederacy. Why this lack of interest in one of the most defining periods in American history?

In 1860, the Southern states had a difficult decision to make following the election of a minority Republican (Whig) president, since that party's platform promised expanding federal powers and a prohibitive import tax, which would have a devastating effect on the Southern economy. They chose to exercise their constitutional right to secede, and formed the Confederate States of America.

The new federal president ordered an illegal and unconstitutional invasion of the South, which resulted in a four-year bloodbath as the Confederates fought valiantly, against overwhelming odds, to protect their homes and the constitutional government created by the Founding Fathers.

Six hundred thousand soldiers, North and South, were killed, the South destroyed, and the totalitarian, imperialist federal government of today created.

The courage and suffering of the Southern people in that terrible struggle should be a lasting inspiration to all generations of Americans.

William K. Oden Jr.
Greensboro

I was quite pleased to see your April 20 editorial about the lack of sidewalks in Greensboro. This city is undergoing a metamorphosis, and sidewalks are critical to the success of this change.

In short, build sidewalks and you will build more connected, safer and healthier communities. So, please, if the city wants to build a sidewalk in your neighborhood, on your street, or in front of your house, say "Yes!" You'll be doing all of us and our children a very big favor.

Missy Ver Eecke
Greensboro

There are restaurants in the area with a reputation of excellent fish. But few are smoke-free. They have smoking and nonsmoking areas. I respect that. Some people want that cigarette before and/or after their meal.

It does seem, however, that if the owners want to keep those customers coming to enjoy the atmosphere of a nice meal and good rapport with the employees, they would take a good look at the seating arrangement. What good is a nonsmoking area if you walk in the door and off to the side is the first table surrounded by smokers? Smoke travels fast and all over the whole restaurant. When nonsmokers have to be led through it to get to their table, damage is done; it's all over their clothes.

Would it be so much to ask if owners would take a look at how much the smoking area is affecting people and how annoying it can be? Shuffle some tables or put them farther back. It could be the difference between heaven and hell. It's not that smokers are outcasts; it's called consideration.

Glenn Shearin
Jamestown

Too many times I have heard, "If you want to be a resident of this country, learn the language." Why is it assumed that immigrants do not want to learn English?

In some areas, there are waiting lists for ESL programs. If that's not a sign that immigrants want to learn the language, I don't know what is. English is not a language that can be learned quickly. It is full of exceptions, and even lifelong Americans frequently misuse the language.

If you feel passionate about immigrants learning English, look into becoming a literacy tutor and help make it happen.

Kathy Mills
Greensboro

em>The following is a Counterpoint:

By Bill Bencini

The News & Record reported on May 2 regarding attendance at the spring furniture market. Of note was a quote from Broyhill executive Harvey Dondero: "It's definitely down -- a lot of dealers are opting to attend Vegas or are just not coming to High Point."

That sentiment is counter to the experience of most at the spring market. Exhibitors were enthusiastic about attendance in light of a challenging retail environment. Wide-ranging improvements in the overall market experience were acknowledged by many of the 95,000 visitors to our region.

In the interest of fairness and accuracy, the news media should adequately research and divulge relevant relationships of individuals referenced in articles regarding the market.

Dondero is, in fact, CEO of Broyhill Furniture, a division of Furniture Brands International. He is also a vocal supporter of the Vegas market. A bit of simple Internet research would have revealed family, political and business ties to Las Vegas and its market.

Dondero is a native of Las Vegas. His daughter works for the World Market Center, Vegas' market sponsor. His family is active in politics in Vegas. The connections to the city and the Vegas market bring to question what motivates Dondero to speak disparagingly of High Point. He is a detractor to our market, even as positive enhancements are being implemented. Is this the role he is asked to serve as CEO of Broyhill?

