News-Record.com

Everyone seems to be searching for the best way to end our war in Iraq. Perhaps the perfect solution would be to have all the politicians who voted for the war go to Iraq and stay. They should stay, in the "safety" of the Green Zone, if they like, until they fix this horrific problem they have created. If they had to live in this environment, instead of the safety and comforts of their homes, offices and this country, I believe the war would be over very soon.

Also, anyone who truly supports this war should join the military and go fight for their country. Too old? Then have your kids or grandkids join. Our military personnel are doing an amazing job over there, but they need a break. Are you willing to put your life on the line, or is "support our troops" to you a simple slogan?

Margherita DeRosa Richardson
Madison

H 259, sponsored by Rep. Hugh Holliman of Davidson County, likely will be calendared for vote Wednesday. It originally was a comprehensive bill banning smoking in most public places and workplaces throughout North Carolina. The Health Committee approved it decisively, but Rep. Holliman may be open to compromising amendments to ensure passage.

Following strong recommendations announced last year in the Surgeon General's report, the public seems favorable to smoking restrictions. Polls by both Elon University and Civitas documented more than 60 percent favor smoking bans in North Carolina.

The Surgeon General's report concludes secondhand smoke is a health hazard that can cause death in nonsmokers from heart disease and lung cancer and increase asthma attacks. The Centers for Disease Control states even brief exposure to secondhand smoke can worsen heart disease and urges those at risk to avoid such exposure.
With bans now in place in 18 states, eight countries and 577 cities, no negative economic impacts are found.

Smokers have a right to smoke, but not in places where it endangers the health of innocent bystanders. Urge your representatives to vote for H 259 without weakening amendments to protect the health of all North Carolinians.

Richard J. Rosen, M.D.
Greensboro

To preface my argument, I am a high school teacher for Rockingham County Schools. As a high school teacher, I fight a constant battle to get my students to value their education and strive to reach higher standards. As I face this problem daily with my fellow educators, there are people still fighting about starting school too early because of the tourism industry.

Our society tries to get our youth to value their education, but then we go and contradict ourselves by rotating our yearly schedule around tourism. How does this make sense? As a state, we are blatantly contradicting ourselves right in front of our youth. What does this show them?

As for the students, when the school year starts after Aug. 25, end-of-course tests are forced to be postponed until after winter break. We are expecting our students to use their time over their break to study material independently so that they can come back after a 12-day break and pass their EOCs.

Put yourself back in the shoes of a high school student. Would you spend your winter break time studying for tests? I didn't think so.

Jennifer Rogers
Stokesdale

The proposal of the Greensboro Minimum Wage Council to set a $9.36 per hour wage law is ridiculous.

Most people earning the minimum wage are not the primary source of household income. They are unskilled or inexperienced teens for whose work employers cannot pay much.

Less labor will be bought if wages are elevated by fiat. Bottom line: Minimum wage laws aggravate unemployment, especially among the least skilled and the least educated.
If all we need to do to improve wages and wealth is to decree higher pay, why stop at $9.36? Why not go further and declare $1,000 an hour if legislation can create wealth?

There is also the issue of freedom. Who is the Minimum Wage Council that it feels qualified to dictate the terms of work for me? And at a time when thousands of local jobs have been lost to overseas rivals that have low-wage advantages, how does it improve our competitiveness to raise our labor costs still higher? The real sources of higher wages are economic growth and higher productivity, not ill-conceived, ignorant legislation.

William James
Reidsville

I was disappointed to read about the failures occurring at the Lake Townsend dam. I expect the City Council to push, prod and challenge city staff on why they recommend replacing instead of repairing the dam and to publicly evaluate each option with respect to its benefits and costs.

That said, what I found most alarming was reading that the proposed new $50 million dam would be paid for by increasing water usage bills. Based on my records, it appears since 2002 the city has increased water usage fees 41 percent, storm-water fees 10 percent, wastewater usage fees 65 percent and water/sewer access fees in excess of 150 percent.

Increasing the cost of water and sewer services has a major impact on the affordability of life in Greensboro for our fixed-income and working poor residents. I believe this type of fee increase is as detrimental to these residents as raising the gasoline tax or reducing the minimum wage.

