News-Record.com

Congratulations, Rachel Walden and News & Record, for running the June 22 article on "The Angry Canadiens" in your "the 'boro" section. My 15-year-old son, DJ, and I were ecstatic to see this band featured and to hear about young men with purpose and vision influencing their peers in a positive way.

My son is a guitarist in a new hard-core Christian band out of Northwest Guilford High School named One Day Forward. The guys in his band have similar interests to the AC, wanting to be solid musicians and to bring a message of hope to a generation that desperately needs encouragement.

We would appreciate it, if you would include in your "the 'boro" section contact information for the public as to where teens can go to hear live bands play in a smoke-free, alcohol-free environment.

Nancy Fleming
Greensboro

It makes us nervous whenever there's talk of any move that might negatively affect Greensboro's Farmers' Market, as there was during recent city budget discussions. The movers and shakers need to understand that, for hundreds of us, the Farmers' Market is the best thing going.

Vendors and patrons make up a wonderfully diverse community such as exists nowhere else around here. Even the narrow aisles encourage people to interact.

And, of course, there's the food: fresh local produce and eggs, much of it organic, fabulous local cheeses and bread and home-baked goodies. Plus plants and all manner of crafts (let's hear it for Josie and her aprons).

For more than 20 years, we've been doing a respectable share of our food shopping at the Farmers' Market. That and warm interactions with older and newer friends among both vendors and patrons (many hugs all around) make it easy to be up and out early on Saturday mornings — and it's not necessary to be there by 6:30.

People rave about the charm of European markets; we've got the real thing right here. The market really works. Don't "fix" it. Cherish it and keep it vibrant.

Ken Caneva
Jane Sugarman
Greensboro

We should push to have Carol Pulliam (letter, June 19) teamed up with Oliver Stone to assist in filming the next big conspiracy movie. Her opinion that "The Da Vinci Code" is designed to destroy faith in God and needs a disclaimer statement to admit it's fiction shows she thinks the rest of us are idiots and cannot actually think for ourselves.

What about the new movies "Cars" and "Over the Hedge"? By showing animals and inanimate objects talking and acting human, are these directors not elevating them to the level of men? Did God build cars in "His" image? Clearly these are blatant attempts to undermine the faith in our children. Where is Ms. Pulliam when we need her?

Scott Duncan
Greensboro

I am in total agreement with sentiments expressed by Ann Minish (letter, June 24) revealing her revulsion over the brutality of fatally beating a goat in a neighborhood back yard.

Her only comment with which I disagree is: "There's a place for that kind of thing ... ." In my view, there is no place for that kind of thing.

If these cretins were my neighbors, I would try to educate them about a humane alternative if the goat needed to be put down.

I'm disappointed that anyone thinks "there is a place for that kind of thing."

Helen Thornbro
Greensboro

Regarding Patricia Boswell's letter (June 26):

You say you are a follower of Jesus. Then I hope you believe in the Trinity, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Three in one (all the same).

God spoke to Lot in Genesis 19 and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed. You said Jesus never talked about homosexuality, I would ask you to read Luke 17: 28- 29. It is true Jesus did not speak specifically of homosexuality; he did speak about the city that was destroyed because of homosexuality. He called Paul to preach the gospel and Paul spoke of this sin in Romans 1. The following verses say it all:

• Leviticus 18:22: "Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination."

• Leviticus 20:13: "If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them."

God never changes. Sin is sin.

Harold McGee
Summerfield

By Robert L. Kelly

Your article on the recent "knock-and-announce" Supreme Court decision (June 16) gets it right, but your headline, "Court says it's legal for police to barge in," is dead wrong. A better headline would be "Justice Scalia's judicial activism."

Precedents in all states had required that, prior to executing a search warrant, police had to knock, announce themselves as police, and wait a reasonable time for a response before forcibly entering.

If they did not "knock-and-announce," whatever evidence of criminal activity they might find could not be admitted in a trial. This principle was based on the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution, forbidding unlawful search and seizures.

In the case in question, the court ruled it is indeed illegal for the police to enter without these preliminaries, but doing so does not invalidate evidence the police might discover. Some legal remedy against the unlawful entry could be used other than throwing the evidence out of court.

Surprisingly, Justice Scalia, in writing the majority opinion, based his decision not on the principle he famously avows, "strict construction" of the Constitution and precedents based on it, but rather on balancing societal costs of "knock-and-announce" restraints on police against their societal benefits.

Such an approach to legal decisions goes back to a tradition that emerged from 19th century American Pragmatic philosophy. Most notably espoused by Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, it was called "social jurisprudence," "legal empiricism" or "legal realism."

Recently, this principle has been demonized by the American right wing as "judicial activism."

Right-wing pundits, including Rush Limbaugh, are quick to condemn as "activist" any judge who rules in a way they don't like — in cases such as prayer in schools, posting the Ten Commandments in public places or gay marriage. Judges so labeled are harassed and threatened with recall.

I'm waiting for the right to denounce Scalia's decision. Or is activism OK when its aim is to expand policing powers regardless of the Bill of Rights?

The writer lives in Greensboro.

When I read that funding for the Commission on the Status of Women would be cut, I was not surprised for this has been an agenda item for some City Council members for years. I was disappointed by the lack of a response from current and former commissioners who know the impact CSW has had on this community, and from the women whose lives were changed because of their interaction with the commission.

