News-Record.com

I am a registered nurse and have always held a place in my heart for animals. I own two dogs and a cat that I adore and consider to be part of the family. However, over the past two years, I have been faced with numerous animals (cats mainly) being dumped at my house. I guess when people see my two dogs in the yard and cat in the window, they assume I want and can afford to take care of the animal they no longer want.

People do not realize how disrespectful this is to someone who is kindhearted and loves animals. It creates a burden because not all animals are healthy; they may have fear, aggression or other emotional issues and may not fit in with the other pets. Not to mention that they usually are not "fixed" and, therefore, are pregnant when dumped.

I wish people would realize the commitment and responsibility of pet ownership and stop dropping their pets off on someone else. If you do not want a pet forever, please take it to the shelter where pets are contained and cared for until a home is found for them.

Suzie Beasley
Browns Summit

Regarding Melody Miller's Counterpoint, "Whites still try to deny effects of racism" ( July 21):

We all know that race matters. What we don't know is how to go back and erase the sins of the past.

The majority of the parents I know — black, white, Asian, and Hispanic — are in agreement. All we want is to be able to send our children to school in a safe environment that is conducive to learning. When you have a classroom where children are involved in fighting, drug use, and abhorrent disrespect for the teacher (i.e., cursing, chair throwing, etc...), nobody wins. The responsible children must be removed from the classroom, regardless of race, so that the majority of students can take advantage of the education that our tax dollars provide.

It's getting to the point that many parents are simply giving up on our schools.

Everyone knows the schools aren't able to solve the many social problems that exist in today's society, but as long as they try, education will continue to fail.

Lydia K. Fritz
Greensboro

Thanks to the 260 people of the House who voted to keep and protect the phrase "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance.

It is time we and elected officials wake up to the fact that we live in the greatest nation in the world. We have freedom of speech and so much more because our forefathers fought and died for all of us.

Without God's help, we would be like so many others who are still fighting for their freedom.

Let's all stand up and be counted and thank God that we were born here and do our best to keep America as the land of the free and home of the brave — all with God's help.

Iris Newby
Eden

Please support House Continuing Resolution 450, which calls on President Bush to urge an immediate cease-fire and to pursue negotiations in the Middle East. It is sponsored by Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio. I feel that we should not support Israel if it is going to use our aid to act in such an uncivilized manner. Violence only begets violence. It does not solve problems. Only discussion and compromise will work.

Arden Kirkman
Greensboro

Regarding Rosemary Roberts' column (July 28), which argues: "We believe that saving a human being's life trumps saving embryos that fertility clinics usually discard anyway."

To me this quote embodies a glaring inconsistency — that it is acceptable to deny the right to life of a young human being in order to prolong the life of or possibly cure an ailing older human.

Basically, we are terminating the young to benefit the older. Human embryos are human beings and we all have passed through that stage of development.

Stem-cell research may or may not prove successful in treating disease, but we should be aware of the trade-off mentioned above. There are, of course, other sources of stem cells.

Also, I feel President Bush should be praised, not condemned, for following his conscience with regard to his veto. In government, politics appears to frequently trump conscience.

Brooks V.S. Klostermyer, M.D.
Asheboro

I really tried to resist the temptation to write about the latest absurdity perpetrated by County Commissioner Skip Alston.

When he stated that the county managers he'd worked with "didn't know that much about the budget," I stifled my laughter. Alston's full knowledge of the budget process is how to procure pork for one's cronies and oneself, and this hardly constitutes a basis for judging the fiscal wherewithal of a handful of professional public administrators.

But now Alston has decided to make life difficult for Interim County Manager David McNeill, apparently because he didn't like the way former Manager Willie Best was treated. Let me paraphrase what I just said: Skip Alston has publicly stated that he feels it is his duty as an elected official to impede and encumber the administration of Guilford County government. Think about that.

I realize that some action by the majority of the board — let's call it a censure — would be little more than a symbolic gesture, but it's time that Alston was shown that county government is not his personal plaything. He must be reacquainted with reality before he does any further damage.

W. H. Nash
Greensboro

I have just completed reading an article on the CNN Web site about Nebraska being the only state to execute by the electric chair. I really do not comprehend why anyone is concerned with how a criminal is eliminated from the face of the earth.

If an individual is given a death sentence, then that is the punishment — death. I do not care if it is cruel or causes suffering.

After all, the criminal is in prison for causing an innocent individual's suffering.

The laws in the United States are too lax as it is. I do not mind paying more in taxes for the building of more prisons.

That is my personal, humble opinion.

Kelly Brown
Greensboro

I hope everyone else was as thrilled as I was to find out that Sen. Elizabeth Dole has been spending her time raising money for the Republicans ("Is Elizabeth Dole's show almost over?"A1, July 23).

That cleared up a lot of things for me.

I didn't understand why North Carolinians elected her, but now everything is crystal clear.

Since Dole did not live in North Carolina, I thought we could do a lot better finding someone who lived among us to represent us. I stand corrected.

We were not electing someone to represent the good people of North Carolina, but we were electing someone who had been an "unstoppable star for 25 years" and who could head the Republican fundraisers.

Betty Almond
Greensboro

By Elizabeth Olson

I am writing in response to various criticisms expressed concerning Rep. Laura Wiley's participation in a "State-sponsored Party Cruise."

This whole issue has become quite the tempest in the teapot for some folks. From what I understand, Rep. Wiley and a whole host of other representatives were invited by the North Carolina Ports Authority to travel at their own expense to witness a special event at the North Carolina coast, tour the Port of Morehead City's facilities and meet with local officials to hear their concerns, all at the cost of approximately $27,000.

The Ports Authority budget is fully funded by the revenues that it derives from fees from users, not the general taxpayers of North Carolina. Many state agencies spend more than this on brochures — that may or may not be read. Gov. Easley has now directed the Ports Authority to reimburse the Department of Transportation for its cost from these revenues and said that he did not think that people who had boarded the ship — including members of his cabinet – had any responsibility to pay for their portion of the trip.

Rep. Wiley has already paid $365 to the Ports Authority. In my opinion, there certainly are more important issues for folks to make a fuss over.

My husband and I are Democrats and we firmly support Rep. Wiley, a Republican. Why? Laura Wiley dedicates her heart and soul to her district. She was a strong advocate to procure state funds for the High Point market. She works tirelessly on community issues that do not even concern her position as a state representative — such as the Guilford County school system. When there is a problem, her door is open.

I urge those who have lambasted Rep. Wiley to reassess the issue at hand. High Point is fortunate to have a representative who works so hard for our interests. And, as the polls have shown, the majority of High Point is behind Laura Wiley 100 percent.

The writer lives in High Point.

Here we go again, as Ronald Reagan used to say. I read Nicole Sherrill's letter (July 29) about how the United States and the Bush administration are doing nothing to stop the killing in Lebanon. Another letter was about how the United States is letting the war in the Sudan go on and not doing anything about it.

All I can say is, which way do you want it? I hear and read all the time how the United States does not need to be big brother and police the world's problems, and if we do, we are a bully and do not need to stick our noses where we're not needed.

If we do not go in, then we are insensitive and have no compassion. You can't have it both ways. If people would really watch and read about all of these problems instead of being part-time news watchers, maybe they would understand why we don't just jump in to every fracas.

Those countries like Lebanon need to unite and rid themselves of the terrorists, and just maybe the world could be a safer place. They just can't let them headquarter there and not expect disaster when they attack.

Ernie Andrews
Greensboro

On July 16, you published an article that discussed the changes at the Guilford Center and how they will affect the mentally ill of Guilford County.

When asked for a comment, Guilford County Sheriff BJ Barnes alluded that those served by the Guilford Center were akin to "someone that doesn't have enough sense to come out of the rain."

Is this offensive and ignorant statement the most intelligent response he could summon regarding an impending mental-health crisis in his own back yard? Clearly, he is either indifferent to the plight of the mentally ill or woefully misinformed on the subject.

According to that article, 16,000 Guilford County citizens receive services from the Guilford Center. Regardless of their condition or situation, I can't imagine they appreciate Mr. Barnes' assessment of them or their capabilities. He owes his constituency a public apology after which he would be well-served to learn more and speak less on this matter.

As for the 16,000 citizens he insulted with his remarks, perhaps they will find their way "out of the rain" during the next election so they (and their families) can let Mr. Barnes know how they feel about him. I know I will.

Shanon Armfield
High Point

As a single mother, I am grateful for the tax-free weekend allowed those of us responsible for obtaining school supplies and clothing for our children, to save a bit of money. Unfortunately, my mortgage, like many parents' mortgages, is paid during the end-of-the-month period. Some of us won't have the financial resources to purchase many items needed for our children over one weekend.

I ask other parents who are grateful for this tax-free weekend, but would also like to see the tax-free weekend extended beyond three days, to please write to our newspaper editor but also to those in Raleigh — our state House and Senate members, who can actually do something about it.

If I were a state legislator, I would support and draft legislation to extend the tax-free weekend to a period of time when all parents could benefit and provide the necessary items for their children without forgoing paying other bills.

All parents need to voice their concerns and ask for an extension of the tax-free weekend beyond three days. Together we can all make a difference.

Olga Morgan Wright
Greensboro

The writer is a candidate for the state House, District 58.

Regarding your editorial, "An execution impasse" (July 25), apparently, it's difficult to see the forest for the tree in front of your nose.

I suggest a simple solution to this modern medical problem. Just return to the old, time-tested method of the gallows with the county coroner attending. Think of the savings. Gallows can be reused, they're proven to be efficient, and the coroner is already on the payroll.

Thomas E. Morris
Whitsett

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Hank McGovern

In Mona Charen's article (July 29) she actually is one who is guilty -- guilty of numerous fallacies in proclaiming there should be an option, "guilty but insane."

For one, she states experts disagree "all the time" and, therefore, juries "must use their common sense," as if common sense is the proper course to expert disagreement. It's more reasonable to have juries distinguish differences between the degree of credibility of experts. Charen's argument reminds one of Voltaire's statement, "The only problem with common sense is that it's not so common."

Charen makes the inference that Andrea Yates used "planning" because she committed the murders after her husband left the house. There are two problems with her inference.

For one, there is a 50-50 probability that Yates would've committed the murders with her husband at home or not at home. Just because one of those two occurrences happened doesn't come close to implying "planning" happened to exclude the other.

Another fact is that even if there was an element of planning, it is still a fact that Yates was extremely mentally ill, to the point of extremely diminished capacity. Someone who is mentally ill may still do or say things having some reason to them within episodes of psychotic experiences. I've seen many psychotic patients lie down on beds to rest, a reasonable behavior for self-care. But, in their best interest, I would not favor releasing them from a hospital.

Charen proclaims "guilty but insane" should be used for "moral clarity." How can someone be held accountable for their actions if they do not have the needed resources, i.e., sufficient rational thinking, for their behavior?

In addition to not having the needed resources, Yates did have psychotic symptoms causing her behavior. So she should not be held accountable for moral behavior if she did not have what was needed and did have something causing immorality. Yates actually believed she was being moral by releasing her children from this world.

As Nietzsche said, "Distrust anyone in whom the impulse to punish is powerful." My verdict is that Charen is guilty of such impulses. Her sentence is to be distrusted.

The bigger question involves a question of our values as a country. We remain one of the most violent in the world in terms of our crime rates. When we have more compassion, understanding, sympathy and forgiveness, consistent with Christian teachings, for people like Yates, the more likely we are to create a peaceful society. These values and virtues would require the courage to love despite egregious, heinous behaviors. Are we up to it?

The writer is a licensed psychological associate living in Asheboro.

News & Record headline, Aug. 1: ‘‘Council sees big backing of bonds.’‘‘‘At least one person spoke for 10 of the 11 items passed.”

Is this tongue-in-cheek spoof or pure propaganda? It is doubtful whether any of these so-called bond issues (more accurately property tax increases) would be approved in November if only those property owners who will have to actually pay for the bonds were allowed to vote.

Yes, the special-interest groups will flood the polls with students and others who don’t own property, and the bonds probably will pass, resulting, of course, in more property tax increases.

When will property owners finally demand a change in the tax system, as other states have done, to control these regular property tax increases --especially for the homeowners? No homeowner’s taxes should ever increase as long as the property remains his residence.

Further, public funds should not be used for any of these proposed projects. Let those who will benefit pay for them. Wake up, taxpayers. Say no to any more bonds.

William K. Oden Jr.
Greensboro

I want to thank Robin Moore Siles for her article, ‘‘Soldier’s stories"(July 30).

My daughter, Traci, and her husband, Doug Bast, are on their second tour in Iraq as I write. Our family has endured those airport farewells too often. We, as Americans, may disagree on the war, but there is no disagreement on whose shoulders the Bush Iraq policies are weighing the heaviest. They are the soldiers, Marines and their families who are bearing the brunt of this failed mission through endless deployments.

It is time more Americans than just a few carried this load, or the troops should be brought home now.

David Reid
Browns Summit

Recently, I read that North Carolina is going to put out bait with rabies vaccine in it in some state parks. I wish the state would make this same bait available to people to buy for their neighborhoods.

I, for one, would be happy to buy it and put it in my backyard and also in the park in our neighborhood in order that the raccoons in our neighborhood would not have rabies. My guess is that a lot of people would be willing to pay a little for some bait to help keep their neighborhood safer.

Lucy Austin
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Paula Flynn

Samuel Flippen, a 36-year-old man from Forsyth County, sits on North Carolina’s death row, awaiting his execution date, Aug. 18. He was found guilty on circumstantial evidence for the beating and death of Britnie Hutton, his 2-year-old stepdaughter. He has been on death row for 12 years.

During that time, he still claims he is innocent and has told the same story as to how things went that morning. The child’s mother left for work that morning. Flippen states that Britnie was crying, and then she fell from her chair. When he noticed she was having trouble breathing, he called 911. Britnie later died. Flippen was the only suspect.

In cases that are similar to this one, the mother was also investigated. In this case, she was never even considered. In her own testimony, she claimed Flippen was violent. If that is the case, which many deny, why did she leave her child with him, not only to go to work, but to go to a concert? What mother would leave her child with someone if she thought he was capable of harming her child? She received nothing, not even a slap on the wrist. Besides this, Flippen has no record of crime. His conviction was based on circumstantial evidence.

I cannot find anything that clearly points out that he did this and no one else. I am for the death penalty, but a case as this one does not warrant such a sentence. There’s reasonable doubt. Could this be a situation of a bloodthirsty district attorney?

Forsyth County has the most inmates on North Carolina’s death row. They were wrong about Darryl Hunt, and they may be wrong again. This case clearly cries out for clemency.

The writer lives in Walkertown.

I wrote two years ago, ''This tax-free weekend is a grand idea, but it needs to be expanded.'' I have asked members of the legislature to examine expanding the program. Our current members in the House from Greensboro and Guilford County think it's not worth looking at.

I read your editorial, ''Weekend tax break deserves longer run'' (Aug. 13, 2004), and said, ''I hope they mean it.''

I am pleased the editorial staff agrees with me about extending our annual tax-free holiday. We know that the taxpayers deserve a tax-free vacation, not just a holiday. Three days isn't enough.

I propose a three- to six-week tax vacation on the items listed. I suggest it start on Aug. 1 so it is before schools start. Then end a week after the start of school. This allows parents and students to know if there are items they need to purchase after school starts, saving them money and time. Retailers would enjoy a prolonged opportunity to boost their sales, while the state helps working families get critical school supplies.

We can get bipartisan support in the N.C. House for the tax-free vacation. It offers everyone a vacation from taxes.

Jim Rumley
Browns Summit

The writer is running for the N.C. House of Representatives in District 59.

I enjoyed Gene Owens' column about kudzu (July 29). I have a special affinity for that jolly green giant.

My grandfather, one of the first farmers in southern Granville County to build Mangum terraces for erosion control, also bought, with good money, oriental kudzu from the Progressive Farmer and planted it on the banks of his fields to ''stop erosion.'' That was in the late 1920s. He was praised for the foresight to build the terraces and later was cursed and laughed at by his relatives and neighbors for his kudzu purchase.

As far as Greensboro and kudzu are concerned, I hate to inform you that it is already here. When we moved to West McGee Street -- just three blocks from downtown -- kudzu had grown over the backyard fence and was rapidly approaching the garage some 40 feet away. That was in 1987, and I continue to have an annual battle using large amounts of Round-up just to keep it at the property line. For some reason it continues to grow toward me instead of my backyard rental house neighbor, who probably doesn't even know what it is.

Sometimes I think that wily vine knows about my link with its ancestor.

Skip MacMillan
Greensboro

Why is Lebanon so shocked at what's happening to them now? When one lets a vicious, dangerous snake (Hezbollah) to come into the house (Lebanon), you can expect innocent people to be bitten (killed).
For years, Lebanon has allowed Hezbollah to live and amass weapons there. What did Lebanon think Hezbollah was going to do with those weapons?