If the City Council determines the best cost-benefit trade-off is to replace the dam, I hope it attempts to find the financing by making tough decisions within the city's operating budget rather than further burdening those least able to accept the additional burden.

Seth Coker
Greesboro

The writer is president, Greensboro Landlord Association Inc.

Vietnam and Iraq were both curveballs served to the American people. When will we ever learn? We must get out of Iraq now. The deaths and destruction are antagonizing the whole world. It is also harming us in every way.

Kay Mersereau
Greensboro

If the Episcopal priest would believe the Bible he supposedly preaches from, he would not be apologizing for the "arrogance and narcissism of cultural Christianity" (Counterpoint, March 22).

There is faith and morality in the religions Randall Keeney mentions, but no salvation. Love and respect for everyone is not an excuse to ignore the Christian's responsibility to sow the seeds of Christ's Gospel.

How can a "minister" of Christ teach all paths as equal? If all roads lead to heaven, Jesus was a liar.

America became great with a Christian foundation; let it erode and see where that path leads.

Derrick G. Hinson
Walkertown

In reference to Lorraine Ahearn's article, "Adoption records prickly debate" (March 14), let it be known to the North Carolina Family Research Council that even though it successfully opposed a past effort to allow adult adoptees access to their original birth certificates, it did not stop the countless successful searches and reunions that are occurring every day.

With volunteer search angels searching, and finding, and paid searchers still working, it's too late to try to stop the wheels of progress from turning on the Internet where information is just a click away.

Our current adoption laws operate in the dark ages. Some adoptive parents may feel intimidated if the adoptee expresses a desire to search, and the adoptee will feel guilty and sometimes delay searching until the parents are deceased.

If adoptive parents have earned the love and respect of their adopted children, they will not lose their relationship, love and loyalty.

A wise adage said it like this: If you love something, set it free. If it returns to you, it's yours. If it doesn't, it never was.

Hazel Kaisinger
Greensboro

In regard to Richard Johnson's idea of $100,000 for a teacher bonus, I think it is very clear that Johnson's main motivation for teaching is money. With the stipulations he has outlined in his proposal (letter, March 21), even I could attain a 90 percent score.

He should try his hand at a job in the real corporate world or start his own small business, then see what real fun is.

Michael Canoy
Climax

The firing of eight U.S. attorneys is not about past presidents. It is a continuing, unprecedented power grab by the executive branch at the expense of the legislative -- a curious rallying cry for so-called conservatives.

In the hysteria that followed Sept. 11, Congress adopted the Patriot Act. It is a specific provision of the act that brought us here. As a result, the attorney general may remove sitting U.S. attorneys and replace them without Senate confirmation, a clear break with precedent. This has nothing to do with past presidents, Republican and Democratic, replacing U.S. attorneys after winning election.

Typically, the Bush administration cynically manipulated its newfound powers for political purposes. Adding insult to injury, Bush now asserts that his minions cannot appear before Congress under oath. Bush & Co. couldn't care less about the "culture wars" -- the true goals have always been radical privatization of government, profiteering and expanded presidential powers.

The showdown now shaping up is the greatest constitutional crisis of our time, forced by the Bush administration's attempt to create a permanent Republican imperial presidency. And if the president is concerned that "honorable public servants" may somehow be harmed by testifying under oath, he can't be thinking of Karl Rove.

Bryan Chitwood
Greensboro

I am an adult adoptee and an adoption professional, so I understand the concerns many people have about accessing records. One of the foremost, stated as "the collapse of the adoptive family," has not proved to be true.

Experience has shown that the accessing of adoption records is not about finding new parents, but about ending decades of secrecy and allowing adoptees the same rights as everyone else — to know their heritage and see their original birth certificates.

Most of us who successfully searched were looking for information, not new parents. The majority of us were blessed with very positive parents and we have no desire to replace them. We searched to learn more about our histories, our genetic heritage and ourselves.

Sadly, my real mom (adoptive mom) died when I was just 21, before I began my search for my birth family. I have known my birth mother now for 27 years. While we have a very supportive relationship, even after all these years, she is still Judy and my mom will always be my mom.