Most women still earn less money than men for comparable work, many live in poverty with their children, and some suffer due to health disparities.

CSW requires different resources than other boards because its function is different. Its administrators have always had other departmental duties, so parity is not the question.

One of CSW's roles is to identify unmet needs for women, then find a place for those services. For example: CSW and the YWCA provided the research which the Women's Resource Center ultimately used for documentation to secure its initial foundation funding. This was not the City Council's finest hour and it will be remembered.

Yolanda Leacraft
Greensboro

I have been a resident of the Lake Jeanette area for over 11 years and drive to and from Lake Jeanette on Elm Street a number of times daily. Every day for the past several months, I have been forced to navigate my way through the dozens of construction workers installing the "roundabout" at the corner of Elm Street and Old Lake Jeanette Road. Every day, I ask myself who thought up this extravagant and unnecessary project, especially at a time when the City Council is increasing taxes.

I have never perceived this intersection to create any problems that a stoplight wouldn't cure. However, I fear that the roundabout will cause some fender benders. We are not sufficiently European to know how to use a roundabout, as is already obvious to those of us who have tried it. And the thought of trucks and school buses attempting to navigate their way through it is downright scary.

I saw a school bus try it one day, and it was actually swaying. I'm sure it is too late to reverse this mistake, but I hope the City Council will carefully deliberate the necessity of any future roundabouts before authorizing more money to construct them.

Doris Bray
Greensboro

Regarding the June 18 story by Susan Pyle, "The Business of Art: Commissions, consignments, licensing":

I wanted to thank Pyle and the News & Record for this story and allowing me to be part of it.

It is good for artists and the buying public to be aware that the arts are good business and big business. Often consumers may buy into the fallacy of the "starving artist" syndrome and may shortchange artists, not realizing that we should be paid a competitive living.
Just look at what my colleagues in the arts are doing to provide for themselves, their families and, for the record, to support more than 100 auxiliary services and businesses. We all work for a living, but the arts make living worthwhile.

Again, thank you, and good job, Susan.

Jacquelyn Hughes Mooney
Greensboro

The results of Klan-Nazi trials implied CWP people were at fault. Those videotaped doing the killing went free. Citizens have not held police, prosecutors and officials politically or criminally accountable.

Identified dangerous, armed people murdered five others in the street, in daylight, on camera. Police did not prevent it, despite clear warnings.

Prosecutors and officials did not convict murderers photographed in the act. The killers are free as I understand. Greensboro owns labels of being unjust, vicious, bigoted and incompetent. Citizens seem to say, "Oh, well, let well enough alone; get over it. It might hurt the Furniture Market or GGO."

"Troublemakers, a few commies and ungrateful blacks? Them Klan boys was just a-funnin'; into pranks; had blanks you say? Them commies got what they deserved, stirring up the place." Twenty-five years of no justice defines Greensboro. Who among you in Greensboro-Guilford said: "This despicable injustice shall not stand for a moment, a day, a week, a year … ?" A very few; not enough.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission's work was done by brave folks facing shameful heavy opposition and hateful scorn. Elected officials hid. Did you elect these cowards? Bigoted citizens celebrated murders and sneered. It is that simple. All else is commentary.

William A. Franklin
Burlington

The following is a counterpoint:

By Matthew M. Polka

Your article, "Proposal would give state negotiating power" (June 13), repeated a number of claims made by Bell telephone companies and their friends in their effort to get special favors from legislators. While they claim to support lower prices for consumers, what they really want is a leg-up over their competitors.

The 1996 Telecommunications Act, which the Bells spent millions of dollars lobbying to support, expressly allows telephone companies to enter the video market. But rather than invest in upgrading their networks, the Bells have chosen to milk their old phone monopolies, while cable companies — like the small operators I represent, some with only several hundred customers — have invested over $100 billion in private dollars upgrading their networks for high-speed Internet. As a result, 91 percent (and counting) of the homes cable serves nationwide have access to our broadband offering.

Instead of supporting Bell-backed state or national video franchising legislation that would give telephone companies an advantage over their competitors, let's agree to several principles:

First, there should be a level playing field among competitors. Cable and telephone companies should be required to abide by the same rules and obligations in the spirit of fair play.

Second, cable companies have agreed to anti-discrimination obligations for decades. Failing to prevent telephone companies from discriminating based on income or race would undermine core American values.

Thirdly, local governments have a significant role to play in ensuring the well-being of their neighborhoods.

These should be principles with which we can all agree, and which will bring telecommunications competition to all, not just a few.

The writer is president and CEO, American Cable Association; board member, Broadband Everywhere.

On a recent CNN news clip, President Bush made a typical partisan statement that further divides our country contrary to his strongest campaign promise.

As some will recall, he claimed to be a "uniter not a divider" and many are still waiting to see the evidence.

Stumping for his position on the combat in Iraq, the president made a clear separatist remark that he maintains is the difference between Democrats and Republicans, saying, "As long as we (Republicans) are in control, we will not cut and run." Hooray for the "brave."

Which is more preferable — to civilly redeploy with a planned resolution or barbarically stay and fail?

How many more American young people must die for Iraq? How many more American young people will be permanently disfigured or disabled? How many more American children will be left fatherless or motherless? How many American family names will end in Iraq? How many more innocent Iraqi children will be declared dispensable collateral? How many will suffer the trauma of dismembered families and friends? How many will be disabled for life?