Why does it seem that the world expects the USA to come in and take care of whatever problem exists? We (USA) would do far better to quit wasting our money propping up the useless United Nations and spend it on keeping our own country safe.

This whole terrorist situation only underscores why we need improved border security here so the terrorists will not be slipping into our country. We already have some of them here and I'm sure they have evil plans for us.

America needs to learn from what is happening in the Middle East.

Phyllis Lambeth
Greensboro

I applaud Arnold Schwarzenegger and Tony Blair (Aug. 1) for taking the lead in combating global warming and greenhouse emissions, in defiance of a federal government that does nothing while the earth turns into a toxic oven.

Their bold initiative is the latest in a string of extra-governmental efforts cited by Al Gore in "An Inconvenient Truth," which should be required viewing for everyone who wants this planet to survive. Like the researchers who skirted the feds' short-sighted refusal to fund stem cell research (Jul. 23), real leaders are sending a clear message to our do-nothing government: "If you won't address our urgent needs, we will."

Bush himself legitimized defiance — every time he flouts Congress with his outrageous signing statements. His impeachment is long overdue. In this matter, too, the grass roots are taking the lead.
Perhaps the federal government has outlived its usefulness. Is there anyone left inside the Beltway willing or able to serve the people? What have they done for us lately, anyway? On the other hand, if the true president, Gore, had been in charge ...

Valerie Putney
Greensboro

On April 25, the American Oil Co. ran an ad about the cost factors of fuel at the pump. The cost of fuel has risen by nearly double in one and a half years. However, the price of crude oil during this time has only risen 25 percent.

First, their excuse for rising prices was the war in Iraq, Hurricane Katrina, and now, they say, the conflict in the Middle East. They need to explain how you double your price and make the same profit margin. They also cite supply and demand. Yet, at the same time, they have not built a new refinery in more than 20 years. Just another way for them to control supply.

The United States needs to take the same path as Brazil by developing ethanol-based fuel and keeping the oil companies out of that market. America uses about 25 percent of the world fuel. This is the best way to prevent oil companies from rewarding record profits.

Jeremy L. Westmoreland
Thomasville

I've seen several articles lately about the very remote possibility that condemned murderers might, just might, feel a bit of pain during the moments of their execution.

But I wonder. Aside from their lawyers, newspaper editors and the ACLU, does anybody really care? I know I don't.

I'd like to settle this once and for all. Let's execute them in the manner that they chose to kill their victims. Think about it. What could be fairer?

Chet Hodgin
Jamestown

Regarding Ben Lassiter's letter (July 22): He is critical of Israel! I wonder what he would do if, since 2000, he had been constantly bombarded with Katyusha rockets and then he decide to move south in order to survive and, "surprise," now he is under fire from Kassam rockets, delivered from Gaza.

It's interesting to see that for the first time, Arab nations have been critical of Hezbollah. Israel has been extremely careful in selecting the targets; if not, you would count deaths by the thousands. It's not all Arabs the Iraelis are fighting; it's the extremist Islamic terrorists.

Ruben Kaliski
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint column

By Kathe Latham

I am responding to recent columns in the News & Record that overwhelmingly support a narrow interpretation of events in the Middle East, minimizing the brutal Israeli invasion and air war against the people of Lebanon and Palestine.

Our leaders tell us "we" are attempting to bring "freedom and democracy" to the region, but a closer and more balanced examination makes clear we are only supporting the "freedom" of the Israeli government to take away the democratic and human rights of the Palestinian and Lebanese people.

Democracy can't be delivered by the barrel of a gun.

It's a process created by people from the ground up, in relation to others, but not at others' expense. David Brooks, in his Aug. 1 column, stretches credulity by stating that after weakening Hezbollah, "we" can create an international force to "help create a better Lebanon." This notion of "delivering" democracy by killing innocent civilians, brutally destroying infrastructure, creating homelessness, joblessness, death and destruction and assuming they will somehow embrace their destroyers as liberators, is a horrible distortion of reality and of the meaning of democracy.

The media's role in perpetuating these distortions to justify such brutality has been laid bare in the devastation in Iraq. The media perpetuated what we now know were lies about our government's reasons for going to war. There were no weapons of mass destruction, no being greeted as liberators, and no connection between Iraq and 9/11.

We are now bombarded by a one-sided view of Israel as the victim of Hezbollah aggression, after they captured two Israeli soldiers. The brutal and disproportionate response of the Israeli government has resulted in the killing of more than 500 innocent civilians, many of them children in Lebanon, and 800,000-plus refugees fleeing their homes. Israel's massive invasion of Lebanon has destroyed civilian infrastructure, Beirut International Airport, a mosque and a community center.

The results of pre-emptive war and use of force to prevent further conflict is a lesson that we must remember in our hearts and minds. We will not achieve peace by killing each other's children. By using violence to prevent violence, we create a world of unending violence. A lasting peace requires a "mutual" willingness to create safety and security for world citizens. Nothing overrides preservation of human life.

There must be a better way. A more well-informed citizenry is the first step.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

Piedmont Christian Home recently received some bad press from the News & Record. It is easy to criticize when you don't visit often or observe the care that the residents receive. I was there almost daily for six months. I have spent the night. All of the residents receive the same quality care that my husband received.

Yes, there were glitches, but they were handled speedily and professionally. I would challenge anyone to find any place where there are not some issues.

Where else could you find people who will transport your loved one to the hospital and sit in the emergency room with you until 12:30 at night? Where else could you find kitchen, housekeeping, medical and administrative staff who will stop by and visit and cry when they see the deterioration of one of their residents?

My husband got to the point he needed a lot more care. I didn't want to move him, but I was afraid that the level of care he needed would be too much for them. They stepped up to the plate and made it possible for me to keep him there at his home away from home.

Thanks be to God for The Home Place at Piedmont Christian Home.

Gayle Nelson
Greensboro

In his letter to the editor (July 31), John W. Taylor mentioned that the Bill of Rights was given to the citizens by the government. I always thought that the citizens had given the government its rights and that the Bill of Rights enumerated rights that the citizens had reserved for themselves.

In either case, we need to keep the government from taking those enumerated rights away from us.

Richard Evans
Greensboro

It should be very clear to all the well-wishers of the Greensboro Truth and "Re-incrimination" Commission that its effort has failed. All that was brought out were the same old, tired, worn, contradictory expressions from the police reports and from the so-called eyewitnesses.

Everyone already knew this. What we did not know was that the commission was so hellbent on digging up new evidence so that it could charge or "re-incriminate" someone. Sort of like the Mississippi trial of recent years.

But you failed, so forget it, bury it, and like Mayor Keith Holliday said, "On this I am looking to bring some closure." Case closed. Put it in the archives and move on.

Al Myrick
Greensboro

Organizations such as Hezbollah understand the importance of the world stage and how to play to public sympathy. By operating in and among civilian populations, they know that any reprisals against their attacks will lead to the deaths of innocent men, women and, they hope, children. In fact, they count on it.

Governments that harbor such organizations have no right to complain about the reprisal deaths of their innocent citizens. If Lebanon were truly concerned for the safety and well-being of its civilian population, it would have run Hezbollah out of its country long ago.

To allow Hezbollah to hide, operate and launch attacks from among the civilian population and then cry foul when any response from Israel claims innocent lives is hypocrisy.

Tom Kirkman III
High Point

I love to explore North Carolina and have had many wonderful adventures in our beautiful state. One occurred recently when I went to Morehead City to see the tall ships parade. Wow, it was such fun, and I thought nothing of standing in line for the shuttle bus, again to board the ships, especially the two-hour queue for the Cisne Branco, eating an apple and drinking bottled water. Wow. I was all agog until I read in your paper about the favored treatment of some of our elected officials.

The thought had never entered my mind that others would have harbor seats aboard a requisitioned ferry that had been taken out of service, or that they were eating fancy hors d'oeuvres and drinking wine and beer while I ate my apple and drank my humble bottle of water.

Pricey Harrison and others should have smelled a rat when they received invitations for such "grandstand seating and eating." Would she and anyone else have repaid the 90-odd dollars had they not been exposed? Of course not, as there would have been no need to, since the Ports Authority officials apparently thought they had conceived a perfect form of soft graft and corruption.

Sidney R. Sparks
Reidsville

The federal minimum-wage bill, tied to an estate-tax cut, was transparently cynical. For years Democrats have tried to raise the minimum wage. With polls showing it has gained popular support, the Republicans suddenly get religion?

According to Chris Farrell on public radio's "Marketplace Money," it isn't just the blue-collar workers who aren't benefiting from this "dream economy." College graduates have seen their wages fall 5 percent since 2000. The current rising tide is lifting fewer and fewer boats. Corporations are awash in cash and CEO compensation has reached royalty status.

Jack Welch, former CEO of General Electric and nobody's idea of a socialist, is telling management to pay more attention to their workers. Worker bees who are adding value to the company, not the honcho in the corner office. When workers increase productivity and gain little to nothing in return, it creates resentment and inertia. It kills productivity and innovation. Is this what we want America to become? An oligarchy, like Russia?

We are a winner-take-all society. How can the fabric of society hold when business leaders reward themselves at everyone else's expense?

And Congress rewards such behavior with ever-increasing tax breaks. These are the "family values" of this administration.

Sandi Campbell
Siler City

According to the Israeli human rights group B'tselem, between the Israeli pullout from Gaza in September 2005 and the latest conflagration, no Israelis were killed by violence in Gaza. Palestinian militants launched about 1,000 crude missiles from Gaza into Israel, but no Israelis were killed.

Over the same period, Israel fired 7,000 to 9,000 heavy artillery shells into Gaza and was responsible for the deaths of 144 Palestinians, 29 of whom were children.

On June 9, an Israeli missile killed seven Palestinians picnicking on a Gaza beach, catalyzing Hamas' abandonment of its 16-month cease-fire with Israel.

Oddly, these facts don't make it into Rabbi Andy Koren's defense of recent Israeli actions ("America stands by Israel, one of its most trusted allies," Aug. 2).

Koren is also dumbfounded by those naive voices who urge Israel to show restraint in its conduct in Lebanon. As a man of God, isn't Koren troubled by the large number of children displaced or killed by the Israeli assault? As a man of reason, doesn't Koren owe it to the tradition of Immanuel Kant, Voltaire and the great Jewish thinker Baruch Spinoza to reject the petty tribalism that insists distant lives are morally distant?

Ashish George
Greensboro

By Jo Ann Lynn

Have you cried for the children and innocent civilian victims who were killed by American bombs when we invaded Iraq? This is my question to all who condemn Israel for bombing Hezbollah targets.

Surely you do not believe that the more than 10,000 civilian casualties suffered when we bombed Iraq dropped dead of fear?

I am a liberal Democrat, which means I try very hard to see both sides of every issue. However, I have a hard time understanding the massive condemnation of Israel. Every nation has a right to protect itself. Wasn't Israel attacked first? Weren't several of its soldiers killed and two kidnapped by Hezbollah? Hasn't Hezbollah fired thousands of missiles into Israel? Hasn't it been proven during our military encounters with terrorist groups that they often hide among children, women and civilians?

Why, after more than 14 days of rocket fire on Israel by Hezbollah, were so many civilians, mostly women and children, in a place that was sure to be targeted by Israel?

I think I got an answer on "60 Minutes." A would-be terrorist declared, "What I want most for my only son is for him to die a martyr for Islam." This could be why we hear of more children and women being killed in Lebanon than in Israel, even though thousands of Hezbollah rockets are raining down on Israel. The Israelis have made every effort to hit only military targets and in some cases have dropped fliers warning civilians to leave prior to an attack.

Hezbollah counts on world opinion preventing Israel from striking back as long as it uses women and children as shields. It really is a win-win situation for Hezbollah.

I cannot condemn Israel. It took the high road, attacking no one until it was attacked. America cannot say the same. We attacked a country that had done nothing to us because we mistakenly thought its ruler had weapons of mass destruction. Dozens of people in Iraq die in terrorist attacks daily because we prepared to win but not to protect a country we occupied by force. How can anyone who supported the Bush war on Iraq condemn Israel?

The writer lives in Greensboro.

It's very shocking to me that the bigotry and anti-Semitism shared by the United Nations and most of the world have not only hit the United States, but also are very strong and alive here in Greensboro.

About three weeks ago, under direct orders from Iran, the Iranian-created-and-funded terror group Hezbollah crossed the Lebanese border into Israel and killed eight soldiers and kidnapped two. The only condemnation was against Israel when it retaliated against Southern Lebanon, which is the breeding ground for most Hezbollah fighters.

Hezbollah, a group of cowards that hides its rockets in houses with women and children, was made to look like the poor victims. What was even more cowardly were the anti-Israel, pro-Hezbollah rallies around Greensboro and many other cities around North Carolina. You have mostly high school and college students who are ignorant about global affairs marching in favor of Hezbollah based on garbage that their ideologue parents brainwash them with.

Before Sept. 11, 2001, Hezbollah had killed more Americans than any other terror group.

I hope all the protestors are happy with who they defended. Un-American and pathetic are two words that come to mind.

Pablo Torrente
Greensboro

It is remarkable how many letters to the editor are written by Christians with an urgent need to pander pious prose. It seems to be a prerogative of these people to proselytize through this publication. OK, we get it. Sheep go to heaven; goats go to hell.

One of my friends attends a fundamentalist church that teaches that the 4,000-year-old Earth is the center of the universe, dinosaurs didn't exist, and the sooner Armageddon comes, the sooner they'll be with God.

Sounds peachy, but my understanding is that the earth is (approximately) 4.6 billion years old, third satellite from the sun, spinning on its axis at about 1,000 mph (at the equator) while traveling through space at 67,000 mph. If it weren't for the dinosaurs and various flora and fauna decomposing, you wouldn't have to worry about gas prices because gas (fossil fuels) wouldn't exist.

Religious affiliation is simply a function of your respective geographical location. Everyone reading this has a coccyx and opposable thumbs. Maybe we're just monkeys with car keys or blessed children of God.

Regardless, allow yourself to think for yourself.

Parris Lee Patton
High Point

As a youth advocate for tobacco education, I'm excited to bring your attention to "The Red Flag Campaign." This campaign helps prevent merchants from selling tobacco, lottery and alcohol products to minors. The campaign works through using the color-coded outline around the picture on a person's driver's license to help the clerk identify how old people are and what products are legal for them to purchase.

It is very easy: under 18 is red, 18-21 is yellow, and over 21 is green. Over the next year, my youth group will be visiting stores to provide free education and materials to merchants so that they are aware of this easy way to enforce the law.

Too many of my peers use tobacco products, and I want to make sure we do what we can to make it harder to gain access to these deadly products.

Merchants, remember: If you see red ... the tobacco sale is dead.

Tiffany Pate
Greensboro

By Eric Black

Regarding your editorial, "Sludge dumping on farmland could have lingering impact" (July 31):

It should be noted that the city of High Point's municipal sludge (combination of residential and industrial sludge) was applied from 1993 to 1997. All of the city of High Point's 1993-1997 tests on file at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources showed the presence of mercury, lead and arsenic. These substances are ranked numbers one, two and three on the EPA/CERCLA Priority List of Hazardous Substances. It is also a fact that heavy metals do not dissipate; they accumulate and have a propensity to be bound in the soil.

The fact is that more than 1 million gallons of municipal sludge (not biosolids) were applied from 1993 to 1997 on approximately 30 acres out of the original 230-acre tract of land, and 66 percent of the 95 homes proposed will be built on one acre or less — with many of the homes on land where the sludge was deposited. Significant disturbance of the soil occurs in construction (basements, footings, driveways, septic tanks, drain fields, pools, landscaping, etc.), thereby possibly releasing the heavy metals that may be bound in the soil.

Keep in mind that no testing has ever been done on this property in regard to the potential elevated levels or possible "hot spots" of accumulated heavy metals or other toxins.

The residents of the Trinity land (Fuller Mill, Post and Old Mountain Roads) are not averse to growth but do question this "urban sprawl" in what is still a farming community.

The sludge issue is not a "convenient" one as you stated, but an issue that in the absence of testing could have potentially serious consequences on construction workers, homeowners, children and visitors.

Ask yourself the question: Would I build a school, day care center, a playground or, for that matter, a home on land where "municipal sludge" was applied without adequate testing?

The writer lives in Thomasville.

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Mike Moseley

I am writing to address several issues raised by the July 16 article, "Mental health overhaul worries many." Although the article clearly stated some of the fears that people have expressed about the changes at the Guilford Center, I believe it did not seek to determine if those fears are justified or address the positive benefit that the changes are designed to achieve.