Market Authority Director Brian Casey noted at Monday's board meeting that 234 of the 236 largest buying groups in the home furnishings industry attended this week at market. If High Point was "definitely down," as purported by Dondero, perhaps a number of these buying groups did not visit Broyhill. If that is true, then Dondero's time might be better spent tending to his business instead of bashing the preeminent furniture market. Such efforts would be appreciated by Furniture Brands' shareholders and industry supporters alike. It is no secret in North Carolina that Broyhill, under Dondero's leadership, has closed no fewer than six plants, eliminating thousands of jobs in our state.

In the interest of fairness and accuracy, I am an unabashed supporter of the High Point market, working in the furniture industry, representing Ward 4 on High Point City Council, and serving as a liaison to the Market Authority.

It is the journalistic obligation of reporters to separate spin from fact. Revealing relationships and agendas of sources is fundamental to maintaining fairness and accuracy.

The writer is a member of High Point City Council.

Of course Chad Olmsted ("A noisy ballpark enlivens downtown," letter, April 21) doesn't understand that Fisher Park residents — and others living within the six-block radius — could be bothered by the noise of the baseball park, because he doesn't know the meaning of "progress."

Progress is conservation and preservation, and respecting your neighbor's right to peace and privacy.

Sadly, he is one of many who can't understand that concept, but the consequences will catch up with all of us one day when it's too late.

Rosemarie Andrews
Greensboro

The title "Day Without Immigrants" is largely a gross misnomer. Millions of legal immigrants went to work just as they do every work day, each in their own way contributing to make America a bastion of freedom and a nation of law-abiding citizens.

What actually took place on May 1 was a celebration of criminal activity, supporting "illegal aliens." The key word here is "illegal." These people are not immigrants, rather they are foreign nationals who are squatting where they do not belong.

What we witnessed on May 1 was an open anti-U.S.A. effort by a criminal element present in our cities and towns aided and abetted by misguided supporters. The obvious result is that we now can clearly see that our future does not depend on any group of illegal aliens regardless of their ethnicity.

America's greatness does not hinge on illegal activity rather it hinges on all of her people pulling together for the common good. As a foreign-born legal citizen of this country, I went to work on May 1 to protest this effort to destroy our country. I hope millions of others did so as well.

Ian A. Millar
Kernersville

I recently read an article about how President Bush stated that "The Star-Spangled Banner" should only be recorded in English, due to the recent publishing of a Spanish recording of the anthem. Not everyone in America can speak English, especially newly arrived immigrants. I believe that this is a good thing allowing people of different cultures to hear and understand our anthem.

Being an American citizen doesn't mean you should have to be able to speak our language, though it could be useful. Singing the anthem in Spanish is just as good as singing it in English.

Iain Pritchard
Greensboro

Last week, a woman in the Target parking lot called me a (expletive). Why? I had helpfully suggested that perhaps, if she chose to either talk on her cell phone or back out of her parking space, she might not have come so close to hitting my son with her brand new convertible. I wasn't being sarcastic with my remark. She, on the other hand, was.

I have come to fear parking lots and intersections in the Triad. It seems every other car I see on the road has a driver talking on a cell phone and not paying enough attention to driving.

In Britain, talking on a cell while driving is illegal, even with a hands-free system. Responsible drivers in North Carolina should encourage restriction of cell phone usage in automobiles.

Until then, I will wait a few seconds before heading through that green light and keep my children close when crossing a parking lot.

Susan Cox-Smith
Greensboro

"Thousands rally in North Carolina to support immigration," (May 2) is mistitled. Accuracy would require, "Thousands rally in North Carolina in support of illegal immigration."

The protesters want America to reward those who broke in line with "legal status." To do so would be to guarantee millions of new line breakers. The last such reward for illegal aliens was in 1986 when America gave what was supposed to be a "one-time-only" amnesty to an estimated 1.5 million illegal aliens (3 million after rampant fraud in processing).

We reaped what we sowed — 20 years later: 12-15 million more illegal aliens.

Tom Shuford
Lenoir

In regard to the illegal alien problem: Maybe it's time to consider making Mexico the 51st state.

Ralph Duke
Kernersville

Most of us have read company "mission statements." Those I have read are from mid to large size manufacturing companies. All seem to have certain buzzwords or phrases, such as, "world-class," "low-cost producer," "best in class," "increasing company/shareholder value," etc. — all very impressive.