To these and many other questions, why?

Al Campbell
High Point

I saw the Dixie Chicks in 2001. At the time my daughter had earned a violin scholarship to college. "Wide Open Spaces" was played during parent orientation at Peace College in Raleigh. This school is definitely not "country."

I recently learned the concert in Greensboro has been "postponed." The reason — poor sales due to a quote of the Chicks. A few quotes came to my mind regarding this situation:

• "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it," Voltaire, 1694-1778.

• "If everybody is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking," General George Patton, 1885-1945.

• "If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear," George Orwell, 1903-1950.

• "Restriction of free thought and free speech is the most dangerous of all subversions. It is the one un-American act that could most easily defeat us," Justice William O. Douglas, 1898-1980.

I only hope the Chicks continue to make music and speak freely. They should be thanked for encouraging the love of music when far too often music is unavailable for children, due to budget cuts in most school systems.

Carol Zealy
Lexington

I find it disheartening that Cal Thomas (June 24) chose to turn the Episcopal Church's election of Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori into rhetorical debate about the church's stance on homosexuality. His implication that the loving ministry of Christianity should be reserved for those "deemed worthy" is appalling.

That the Episcopal Church can debate controversial issues with bravery actually demonstrates the health of the denomination. Yes, we had a heated and painful debate about the "gay bishop" issue, from which we learned to understand those with many different perspectives on the issue.

Most of us emerged from that debate with a deeper level of love and respect for our fellow believers.

Jefferts Schori was elected presiding bishop because of her excellent work leading a very diverse Nevada diocese.
Under her leadership, the Episcopal Church has grown in Las Vegas. She has also made sure the many small-town — and largely conservative — parishes in Nevada have received adequate support from the diocese.

I have traveled through these towns, and have found genuine respect for her work throughout the state.
Please publish a well-balanced article on her accomplishments. Misleading columns like Thomas' have no place in a credible publication.

John Dobson
Greensboro

In regard to the letter (June 24) about the backyard slaughter of the goat, I am so angry to think this kind of slaughter can exist without laws prohibiting the beating of any animal.

Martha Conley
Asheboro

The letter to the editor about the goat slaughter from Ann Minish was very upsetting (I have a pet goat).

I have been told by the Greensboro Police and the Guilford County Sheriff's Department that the act, as she described it, is against the law.

Minish should follow up with the police that she called, as whoever she talked to was wrong and I feel they should be disciplined. Other readers should be informed that acts like this are unlawful.

Donny Sykes
Stokesdale

Thank you for your editorial (June 25) on the sad shape of mental health services. Thank you, too, for the two columns of Lorraine Ahearn recently.

As a career mental "healther" myself, I am especially sad to see the results of the so-called reform of the services of a few years back. In effect, the clinicians in community services were disfranchised, or if some would prefer, privatized.

They would then contract with the local administrative entity to provide clinical services to those in need. The problem has been that there were not enough dollars provided to pay for the services. At the same time there was pressure not to send patients to the state's regional hospitals.

Thankfully, the governor and both Houses of the legislature are currently moving to provide funds in the current legislative budget to take care of some of the need. It has long been due.

The history of caring for the mentally ill is fraught with instances of crisis, then some action, and then a repeat.

We are in better shape than at many times in the past, but we must be ever mindful of providing services as needed, preferably in the community, but with sufficient funding to meet the need.

J. Wilbert Edgerton
Greensboro

The recent rains have caused our neighborhood park to be flooded, yet, again, by Buffalo Creek. I took my daughter to it to show and teach her about the effects of littering near or in our creeks and sewer drains.

While standing there, we saw a soccer ball, numerous plastic and glass bottles and oil containers, a croquet ball, Styrofoam cups, dishes and sheets, an entire tire (including the center part) and many large tree limbs and stumps.

We thought that was horrible until we saw the 5-foot wide wooden spool that cables come on floating along. We watched as it crashed into the bridge at Merritt Drive.

Fortunately, or not, the water was deep enough for the spool to make it under the bridge.

The banks of the creek are littered with hundreds of pieces of debris. Once the water level is low, my daughter and I plan to pickup litter from the creek.

It is inexcusable and embarrassing to think we don't care enough about our environment to be the cause of such a mess. Please stop littering and using the sewage drains as your trash can.

Pamela Smith
Greensboro

It's appalling that you actually pay Cal Thomas for his "thoughts."

I wonder if he's a member of the church whose members demonstrate at funerals of brave young Americans killed in Iraq because that church believes our government isn't tough enough on homosexual folks?

The way Thomas quotes the Bible, you'd think he'd be familiar with Jesus' parable (Luke 14:16-24) which makes it clear that Jesus was not into excluding people from his Table. Jesus includes everyone, bar none. There were some, of course, who refused to join others at the Table.

If you look up this parable you'll see that Jesus didn't say homosexual persons weren't included. He said nothing about homosexuality in any of the four Gospels.

Is Thomas one of the biblical illiterates he condemns as outside "Orthodox Christianity"? I wonder whose brand of orthodoxy Thomas has in mind.

Who does he think he is to judge?

Your headline asks, "Can Episcopalians still recognize sin?" I wonder if you or Thomas can recognize sin. Does he think it's a sin to be an Episcopalian, or a woman bishop, or someone who disagrees with him?