Many communities in North Carolina have already undergone the changes that are currently happening at the Guilford Center. The change is massive and has not been without challenges, but in many communities consumers and their families are achieving positive benefits: the ability to choose their own providers; greater consumer and family control over the services and supports received; a focus on recovery; and a broader array of services that allow consumers to live where they choose. Consumers in these communities have told me they would fight any effort to return to the old way of business.

The article quotes the Mental Health Association in Greensboro as saying, "When you cut mental health services, problems erupt elsewhere." I agree. However, none of the changes in Guilford should reduce services. The General Assembly's recently passed budget provides more money for services in Guilford County, not less. The article also expresses a mother's concern that she will have to determine for herself which mental health agencies can help her child. It is the responsibility of the Guilford Center staff to continue to provide care coordination. In addition, the article does not mention that the child should continue to receive services from a qualified mental health professional case manager, just not one employed by the Guilford Center.

I will not minimize the hard work of transforming our public mental health system. Change is difficult and fear of change is a common human trait. However, I believe that by concentrating only on people's fears without explaining the purpose behind the changes or trying to determine if those fears are justified is not only a disservice to the hard work and positive changes that have already been accomplished in mental health reform but to your readers as well.

The writer is director, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services.

After reading "Animal Control seeks an upgrade" (Aug. 1), I feel more than ever that Guilford County needs a dog and cat licensing program to help with the problems at Animal Control and the Animal Shelter.

With rabies an increasing threat in our county to both animals and people, Animal Control needs the ability to answer all urgent calls in a timely manner.

The Animal Shelter also needs to see a decrease in the number of unwanted strays and dropped-off dogs and cats that come to them. With a license program that gives a discount to owners with neutered and spayed pets, the Animal Shelter may see fewer unwanted pets. I've been an animal lover since childhood, and I think all pets are worth being licensed.

Vienna Bender
Greensboro

If Israel wants a disarmed Hezbollah, a cease-fire with terms must be established. President Bush calls for "sustainable peace" rather than immediate cease-fire, but the violence kills innocents on both sides, and both sides harden their positions.

The deadly bombing of civilians by Israel in Qana on July 30 was similar to the horrific April 1996 attack on a U.N. shelter there. The earlier attack led then-President Clinton to press for a cease-fire. The ensuing cease-fire held for 10 years until Hezbollah's recent actions provoked the recent onslaught.

The Bush administration responses represent a flip-flop: first announcing in Italy what amounted to a green light for Israel, then denying it intended any such thing, as the Israelis called, briefly, for a cease-fire, which was then dropped.

Tony Blair's push for an international force was accepted by Bush but can't be effective with a war ongoing. Hezbollah has to be disarmed, and like the IRA, that is more likely with a diplomatic and political solution than by a military solution. In fact, more children have been killed than Hezbollah fighters in the recent campaign. That, in turn, will create more recruits for Hezbollah.

Hezbollah can't be defeated solely by military means.

David Harryman
Burlington

I must respond to Andy Koren's op-ed, "America stands by Israel" (Aug. 2). I found much to object to in his piece.

Since space does not permit me to address all, or even most, of my objections, I will cover only two here. If you object to the Israeli massacres of innocent Lebanese civilians, Koren helps you to understand just how out of step you are with mainstream American opinion. Koren says, "I am merely quoting what you already say or feel: 'I support Israel.' "

I may support Israel, but I surely do not support these attacks.

Koren says that Israel has been a friend of America through thick and thin, and that Israel fights fairly. Consider this: On June 8, 1967, during the Six-Day War, Israeli fighter jets attacked the clearly identified USS Liberty in international waters, killing 34 crewmen and injuring 171. That's 205 of my comrades in arms brutally attacked by our good ally. To this day, every attempt to openly investigate this attack has been stymied, and I don't think that's because Americans have something to hide.

Fair fight? Let's not be persuaded to join the bandwagon for Israel on the basis of this propaganda.

Eric Eno
Greensboro

Recently, I received yet another automated phone call from fellow Republican, Vernon Robinson. How special it was to hear mariachi band-style music as the recorded message railed against the Hispanic community, referred to killing babies, bashed homosexuals and played up to his glorious "values."

As I joyfully listened to the carefully orchestrated message, I thought to myself, is anyone really going to vote for such a man? Here is a man who prides himself on his philosophical similarities with Jesse Helms and who also aligns himself with the current day, acceptable level of blatant hatred -- whether it is against Hispanics, gays or, as he so adeptly labels them, "the ultra-liberals."

After seeing that Vernon Robinson's campaign raised more than $500,000 in a mere two-month time frame, it becomes painfully apparent to me that vicious and hateful name-calling, along with pure narrow-mindedness, certainly does have a place in our society today. After all, the world is in such a peaceful state.

Steve Tanis
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Michael John Slane

The blind support by our U.S. government of every evil action taken by Israel must stop.

Committing human rights violations against the Palestinian people by their military through 40 years of military and economic subjugation, while taking the best of Palestinian land for "settlements" for Israeli citizens is contrary to international law and United Nations agreements. This is particularly true since these lands were seized in a pre-emptive, undeclared war on Jordan, Syria and Egypt. Israelis continue to occupy the Golan Heights of Syria and did not withdraw entirely from Lebanon after previously invading and occupying that country, contrary to what Americans are told.

Israel, which refuses to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, has nuclear weaponry developed with technological secrets stolen by its paid American spy, and has the arrogance to demand his release from federal prison to return to his "homeland."

Israel has become an out-of-control, militaristic, rogue state with no regard for non-Israeli human lives. Its diplomacy is exclusively "diplomacy of the gun."

The rest of the world objectively sees all of the above. The United States is identified with the carnage Israel creates because we condone it and provide the weaponry to commit it. Why? Domestic politics, campaign contributions, the power of the pro-Israel, American Israel Public Affairs Committee, which patrols the halls of Congress; and the power of senators like Charles Schumer, who acts more like an ambassador from Israel than a U.S. senator. Thus, it's apparent that U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East is dictated from Tel Aviv.

In Israel's latest invasion of Lebanon, innocent civilians are being killed and maimed by its military at a ratio of 10 to 1 versus Israelis, while the U.S. allows the carnage to continue. This enables Israel to carry out atrocities against the Lebanese to "defend itself."

Who is defending the innocent Lebanese, who are obviously considered just "collateral damage"? Not the U.S. That friendly nation is fast becoming another U.S. enemy.

Israel has demonstrated its ability to create hatred of itself and nurture the terrorism vented upon it. There will be no peace between Israel and its neighbors until Israel withdraws from the Palestinian land it militarily occupies and justice is provided to the innocent and downtrodden.

No, Rabbi Andy Koren, not all Americans support Israel's actions and policies. As a well-informed American with some Jewish blood and two grandchildren in the Jewish faith, I consider my homeland to be the United States of America and not any foreign nation.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

The 2005 hurricane season made everyone painfully aware that storms can easily displace us, sending us to other cities or other states, often with only the clothes on our backs.

As people are thinking about preparing for the 2006 hurricane season, I'd like to strongly suggest some actions that will help them should they need health care following a storm.

First, please know where your health insurance card is and carry it with you. Also, make a copy of the card and put it with your hurricane preparedness kit. Lastly, if you and your family have Personal Health Records (PHR) available online, please make sure that your family's PHRs are up-to-date. They will have information on medications you take, medical conditions you are being treated for and much other information that would be useful to health care professionals.

Should you or your family be displaced and need health care, your online PHRs can be accessed (but only with your permission) by a physician or hospital from almost anywhere. If you do not have a PHR, ask whether your health insurer offers that service, and, if so, be sure to take advantage of it.

Austin Pittman
Greensboro

The writer is CEO, UnitedHealthcare North Carolina.

I'm sure many people have heard the Marines' axiom, "Once a Marine, always a Marine." This came about through the strict boot camp training that was embedded into the minds of recruits about right or wrong, and how to protect our country.

We should all be thankful that we have a Marine, Guilford County Sheriff BJ Barnes, who has dedicated his life to his country and now uses that knowledge for the concerns of the citizens of Guilford County.

Our county jails are overburdened with criminals, and the lack of a new jail threatens a takeover by the state that also threatens more taxes and/or bonds for the taxpayers. But the majority of the county commissioners refused to allocate money for a new jail, yet allocated money for a hefty pay raise for themselves.

Sheriff Barnes proposed to the commissioners that a sales tax of one cent, to be levied on all citizens for one year and then terminated, would furnish enough revenue to build the new jail, and homeowners and/or property owners would not be burdened with a tax levied on them alone.

Jack M. Austin
High Point

On Aug. 3, my wife mentioned reading an article in the News & Record concerning Black and Decker. I mistakenly assumed she was referring to the Black and Decker power tool plant in Fayetteville, which I understand will be closing down soon.

We can only hope the same fate awaits Black and Decker in Raleigh.

Clyde L. Hunt Jr.
Greensboro

Our Republican senators have drawn a line in the sand. For almost a decade, Republicans controlled Congress, and there was no increase in the minimum wage. Even as many regions lost more good-paying jobs, Congress wouldn't help the poorest Americans.

Under pressure from the people they represent, Republicans finally decided to allow a vote on a wage increase, but they refused to consider it without attaching an enormous tax break for the wealthiest Americans. Sens. Dole and Burr voted for this unfair bill, but Democrats united to keep it from passing.

Around election time, Republicans always say they don't want politics to be about a "class war." But, it seems they're already fighting that war on behalf of the richest people in our country.

Sen. Bill Frist refused to allow a vote on a wage increase without attaching an irresponsible tax cut that would cost the next generations hundreds of billions of dollars. After this Senate battle, it's very clear where the parties stand. Republicans are fighting tooth and nail for more tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans. Democrats want a fair vote on giving a break to the Americans who are struggling the most.

Billy Corriher
Winston-Salem

David Noer writes a devastating critique of our county commissioners based on a point-by-point analysis, ''7 deadly group leadership sins'' (Aug. 6). By his narrow definition of leadership -- which he lists as responsibility, productivity, effectiveness, decisions based on documented facts, open-mindedness, lack of ego, and seriousness -- he condemns our local leadership to the dust bin. But Noer overlooks the fundamental strengths of our board, such as meeting at scheduled times and following time-honored methods of discourse.

Where Noer sees ''boring commissioners' meetings,'' a nuanced and informed viewer sees vigorous debate. Most of us, especially those who have been state employees forced to sit through committee meetings, would welcome at work the degree of free speech and frank exchange practiced at commissioners' meetings. To listen to a parade of facts and reports is indeed uninteresting and time-consuming, and Billy Yow and Skip Alston have discovered innovative ways of reducing information overload to a few memorable newspaper quotes. Like many experts obsessed with a fact-based lifestyle, Noer ignores other, equally valid ways of measuring leadership, such as unswerving determination.

For example, when President Bush declares, ''I'm the decider, and I decide what is best,'' he reminds us that leadership is more than just words.

Andrew Young
Greensboro

David Hoggard's column (Aug. 2) suggests the citizens of Greensboro should stop thinking small. The multimillion-dollar bonds they are being asked to approve in November hardly suggests ''small'' thinking to me. He is concerned that our status within the state and the nation will be affected if we continue to ''re-act'' and not ''act'' on the propositions before us.

After great consideration, 32 police officers have been added to the budget. Ten years ago, police officers were not needed to patrol the halls of our schools. No more. They are now expected to do the impossible, and we don't want to provide the tools or manpower to get the job done. These are the areas where our tax money should be directed. Save the luxuries for later.

Furthermore, the only ''smallness'' I see exhibited from within the city and county comes from the chambers of our elected officials. Until we elect individuals who exhibit ''bigness'' of character and integrity of action, we will reap the consequences of over-inflated budgets, irresponsible spending and lack of accountability.
It's our choice come November.

B.L. Woltz
Greensboro

Just a quick note to thank the 48-Hour Film Project for allowing the historic Carolina Theatre to host their Greensboro film festival July 29. It was an amazing display of hard work and creative energy that brought artists and audience members together, and we were proud to be a part of the process. What a great way to energize downtown, introduce young filmmakers and invite new audiences to check out all the historic Carolina Theatre has to offer.

Susan L. Jones
Greensboro

The writer is vice president, Board of Directors, for The Carolina Theatre and was emcee of the event.

The following is a Counterpoint

By Harold Bebber
Having formerly lived in the Greensboro area for some 30 years, my family and I welcome receipt of the News & Record providing updates of the ''goings on'' there.

However, it is with trepidation and some degree of questioning that I turn to Rosemary Roberts' column. Questions that generally come to mind are: Should I read the column or not? Will her subject be an issue she knows something about or will it be about family matters (her recent column regarding a long-lost cousin was a real doozy -- like, who cares?) or will she once again use space to present her liberal views?

Roberts, in her Aug. 4 column, reported on her trip to Greece and of surveying Greek people on their views of Americans. She reports that a majority responded favorably about Americans but were largely unfavorable of President Bush. Knowing of Roberts' propensity to bash the president, it would be interesting to know in what manner her survey was presented.

It is true that this administration has made a number of mistakes in the Iraq war. The loss of life and the wounding of our young men and women is a tragedy of the highest order. Also, it appears the president should have fired Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld some time ago. The president could also do with less ''swagger and bravado.'' However, I (a registered Democrat) wonder who dear Rosemary thinks would have done a better job in leading our nation during these critical times. Would it have been Kerry, Gore, Hillary or perhaps Dean, who could have negotiated, or ''waffled,'' to a victory over terrorists?

If she and others can come up with a candidate who can do a better job leading our nation through these difficult times, I will gladly vote for that candidate.

I hope those who agree with Rosemary read Michael Goodwin's column (same issue). I believe Goodwin has more experience in reporting on foreign affairs, terrorists and civilian deaths (9/11), than does Rosemary Roberts.

And, please, could someone remind Rosemary that a columnist should use actual experience, expertise and knowledge when expressing views on such important issues?

The writer lives in Hiddenite.

When the General Assembly passed the Video Competition Act of 2006, it did something that was both "pro-consumer" and "pro-business" at the same time.

By opening up video service to all consumers, true competition will enter the marketplace. And when competition comes in, prices of goods and services go down. And we can surely use a break from the constant increases in our cable bill. Now, we don't have to depend on one provider.

The new law is great for business because it is deregulation at its best. No longer will providers of broadband, movies and cable channels have to negotiate with individual cities. Now, providers will make one application to the state at less cost. As new technology and services come on line, companies can offer them more easily.

The passage of the Video Competition Act was a win-win for everyone involved.

Joyce Krawiec
Kernersville

Several letters have recently appeared on these pages castigating Vernon Robinson for negative campaigning and for not standing for anything.

If the readers will check the records of the Superior Court of North Carolina (Carolyn Grant vs. Bradley Miller), they will find that Brad Miller was found guilty of "...negative character assassination ... a classic case of intellectual dishonesty."

As to the second charge, a visit to www.robinsonforcongress.com shows anyone who is interested where Robinson stands on pretty much any issue of interest to voters. Immigration, Second Amendment rights, taxes, child molesters, Social Security reform, and other issues are all there.

Robinson takes a stand on each which is opposite Miller's, but if you check, I believe you will agree that Robinson's position on virtually every issue is in line with the values of the majority of most North Carolina voters.

North Carolina is a conservative state with solid moral values, and I believe that Vernon Robinson clearly reflects these values far better than Brad Miller.

Robert Hudson
Pelham

"See ... what they need to do is get Syria to get Hezbollah to stop doing that (barnyard epitaph), and it's over."

With that statement, Bush stirred up a hornet's nest because of the crude language he expressed himself with. The language didn't excite me much.

Regrettable as it is, that is how people talk in public. That's for another letter.

What I found interesting was the passive voice that supposedly the most powerful person in the world used. Who is this "they" that he was talking about? Magical little diplomacy elves?

This mind set is another sign of the decline of American influence. After a couple of weeks of thumb-twiddling, Secretary Rice was dispatched late to the region after her boss undercut her mission with his enthusiasm for Israel's action, thus eliminating any credibility we might have as a middleman. That's failing Diplomacy 101.

Bush's support of the Israeli campaign is as predictable as it is sad. It's predictable because it duplicates what Bush did in Iraq: Introduce enough force to destabilize and radicalize the civilian population but not enough to defeat the bad guys. It's sad because neither Bush nor the Israelis have learned from that fiasco.

Marshall White
Archdale

I read that the administration is planning to amend the War Crimes Act to exempt various administration members and former military personnel from prosecution for perpetrating "degrading or humiliating acts" upon detainees.

Such action would appear to be unnecessary if one can believe the repeated statements by our president, his vice president and the secretary of defense that such actions have never been promoted or condoned by the administration and have never been a part of our nation's approach to interrogation.

Why change the law if the problem is simply "a few bad apples"?

Kenneth Sisk
Greensboro

Rosemary Roberts interviews four Greeks and comes to the conclusion that the entire nation of Greece hates George W. Bush. Wow! Thank you, News & Record, for giving us Maureen and Rosemary.