However, something seems to be missing. Not one statement includes anything pertaining to employee economic well-being or promoting a strong national economy, an important element for our national security.

Then, I say to myself, "OK, the national economy and security shouldn't be the responsibility of a company — that should be the responsibility of our government." It says so in our Constitution, Powers of Congress, Section 8, " … provide for the common Defence and general Welfare." I'm sure economic well-being is included in "general welfare."

But what has happened? Our government has abdicated its role, while allowing U.S. corporations to disregard our national interests. Economic uncertainties are explained away as the results of a market economy. "Market force" has become a euphemism for outsourcing, often resulting in offshoring. While many companies, executives, and major shareholders are thriving in this global environment, U.S. employees are being deserted.

Ray Potts
Greensboro

It is very easy to complain about our schools in Guilford County. What is more difficult is to research and follow what our school board members stand for and implement.

Why? We, as parents, are so busy trying to provide for our children's needs that we don't take time to fully understand the policies proposed by Superintendent Terry Grier and then implemented by the school board.

We, the parents, should come together and take a stand for our children, schools administrators and teachers. Instead of being reactive, we need to be proactive. We complain about what the board does instead of being informed and vocalizing our concerns.

I challenge parents to ask questions, read the paper and educate ourselves so we can vote for people who will represent our voices. Don't leave the decision-making up to Grier and the school board. They are making decisions that will affect our children, our future.

Contact our school board representatives and tell them what we want for our children and schools. If we don't, we have no one to blame but ourselves.

Lisa Clapp
Greensboro

Let me see if I understand Terry Grier's latest plan. Place our best teachers in the low-performing schools. I guess we would then have to ship our worst teachers to the high-performing schools (to fill those vacancies). Having our best teachers in the low-performing schools should raise their test scores and the high-performing schools (which lost their best teachers) would see their scores drop.

If you are just looking at the numbers (which Grier and the school board are so focused on), things should about even out. Since budgets and pay raises are awarded on statistics (not children), everyone in school administration would be ecstatic and we may have an added bonus of closing the achievement gap.

But, suppose the quality of our teachers was never the problem in the first place. What if the real problem in our low-performing schools is some low-performing parents.

What's Grier's next plan ... "Trading Spouses"?

Jack Johnson
Gibsonville

I am one of those inconsiderate people who has a "gas-guzzler." I drive it by choice. The SUVs did not run the price of gas up. The world demand on oil has been the biggest factor. China has become a major player in the world oil market.

The oil companies in the United States are refining as much oil as they can. The last time a refinery was built was about 30 years ago. One of the reasons would be that the environmentalists will fight any new construction and exploration for oil.

If we are going to ask for a surcharge at the pump for certain vehicles, maybe we should also charge a surcharge for children in the school system. Each child costs an average of $7,129.17 per year. What about the person who has no children and an SUV? Charge him or her for his or her choice and not charge others for their choice? Let's be fair.

George Cole
Greensboro

I used to go to Uwharrie when it was a very beautiful place. That was before the leeches bought up the land that borders the lake right down to waterline. It was a beautiful place. Quiet as a mouse, just an owl at night or birds in the daytime. Then the Skidoos and the idiots who rode them came up into all the necks to see how much noise and how many wakes they could make. I had bought a fishing license for the right to fish there.

These people who destroyed my world were born with the money to destroy everything and trample on everyone else. I hope they drain Badin and leave the Skidoos and mansions high and dry. George Bush is not destroying the forest, the people are.

Ken Sawyer
High Point

While this country was formed by immigrants 230 years ago, those of us who chose to make a better life by emigrating here learned the language and were honored to become citizens of this country and yes, even to pay taxes.

If you want to live here, work here and take advantage of all this wonderful country has to offer, shouldn't these same people be thinking about being part of the United States as opposed to being apart from the United States?

Claudia DeMaggio
High Point

This is in regard to the May 2 headline in your newspaper. Why continue to attempt to deceive some of your educated readers? The headline should have read, "1,500 rally downtown to support illegal immigrants."