Please discontinue his ignorant, ranting columns.

Jim Prevatt
Greensboro

I was pleased to read Lorraine Ahearn's column (June 25) about Hannah Anthony and the Kids' Chance scholarship program.

I have been a workers' compensation attorney for many years. Unfortunately, I've met many children like Hannah who have struggled to achieve their educational dreams because an at-work accident robbed them of a parent or took that parent out of the workforce.

I see every day how families are affected by workplace injuries, both financially and emotionally, and that's why my firm has chosen to support Kids' Chance. I hope Ahearn's column will make more people aware of the plight of injured workers and their families, especially their children.

Kids' Chance needs donations, but more importantly, help identifying worthy recipients. The program receives very few scholarship applications, and I know that there are worthy students in the Triad who could benefit from tuition assistance.

If your readers know of a high school or college student whose parent was killed or seriously injured on the job, I encourage them to refer that student to Kids' Chance. We have scholarship applications available at the Deuterman Law Group offices downtown, as well as on our Web site at www.deutermanlaw.com.

Daniel Deuterman
Greensboro

The following is a counterpoint:

By Samuel B. Johnson

Absolutely. Let's make sure that every child begins the school day with the Pledge of Allegiance. At the end of it, we should restore the straight arm salute and the shout, "Victory! Hail!"

On Friday nights, we can have regular torchlight parades. What's more, during the pledge all the children can nudge each other and point at the Jehovah's Witness child whose parents have told him not to recite the pledge. Or they can make fun of the atheist child whose parents have told her to omit "under God," the phrase added to the pledge in 1954 as part of that era's McCarthyist red-baiting.

Of course, the children will later take care of those outsiders during recess on the playground.

Actually, no, I have a better idea. At the beginning of the school day, our children should read together one of the 10 amendments that make up our Bill of Rights. Maybe they should even take a few additional minutes to discuss and appreciate our freedoms.

If they read one amendment each school day, then they will read through our Bill of Rights about twice a month. By the end of their school education, they would probably have the Bill of Rights memorized, a valuable bit of knowledge for every U.S. citizen.

In all seriousness, if our legislature is going to require a patriotic exercise at the beginning of class, a reading from the Bill of Rights ought to be an option. Lining up our children for flag-waving and pledges and allegiance oaths is fascist. Such exercises promote fanaticism, jingoism, chauvinism and the deaths of our young people in senseless wars.

Let us rather train up our children with humility in what makes us truly great: our American freedoms, grounded in our constitutional rights.

The writer is an attorney who lives in Greensboro.

Longtime residents of the South Warnersville neighborhood and the former J.C. Price School are treasured links to the past, present and future vitality of the Warnersville community. J.C. Price School doesn't appear to have a role in the site's future for the present owners.

A sports park featuring a football stadium and a softball field doesn't have a role in the quality and quantity of life for the taxpaying Warnersville community citizens.

It is true that J.C. Price does have a historical place in the community. The school is the only remaining building in the neighborhood founded for freed slaves in the 1860s and demolished by urban renewal in the 1960s. However, ownership of the property does not give the owners the right to infringe upon the community of taxpaying citizens of Warnersville.

Brick and mortar will be demolished but the spirit of freed slaves and educators lives on, and so do the third and fourth generations of freed slaves in Warnersville.

We need the owners of the property to understand our desire to utilize the J.C. Price site for producing future educators, leaders and professionals from our community.

Jean B. Williams
Greensboro

In regard to your front-page article on adult care homes (June 25), I bet if the paper did an expose on these homes, 99 percent of them would be the same way.

The two people pictured from the Department of Social Services with the two volumes of complaints should be fired.

The saddest thing of all, when you leave a family member at most adult care homes and do not go check on that person on a regular basis, that is where the abuse happens. If you visit and they complain to you, they are probably being mistreated. You must investigate.

Stan Champion
Greensboro

In reference to your recent editorial, "Public needn't seek guidance on scandal from Krzyzewski" (June 23): Though he is "not the president" and "not the athletics director," and "not on the board of trustees," he is a well-recognized, high-profile part of the Duke University setting. He is also well educated, well informed, and very close to this unfortunate lacrosse team/stripper situation. But, I do agree with the premise that he should not be queried about his opinions on this matter, period.

You suggested that when questioned, his response was "a bit contradictory." Contradictory? Here's contradictory. The media have no problem seeking opinions, commentary and even advice on domestic and world affairs from Barbra Streisand, George Clooney, Tim Robbins, Susan Sarandon and other Hollywood types, some of whom might have a high school education. They've never been briefed on, lack any close experience with, and are certainly not experts in, world affairs. Yet, their liberal opinions on high-level and very complicated matters are printed and broadcast nationally as though they are experts.

Mike Krzyzewski is better educated, informed and qualified to comment on this Duke lacrosse situation than these less-educated, ill-informed, unqualified, and overpaid troubadours are to speak on domestic and world affairs. That's the real contradiction.

Clyde L. Hunt Jr.
Greensboro

The June 20 "Scoop" article is proof of discrimination in a "means" other than skin color. Carolyn Coleman's remark came across to me as saying Billy Yow was below her because he digs wells for a living, and maybe dips a little snuff.

I don't know or care about the snuff, but thank God for well diggers. Without them, I would have no water at my house. And, what he does to relax is his business — snuff dipping does not cost us any taxes.