John A. Hill Jr.
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint column.

By Stephen P. Millikin

Rosemary Roberts is at it again.

She will go to any extreme to try to make President Bush look bad. This time (July 28), she thinks he looks older in the current Newsweek cover photograph than he looked five years ago. Ergo, to Roberts, this is because the president's policies are "wrongheaded."

Sure, the president looks older than he did five years ago; so do I, so does Roberts and so does everyone else that I know, except for my wife, Sally, who somehow has defied the aging process.

Roberts says further that "the Middle East is exploding, thanks in part to his wrongheaded policies." But how can this be, and what part did President Bush play, if any at all? We are talking here of strong, sovereign, independent, hostile nations over which our president has no control and which cannot very easily be pushed around.

We are talking about long-standing, complicated, explosive issues that have existed in the Middle East and that have resisted solution for many years before President Bush came on the scene.

Roberts also says, from the Newsweek photograph, that "his brow is deeply furrowed, his hair grayer, his customary confidence (some call it cockiness) is replaced by a troubled stare." Could this perhaps be from the extreme pressure of more than five years in office?

Not according to Roberts, who attributes the cause of this change in appearance to "the stem cell fiasco." By any stretch this issue is nowhere near the top of the list of White House concerns, and actually is near the bottom. It is a divisive, controversial issue to which there are clearly two sides.

The president has not stopped stem cell research. He has merely said no federal funds ought to be spent on it. Why look to the federal government for everything? Is this not a fit subject for private, individual and foundation funding?

As a victim of Parkinson's, I have as much interest in a cure being found for that disease as anyone else.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

I agree with Judge Howard Manning's sentiment that "every morning that teachers walk in and aren't prepared to teach all children and with high expectation, those children's doors have been kicked in."

However, if the Honorable Judge Manning could sit in class, he would find that teachers are prepared. He would see just what teachers are dealing with on a daily basis.

After sitting in a class, maybe he could answer these questions: What about the students who continuously come to school unprepared? What about the parents? Don't they have a responsibility here?

No one has addressed how the students are failing themselves. No one has addressed students consistently coming to class without books, necessary supplies or even class assignments. No one has addressed the disrespect and poor behavior that the teacher wastes time controlling when that valuable time could be used teaching class.
What do you do with students who simply do not care and are not being held accountable?

Yes, there need to be changes. However, the truth is, teachers and principals cannot do it all. If it indeed "takes a village to raise a child," then the village needs to step up to the plate.

Vanessa Thomas
Greensboro

Superintendent Terry Grier and the Board of Education keep requesting more money. Never an idea for saving.

Here is a very good idea that can save thousands of dollars each year. Any student who comes to school with a cell phone is not eligible for any free items, including meals. If the parents can afford to pay their cell-phone bill, they can afford to pay for their children's school needs, including meals.

H.W. Blackwood
Greensboro

For the first time since its inception, residents in District 9 have a choice in the upcoming Guilford County commissioner election.
I urge you to get to know Pinecroft-Sedgefield Fire Chief Vernon Ward, who I believe to be the taxpayer's best choice.

Although he is a political newcomer, Vernon's leadership and budgeting ability have already been proven with his management of a staff of more than 110 people and a budget of $2.3 million. Chief Ward has been a public servant for more than 29 years, and anyone who knows him will attest to his honesty and integrity.

You can meet Vernon on Aug. 15, 6:30 p.m., 5701 Randleman Road. You can also correspond with him and learn more about him at his Web site, vernonward.com.

Guilford County needs financially responsible leadership. In November, we can change the way Guilford County conducts business. Vernon Ward would be a good start.

Tony Wilkins
Greensboro

Why is it that Israel is the only country in the world not expected to defend itself when attacked?

Michael Brown
Greensboro

After reading your opinion about fixing animal control (Aug. 6), I agree the program must do a better job to protect the public.

What I'd like to know is why isn't there a law that requires all dogs in Guilford County to be licensed? Why not the entire state?

This also would require all dogs to be vaccinated against rabies. I'm sure the expense of putting it into effect would not outweigh the expense of trying to catch and destroy rabid animals.

My dog was recently attacked at the Bark Park by a dog with a careless owner, and I was bitten, too. In my haste to protect my dog, I was not able to stop the owner from leaving or get his license plate number. Was that dog vaccinated? I'll never know, but my dog is protected because I care enough to pay for her vaccinations.

I would like to see dog licenses mandatory. It works in other states. Why not here? It's time dog owners took responsibility for their animals.

Laura Kruse
Greensboro

I see that your columnist, Rosemary Roberts, has taken a vacation to Greece and written a couple of columns.

Leaving undecided the question as to whether this is some sort of tax-avoidance scam to write off vacation expenses for work, I would caution Roberts not to go around asking questions like, "You hate Bush, too, don't you?" and simply be a good American there to appreciate the sights, food and culture of a country that supplied so much of our heritage.

Frank Rakestraw
Greensboro

Al Myrick (letter, Aug. 6) states that the Greensboro Truth and Reconciliation Commission report failed. I think not. Even the 35-page executive summary contains a thought-provoking and nuanced summary of the events of Nov. 3, 1979, the many background events, the assumptions held by groups and individuals, and the responses to it over the years. That's far more than "the same old, tired, worn contradictory expressions." The full report goes far deeper.

Rather than archiving the report, I believe all of us should read it and give careful thought to the many ways it helps us understand the complex tangle surrounding Nov. 3, 1979, and how it has continued to shape our city. We should carefully consider the recommendations, discuss them with each other and in public forums, and enact those we find to serve our collective future best.

The City Council has begun a discussion. The mayor urged council members to read the report. He might well have urged the same for all city citizens.

Many people in the United States and other countries are studying the process Greensboro followed and the report it produced. We ought to know our report at least as well as they do, and draw more benefits, too.

Claire Morse
Greensboro

The article on Wikipedia ("Wikipedia gathering seeks consistent cool," News & Record, Aug. 4) needs some clarification. The information a seeker can find on it is only as good as the writer's information. Since the content is posted without peer review and anyone can post, how does the reader know if it's any good?

I'll give you an example: Recently someone e-mailed me that my book had been mentioned as a reference to an entry on artists' oil paints. I went to the URL and found the entry to be full of errors of omission and fact, and that the edition of my book cited was the unrevised 1993 edition, not the revised 2006 edition — but, since the date of publication for the book was not given in the citation, only I would know that. Other books were cited, too — and one of them has not been revised in nearly 20 years.

In other words, if some art student were to look up oil paints on Wikipedia, she would get poor information: archaic, erroneous opinion instead of contemporary fact. This would then continue to perpetuate the lousy art materials education that students get the world over.

So in this respect, Wikipedia is uncool.

Mark D. Gottsegen
Climax

The writer is associate professor, Department of Art, UNCG.

Like most families, our family found an activity, amazingly, that we liked to do all together. As our children grew, they were taught great life lessons by being involved in community theater.

We were Quakers in the Snow Camp Historical Drama; townsfolk with Community Theater of Greensboro; and Captain Hook's pirates with High Point Community Theater. Whatever we did, large part or small, backstage or on stage, we were together.

These fine nonprofits helped us grow together as a family and celebrate with the hundreds of other community members with whom we shared the stage.

Now one of those great groups may disappear. A formula has been drafted and presented to the High Point Arts Council to determine what the annual allocation of each affiliate will be. Funds will be distributed according to an assigned income tier structure.

We move from human decision-making to a mathematical formula that will mean the loss of up to $40,000 for High Point Community Theater.

Why do efficient organizations like the United Way of Greater Greensboro use more than 200 volunteers for their allocation panels? They know a simple truth — that humans need to make decisions about the arts and community issues, not a spreadsheet program.

Dale Metz
Greensboro

The standard story says the Israeli invasion of Lebanon is justified as self-defense in response to Hezbollah's kidnapping of two Israeli soldiers and killing of six. But it isn't justified anymore than Israeli bombing of the Gaza power plant is justified in response to the kidnapping of an Israeli soldier.

Human Rights Watch has analyzed the casualty figures from two dozen Israeli air strikes in Lebanon and found that more than 40 percent of the dead were children.

Conservatively, Human Rights Watch puts the civilian death toll so far at more than 500. Lebanese hospital records suggest the figure is now well over 750, with potentially many more bodies yet to be excavated from the rubble.

Further, the standard story on Lebanon is misleading and the Gaza story is wrong. In the latter instance, the kidnapping of the Israeli soldier by Hamas was preceded by Israel's kidnapping of two civilians in Gaza.

In the Lebanon case, the kidnapping was one of a sequence of incursions and attacks on both sides that have occurred in the last six years and often led to prisoner exchanges (Israel holds thousands of political prisoners). That the Hezbollah incident is a pretext for an invasion long planned, one undertaken in support of U.S. and Israeli establishment interests, is suggested in Wesley Clark's to-be released book.

Gregory Meyerson
Greensboro

By Michael Northuis

Michael Goodwin's column, "Democrats want U.S. to wave white flag" (Aug. 4), was insulting and shallow. Again, he trots out the Bush administration's tired mantra, "Stay the course in Iraq." What course?

This administration has no plan to deal with the sectarian violence that was predicted as far back as the elder Bush's war. We have only two options in Iraq: Stay at the cost of thousands more lives and hundreds of billions of dollars, or start pulling troops out. Either way there is little for us to "win."

As we are witnessing all over the Mideast, democratic elections result in either theocracies or the election of radicals who hate Israel and the west. These conservative pundits like Goodwin toss out words like peace, freedom and democracy as if they know what they mean. All the while they support illegal wiretapping of ordinary citizens and CIA torture chambers. They think that all is solved in this world at the barrel of a gun.

What would really be revealing would be to see who in this administration is making the most money from a destabilized Mideast. Is it the Bush family with its huge investments in weapons and oil, Cheney with his ties to Halliburton, Rice with her oil company ties, Rumsfeld maybe?

Whenever you listen to a Republican speech, substitute the words "power" and "money" for the words "democracy" and "peace" and you will get a truer picture of what the Republicans are really saying.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

Thank you for the refreshing and informative article, "Health in old age starts in the womb" (July 30). Research from a variety of sources indicates relationship from bio-cellular memories imprinted during pregnancy and labor may underlie a host of adult illnesses affecting our emotional, physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

Relationships between migraine headaches and forceps delivery; hyperactivity and use of pitocin during labor; upper respiratory ailments including asthma and allergies with umbilical cord wrap during delivery; inability to complete tasks with emergency caesarian sections; isolation with planned caesarian sections and more.

None of this should come as a surprise, however. Science already informs us of the connection between family histories and exacerbated generational outcomes. Surely, it isn't a stretch to realize that pregnancy and labor has a lasting, deeply profound effect on each of us.

Julie Lapham, Ph.D.
Greensboro

I learned a very important civics lesson in Raleigh recently. It's covered in the basic Political Science 101 course. What most of us perceive as a two-party political system in our state really amounts to a one-party Goliath; it's Special Interest or Lobby Party. Both state political parties take their orders from these groups, either directly or indirectly.

One party might lose monetary support while the other might lose votes or vice versa. The political parties are interchangeable, depending on the special interest.

This became evident with HB 1415. The bill was crafted to close a serious loophole in a very good statewide gun permit law. Both parties agreed that the loophole existed and needed to be closed but were afraid to deliver on it because of the Lobby Party.

The obtuse views of some politicians are like a horse with blinders on. As a voting North Carolinian, I think that it is time our elected public officials take off the blinders and see our state as the vast silent majority does. If not, why concern ourselves with electing them in the first place to only become members of the Lobby Party.

Ken Houglan
Greensboro

Don Patterson's article ("Rerouting our lives," Aug. 9) paints the picture of our current American life. We are being molested at the pumps, and it is filtering down into every other aspect of our lives. And yet, we as a nation do nothing. We don't even complain.

Big Oil is making billions of dollars in profit this year, and the American public is bankrupt. What is right about that? Not a darn thing. I have no problem with the oil companies making money; profit is not a four letter word. But, if that profit is at the same time running the working class into the ground, then that I am not for.

Yet, what are we doing? Buying more gasoline than last year. What great fools we are. The people of this country have got to start making some noise over this issue, have got to start rising up and taking stands. We've got to find a way to say no, and fast, or else we'll never stop the Big Oil machine.

Mike Hammontree
Greensboro

Regarding the advocation of a county-wide pet licensing program, which was recently mentioned in a letter to the editor:

When licensing was last proposed locally, the data to determine ownership and liability was to be compiled when animals were administered their mandatory rabies vaccinations. There are certainly exceptions to the rule, but the fundamental problem with pet overpopulation and abandonment is irresponsible pet ownership. Therefore, it is necessary to address the problem of irresponsible pet owners in order to truly benefit from any licensing effort.

If such people are aware that the limited expense of a rabies vaccination will automatically make them liable for the additional expense of licensing, isn't there a strong possibility that many of them will neglect the one expense to avoid the other? Because such people are not only more inclined to not have their pets neutered, but also to allow them to run free, isn't there a long-term possibility that licensing thus organized could actually increase the scope of any rabies outbreak?

I'm not submitting this as a certainty, but it is a possible result that needs to be seriously considered before the implementation of a local licensing plan.

A.J. Sells
Greensboro

What follows is the News & Record's first formal attempt at a Virtual Editorial Board.

The idea: Readers will be invited to give input on editorial in progress -- in effect, to react to an editorial before it is published.

We'll provide a brief summary of the editorial thus far and you'll have a chance to weigh in. Some of you may be quoted in the published editorial. Others' comments may be included in a box that accompanies the editorial.

One warning: If you want to be quoted for publication in the printed paper we'll need your real name.

Today's topic follows. Please comment on it by 1 p.m. Tuesday.:

Noise in the hood

Members of the Greensboro Neighborhood Congress recently sponsored a panel to discuss the noise problem in the city. The session included residents of loud neighborhoods, as well as leaders from Greensboro and High Point. The congress asserts that the city needs a better ordinance and it needs to enforce it.

Also recently, Noise Free America, a group from Wisconsin that battles noise pollution, handed the Gate City one of its "Noisy Dozen" awards for weak ordinances and toleration of excessive noise.

In 2004, High Point officials adopted new ordinances, making it illegal for sound systems and stereos to generate noise more than 30 feet from a car at all times (Greensboro has a 50-foot buffer).

The ordinance also made it illegal to play music that can be heard more than 30 feet away at residences, hotels, motels and businesses between 2 a.m. and 7 a.m.

In Greensboro, the hours on loud music, television, etc. at residential locations are 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., but the code does not specify what the objective standards are for disturbing the peace.

The punishments don't differ much, with first offenses costing $200, second offenses doubling and third offenses climbing to $500. Jail time is a possibility as well.

The city code for Greensboro can be tough to find, so here is a link. It is under Article Three, Sect. 18-41, or type "noise" into the search function. More information is also on the city's Web site.

High Point's city code is here. It can be found by going to Chapter 1, Sect. 12-1-10, or typing "noise" into the search function.

Readers, what do you think?

Does Greensboro have a noise problem? And if so, how big of a priority should it be for the police department?

Is the current noise ordinance tough enough, or is enforcement the problem? Or is it both?

Tell us what you think about noise levels in Greensboro.

And High Point residents: Have stricter standards/enforcement helped? Let us know what has and hasn't worked, if anything.

Our editorial (and possibly your comments) will appear later this week.

Regarding the article on the new Westover Church (Aug. 5): This new building is big.

Like kudzu, the total facility (including parking) is creeping toward enveloping more of the surrounding neighborhood. For example, part of the building is built nearly wall to wall with some of the nearby, long-standing town homes on Tower Road. One wonders how that five-story wall has affected those property values.

As the building progressed, I wondered: If it had to be this big, why not relocate to where there is plenty of land to build and expand?

Also, what other uses could they have put their $28 million toward? A new but less grandiose facility and more missions?

Rev. Smith, a new facility may have been God's wish for Westover Church, but not this. Jesus was a humble person. There is a difference between needs and wants. The church may have needed more space. However, this building also came from you, the leadership and membership, who also wanted to satisfy your own egos by having one of the city's biggest and most expensive churches.

I trust you all got what you wanted. Let's hope future expansion will demonstrate more concern for your neighbors, not just yourselves.

George N. Owen
Greensboro

Regarding the article, "Farm saddled with sewer line": I am amazed at the number of articles about sewer problems in High Point, and the impact on the property owners who have their property taken for sewer rights of way.

The article cites a difference of opinion about the fate of the old sewer pipe left in the ground and whether the property owners should have known that the structures would be left. The real question is what is the city currently doing on this issue for the new sewer line? Are they telling property owners that the sewer pipe will be left in the ground at the end of its life and dealing with those compensation issues now?