Openness and honesty in adoption not only provide us with information about ourselves, but also strengthen the ties with our real parents.

Francie Portnoy
Greensboro

Sarah Beth Jones' article is filled with obvious liberal rhetoric. If President Bush has dismantled her civil rights, how did she and her cronies get to protest and demonstrate in Washington and criticize the president?

I get so tired of liberals (media included) saying "Bush lied" to get us into war when every leading Democrat said the same thing and Clinton appointee, CIA Director George Tenet, "guaranteed" the president that there were WMDs — but the media ignore this fact.

I have one question. Have we been attacked by terrorists in this country since we went to war?

Lester Dyson
Greensboro

I would like to take this time and thank the sponsors, merchants and countless volunteers involved in the planning and execution of the Get Downtown event on March 23. The sea of people that poured into downtown Greensboro far exceeded my own expectations.

Hats off to the Greensboro Police Department for a job well done. To pull off an event this size with only a few minor incidents should have a positive impact when debating and planning future events for downtown Greensboro.

I was pleased to see so many city officials and representatives from Downtown Greensboro Inc. checking in on the downtown merchants Friday night.

The biggest thank-you goes to all wonderful people who came downtown that Friday and enjoyed themselves. I was really proud of our city.

Is Greensboro ready to host the NCAA Women's Final Four? Absolutely.

Can the infrastructure downtown handle considerably large crowds and events? You bet.

Thanks, Greensboro.

Joseph Morphis
Greensboro

The attempt by Edgar Mack (letter, March 23) and others to equate the firing of eight U.S. attorneys to firings when new presidents take office is nonsensical. No one disputes the right of presidents to replace political appointees, especially those placed by their predecessors.

However, since 1981, only five U.S. attorneys out of more than 500 have been replaced in the middle of a president's term, an indication of the unusual nature of these current dismissals.

In addition, Mack states that these firings were for cause and thereby justified. Since three of the eight were rated in the top 10 U.S. attorneys by the Justice Department, including the top-ranked prosecutor in the country, it would be interesting to see exactly what the "cause" was. For an administration that has placed so many political "hacks," e.g., "Helluvajob" Brownie, the reason they fired the top-rated prosecutor might give insight as to what is important to them.

L.F. Rappaport
Greensboro

The letter writer (Pachovia Kimes, March 19) who addressed the issue of below-average performance of diverse-language students was of the opinion that what would assist these students was for more interpreters to be hired. I disagree. Teachers to teach the English language would be a better way to spend our funds.

I trained and taught adults and children with disabilities for more than 30 years. If you want to consider a population that has an unfair start in life, look to those struggling every day to fit into our society. With tools like language, academics and adaptive skills, many are working successfully in the community today.

The non-English-speaking student is not new — from the time of our inception as a great nation, such students were being taught in our schools. The answer was to teach them English. Children learn faster than adults so there is no better time to equip these children with this tool. This tool will give our children the opportunities for higher education, better jobs and leadership roles. I do not believe this is a two-nation society but a many-nation society — the mixing pot of the world. Let us give our children a tool, not a crutch.

Shirley Collura
Greensboro

Thank God that Michael Auberry is home safe and sound. As a longtime Scout parent and former leader who has raised two Eagle Scouts and a Girl Scout Gold recipient, I encourage Michael to continue in Scouting and to try camping again in the future. The skills taught in Scouting will help him throughout his life.

Perhaps Michael's dad should accompany the troop on the next few camp-outs until his son feels more comfortable with the outdoors. What a great opportunity for some father-son time. They can learn together.

I applaud and support the three leaders who gave their time to take the troop on an outdoor adventure and who took action so quickly when they realized Michael was missing. Scouting depends on its great volunteers.

I know that all of my children have benefited from the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. They are truly worthwhile organizations.

Kathy Fay
Greensboro

First, some humor. Ex-police Chief David Wray was accused of monitoring Lt. James Hinson's ex-wife. Wray denied it. Given recent developments (allegations of her involvement in check fraud), he should have been investigating her.