Personally, looking at art is no better than watching "still" TV. If Coleman feels that art museums improve her quality of life, then let her pay an admission charge and go for it. Don't expect taxpayers to have to cut our quality of life to improve others in this manner.

Art museums are not a necessity. Would she rather see a homeowner pay additional taxes for "art" and become a street person because he can't afford higher property taxes? Individuals should try to improve their own quality of life, not at someone else's expense.

And now, because I'm lucky enough to have a well, I must go do my laundry and improve the quality of my clothing.

Kathleen Odell
Greensboro

By Bill Smith

How does a 75-year-old white man respond to Shirley Wright's article (June 11), "My life”? I don't know, except to make an honest statement of my own, which could be interpreted differently depending on who reads it, and who chooses their own interpretation.

To say that I remember the barriers that black people were subjected to 25 years before the Civil Rights Act might illicit from many a resounding "so what?"And perhaps justifiably so, but it's the perspective of time from which I comment. Those who were there in that time will have a far different perspective than those who are living some of Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream now.

The truth is that there is no comparison. I rode on city buses with the "colored seated in rear" sign above the windshield. I went shopping with my mother before I started school and saw "white" and "colored" over restrooms and water fountains. But my parents knew black people whose children played with me in my backyard. We were simply taught, by example, to respect all people for their individual worth.

My point? Well, just that I was particularly encouraged by Wright's last two paragraphs, in which she cut through the fog of racism that seems to prevent us from seeing each other as worthwhile individuals.

Her piercing pragmatism and common sense should be a clarion call, not for forgetting, but for moving past the hate that has been learned much more than has been experienced.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

It is supposed to be "We the people of the United States of America," not we the government. So, we the people should rise up in protest against our military being put on trial for doing what they are trained to do: Kill the enemy.

So they killed Al-Zarqawi by dropping two 500-pound bombs on his "safe house." The world's worst terrorist, as far as they know. The Associated Press reported his wife and child were killed also. I wonder if our government will put the pilots who flew that plane on trial for killing those "innocent civilians"?

Call your senators and complain about the way our government is allowing our military to be treated. Seven Marines and one Navy corpsman in California have been held in shackles for doing their job in Iraq. How stupid is that?

Gayle S. Harrell
Pelham

I read, with interest, your editorial praising Sandra Anderson Groat for "engineering a compromise" budget for the Greensboro City Council. While I agree it is good to see a freshman councilwoman get involved in the budget process, I only wish she had developed her newfound spine the week before and voted against the Sandy Carmany proposal. It was Groat's vote the week before which allowed the Carmany proposal to pass.

I am really disappointed in the majority of the council for passing this bloated budget. If the council had worked as hard during the entire process as Groat did the last few days, maybe they could have found sufficient savings to pay for the new, necessary budget items without raising our property taxes.

There are a lot of items in the budget which aren't necessary to the operation of the city, which, if cut, would allow the necessary things like fire and police to be provided.

Mike Gregory
Greensboro

"Raising Scholars at Home" was what the bumper sticker read as either a tyke or adult proceeded to toss countless pieces of yellow paper out of the moving vehicle.

More and more I find that an attitude of "I've got mine — who cares about you?" exists in this region. Money for public schools? Can't do it; I'll home school or send my kids to private school so they get theirs. Yours? That's your problem.

Litter a problem? Nope, my yard is OK, so throw that junk out the window and let someone else worry about it. Just drive faster so you don't have to see it. And by all means, mow over the trash rather than picking it up first.

Factories making so much noise that residents nearby cannot get enough rest to go to programs for the disabled; get enough sleep even though the doctor ordered it, or even use their deck? Not my problem; disclosure laws only apply to resales, not new sales. Besides, my land deals are more important than your quality of life.

Welcome to the state whose license plates say "First in Flight" but should say "Me First."

Kenneth Trager
Jamestown

I recently received a political mailing from Vernon Robinson, the Republican candidate running against Congressman Brad Miller in the 13th District. The mailing was unique in that it said nothing about Robinson's plans for North Carolina and America. It attacked Congressman Miller in several astonishing ways, however, including implying that he was gay.

At the end of this five-page bit of attack propaganda, I didn't have a clue about what Robinson would do as a congressman. He is typical of the attack-and-smear politician who has no issues to run on, so he makes up empty allegations to attack his more qualified opponent.

I will be voting for Congressman Miller's re-election since he has done a fine job so far, and he actually has an agenda aside from simply smearing his opponent. Robinson is simply not qualified to be a U.S. congressman, which is why he can't come up with anything but attacks.

Congressman Brad Miller, on the other hand, has proven himself to the voters of North Carolina in the state Legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives. Miller is the better candidate and the better man. I urge everyone to vote for him.

Okla Elliott
Greensboro

I have just read a letter to the editor in which a person complains of inadequate signage at roadwork projects.

I would like to complain about the waste I see every trip in which there are an abundance of signs detailing which river basin you are driving through. Wouldn't you look that up on a map? What part of traffic safety does that involve and how much does it cost taxpayers?

Another complaint: the thousands of signs that say, "Bridge ices before roadway." Isn't that a given assumption? Soon, if this trend continues, we will see signs that say, "Speed limit posted on the next sign."