Every property owner affected by eminent domain for the new line should speak up on whether they were properly informed on this issue. To have your land taken against your will, deal with years of sewage-related issues, and then be left with an unknown liability is unacceptable and unjust.

We need to re-examine all the ramifications about eminent domain and make necessary reforms to ensure the property owner has complete disclosure at the beginning and is not left with a large expenditure to restore his property.

Ross Teague
Greensboro

Regarding Nancy H. McLaughlin's article about Westover Church (Aug. 5):

One part of that article talked about one of the church's neighbors, Gladys Mingia, who was described as "still livid" after the building of the church. I do not believe that she is the only person who was not happy that the building had encroached on their homes. There are more than three dozen homes that have their view of the sky darkened by that building.

Also, this church has night lighting, so now there is a shiny glare from this structure so all residents around will be able to see its five stories of massive stonework.

This structure was built so very high and has windows facing the occupants of all the homes around it. From this view, one can see into backyards, bathrooms or bedrooms.

No wonder these residents have a dislike for this structure, which has impacted their lives and has caused many to question why it was built so close to a community of family homes.

Richard C. Sahli
Greensboro

Recently having read and seen reports regarding students attending academic, leadership and athletic camps, I want to make your readers aware of an outstanding academic enrichment science and math program. Developed at the Greensboro Area Math and Science Education Center, or GAMSEC, at N.C. A&T State University, it provides opportunities for approximately 500 middle and high school students from the Guilford County Schools and schools in surrounding areas.

Young people in GAMSEC have high achievement scores, gain college entrance and receive many academic and leadership scholarships. There is no achievement gap with GAMSEC students.

As part of the Math and Science Education Network, excellence is a goal they achieve.

For 18 summers, I have had the privilege of working with GAMSEC students and parents under the leadership of Dr. Valerie Guthrie, the program's director, and her motivated, caring staff. GAMSEC students are the scientists of the future.

Focused, well-behaved and motivated, they need to be recognized.

Dorothy E. Walker
Greensboro

The writer is a retired school counselor.

In her Aug. 8 letter, Parris Patton expresses frustration over hearing from Christians "pandering pious prose."

I'd like to assure her that I am in fact thinking for myself. But what she really means by "thinking for myself" is that "I will create my own religion." The only problem is, that approach never comes to closure, never ends and never really provides any security or satisfaction.

The search is real, because "God has placed eternity in their hearts" (Ecclesiastes 3:11). This means that every person searches for a meaning for life and life after death.

There are three basic questions that cannot be answered naturalistically: "Where did I come from?"; "Why I am here?"; and "Where am I going?" Science does not deal with meaning, only facts, and science books are continually changing.

The core question is, "What about me? Where will I spend eternity?"

Patton says, "Religious affiliation is simply a function of your respective geographical location." From this, I infer she believes that one's faith is determined from the predominant religion practiced nearby. That's precisely why God has given the Great Commission to the church, "Go into the whole world" (Matthew 28:19).

This is why Christians talk about salvation.

Bob Kelly
Kernersville

Once again the plight of Natalie Maines and her sisters in song is bemoaned in the press ("Dixie Chicks at center stage," Aug. 10).
People aren't buying enough tickets to their concerts, aren't buying as many of their CDs and some radio stations aren't playing their output. It is implied that her freedom of speech rights are being trampled. We are told sarcastically by columnist Jeri Rowe that, "The last time I checked, we have this thing called the First Amendment. Or so I thought." We do, Mr. Rowe.

But, did you actually read the amendment rather than just checking on it? The applicable passage states, "Congress shall make no law ... abridging the freedom of speech ...."

It does not say, "One shall be free from any negative consequences of exercising one's right of free speech."

Though Congress is prohibited from restricting free speech, people who disagree with you are completely free to discontinue subsidizing your point of view. Maines may exercise her freedom of speech as long and as loudly as she pleases. Congress will not abridge her right. Just quit whining when less popularity and income reflect the free exercise of the rights of many of your audience.

Allen Tomlinson
High Point

Since the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in September 2005, state and local governments have attempted to seize homes, businesses and even churches to make way for private development. There have been almost 6,000 attempts during the past year. Compare that to the 10,000 "eminent domain" cases taking place between 1998 and 2002.

The Supreme Court's broad interpretation of eminent domain set a terrible precedent by allowing private property to be seized, for the first time in history, for private development. Local governments have often been willing opportunists. They partner with private developers in an effort to increase dwindling tax revenues. By doing so, they have sacrificed the average citizen's life in that community.

We must protect the rights of the individual instead of the coffers of our local governments and a few private developers. I understand the need for many communities to find new ways of funding their governments, but it shouldn't be done by destroying the lives of the very people who helped build that community.

Please help in whatever way you can to fight for our individual rights. Maybe one day this decision can be overturned.

Jim Freeman
Greensboro

As usual, Doug Clark's Aug. 9 column was succinct and to the point -- the best summary of the status of the alleged rape of a woman by Duke lacrosse players I have seen. Now, could he please apply the same clarity to an article of the present status of the whole Middle East situation?

I'm looking forward to his next column.

Dick Widenhouse
Jamestown

In view of the facts of the plot out of London, I think all of us should really be more careful and alert.

People all over the world should really be wise to the situation.

President Bush warned us about these people. He is right.

It would not hurt to say a prayer about this matter.

N.R. Smith
Greensboro

Regarding your article, "Will future ride on bus or rail?" (Aug. 10), the fed's giving PART yet more money ($1 million of our tax dollars) to study regional rail and bus transit. A few thoughts:

1. For $1 million, I can find numerous transit experts who can provide facts that surface rail (trains) should be a nonstarter for the Triad.

2. For the same $1 million, these experts would probably submit that bus rapid transit is the most reasonable option -- and that more roads are better than throwing money at regional rail.

Cato Institute, Thoreau Institute, Federal Railway Administration and other sources -- each Web site contains reports on the real costs and benefits of regional rail.

I challenge the News & Record to look at these Web sites and report its conclusions to the Triad. It should challenge PART to do the same.

PART must serve the Triad's citizens with unquestioned fidelity, and it must resist becoming just another bureaucratic, tax-and-spend sinkhole.

Geoffrey King
Greensboro

Your front-page photo on Aug. 13 of an animal being carried to its death left me with tears and great sadness. Too many animals are left to die if not adopted because of a lack of neutering/spaying and overpopulation.

When a pet is adopted, it should be your total responsibility for its health and welfare to see the vet for annual check-ups and vaccinations and neutering/spaying.

Euthanasia is a reality, but such pictures are disturbing.

Phyllis Weidman
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Mona Shatell

Mental health care reform in North Carolina is a difficult process for all involved -- mental health service recipients (consumers), mental health care providers, state policymakers and the wider community.

Mike Moseley, in his Counterpoint on Aug. 9 ("Many mental health reform fears unjustified"), articulated this challenge well. His response to the July 16 editorial, "Mental health overhaul worries many," provided optimistic expectations of reform by sharing favorable responses from other communities that are further along in the reform efforts.

Change is hard and naturally causes doubt and uncertainty.

However, I take issue with the way Mr. Moseley minimized mental health service recipients' fears -- fear that uncertainty undoubtedly breeds.

These fears are multidimensional and rooted in a long social, historical and cultural history of inequality, stigmatization and marginalization of people with mental illness. If mental health parity existed, and if our society did not discriminate against individuals with mental illness, these fears might in fact be "unjustified."

But, Mr. Moseley, this is not a world we currently live in, and because you are the director of the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services, it is a world that I expect you to know.

I wonder, was your response from a lack of understanding of the multidimensionality of the issue or a defense against your own uncertainty?

Mona Shattell, Ph.D., RN, lives in Greensboro, where she teaches mental health nursing.

It is time for us to wake up and realize that we are in a war. I watched CBS' ''60 Minutes'' interview with the president of Iran and that crystallized to me the challenges facing us as a nation.

It is also obvious that our adversaries pay attention to our media. When we are not supportive of our national defense it only encourages them more. It is time we stop being Democrats and Republicans and start being Americans. We are in a fight for the life of our country. The freedom that we all enjoy so much is clearly in jeopardy.

The president of Iran says he is in favor of eliminating Israel, and his comments indicate America is next. Need I say more?
Jim Melvin
Greensboro

Because of a retyping error, a letter in Wednesday's editions (''No achievement gap for math, science stars'') misspelled the first name of the director of the Greensboro Math and Science Education Center.

Her name is Dr. Vallie Guthrie.

In the article concerning the Guilford County Animal Shelter's policy of not adopting to rescue groups (Aug. 13), the shelter director is quoted as saying it doesn't make business sense for the shelter to give its most adoptable animals to another group. Quite the contrary. Many purebred animals surrendered by their owners have health problems so that often medical care must include more than basic shots and spaying or neutering. Many of the dogs Triad Golden Retriever Rescue takes in are heartworm-positive. Others have ear infections, eye problems, etc.

Also, many purebred dogs are surrendered because of behavioral problems. Because rescue dogs are placed in foster homes until adopted, rescue groups are able to identify and address problem behaviors. The shelter does not have the time or manpower to identify or deal with these behaviors so problem animals often are adopted out, then returned numerous times.

The shelter has neither the manpower nor financial resources to deal with health and behavioral problems. Rescues do. Given that rescue groups do a better job of adopting out healthy, suitable pets than the shelter, doesn’t it make good business sense to let them adopt from the shelter?

Alexey Ferrell
Greensboro

The writer is president of Triad Golden Retriever Rescue.

Regarding your editorial, ''State misses jackpots but still wins millions'' (Aug. 15): North Carolina players very much wanted the state to participate in a multistate online game such as Powerball. The popularity of this game within North Carolina is evidenced by the number of Powerball tickets that have been sold.

North Carolina retains from ticket sales 35 percent of the proceeds to go to education programs in addition to the prize dollars for the state's nonjackpot winners. The only money that leaves the jurisdiction of any Powerball member is their share of the jackpot. Of the roughly $69 million in Powerball sales, education could receive $24 million. This amount grows with each ticket sale. This makes all of North Carolina a winner.

North Carolina can guarantee that all the money designated for education stays in North Carolina. However, even the statute setting up the lottery does not limit players to North Carolinians only. With all the games offered, there will be winners who do not reside in the state and prize money will go to out-of-state players.

The Lottery Act clearly allows North Carolina to join multistate lotteries. We chose to join Powerball because we wanted to offer games players would support by buying tickets. The more tickets players buy, the more money we make for education in North Carolina. This is what is important.
Alice Garland
Raleigh

The writer is deputy executive director, Legislative/Corporate Communications, for the N.C. Education Lottery.

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Robert Ouradnik
My thanks to Kathy Latham (''Gun-barrel democracy doomed to fail,'' Counterpoint, Aug. 5) for clearly stating a fact ignored ever since Cain murdered Abel: Violence begets violence. Though many millennia have passed since that attempt to settle a dispute with force, there is little recognition that genuine, lasting peace does not come by imposing the will of the strong over the weak.

Nonetheless, the childish assumption remains foremost, that if anyone hits me, the necessary response is to hit back and protect what is mine. That assumption is present in most every political decision leading to war, in every general's need for overwhelming military power, in every fear-triggered expectancy that economic improvement elsewhere will undermine my bank account, and in most every parent's swat to the seat as the only way to correct unacceptable behavior in a child.

Violence, as the answer, runs rampant everywhere. Regretfully, Latham had to end her Counterpoint with the plaintive assertion, ''There must be a better way.''

There is. But we've got to use what we know: Sociologists can map the social environments that promote peace. Psychologists can outline win-win solutions to substitute for win-lose types that end in anger and hate. How about a Department of Peace equal in purpose and empowerment to the Department of Defense, but training the nation for peace rather than war? Churches could unite to underwrite a Peace Think Tank. And the media. If advertising geniuses can convince us of the risk in smoking, how much more could they accomplish promoting cooperative behavior for human survival over the current wanton reliance on war?

Ah, but there's the rub. Peace demands loyalty to the human race rather than settling for defense of my nation, my personal desires, my little visions above all else. Well, who said it was going to be easy?

The writer lives in Greensboro.

Thank you for the article (Aug. 13) concerning the Guilford County Animal Shelter. It is only by education and blatant pictures that the public will understand what happens to these unwanted pets.

Regretfully, too many parents allow their family pets to breed so their children can witness "the miracle of birth." I wish these same children would be allowed to witness "the horror of euthanasia."

It is a life lesson that works both ways. And only when that lesson is learned will our pet population explosion be curtailed.

Mebane Ham
Greensboro

What is the Guilford County Animal Shelter thinking? If animal rescue groups are willing to take animals, why can't they work together?

The statistics for area shelters should outrage us. The fear of losing adoptable pets to rescue groups is their concern. The bottom line is money and not doing what is right.

I have to wonder about the Dalmatian being carried to his death and the other dog being bagged after his lethal injection as though it was common household trash. Had they been there too long?

There are animals that need to be put out of their misery, but what about those whose misery is caused by humans?

Do we simply excuse the shelter when an animal cannot be placed within their time frame?

Let rescue groups take the animals that have overstayed their time at a shelter so that they can be saved and/or placed. The shelter will have space for the next new group to check in. The effort required is small but the benefits are large.

Pet ownership is a lifetime commitment. Not for our lives, but the animal's life.

If you are guilty of contributing to the problem, shame on you. These animals deserve better.

Carla Hughes
Asheboro

Regarding the addition of several new eating establishments to the Piedmont Triad International Airport:

I would like the Airport Authority to make sure at least one restaurant in the north and south terminals is open for the day's first flights. A cup of coffee would be nice early.

I also would like to ask the Airport Authority to consider covering the walkway from the covered parking area to the terminal. Why pay to park in covered spaces when one has to get wet walking from vehicle to terminal?

Please add ATMs to the newly expanded north terminal check-in area. Why walk all the way back to the south terminal check-in area to access an ATM?

Cut in more sidewalk ramps for rolling luggage.

The credit card booth at the parking garage exit is welcome. These are customer service items sorely needed. Little things add up.

Robert McRae
Greensboro

The inauguration of our Innocence Commission coincided with a denial of a motion for appropriate relief for Elrico Fowler who is on Death Row. For more than 10 years, Fowler has maintained his innocence. I was there when the judge ruled against him. He stood and asked to be allowed to speak.

He said, "I am not speaking from anger. I did not commit this murder. I was not allowed to speak for myself nine years ago. The court is afraid of me because I am a black man."

And as he was saying this, the guards in court were calling for backup, and his young male cousins were being removed and locked out of the courtroom, though the only words they spoke were whispered to me. They were asking where his mother had gone, so that they could find and bring her back for this conclusion of four days of painful testimony and hope.

Fowler spoke with a calm that comes from years of self-transformation and wisdom-gathering, but it is a calm that I find hard to reach. I want to thank those who have made this Innocence Commission a reality, and I pray that much truth will be brought forth. And soon.

Patricia Black
Greensboro

The American Civil Liberties Union wants Bridgeport High School in Bridgeport, W. Va., to take down the painting of Jesus which hangs in the main hallway. Are they afraid that some student might see the picture and wonder who this Jesus is?

Or even worse, maybe some student might even start to believe in Jesus and His gift of forgiveness and eternal life in paradise.
Only Jesus has the words to describe the ridiculousness of the American Civil Liberties Union's demand. "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34).

Christopher Dickson
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint column.By Bill Ellis

The story and visuals in the Aug. 13 paper about the animal shelter struck home, as most all of those kinds of stories do.

A few years ago, Sheriff BJ Barnes actually showed the process of euthanasia on Tv, no less, and he was very brave to do so. I suppose it takes shock to make a change in Guilford County, especially when it comes to the animal shelter.

United Animal Coalition President Marilyn Green and her shelter staff are good people, and, under the circumstances, do as good a job as they can. They want to place as many pets out for adoption as possible.

On the other hand, many legitimate rescue groups want to do the same thing, which is to place animals for adoption and, of course, promote spay and neutering. That is good as well.

The animal shelter is funded by taxpayers and donations, the rescue groups are funded by donations. (Taxpayers can make a change in the animal shelter.)

The report in the News & Record states that the animal shelter does not want to work with rescue groups because they are in competition with them and the animal shelter wants to keep the "breed name" animals itself.

Now, folks, this policy is just plain silly.

The animal shelter should adopt a new policy of working with all legitimate rescue groups, and, in fact, "we the people" (pet owners) should insist that our county commissioners stop bickering among one another long enough to pass a pet tax, and make a change in the animal shelter policy.

When I was a little boy, my parents paid a "dog tax"; I think it was only a few dollars a year, and that, too, was a good thing.
The proceeds from a "dog tax" could help remodel the animal shelter and perhaps add more facility space, but, most certainly, a better ventilation system.