Edward Galaviz
Greensboro

The Republicans' 32 percent favorable rating can only get worse with their attention to the number of Hispanics in America instead of the number of Americans in Iraq.

Bob Wright
Greensboro

In Noe Juarez's article (April 26), he conveniently misses the point of the entire uproar over illegal immigrants. It can be stated simply by the word "illegal."

These immigrants who entered the U.S. illegally did so knowingly, making them, in actuality, lawbreakers. Fairly simple to understand, I would think.

Juarez glosses over this point, instead choosing to threaten us with an "immigrant strike" of sorts. Should these illegal individuals choose to go on strike, I can only say they dare to do something that most of these individuals would not have dared to do in their countries of origin.

Few of us U.S. citizens would deny the many contributions to this country made by immigrants. That fact is, simply, undeniable. I have nothing but admiration for those folks who enter legally. And for those who seek and achieve legally naturalized citizenship, my only feeling is "welcome."

For those who choose to break our laws, I say that deportation is deserved.

William H. Glaze
Summerfield

Here is a suggestion how to save $5,000 of taxpayers' money and settle the "leak" case: Publish a one-paragraph story on your editorial page saying the newspaper denies that it was a member of City Council who directly or indirectly leaked a copy of the Wray report to the paper. How about it?

Herman Geschwind
Greensboro

Parents, please supervise your children, no matter what their location. My family has been walking to Hester Park every day for weeks, watching Canada geese with their two eggs. They were extremely protective of their nest, as should all parents be. My daughters have been taught to respect wildlife and were learning an important life cycle lesson.

On April 29, that lesson was disrupted by six young boys, who apparently have not been taught to respect animals or any living being, for that matter. As we came up, we saw that one of the eggs was completely crushed and the other was partially broken. The downy feathers and yellow and red contents were coming from the inside. My children were heartbroken.

After conversing with the boys, we learned they crushed the egg with a stick, all in good humor. Ha ha. The parent geese found no amusement as they lost their defensive side and made strange noises to their broken young.

The parents of the children were under the shelter having a great time letting the kids "amuse themselves." Our day was ruined.

Moral of the story: Watch your kids. Teach respect for all living things.

Kelly Frye
Greensboro

I think there should be more programs for kids' self-esteem. Many gang members come from poor and broken homes. Most kids who are associated with gangs have low self-esteem and feel worthless.

If we can get our children into these self-esteem programs, maybe we can make them feel good about themselves. These kids feel like they do not fit in with society, so, usually, they join a gang looking for love and protection. They need to feel like they belong. Most of the time, kids join gangs because their needs are not being met at home or school.

I think that we, as parents, should get more involved with our community. Parents need to know the signs of being affiliated with a gang so that we are aware of what is happening with our children.

Ella Sombelon
Sedalia

I read with amusement your article, "Politics still alive in appellate judicial races" (April 30), which stated, "The shift to nonpartisan elections came as (N.C.) lawmakers created a voluntary public financing program, which attempted to remove politics and big money from (judicial) campaigns."

Well, voluntary for some. The General Assembly forced lawyers to pay "assessments" of $50 to fund appellate judicial elections, eviscerating freedom of speech for attorneys, as their extorted "assessments" may fund candidates opposing the "donating" attorneys' political beliefs. Does anyone know another segment of society forced to tolerate mandated funding of elections?

Our naive legislators and media persist in socialist attempts to impose public financing and to remove money and politics from any election. Bulletin: Absent dictatorship, politics is the heart of elections, judicial or general, and money always has influenced and will continue to influence elections. Private financing is a small price to pay for the right to support a candidate of one's own choice.

Charles A. Jones
Norfolk, Va.

The writer is a lawyer and native of Greensboro.

Many Greensboro residents are aware that the Arbor House beside Moore Music Company on Market Street was demolished on April 19.