These signs are a waste of taxpayers'monies. I have an idea: Let's stop the waste and put up more signs that actually warn of a hazard, like — dare I say it — road construction.

Michael Martin
Eden

The following is a counterpoint
Your recent article concerning what appeared to be an exceptionally small bail requirement for a defendant in a pending Guilford County murder trial (“Lower bond angers some kin of victim,” June 22) raises several related and relevant issues.

Since the judge in the case could not be reached for comment, we can only speculate as to the validity of his reasoning in arriving at the amount required. It may be quite valid, and he certainly is under no legal obligation to explain it. However, I do feel that a much bigger issue here is being overlooked.

Our court system, one that is legally obligated to function in a timely manner, is under an extremely heavy burden, and I have no doubt that without substitute and fill-in judges that burden would be significantly increased. I understand that the pool of retired judges willing to sacrifice the great amount of time required to serve in such positions may not be adequate to offset the caseload, and that others may be needed to augment their numbers.

At the same time, I have great difficulty in accepting the fact that a judge such as the one mentioned in the article, who was voted out of office in the last election, should be allowed to continue to serve and pass judgment in direct contradiction to the will of the voters of this county. I have no personal complaint against Tom Foster, but at the same time, I do admit feeling that the electoral process set up for choosing judges has been blatantly ignored by our legal system. Our State Constitution mandates that these be elected positions, and although there are provisions allowed for fill-in appointments, to appoint someone back into a position he was just voted out of is an insult to the citizens of this state.

Andi Sells
Greensboro

Your June 17 headline demonstrates that your front page is also your opinion page. "Schools fret over Guilford budget cuts" is an unusual way to announce that the county commissioners funded a 10.6 percent budget increase. (For recent graduates of Guilford County schools, that's the $15 million increase funded by the commissioners divided by last year's budget of $141.7 million.)

It seems that everyone quoted in your article considers a 10.6 percent increase an outrage. Imagine if you went to your boss after receiving a 10.6 percent raise and expressed outrage at the fact that your pay had been cut. I believe you know what the result would be.
Of course, few county residents got a 10.6 percent raise this year. But the gluttonous school officials and board members don't care about the average person who must fund such increases without a 10.6 percent raise.

Your headline does serve one purpose: It shows that your paper is simply four or five sections of opinion, not the News & Record.

Bill Stevens
Jamestown

Paragraph three in your Summary Judgment (June 17) brought to my mind some personal history.

For a number of years, the late broadcast stalwart, Charlie Harville, and I shared the distinction of special recognition from the pages of the News & Record. A sportswriter alluded to us "former legends," apparently referring to our radio and TV notoriety.

Charlie and I got a laugh out of it. It became a running gag between us. We greeted one another as a "former legend."

Language experts we fancied ourselves: We thought that once a legend always a legend.

You doubtless know why I'm writing. Michael Jordan was mentioned as "the former North Carolina legend" in Summary Judgment. I knew Mike had retired from the NBA, that he has assumed the role of part owner of the Charlotte Bobcats. I didn't know Mike had given up his esteemed status as a legend.

I'll bet he's still a legend in Chapel Hill.

I'm sure Charlie Harville would agree that "once a legend, always a legend."

Add Penfield
Asheboro

In response to Patricia Boswell's letter, "Jesus said nothing about homosexuality" (June 25), may I point out Jesus said nothing about pedophiles, drugs, slavery, kidnapping, rape, abortion or incest, if you read what "Jesus said."

I suppose she only lives by words Jesus said in the Gospels Matthew, Mark, Luke, John. Jesus said, "Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin" (John 8:34). What is sin? Did Jesus tell us what sin is? When Jesus was tempted by the devil in Matthew 4, one of his answers to Satan was, "It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."
In Luke 24:44, Jesus spoke of the law of Moses, the prophet, and things in Psalms, "which were written ... concerning me."

Should we ignore all other writings in Moses, the prophets and Psalms? What other Scripture should we ignore? John 1:17 tells us, "For the law was given by Moses but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." Let us know sin is still sin, mercy is still grace unto those who repent of sin.

Larry Chandler
Greensboro

I live in Winston-Salem where we have had our share of heated council debates. But nothing in Winston-Salem compares to the childish, immature behavior exhibited last week by the Guilford County commissioners.

Grow up and start representing your constituents. Your behavior is an embarrassment to the entire Triad.

John Schultz
Winston-Salem

The following is a Counterpoint.

By Patrick Tillman

In answer to the column by Sarah Jones, "Is military asking too much" (June 14), I have some thoughts. Her observation that people join the various branches of our military for different reasons is correct. It is true that those who serve enjoy the pleasure of many tangible benefits such as free health care, Montgomery G.I. Bill, travel and so on.

I am writing from a unique position of clarity after having served in the Al Anbar province of Iraq as a sergeant in the U.S. Marine Reserves. I submit that those of us who voluntarily serve our nation do so for the vast intangibles associated with serving in the armed forces. Honor, courage, commitment, selflessness and discipline are priceless values inculcated in the making of a Marine, soldier, sailor or airman.

Perhaps the greatest feeling is knowing the men and women to one's right and left have put their lives in your hands and that you have put your life in their hands. This is not measured by money or reward.
American Marines, sailors, soldiers, airmen and Coast Guardsmen have more demands on them today than most civilians can understand. We are in an historical struggle with a dark, radical force that seeks to destroy our way of life. The men and women of the armed forces whom I know and have served with understand this grave threat and seek to prevent the world from drifting aimlessly into darker times.