So, folks of Guilford County, yes, you can do something about this, and that is to call or write your county commissioner.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

Now that I've located my beads and sandals, I'd like to respond to Charles Davenport's Aug. 13 column.

Countries that have huge numbers of executions include China, Iran and the United States. The idea that everyone convicted of first-degree murder deserves the death penalty is squarely in line with the values of communist China and fundamentalist Islamic Iran.

As for letting murderers out so they can do it again, the obvious way to prevent that is with a sentence of life without parole, which may well be a harsher penalty than death and is less expensive to implement.

Richard G. Cox
Greensboro

Your article about Maggie Kessee-Forrester (Aug. 15) reminds us that it is possible for elected officials to exhibit grace while being an advocate, and to work with people inside and outside of their own political party to accomplish goals other than self-aggrandizement and polarization.

On a more personal level, Maggie was, as she might say, "a piece of work," with one of the most infectious laughs you ever heard. She will be missed.

Barbara C. Ruby
Greensboro

OK, everybody, repeat after me: Joe Lieberman is not a moderate; he is a conservative Democrat. The issue that caused him to lose the primary was not the war; it was that and everything else.

Like most incumbents, he is isolated from dealing with real-world issues (like paying his own medical bills), and beholden to entities like pharmaceutical companies rather than the Connecticut voters. It was not a shift to the extreme in his party that cost him the primary (like Republicans don't know anything about that), it was a bad job review from his bosses — the voters.

L.J. Allen
High Point

John W. Taylor's letter from July 31 is wrong in saying our rights are given by the government.

Our Constitution enumerates the function and powers of government. The Bill of Rights was added specifically to clarify the powers and rights of the people and how government may not abridge them.
It was written in the spirit of the Declaration of Independence: "endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights" and "governments are instituted among men deriving their powers from the consent of the governed. ..."

Contrast this to the United Nations' "Universal Declaration of Human Rights" (1948), where there is no mention of God or a higher power beyond the U.N. document or organization itself. Article 29, Section 3, states, "These rights and freedoms may in no case be exercised contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations," which is an unelected world body accountable to no one but itself.

It's true that "eternal vigilance" is essential. Rights can be eroded, but in the United States, the Bill of Rights cannot simply be taken away, especially if one exercises Second Amendment rights. As for the rights "guaranteed" by the United Nations? Well ...

Kevin Fogel
Seagrove

We only have a few more opportunities this season to enjoy a game at the beautiful, inviting downtown location of the Greensboro Grasshoppers.

Stretch out on the lawn spaces if you take some kids with you — they will love the freedom. Let them loose at the caged play place. Enjoy.

This facility is so family-friendly, and Thursdays are full of people to watch. I recommend you bring your binoculars. Heads up, though — it is a ballgame with foul balls. Lots to do or see.

You may even end up with something for free. Check at the front entrance during the last inning.

I am so thankful that some folks had the determination to see this project through. It is a shot in the arm for downtown Greensboro for sure.

Parking = $3; tickets for four = $32; drinks and two packs of peanuts = $18; singing the National Anthem, watching the players, goofy games and Spaz, making a new friend or seeing an old friend = priceless.

Go, Hoppers. Back to you, Jim.

Debbie Rubin
Greensboro

Back when the Tom DeLay/Jack Abramoff corruption scandal was first breaking, a friend and I approached Rep. Howard Coble and asked him to present a petition to the House leadership, signed by more than 400 people from the 6th District, calling for DeLay's resignation.

Coble was a little taken aback and huffed that DeLay "isn't doing anything different from anybody else" in Congress.

How very true. Coble voted in lockstep with DeLay and against the interests of the people of his district throughout the disgraceful tenure of one of the most corrupt politicians in American history.

Coble voted for NAFTA. He voted against a bill that would prevent price-gouging at the gas pumps, while voting for giving billions of dollars in taxpayer money to energy and oil companies. He voted for the prescription Medicare drug bill that was written by pharmaceutical companies to enlarge their profits at the expense of seniors.

The list goes on. Coble's voting record represents everything that is wrong with our corrupt system of corporate campaign financing.

In November, independent voters will have an opportunity to begin cleaning out the rat's nest of corruption in Washington by voting for principled progressives, including Rory Blake, who will reject sponsorship by corporate lobbyists, and who will, instead, support publicly financed, voter-owned elections.

Laurie Gengenbach
Julian

By Daniel D. Godfrey

The story couldn't just be about the student or N.C. A&T, as a proud institution of higher learning, and demonstrated ability to provide high-caliber leaders and outstanding citizens for the Greensboro community as well as communities throughout the world, including the state of Michigan. It must be about something bigger that I am not obviously getting from the News & Record articles I have read. Just maybe, it could be about having A&T look like what happened at Duke University.

I will not attempt to pass judgment on the crime that the Ann Arbor, Mich., community said was committed there, but I am concerned about the manner in which our community is now being imposed upon to accept the Michigan judgment in this case — and the implication that A&T has made a big mistake in trying to help this young man move his life forward. According to some, he has begun to move his life in a positive fashion since he's been here in this community. Keep in mind, he's not some guy who has spent the last five to 20 years in prison for multiple crimes, but obviously a young man who made a terrible mistake.

Perhaps it would have been more appropriate if the top A&T (interim) administration had gotten its act together before releasing a university position regarding his future: First, the decision on whether the young man could continue to play football or even if registering as a student would be permissible, thus allowing the athletics director to communicate the university's position to whomever, even if such a decision would have represented a change.

It's time for the A&T student leadership as well as the national alumni leadership, both in-state and nationally, to step up and help put a stop to all the negativism now being inflicted by the News & Record against A&T and its greater university community throughout the world.

The writer is an A&T alumnus, Class of 1962, and former dean, School of Agriculture and Environmental Science.

Regarding the numerous letters objecting to the new Westover Church building, I would like to present a different view.

First: I understand the frustrations people may have, but I also understand from personal experience that Westover Church wants to glorify God first and foremost.

During the eight years that I attended Westover, I was excited about the emphasis and money the church put into missions. Westover's main goal is to share the Gospel in Greensboro and around the world. To see how many missionaries it supports and to hear the testimonies of these missionaries is a testament to Westover's desire to follow God's lead.

Secondly: A gentleman suggested that Westover built this new building to feed its ego. In my time there, I became friends with several pastors and leaders, and I can tell you they are the most humble, kind people who I have met. They have clearly sought the Lord's will and have decided to take a leap of faith and follow Him. There is a clear difference between feeding your ego and following God's word.

In the world today, it is encouraging to have a place like Westover where God is the center and the world is being reached.

Jonathan Adams
Greensboro

I found the article on the animal shelter appalling ("Animal shelter policy upsets rescue groups," Aug. 13). Not what I wanted to wake up to. Hopefully, it will be a wake-up call to the overcrowding problem at animal shelters. But I seriously doubt it.

My question now is why the shelter sees rescue groups as competition. That's ludicrous. The photo on the front page shows a Dalmatian being carried to his death sentence. Why? Was it sick or had it been at the shelter too long? If it was not sick, it should have been adopted by the shelter, if not given to a Dalmatian rescue.

Rescue groups should be allowed to help. I'm furious. Marsha Williams, the shelter's director, states: "Why would you give up your most adoptable animal to another group when we can get them adopted as well?" Williams also stated rescues charge more money. Well, so what? If that means the animal has a chance at being adopted, then it's well worth it.

Animals are a lifetime commitment. If you can't afford the expenses, don't get one. Let this article be a lesson to all. Unfortunately, the people who need to see it will not.

Diane McClelland
Greensboro

Charles Davenport Jr. has again opened his mouth and found his foot to be an enticing meal. In his column on how "Capital punishment helps make us safer" (Aug. 13), he asserts that the death penalty is a "legitimate means" toward protecting our citizens. Unfortunately, the facts don't match his rhetoric.

In study after study, the death penalty has not been found to be an effective deterrent against crime, largely because most murders occur in the "heat of the moment" and are not pre-planned.

Because of capital punishment's high expense to taxpayers, its potential for error, and the moral concerns of the "beads-and-sandals crowd" (as Davenport so cleverly puts it), many states are pushing for moratoriums on state- sanctioned executions or have already done so.

The American Bar Association, the American Civil Liberties Union, Amnesty International, and the United Nations are all calling on the United States to put a moratorium on the practice. Meanwhile, the United States is one of a handful of countries worldwide still using the death penalty, along with illustrious others like Iran, Somalia and China.

Theo Saslow
Greensboro

By Beverly Cea and Gwenne Causey

While two ladies were taking their routine walk around the neighborhood, a terrier mix came abounding out of nowhere and fell into their arms. He had no collar and no owner was in sight. The ladies proceeded to search everywhere for the owner.

After no luck, he was taken to the After Hours Veterinary Clinic on Friendly Avenue. There the dog was determined to have a microchip. From his chip it was determined that he was from Massachusetts — what a long trip for a dog. Unfortunately, the information had not been updated in two years, and his owner could not be identified. After 24 hours the dog was taken to the Guilford County Animal Shelter.

This experience has raised many questions for us pet owners. What is the best way to protect out pet? And does the embedded microchip give a false sense of security to the pet owner? After some inquiry, this is what we have discovered.

Microchips are embedded into all sorts of pets — dogs, cats, reptiles and fish. They are inserted like a vaccination by injection. However, they can only be scanned by a "participating" shelter or veterinarian, which means there are different types of scanners. For example, one type of database for pets is PETtrac and uses AVID scanners. AVID has provided approximately 50,000 scanners for its type of chip.

This chip costs about $20 for registration. It is important that you notify the database if you change residences. Otherwise the information on the database does your lost pet no good. It is also important to put information about the pet on its collar (name, owner's phone number, address, chip number). If you relocate, ask your local veterinarian, animal shelter and agencies what type of scanner they use in case your microchip does not match the scanner used.

The lost pooch is still at the animal shelter with his now-updated chip. He has been neutered and given a name, "Luke," and is up for adoption. He is a gentle 2-year-old, black, 20-inch-tall mixed terrier with a wonderful personality that someone is truly missing.

The writers live in Greensboro.

Regarding the article concerning the Guilford County Animal Shelter (Aug. 13):

I'm grateful that the News & Record printed the article, because the public does not seem fully aware of the dire situation we have here. It's not the shelter's fault that the number of homeless animals here far exceeds the homes available.

According to statistics, only about 20 percent of homeless animals ever reach a shelter. Often the other 80 percent suffer a fate far worse than a humane euthanasia.

So is our community willing to accept that something must be done?

Models are available for successful programs in other cities that have effectively reduced their animal overpopulation. The number of animals destroyed in shelters in the United States has been reduced from 17 million in 1987 to 5 million today. Yet, Guilford County's rates are going up, because there is no large-scale effort involving both citizens and government to deal with the problem.

Placing blame on anyone is a waste of time and unproductive, so perhaps the recent article can serve as a wake-up call and we can begin action to help the animals with whom we share this earth.

Linda East, D.V.M.
Greensboro

The new bicycle lanes on Florida and Spring Garden streets are a welcome preview of progressive transportation options. Unfortunately, the accompanying photos (article and photos, Aug. 17) contradict basic bicycle safety practices. No cyclist was wearing a helmet. Two of the three cyclists were wearing flip-flops.

Bicycle lanes in urban areas do not create safety zones for cyclists. Using such lanes calls for increased awareness of motorists and pedestrians as well as the self-protection provided by a properly fitting helmet and street-appropriate shoes.

As a cyclist whose life has been saved by a helmet, I commend the city planning responsible for these and future bicycle corridors. I urge all cyclists to support such planning by using the bicycle lanes and routes frequently and responsibly.

Phyllis K. Shaw
Greensboro

Not to beat a dead horse, but the Westover Church sanctuary not only looms high over the existing town homes of Hamilton Village; it has also affected the rest of us who live in the area.

On Sunday morning, Tower Road has become "the Tower Road 500" as hundreds of churchgoers speed up and down this residential cut-through well over the 25 mph residential speed limit. This once-serene stretch of road rivals Lowe's Motor Speedway on Sunday mornings.

In addition, Westover Church has continued to acquire adjacent property I presume to build additional parking. This, of course, necessitates the removal of decades-old trees and grassy areas that once lined Muir's Chapel Road. Even houses are being torn down or moved.

Clearly, zoning laws that allow this degree of encroachment into residential areas need to be re-examined before this church is allowed to swallow up the entire Muir's Chapel corridor.

Nancy Halloran
Greensboro

Your coverage of the story behind structural problems encountered in the shoddy construction of three long-awaited and very expensive middle schools is appreciated. Apparently, the exhaustive work of reporter Morgan Josey is beginning to open up communications with the Guilford County Schools administration.

When communities and taxpayers approve bonds to construct quality educational facilities, due diligence is expected of those entrusted to get the job performed effectively. My hope and prayer is that the remedial process is completed without delay of school and students will not be deprived of any activities due to facilities lockout.

John Oakes
McLeansville

It is a sad day when a reporter touts that "better" food at the Piedmont Triad International Airport will include Pizza Hut, Quizno's Subs, Dunkin Donuts and Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs.

In a time when 60 percent of Americans are overweight or obese, and obesity is the No. 2 cause of preventable death in this country, I look forward to the day when we as a society will agree that serving processed food, saturated fat and sugar is a health hazard, not good news.

I realize we can't expect a Whole Foods to set up shop in the airport, but what about a Chipotle Grill or Au Bon Pain, two chains that are making strides in the industry to serve truly better -- i.e., healthier -- food?

Meanwhile, thanks for the heads-up; I'll still make sure to eat before I get to the airport.

Abigail Seymour
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint:

By the Rev. Gilbert H. Caldwell

I offer the following as rationale for supporting the International Civil Rights Museum.

International: If ever the world needed to be reminded of the international significance of the uniquely American Civil Rights Movement, it is now. In many ways, the greatest attribute of American democracy is the right to free speech and protest. The nonviolent commitment of the "Movement" not only was essential to the transformation of age-old cultural patterns of racial segregation, it also demonstrated that "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth" can make us all blind and toothless.

Civil rights: One aspect of the tragedy in Iraq is that there is no understanding of, or commitment to, civil rights for all, regardless of religion, culture or history. The intra- and interreligious violence there is devoid of respect for the civil rights of all citizens of the nation. The museum could remind our nation and the world of the need to promote and practice civil rights for all as an important ingredient of national and world stability.

Museum: The name, unfortunately, conjures images of the dead, the musty and the irrelevant. But some of the nation's museums are places of vibrant excitement for young and old. The myriad possibilities for interactive participation could make it the most exciting institution of its kind in the nation.

Recently, I met with some Greensboro friends around breakfast to talk about race relations and beyond. In the course of our conversation, our interracial group talked about how one "product" of the civil rights movement was a surge in economic growth for blacks and whites, in the South and the nation. Has anyone calculated how economically different the South and the nation are because of integration? Whether we are discussing athletics, entertainment, education or the corporate sector, economic growth today cannot be separated from the "new" South and nation the civil rights movement wrought.

The writer is a Greensboro native who lives in Camden, N.J.

The editorial, "Lawless behavior warrants teens' deportation to Mexico" (News & Record, Aug. 17), caught my attention for some aspects that many readers might not contemplate.

Soon enough we will see the Weeping Willie articles against deporting these criminals and, along with them, the usual support for illegal aliens. What we most likely will not see is that the people who suffered losses at the hands of these people will get no restitution. Will there be any looking into the legal status of the parents of these teens and, in turn, the arrest and deportation of them as well if they are illegal?

I expect this is a very rare example of the arrest and deportation of illegal aliens and, in turn, a reflection of how much mayhem one can cause before action is taken. This case represents a mere pinpoint of light at the end of the tunnel to eradicate illegal aliens and return them to the land of their origin. How sad that legal immigrants will suffer for the illegal action of this group.

Ian A. Millar
Kernersville

It is my unpleasant duty to report that age discrimination is alive and well in our country.

Being 58 years old and having lost two jobs to NAFTA, when I am able to secure an interview I am told that I am overqualified, underqualified or I am simply never gotten back to.

I now believe that our government has given away about all it can with the exception of the air we breathe, and I figure that's not long off. If our elected representatives in Congress no longer listen to the problems of their voters, what can we do?

Jack D. Lambert
Kernersville

Skip, I can't believe what you are saying. On Aug. 14, I saw you on the news encouraging African Americans to shop only at African American-owned businesses on Labor Day.

You're always complaining about somebody being a racist, but you appear to be one yourself. By doing this, you're segregating our society even further.

I'm not trying to judge you, but you need to take a good look in the mirror at yourself. The Bible says in Romans 10:12 and Galatians 3:28 that there is no difference between the races. Then in Ephesians, it goes on to say we are to be Christ-like and, according to John 4, Christ was not a racist.

So, my friend, I encourage you to promote unity rather than division in our society.