Next scheduled for demolition is an old building immediately beside Moore Music. In that building is a young pregnant cat that has given or soon will give birth. We independently began trapping, vaccinating, neutering and placing numerous feral cats residing in that significant semi-natural habitat as soon as we learned the fate of the property. Of course, we attempted to contact the Humane Society and Guilford Animal Control, receiving no response.

The developers of that property say there is nothing they will do about this matter. Our efforts to rescue her and the imminent kittens have been unsuccessful. Aside from that issue, readers, please be responsible pet owners. Neuter your pets. Keep their vaccines updated. Keep them at home.

Jay and Nancy McCracken
Greensboro

The boycott May 1 does deliver a message. Illegal immigrants need to go home and re-enter this country the legal way. If I had just not shown up for work, I would be fired. Not so for "special" people. And the boycott doesn't mean anything; they could simply buy stuff the day before or the day after.

Our laws are much more lenient on this subject than in Mexico. But, of course, we aren't in Mexico. Mexico has a southern border to prevent people slipping in illegally. Vincente Fox wants things from the United States that he wouldn't dare offer his own country.

Naturalized citizens of this country should be offended that we are waiving rules and catering to criminals. That is what they are by coming here illegally. And they have the gall to wave flags not of this country, but their homeland. If you like it so much, go back. If you can't sing the National Anthem as it is written, take English lessons.

We need to tell our representatives that we will not stand for this, and that their jobs depend on protecting American jobs (lost to illegals rather than going to Americans who would take any job that paid). Remember, your vote counts.

Michael Cumbus
Greensboro

In regard to the person saying atheism should not be considered a religion (May 3), I must disagree. Religion is faith, and faith has been defined as "confident belief in the truth, value or trustworthiness of a person, idea or thing" (dictionary.com).

This taken into consideration, is not the belief in nothing a form of faith? After all, no one can prove that G-d does or does not exist, so not believing in G-d (or in any other religious figure) requires just as much faith as in believing that G-d does, in fact, exist.

The choice to believe in what you wish to believe in is personal and must be made according to what you believe, and since no one can prove that your beliefs are either right or wrong, is not any belief an act of wholehearted faith?

Darren Lipman
Asheboro

The case involving Terri Schiavo demonstrated the importance of having a living will. Actually, there are two types of advanced directives: living will and durable health care power of attorney. Brevity does not permit a full description of the difference between these documents: Both are important.

Money is not an object to completing an advanced directive. All anyone needs is a copy of the documents, witnesses and a notary public. As a public service, the Moses Cone Health System has made these documents available on its Web site: http://www.mosescone.com/

Simply go to the home page, scroll down to the big question mark and click on "Want information on living wills?" There, you will find information on both types of advanced directives plus blank copies that you can download for free.

Please take this opportunity to discuss this important issue with your loved ones and to put your wishes in writing. You and your family will be glad you did.

William Hensel, MD
Greensboro
The writer is chairman, Moses Cone Health System Ethics Committee.

So the crowds of immigrants chose May Day — the day when international socialism celebrates its creed — to boycott America and present their "demands" to the American people. What a nerve.

The socialists' deification of government and abrogation of individual freedom collide head-on with American values of limited government and liberty, but apparently the immigrants' allegiances lie with the former rather than the latter.

I am an immigrant. It cost me four years and my life savings to enter America legally and become a legal resident. It was the best bargain I ever made. On May 1, I went to work, mailed a routine check to the Department of Revenue in Raleigh, and bought everything I could find that said it was "made in the USA."

And I will always be grateful for the opportunities this country has given me.

Christopher Rees
Greensboro

Those of us who support banning public smoking have written and talked about such a ban until we are blue in the face from secondhand smoke.

Apparently, our current legislators and candidates to the legislature either do not hear or do not care about our desperate pleas. Our government has successfully sued the tobacco companies for compensation for health costs related to smoking but has failed to take action to keep that cancerous smoke from public places. What hypocrisy!

Personally, I have resolved to hereafter vote for only those candidates who support the public smoking ban. Only when enough voters take this approach will you see the ban become law.

Gerald Parker
Greensboro