Undoubtedly, events like Abu Ghraib and the alleged events by Marines in Haditha have severely strained those efforts. Despite some isolated despicable acts, we often overlook the heroic acts of compassion and humanitarianism on display around the world.

From the tsunami in Thailand, to the earthquake in Pakistan and here at home in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, our armed forces answer the call and continue to be a force for good that spans the globe.

College tuition, training and free medical care are wonderful, but there is a more profound reason young men and women risk their lives every day as professional Marines. U.S. Marines are expected by the American people to win battles. That is to defeat enemies, foreign and domestic, and defend our constitution. Mediocre pay, long hours, thankless efforts and, yes, multiple deployments are inherent in the American serviceman's life. We're not time-clock punchers looking for avenues that afford us the least amount of work for the most reward.
Serving in the armed forces is one of the greatest honors an American can have. I hope this helps to answer Jones' uncertainties about the U.S. military.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

Recently, a state House committee refused to even hear a bill calling for a constitutional amendment to prevent government from using eminent domain authority to take our private property for economic development purposes.

Instead of allowing this important bill to be heard, it was sent to the Rules Committee to die without fair consideration. The legislators who voted to kill this important bill would have you believe that legislation passed earlier during this session ensures that our private property is safe from the long arm of eminent domain; nothing could be further from the truth.

That legislation is a mere Band-Aid, and it does not provide North Carolinians with the level of protection we deserve. Legislatures come and go, and laws can easily be changed.

That's why we need a state constitutional amendment to ensure that private property is safe from eminent domain abuse.

Contact your legislator and encourage them to support this amendment if it comes before the House.

Kieran Shanahan
Raleigh

The writer is chairman, N.C. Property Rights Coalition.

How many more articles must we see in the paper regarding a disparity in school suspension rates before our school board and administration implement realistic strategies for improvement instead of playing the blame game?

This disparity has less to do with institutional racism, and more to do with unacceptable student behavior. Our system loves to talk about academic rigor, but, when will we address behavioral rigor?

As an educator for more than 20 years, I can offer some rational expectations for student success: 1) come to school; 2) be reasonably prepared for class; 3) behave appropriately; 4) give a decent effort; and 5) initially comply with the direction of school authority.

If all of our students would practice these behavioral expectations, we would see improvement in academic performance and lower suspension rates for all students. This is not rocket science – it is common sense.

Implement a policy where we: 1) have reasonable expectations of students; 2) clearly articulate and demonstrate expectations to students, parents and teachers; 3) hold students accountable; and 4) are consistent with enforcement.

The results would be greater academic achievement, fewer suspensions and a better teaching environment for all.

Joe Franks
Greensboro

I write to oppose our City Council for eliminating the unlimited SCAT rider pass. One "reason" some members gave for was that the limited pass offered to SCAT riders would have been more expensive per ride than the unlimited pass.

But, it goes without saying that unlimited passes are always cheaper per ride — for fixed route riders (who have this pass available for $35) or for SCAT riders — who now have been deprived of it.

Those making this argument had the gall to divide SCAT riders against each other on grounds that could at best draw derisive laughter from anyone whose moral sense had not been corrupted.

What riders got was 30 round trips per month for $72. Expensive for many, and accommodating only work, one round trip to church, and one round trip for shopping (medical care, exercise, and leisure are out of the question).

Another reason for eliminating the pass is it would "wreck" the city budget. Were this actually true, instead of an index of city priority, the council should have urgently sought grants — as other cities do — to make up the shortfall.

Gregory Meyerson
Greensboro

Representatives from around the nation and world will join concerned citizens of Greensboro today to share stories of injustice and efforts towards redress and reconciliation. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Alumni-Foundation Event Center at N.C. A&T, you can participate and learn from people taking to heart the real meaning of self-government; folks from Peru, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Canada, Northern Ireland, Wilmington, Rosewood, Fla., and New Orleans.

Because of its citizen-initiated Truth and Reconciliation process, our city is deemed important enough to host this global gathering to celebrate the right and duty of people to expect and demand equal protection and equal economic opportunities.

What a fitting way to follow up the July Fourth weekend: "do" some democracy; read up on the Greensboro Truth and Reconciliation Commission and attend the event. For information, call (336) 230-0001.

Lewis Pitts
Greensboro

The following is a counterpoint:

By Eileen Cirincione and Sheri Miller

As teachers at a high-risk school, we have serious concerns about the Mission Possible plan discussed in the News& Record (June 26). We appreciate the fact that Dr. Terry Grier wants to make changes at high-poverty schools, and we recognize that changes are necessary; however, we question his methods.

It's fair to say that money is not the motive for most people entering the teaching profession. We believe the majority of teachers truly want to make a difference in their students' lives. Thus, it's disheartening to think that Grier feels he can simply dangle a few extra dollars for better teachers. The fact that he wants to lure new teachers to these schools implies that the present staff members are inadequate. Can we be sure that the new applicants are quality educators?

One has to question the motive of someone choosing to work at such demanding schools for a few extra dollars a week. Yes, these schools desperately need quality teachers, but the first requirement should be a strong desire to help children, not make more money.