Matthew Scarborough
Greensboro

In 18 short years, High Point's university will celebrate its 100th anniversary. With this date in mind, please bear with me as I share my dream for High Point University in the year 2024.

First, HPU will have remained affiliated with the United Methodist Church.

Secondly, our university will have continued to attract the most qualified professors and the most dedicated students we can afford.

Furthermore, our enrollment between our High Point and Winston-Salem campuses will have reached 5,000 and the economic impact on the greater High Point area, including Thomasville, Jamestown, Archdale, Trinity, Kernersville, Winston-Salem and Greensboro, will have exceeded $1 billion.

Lastly, in addition to adding more undergraduate and graduate degrees, HPU will have embarked on a journey to add doctorate and other terminal degrees.

These goals are achievable, but not without a great deal of thought, effort and support. Share the dream; we are well on the way.

Gene Kester
High Point

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Paula Pile

As a former chairwoman, I was disappointed to learn that the administrator's position and, in fact, the whole Commission on the Status of Women are in jeopardy of losing their funding. The Greensboro commission has done much good work over the years, which has largely gone unnoticed.

The commission played a large role in the establishment of Summit House so that children would not be separated from their mothers and so that the mothers could learn appropriate parenting skills.

It also developed a brochure to explain to employees what sexual harassment is and how to deal with it.

The commission has worked with the City Council in the past to encourage equitable wages for female city employees.

With women being the primary caretakers of children and elderly parents, the commission has been the advocacy and educational arm for women who are in one or both of these roles.

The commission worked very hard to see that the original Clara House opened for victims of domestic violence.

One of the issues brought up in the desire to reduce funding was the Women of Achievement awards banquet. This banquet has given women who have made significant contributions to the city a chance to be honored and noticed. Outstanding women speakers have been brought in from throughout the United States. Unfortunately, one of the reasons that the attendance has been poor at the banquets has been the lack of appropriate coverage in the News & Record.

Our city is still one with lots of misogyny. Women do still make on the average more than two dollars less an hour than men. We still have never had a female city manager or assistant manager. There still is a lack of affordable, quality day care in our county. The commission has a lot more work to do.

I hope you will consider attending the Women's Equality Day program and see the work that has been done and the staggering amount of work that still needs to be done by this valuable commission.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

I am writing to thank Charles Davenport for his opinion piece on the partial history of the use of the death penalty in this country (Aug. 13). He did not mention much of the misuse, abuse or arbitrary application that has been a part of the history of the death penalty.

Also, I think it is important to note that slavery, denial of the right to vote to women, and domestic abuse have been at different times accepted behaviors during our history. Thank God, they are no longer acceptable. I believe that the day will come when we will look back and remember that we used to execute people in our country.

Last year, only four countries accounted for nearly all executions worldwide: China, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United States. I pray that the day comes quickly when we are no longer on this list. Until then, we will be known by the company we keep.

Frank Dew
Greensboro

The writer is pastor, New Creation Community Presbyterian Church.

The following is a Counterpoint
By Christopher C. Tew

Michael Crouch's review (Ideas, Aug. 13) of Anne Coulter's latest assault on truth, justice and the American way proclaims that anyone uncovering her lies and absurdities is a charlatan. So as not to disappoint, I offer such comments as this space allows.

Coulter accuses liberals of stifling open discussion of controversial topics in public schools and the body politic. Parson Weems' controversial version(s) of Washington's life is seldom discussed, nor are the ''Protocols of the Elders of Zion'' or the accounts of holocaust deniers - without liberal stifling. Few people object, because competent historians know these historical oddities are based on inaccurate information, intentional fabrications and crude distortions. They are lies.

Similarly, American public schools shouldn't teach ''scientific creationism'' or ''intelligent design'' in science classes because competent scientists know those are based on inaccurate information, intentional fabrications and crude distortions. They are lies, even when pimped by an occasional Ph.D.

Evolution, in contrast, has been honed by constant testing according to the scientific method and is supported by 99-plus percent of scientists active in biological and earth sciences.

Coulter dredges up old, shopworn creationist lies that never held water. Behe, whom she cites, never did any laboratory research on blood-clotting cascades or bacterial flagella.

His assertions about ''intelligently designed'' systems were shown wrong long ago, though he still argues them past the point of intellectual integrity. Behe made literature searches that were incompetently designed or intentionally designed so as to avoid inconvenient results. Behe admits that 10 years on, he hasn't done the experiments that he knows would disprove ''intelligent design.''

Darwin wrote a thought experiment about the evolution of complex eyes from light-sensitive cells. Modern scientists have confirmed the essential accuracy of Darwin's proposal through examples from living organisms. Other research has shown each step requires few genetic changes. Genetic research has discovered the crucial gene all eyed organisms inherited from an ancient common ancestor. Coulter dissembles about this entire topic.

Far from being a careful researcher, Coulter uncritically apes dishonest and unreliable sources. Her meager credibility depends on willingly and willfully ignorant people preferring her agreeable lies to sometimes uncomfortable truths.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

I am an elementary education teacher with Guilford County Schools. I have also worked part-time at the Greensboro Children's Museum since its inception.

In the museum's seventh year, I continue to marvel at the wonder and delight in children, parents and grandparents as they experience all the museum offers.

As a teacher, it comforts me to know that, despite the aura summer brings of ''no more pencils, no more books,'' children constantly learn through play - and have fun at the same time. Whether they're in the grocery store understanding nutrition, in the bank working the ATM, in the mail truck being a community worker, or outside picking vegetables learning the life cycle of plants, they are engaged, enthused and excited to learn.

I hope teachers - and parents - are aware that so much of what the museum has is aligned to the North Carolina Standard Course of Study and can be integrated into your lessons. I encourage you to bring your class, your own kids, youth group or scout troop for a visit to the museum. Let's continue to support Greensboro's own purple building on Church Street and give children and their families a great day of play - and education.

Sharon Rothenberg
Greensboro

We have met the nicest and friendliest people in Greensboro, who are always ready with a helping hand. This has been a wonderful place to retire, and we appreciate the peace and tranquility that brought us here.

On the other hand, when I read that Greensboro is one of the angriest cities in the United States, I am stunned. After analyzing the article, I believe this situation has developed because so many employees are not making enough money to sustain their families. Many residents are forced to work two jobs to survive because of poor wages. Although real estate is reasonable, that doesn't make up the difference of a 40 percent reduction in salary compared to the West Coast.

Yes, there are those who do well: doctors, lawyers, financial counselors, developers and others. By and large, the remaining population continues to barely make it while everything from gas to food goes up in price.

When will this city realize that only when they make higher-paying jobs a priority will they see contented residents? If Raleigh can develop the RTP, then we can attract bigger and better-paying companies to this area. When do we begin?

Sherry Tow
Greensboro

The American Civil Liberties Union wants Bridgeport High School in Bridgeport, W.Va., to take down the painting of Jesus in the main hallway. This request is by no means unjust; the ACLU preserves and protects individuals' rights. These rights are what make our country great.

The First Amendment states, ''Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.'' This request to remove the painting is not meant as an act of aggression against Christian beliefs. The ACLU is reminding us that our government must remain neutral to better serve all of its citizens. Religious beliefs are too numerous and diverse to have a place in publicly funded schools.

What if the situation were reversed, and instead of a picture of Jesus, it was a picture of the Prophet Muhammad or Buddha hanging in a public school? If your child was in the minority, what would your reaction be?

Chelsea Bredeson
Greensboro

First, I'd like to thank the News & Record for its coverage of the animal shelter mess.

Second, let me say that you were right to print that sad picture of the euthanasia process.

Finally, I'd like to say I've had it up to here with the infighting that causes many fine animals to be killed. It seems to me that the blame can really be laid at the feet of the county commissioners.

They could instruct the shelter operators to quit playing games and cooperate with the rescue groups, but they don't. Obviously they are too lazy, political, uncaring, uninformed, cowardly and incompetent to do the right thing.

Hopefully, we can remove this entire group from office and replace them with a better group.

George Hopkins
Greensboro

Since moving into the Triad 10 years ago, I have observed a discouraging trend within Guilford County, namely the approval of numerous bond proposals for everything from swimming pools to ballparks.

Despite the ever-growing tax rates, Greensboro and Guilford County continue to place bond proposals on the ballot. In fact, the city is presenting 11 bonds totalling nearly $115 million for approval this fall.

It almost seems as if taxpayers are oblivious that these bonds must be paid for by taxpayer dollars.

This mind set is not unlike individuals who don't understand that credit cards aren't the answer to undisciplined spending.
Our city and county need to be disciplined in setting reasonable spending targets and not get caught with the false assumption that we can approve every proposal because the supply of money is endless. As taxpayers, let's turn a new page and be discerning as to what is approved.

Curt Dean
Greensboro

My name is Chris Fagge, and I live in Bell House.

For those who do not know, Bell House is a nonprofit, residential facility for 22 physically challenged adults.

I am writing about the planned GTA/SCAT fare increase. I appreciate the service. At Bell House, we only get $66 per month. How do they expect us to pay $72 with $66? I am going somewhere almost every day.
In January 2007, I will go somewhere a lot less because I cannot afford it. When the new fare is activated in the new year, my transportation costs will be doubled or tripled.

Raising the fares in lower increments such as between $5 and $10 per year would be a lot better than doubling the rate all at one time. They also need to reactivate the unlimited monthly pass at a slightly higher cost.

The City Council is stopping disabled citizens from having a life by significantly cutting down the number of rides taken.
They should take into consideration the disabled population of Greensboro and lower the fare.

Chris Fagge
Greensboro

OK, let me get this straight. The Guilford County Animal Shelter refuses to work with rescue groups because it wants to keep the breeds that it deems "more adoptable" in the belief that their availability will increase traffic to the shelter.

Dalmatians make wonderful pets and are a "more adoptable" breed. So, how can the shelter justify why a call to the Dalmatian Rescue of the Carolinas couldn't be made before the Dalmatian on the front page of the paper was hauled off to its death? Didn't that dog deserve one last chance to live?

The shelter's policy of refusing to work with rescue groups is not only flawed, it's immoral.

Allison Prendergast
Greensboro

Editor's note: Shelter staff say the dog in the photo was a Dalmatian-pit bull mix that had bitten people.

The recently foiled terror plot hatched in England is a striking example of why we cannot afford to have the weak-kneed Democrats in charge of our security. The tools used to discover this diabolical plot, including foreign money-tracking and monitoring citizens' phone conversations, have been vociferously opposed by the Democrats.

Obtaining search warrants based on "reasonable suspicion," not probable cause, as were the warrants in England, would be a non-starter for Democrats. Had this plot been hatched here, thousands may have died while Democrats clamored for Bush's impeachment.

Thank God the British don't have a party like the Democrats during this most dangerous period. This is a clash of civilizations, long wanted by the radical Muslims. They can't escape their 10th century mentality. Yet, we have a political party that believes we are the problem, and that Bush, not the terrorists, is responsible for terrorism.

They continue to wail about Iraq being a terrorist breeding ground. Was Iraq the reason for the 1993 World Trade Center attack? The Africa embassy bombings in 1998? The USS Cole attack in 2000?

If you Democats don't want to join the terror war, at least please stop trying to impede it.

Tony Moschetti
High Point

The following is a Counterpoint column:
By Molly Sentell Haile

With three young children at home, I don't find much time to write to family and friends, much less editors. Yet I feel compelled to respond to Thomas Sowell's column on gay marriage (Aug. 17).

I don't consider the state's licensing of my marriage a "seal of approval" for my relationship with my husband. That comes from one's family, community of loved ones, and God.

What the government offers is rights and privileges to married couples such as to be with a spouse in the hospital, help make end of life decisions, benefit from shared health and life insurance, and have parental rights as well as alimony in the event of a divorce. Marriage expands rights in the above ways and gay couples don't have them.

Sowell states that marriage laws should not be "transferred willy-nilly to a different union" (one that doesn't produce children or have the asymmetries of the traditional male-female union). Plenty of marriages (later in life or between infertile couples) don't produce children. That seems to be an archaic reason for the state's interest in marriage.

And as for asymmetries (Sowell's word for the traditional, "inherent" roles of men and women in marriage), please look around and notice the stay-at-home dads and families with two parents working full-time.

There are also plenty of gay couples with the asymmetrical roles Sowell describes as unique to male-female relationships. These asymmetries are not necessarily "inherent" but more cultural and historical.

I stay up late at night worrying about war and hatred in the many forms it takes in our world, but I don't worry about two adults who love each other enough to want to make a life-long commitment to each other.

I celebrate that.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

If you really want to know about Westover Church, don't look from the outside in, look from the inside out.

Where else can you find most people attending a worship center without being "members"? Or such a large following of students of all ages; diverse culture; sports activities; strong focus on missions, locally and worldwide, for the purpose of providing room for just one more.

Just take a step inside and look for yourself. See you in church.

Sherry Royal
Greensboro

Shame, shame, shame on Guilford County Animal Shelter for not being more willing to work with animal rescue groups. You want to have more adoptable animals in the shelter? Wake up and save the animals.

People who adopt animals from the shelter don't do so because they are looking for a purebred animal. They want to save the life of a less-than-fortunate animal. Rescue groups can be a great option for those seeking to adopt a purebred who are willing to pay more if that is their interest.

Try this: Farm out all purebreds to the rescue groups for three months. They work hard to find new families for their pets. The shelter has just saved the lives of countless animals. You can even add those numbers to the "adopted" group number because rescue groups will find them homes. The same number of people will come to the shelter to find pets. They aren't looking for a breed, just a good dog or cat.

Rescue groups, advertise. Make sure every vet and pet store has your contact information. I looked up Animal Rescue in the Yellow Pages.

Where are you?

Cathy Stewart
Greensboro

In response to your article, "Rescue groups upset about animal shelter policy" (Aug. 13):

Thank you for making the public aware of this problem. Shame on the Guilford County Animal Shelter for not giving every animal a chance for a new lease on life, whether it be through a rescue group or by an individual adoption.

Animal shelters need to remember why they are in this line of work. It's not about the money, it's to control the animal overpopulation and to give every animal an equal opportunity to go to a new home.

There's a simple solution to all of this: If pet owners would just be responsible and spay/neuter their animals, we wouldn't have this horrendous overpopulation of unwanted animals that end up being needlessly put down every day in animal shelters.

Sherry Jones
Charlotte

Brian E. Humphreys' comments ("U.S. soldiers in Iraq can learn from Hezbollah," Aug. 18) are well taken. There are some points to be considered.

The Marines are a fighting force. They carry the minimum of noncombat personnel. The Army maintains trained civil action units whose sole purpose is to interact with the population.

He also misses the many contacts between our forces and individual Iraqis.

Hezbollah has been the de facto government of southern Lebanon for at least 20 years. This has required them to become involved in local affairs. They even have cabinet positions in the Lebanese government.
I am sure if the United States occupied Iraq for 20 years, we would be just as integrated into everyday life as Hezbollah. That is not our goal. We intend to restore Iraqi government, not supplant it.

Edward Philpott
Greensboro

As a patron of the arts, I frequent the library daily to read your newspaper, books and use the computer in quiet. Unfortunately, the Kathleen Clay Edwards Branch is out of control.

Every Tuesday and Wednesday, moms and preschool children and babies bombard the area with unruly, disruptive and obnoxious behavior. I have complained and the situation gets worse. Please, mom, if you want to participate, set a good example by not screaming yourself (like at a football game). Show by example how to whisper and respect books.

The library staff needs to ask patrons to leave who are disturbing others, not accept it as "kids will be kids," nor tell me to come at another time. The programs need to limit a class to about 20 registered kids — not 85, a free-for-all.

I taught school for 10 years in Florida and with that many, you have no control.

Marie Beers
Greensboro

The Aug. 13 article about the Guilford County Animal Shelter implied that it was doing a poor job in part because of its refusal to work with other rescue groups. Though I believe all rescue organizations should cooperate to decrease the numbers of abandoned animals, I want to point out that the staff and volunteers at the Guilford County Animal Shelter are achieving better results than their counterparts in other counties. In fact, they are euthanizing the smallest percentage of animals of any of the other counties cited in the article.

Based on the numbers presented, the Guilford County shelter euthanized 52.6 percent of the animals it took in, while Randolph County euthanized 91.3 percent, Rockingham County euthanized 93.1 percent, and Forsyth County euthanized 76.8 percent.Only the SPCA of Wake County euthanized a smaller percentage than Guilford County (47.9 percent). However, if you were to combine all of the Wake County numbers, the total percentage euthanized was 57.2.

It is my hope that the focus on the shelter will motivate people to end the tragedy of euthanizing thousands of animals each year. Let us all work toward reducing the numbers of unwanted pets through spaying and neutering and responsible pet adoption.

Lorraine Marshall
Greensboro

In response to the editorial, "Those noisy neighbors" (Aug. 19): Am I glad someone is finally trying to make the public aware of this type of pollution.