We also have concerns about Grier's relocation plan for teachers who do not meet standards for test score growth. According to Grier's plan, teachers will be moved if they have negative value-added growth for two or more years. Like Grier, we feel teachers should be held accountable for high standards in the classroom and should expect only the best from their students. Will this plan really create thoughtful learning environments when scare tactics distract teachers? We worry that teachers will feel the need to compete rather than support each other. Where will teachers who fail to make positive growth be relocated? If we care about all our students and feel these educators are not "quality," should they be placed at another location? Moreover, is it really fair to measure a teacher's effectiveness by one annual test score when there are so many more aspects to the job?

Finally, we must question the $1.6 million price tag on Grier's plan. Being in the trenches each day, we see the need for more books, more math and science manipulatives, and tools that create rich learning environments. As a community, we must think about our goals for our children and think seriously about the best ways to reach these goals.

The writers live in Greensboro.

For years, I have observed the behavior of our Guilford County commissioners during their deliberation of county business. It is truly embarrassing and appalling to see such obnoxious and infantile behavior demonstrated by our elected officials.

How is it possible that an area blessed with so many fine institutions of higher learning cannot produce individuals who are willing and able to serve our communities with dignity, competence and professionalism? Do we really need officials who cannot articulate their differences without being utterly obnoxious? Surely, our communities and institutions can produce and support individuals who are willing and able and possess the intelligence, competence and professional fortitude to conduct the county's business. We deserve better and improved representation.

How long will we tolerate such behavior? Let's send a message to the Guilford County commissioners. Enough already.

Morris C. Peterkin
Jamestown

Israel's latest tactics in Gaza are totally unacceptable. Israel destroys a bridge and infrastructure and invades the area, penalizing 1.5 million people because one Israeli soldier is kidnapped. Is not this behavior deserving of the title "rogue state"?

The United States wants to fight terrorism. Tactics such as these only inflame passions around the world, increase antagonism toward the United States and its darling Israel and provide more volunteers for al-Qaida.

All aid to Israel should be immediately stopped. The American Israel Political Action Committee, the main lobby organization in Washington working for Israel, should be treated as a lobbyist for a foreign nation. United Jewish Appeal funds should be taxed.

Farid P. Wissa
High Point

The best and worst examples of citizenship were news items recently. The best was Warren Buffet's all-time-unequaled gift of billions for the Gates Foundation.

The worst involved newspapers, claiming First Amendment rights for doing so, publishing our intelligence procedures for identifying terrorists. This was the equivalent of the British press telling Hitler how they were cracking his Enigma code, and I believe the Founding Fathers who crafted the First Amendment would have found it treasonous. The penalty for treason, the crime of giving aid and comfort to the enemy in time of war, traditionally has been death. And by act of Congress, we are at war. Irresponsible journalism can jeopardize the lives of today's great generation, both men and women who voluntarily put their lives on the line so that we may have the liberty to debate our constitutional rights. Freedom is not free.

Faint hearts who fear loss of liberty in every act of our intelligence services, whose methods necessarily are clandestine, should thank God (or whatever power they rely upon for deliverance from evil) that our sleuths are interested only in identifying our enemies.

Francis L. Perkins
Greensboro

I had the sad occasion to watch Guilford County commissioners on June 29 exhibit the most inappropriate behavior imaginable.

The purpose of the meeting was to fire County Manager Willie Best. The meeting got so out hand it seemed just syllables away from a fistfight. Best could only sit on the sideline and watch as the participants called each other liars and racists, and even cited an occasion when one member's constituents referred to other board members by the N-word. What would generate a conversation to share that kind of information?

The board has three political parties: Republicans, Black Democrats and White Democrats. For aspiring Democrats, this is the general behavior until election year.

I believe there are two kinds of racism. One kind we are all accustomed to. The other is called testicular racism. The latter was most prevalent on that Thursday night.

I also believe there are two ways to solve this social disease that has plagued our county for too long. First, we need a nonpartisan board of commissioners. Second, we need to replace all, and I do mean all, of our commissioners next election.

Dot Henderson
Greensboro

This blockage of the minimum wage is disgraceful. Yet Congress votes itself a pay raise. These congressmen should be ashamed to be in Washington. We are ashamed to have them there. They should be recalled for mishandling the public trust.

Kenneth Bravehawk
Brown Summit

Am I the only one who feels the reminder in theaters to shut down cell phones demonstrates the growing lack of respect we have for each other?

Why do I have to listen to inane chatter about the mall while waiting for a cup of coffee at my neighborhood Starbucks?

What kind of person shares intimate details of yesterday evening's date with all in voice range in the airport waiting area?

How much longer am I expected to risk life and limb while another driver with a cell phone to one ear maneuvers a car through the restricted space of a parking lot?

What act of civility and respect for others is demonstrated by using the cell phone at a dinner table in public while others pretend not to listen?

How civil is it to block the supermarket aisle with a shopping cart in one hand and a cell phone in the other, discussing yesterday's sports event?

What does it demonstrate of civility and rearing to overcome poor reception with a louder voice in a public place?

The cell phone is replacing the boombox of yesterday in how people demonstrate they do not care about civility. It is as though they feel invisible or have immunity from courteous behavior.

David P. Haxton
Greensboro

I see Osama bin Laden wants the body of his pal al-Zarqawi so he can hold a proper funeral. Sure thing, O. Come and get him.

Don Freedman
Greensboro