In the neighborhood we live in, thankfully, we don't have a big problem with this other than the odd motorcycle or noisy car taking a shortcut to another major street.

My complaint is with the business community. For example, the Battleground corridor. There are a number of neighborhoods that back up to businesses along this roadway.

Guess what you hear at anywhere from 4:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m.: those Dumpster trucks with their backup bells and banging of the bins. When they drop the Dumpsters with a bang, you can hear them all up and down this street.

Also, trucks that supply Lowe's start moving in and out at an early hour, making the noise associated with semis. Sometimes, if the gate for Lowe's is not open, they blow their horns. It amazes me why those people don't complain about this noise. I live about four blocks from Lowe's and Battleground, and at times it bothers me.

Thanks for writing the article. Maybe it will make some council members listen.

E.L. Spivey
Greensboro

While we are bogged down in Iraq with militants who hate us and a civil war between Shiite and Sunni terrorists, there is looming the real enemy in the Middle East — Iran.

Iran’s President Ahmadinejad is determined to develop and use nuclear weapons against Israel and the United States. This zealot hates America and is gaining support from other countries that hold the oil weapon. Go to his Web site and read about his activities and plans for America and Israel.

Our President Bush needs to focus on Iran and bring our troops out of Iraq, where our presence is useless, hated and wasteful. President Bush has lost his way in an unnecessary war in Iraq.

Stay focused on Iran, where our real danger lurks.

Jim Koch
Greensboro

By Lillian Rauch

Some statements made by Michael J. Slane (Counterpoint, Aug. 10) are in opposition to facts.

Israel was created by the United Nations in 1948 of the same desert land the Palestinians inhabit. There is no "best land," only a difficult, if not senseless, borderline. Israel accepted what was given — originally malaria-infested and arid — and created a modern, thriving society with hospitals, farms, schools, technology, irrigation and water desalinization. Jewish people in need of a homeland were welcomed, although most were without any visible means of support. They joined Palestinians (who had chosen to remain after partition) and Jews whose ancestors had lived there since biblical times in building a viable, productive society.

But on May 14, 1948, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Egypt and Iraq declared war on the infant state, still struggling to assimilate its death-camp survivors. Israel was able to fight them all off and survive. Very little military or other assistance was offered or received.

Through this and subsequent attacks, Israel prevailed. The lands it gained from its enemies were used as buffer zones to be traded back as "land for peace." Let's see how that works. The Palestinians get back Gaza. Instead of farming the land and building homes, as the Israelis had been doing, Palestinians have been harvesting rocks and lobbing them into Israel along with other missiles. The Sinai was returned to Egypt. Israel had the "best" land because it developed and nurtured it.

Mr. Slane, please try to contrast Arab terrorist attacks on Israeli civilians with Israel's attacks on military targets in Lebanon where Hezbollah infiltrated civilian populations with or without their cooperation, even using civilians as human shields.

Returning the Golan Heights to Syria would enable Israel's sworn enemy to rain down death and destruction — Iran's intent as well.

The Palestinians are a tragic case. They chose Yasser Arafat as a leader, who accepted aid from the West. Instead of developing the land and employing people, he diverted millions to Paris, where the money resides in his family's coffers. The best the Palestinian terrorists can aspire to is martyrdom.

My homeland, too, is the United States. I would not choose to live elsewhere, notwithstanding some bigotry and ignorance that persists. Refusal to express outrage over suicide bombers and missile attacks against Israel while agonizing over losses by Hezbollah does not bode well for the cease-fire.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

In his recent opinion piece, "Legislators challenged to support abortion limits" (Aug. 20), Joseph Guarino writes that we need to reduce the number of abortions in our state. However, his only remedy is to place unnecessary restrictions on the procedure itself as opposed to offering commonsense measures that will actually prevent unintended pregnancies.

Legislators should support measures such as: increasing access to birth control, including the "morning-after" pill; ensuring that our young people are taught accurate, age-appropriate sex education; providing better family planning services; and not passing biased counseling legislation and mandatory delays.

Not only are these restrictions an unnecessary intrusion by government and politicians into the doctor-patient relationship — doctors are already required to inform patients about the risks of any surgery — it also requires women to wait an additional 24 hours after receiving this lecture.

That delay could significantly increase the risk to a woman's life or her health, especially if she lives in a rural area and has to travel hundreds of miles for health care.

North Carolinians are tired of the divisive attacks on reproductive health care. By focusing on prevention efforts, we could unify the public and vastly reduce the number of unintended pregnancies.

Melissa Reed
Raleigh

The writer is executive director, NARAL Pro-Choice North Carolina.

This season's "Survivor" series, in which the competitors will be divided by race, is a dumb idea not worthy of CBS News or Entertainment.

First, whoever approved such an idea obviously never lived under apartheid or the struggles for civil rights in the United States. Second, it suggests those making decisions at CBS learned nothing from history and are asking their audience to repeat it.

Richard Lloyd
Thomasville

John McCain an enigma? (Definition: One that is puzzling, ambiguous or inexplicable.) Not so. John McCain, on Meet the Press (Aug. 20), is as clear as sunlight on his positions regarding the war on terrorism, the war in Iraq, strong determination, stay the course.

John McCain/George Bush — identical twins. John supports George completely. Charlie McCarthy couldn't have done it better.

John Kincaid
Reidsville

Recently, I spoke with the director of the Guilford County Animal Shelter regarding the Aug. 13 story in the News & Record. I had been upset with what I had read. She told me the Dalmatian in the photograph was not an adoptable dog. That Dalmatian/pit bull mix dog was sedated and muzzled just to handle him because of his aggressiveness. This information was omitted from the description of the picture.

The numbers given for "shelter kills" includes wild and exotic animals, sick dogs and cats, and breeds deemed dangerous that cannot be adopted out, like pit bulls. Some people bring their ailing dogs and cats to the shelter requesting that they be euthanized.Director Marsha Williams commented that the shelter truly does care for its animals and does all it can to find homes for the adoptable animals.

I urge you to phone the shelter to learn firsthand how animals are handled and what procedures must be followed. Please consider these dogs and cats when you are looking for a pet for your family. Also, please keep your donations coming into the shelter as the shelter needs these goods and money to help the animals.

Janice O'Malley
Greensboro

More than 50 people living in adult-care homes in North Carolina died recently after preventable mistakes. State records say that inattentive care, medication errors and poor maintenance of the homes contributed to the deaths. This is tragic.

What is even more tragic is that it is part of a pattern of failing to care for frail old people who live in nursing homes. I know whereof I speak. My mother lived in a Tennessee nursing home for more than 12 years. If I had not resigned my teaching position in North Carolina and returned home to monitor mother's care and to protect her, she would have been long since dead.

Mark Antony's call to the Romans comes to mind: "If you have tears, prepare to shed them now." But tears are not enough. All of us who care about the elderly in adult-care homes and in nursing homes must issue a call to arms and do everything we can to address the failure of care in far too many such homes in this country. And legislators should remember that there is no age limit for constituents.

Jane Marshall
Dover, Tenn.

By Bill Amidon

I recently visited Greensboro, which is where I had lived for 19 years. I had intended to visit the Guilford County Animal Shelter and was surprised to see the article in the Aug. 13 edition of the News & Record ("Animal shelter policy upsets rescue groups").

I did go to the shelter and had a good visit and tour with director Marsha Williams. I was impressed with Williams and how she manages such a difficult situation. The plant is overcrowded, which results in difficult health issues and tough working conditions.

I am the executive director of the humane society in Central Maine. We have 3,500 animals a year, roomier kennels and a new facility that is far easier to manage, but we still have upper respiratory issues and other problems when we are full.

The article was written as a criticism of the shelter management for not cooperating with local rescue groups to help by taking and finding homes for more of the animals. When animals are surrendered to the shelter or are brought in by animal control officers, they become the responsibility of the shelter management, who take on the serious matter of the animals' welfare. Passing animals along to another group is done with great care.

The shelter statistics listed in the article are no credit to a region that has proved better in so many social and civic concerns.

There is an obvious need for free spaying and neutering clinics, more humane education programs, and a push for capital and operational expenditures in each county.

It is not an easy task. But it offers the opportunity to reawaken our connection with other living beings and reaffirms the sanctity of life itself.

The writer lives in Augusta, Maine.

I am writing to bring attention to an improperly spelled sign, which indicates the direction of the downtown/showroom area of High Point. This particular sign is located on the exit ramp No. 111 off I-85 South. This sign has been up for some time and, much to my chagrin, the misspelling of "Exhibition" still has not been corrected.

Although this sign more than likely falls under the jurisdiction of the N.C. Department of Transportation, the onus of the correction falls squarely upon the shoulders of the city of High Point and the High Point Market Authority. With all of the plans to revitalize and reinvent High Point market to protect it from falling prey to the looming Las Vegas market, Market Authority needs to pay heed to even the smallest of details, such as improper signage.

We need to project an image of a competent, educated populace, capable of handling an international market with grace and aplomb. We do not need to project an image of bumbling ineptitude.

Laura Godwin
Trinity

Photo by Laura Godwin / Special to the News & Record

I say amen to Rosa Brooks' column editorial on "Thongs for Kids" (Second Opinion, Aug. 28). It's about time someone started talking about media and marketing sexualizing our children.

As a single mother of two teenage daughters I fight this battle every day.

"You're wearing that to school?"

I say "No" more times before 7 a.m. than most people say all day.

"What do you need a thong for?" I ask with a little too much edge in my voice.

My twentysomething friends say it's a battle not worth fighting, and these days I'm trying to choose carefully. And then I ask, "Am I the only mother worried about this?"

While it may not be true that "No one else's mom makes them turn off the cell phone, turn off the TV, etc., etc.," it sure feels like it. The only way this will abate is if we actually stop buying! We get the gas boycott e-mails. Why not "Thong Boycott" e-mails?

I dare us to put our money where our concern is and just say no.

Holly Burdick
Greensboro

I am appalled at the Guilford County Animal Shelter's policy to not adopt to breed-specific rescue groups. The News & Record (Aug. 13) quotes Marsha Williams, the shelter's director, as saying, "We are a rescue group."

Oh, really? True rescue groups foster, rehabilitate and find new homes for dogs. They do not kill. How cruel for the shelter to make a dog stay in a cage at the shelter when he or she could be in a loving foster home.

It appears that the county shelter is treating its dogs like commodities by forcing them to stay in the county's facility rather than adopting them out to rescue groups. I say this based on another Williams quote: "Why would you give your most adoptable animals to another group when we could get them adopted as well?" She added, "It's like having a grocery store and not having any name-brand items."

Holy cow. I can't believe someone with that kind of attitude is even running our shelter. It appears to me that the welfare of the animals doesn't come first. Shame on the shelter and its management.

Sher Silver
Greensboro

Regarding the new food service at PTI: What a great idea to get more people into the airport. So now, instead of driving all the way to Raleigh or Charlotte, we can just go to our own convenient airport, dine on a few Nathan's Famous hot dogs, some Pizza Hut pizza, maybe a Quizno's sub, and top it off with a cup of coffee and a few Dunkin' Donuts.

After a meal like that, we'll all be overjoyed to pay the extra 40 or 50 percent for our tickets.

Paul Manzi
Greensboro

The following is a counterpoint:

By Randy Friddle

"Alas poor Pluto.. I knew thee well."

OK, so maybe Shakespeare didn't know about Pluto, since he died more than 300 years before Pluto was discovered.

I guess that leaves it up to people like you and me to lament the loss.

Exactly who does the International Astronomical Union think it is? What makes these 2,500 stargazers think they know more than the billions of people who have come and gone before them?

Pluto was — is — a planet. It said so in our school books: nine planets, Mercury through Pluto.

When I entered Daisy Richardson's first-grade class at good ol' Nathanael Greene Elementary School, Pluto was a planet.

Upon my graduation from Southeast Guilford High School, Pluto was a planet.

And even when I finished UCLA (the University of Campbell, between Lillington and Angier) — you guessed it — Pluto was a planet.

And now, a bunch of stodgy old men and women just up and decide that it's not? If they can change the definition of a planet now, what means that they can't do it later? Before long, there might not even be any that would qualify — then where would we be?

And all of this on the day before schools started.

You know what this means. Every science book in every school in every state is wrong. Although I have no children in school, I am sympathetic to the plight of those who do.

What are they to do? Rip out the pages that reference Pluto? Take a razor blade and carefully cut out any mention of this former member of the "Galactic Big Nine"? Do you think the International Astronomical Union thought about that?

Every textbook in every school in every state will have to be rewritten. Every school library will have to order a new "P" volume for all of its reference books. Who's gonna pay for all of this?

I certainly don't want to. Maybe we can send the bill to the International Astronomical Union.

And, on another front, exactly, what does this do to the ol' "size doesn't matter" argument?

The writer lives in Browns Summit.

Small schools are a good idea but as you report (editorial, Aug. 28), "by itself, small is not the answer."

The answer lies in a re-examination of first principles.

About a century ago we made an error. We committed to socialism as the organizing principle for educating our young: central planning and a government monopoly. We lost sight of the source of the nation's greatness -- in all fields but education, this singular nation rewards individual initiative.

What serves the nation and what would serve education is a new first principle. Let principals, groups of teachers and individual teachers strive to please their customers: families with children. Let them compete.

North Carolina is not yet on board with this idea. Not politically, not philosophically. But there will come a day when all our central-planning, top-down, no-customer-feedback, no-incentive, one-size-fits-all models for providing education will be seen for what they are: prescriptions for frustration and failure.

Tom Shuford
Lenoir

This letter is not about Fantasia Barrino, who used tenacity and perseverance to overcome obstacles to realize her dream.

This is about the thousands of young Americans who did not live long enough to realize their own dreams and challenges. These are men and women who have heard their country's plea for courage and sacrifice and have responded by paying the ultimate price. Their life stories need to be told often in a movie depicting their contributions. The proceeds of the movie could support the dreams and aspirations of their children, who no longer have a mom or dad.

The government would not support such a display of emotion because the better we know these brave men and women as individuals, the more outraged we as a society would be at such a waste of human potential.
This is written by a proud dad of a U.S. Navy pilot now deployed in one of many global hot spots.

David W. Ashby
Greensboro

The Board of Commissioners is an embarrassment to the citizens of Guilford County. The commissioners' actions and name-calling are not even acceptable on a playground. They act as if they are unaccountable to the citizens of Guilford County.

As a Greensboro native, long-time resident and registered voter, I urge us all to voice our dissatisfaction with them at the polls in November.

Get registered to vote today.

Donna Leonard
Greensboro

We have the Amber Alert to make the public aware of missing children. We have the Ryan White law that allows children with HIV virus and/or AIDS to live and die with dignity. We have the Polly Klaas law to bring to justice the horrible people who kidnap and abuse or kill children.

The JonBenet law would make it unlawful for any child under the age of 16 to participate in any type of "beauty" contest. When you have some "dirty old man" sitting in the audience watching a painted-up, teased-haired, overdressed little girl prancing across the stage, it could lead to a very sad disaster. I am not being overly dramatic. I am reminded of the segment on "20/20" that reported about a man in Norfolk, Va., who watched the papers for these types of children's beauty pageants and stalked them.

If you feel that the JonBenet law would be worthwhile, please notify your senator, congressman and, if necessary, even President Bush. If I may paraphrase Dr. Phil, most mothers who force their little girls to be in these so-called beauty pageants are just trying to fulfill a missed dream in their own lives.

Doug Astin
Reidsville

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Jessie Donathan Howard

As a lifelong local citizen and senior citizen who has been actively involved for a long time with the Commission on the Status of Women in Greensboro, I am concerned that some persons have been viewing only negatives about the commission instead of the big picture.

Those of us who are regular attendees have experienced improved diversity programs, all related to current women's issues, thanks to the commission's efforts.

If the members of the Greensboro City Council would attend commission activities on a regular basis and evaluate all activities -- or even if they would seek firsthand information from many who have received assistance from this commission -- I strongly believe they would restore previous levels of taxpayer funding to this invaluable commission, rather than expect its underappreciated director to perform miracles in a 20-hour work schedule.

According to my observations, the commission's director, Agnes Roseboro, exemplifies the highest- level leadership qualities. She does not restrict her complete dedication to 20 hours but has spent innumerable extra hours counseling any woman of any race when that service is needed.

In respect to John Shaw, director of the city's Human Relations Department, his high-profile name makes him better known to the public, but rest assured that Agnes Roseboro is leaving no stones unturned as she works tirelessly behind the scenes, getting the job done for all women.

The best catalyst for optimum job performance from the Commission on the Status of Women is for each of us to support its activities and for the Greensboro City Council not to expect a very much-needed civic organization to run on an empty tank.

Give us our money back to do our best performance.

The writer lives in Greensboro.