Now (seriously) I don't know new Chief Tim Bellamy, but I truly wish him well. However, I'm tired of hearing comments from the city manager and council leading one to believe citizens had lost trust in Wray. I don't think that's true. I believe it was concocted to force Wray out because of fear of civil rights unrest and possible lawsuits. I also believe the majority of people in Greensboro think like I do. Hinson cried racism and the city panicked.

If, after all this time, someone actually gets charged and convicted when the SBI investigation of the department is over, I'm wrong.

If not, all that has been said to date is simply commentary. We will have wasted a lot of time and money besides destroying a career.

David Colin
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint

By Alan M. Mullis

On March 17 in Washington, something very big happened. America showed up at an anti-war rally. Why did the News & Record choose to take a slanted AP article and then edit out all pro-troop parts of the story?

The pro-troop groups outnumbered the anti-war protesters three to one. Unofficial estimates had the protesters at 10,000 and the pro-troop groups at 30,000. Interestingly enough, the statement that the pro-troop groups were fewer than protesters came from the protesters and was readily repeated, even though totally false.

There were no instances of protesters defiling national war memorials because the Capitol police made a presence at the request of a pro-troop group, Gathering of Eagles. In addition, 30,000 patriots guarded the memorials. No pro-troop counter-protesters or memorial guards were present at the Pentagon, so that is where they rushed the police.

The so called anti-war protesters were made up of communist, socialist and anti-American groups. This anti-war protest was an anti-United States, anti-military protest. These "pro-terrorist" groups are attempting to recruit liberals and young people to follow their treasonous propaganda to defeat. Go to their Web sites and see for yourself. These people don't protest genocide in any part of the world. They don't protest the killing of Americans anytime, anywhere. They think that Sept. 11 was a plot of the U.S. government to start a war with the peace-loving Muslim citizens of the Middle East.

The pro-troop groups that assembled around the Vietnam memorial came to say one thing: "Never Again!"

Never again will we sit back as these groups spit on and defile our heroes as they return from defending the very freedom that we all enjoy.

Never again will we sit back as traitors dishonor the sacrifices our military members have made for the sake of our country.

You have the right to speak your mind. Our soldiers have died for 250 years to give you that right. But, by God, you do not have a right to be treasonous or treacherous.

Jane Fonda was a no-show. She wasn't brave enough to face the veterans she betrayed. The Hollywood elites left Cindy Sheehan and her collection of misfits to the weather and the disdain of the honest, hard-working patriotic Americans that want truth and right to prevail, along with our troops.

The writer lives in Jamestown.

Editor's note: We didn't edit out any counter-protesters from that story the writer refers to.

With scarce exception, we have become a people unworthy of the freedom for which the Founders and countless others sacrificed.

Ours is a culture built on Schadenfreude: Destroying "the other guy" has become our purpose in life. Show me a man who boasts of being "conservative" or "liberal" and I will show you a man desperate for a reason to hate others. We now desire money and power over humility and righteousness.

I'm especially disappointed with fellow Christians who have used the name of God as a means to gain power. The cross is something to be knelt before, not a weapon to be wielded. The nation - and this world - has followed our example.

We're supposed to be a people of ideas, not ideologies. Of wisdom, not folly. A republic, not an empire. We have become spiritually shallow, decadent in character, sloth in industry, ignorant of our sovereignty, apathetic in responsibility, careless with our liberties, and enslaved to our lusts.

I'll say it if no one else will: America is dying. "God bless America"? Why should He? Doing what is right over what is convenient will determine whether this country endures.

Christopher Knight
Reidsville

I attended the Gathering of Eagles in Washington last month and am saddened by how this historic event was reported. I was among (officially) 30,000 veterans who came from across the country to defend the honor of our fallen brothers and the sanctity of their memorial. Much like on the battlefield, we, the veterans, take care of our own in life and death.

In the U.S. Marine Corps, I learned such creeds as honor, courage and commitment. The media included us with the protesters and gave our numbers a political spin. Shame to anyone who politicizes what we did that day. I wasn't there for or against Bush. It was for the troops past and present.

Do you wish Vietnam era strife? Never again will political agenda come on the backs of fallen soldiers and their families. The protesters were made up of extremists, some of whom vowed to damage the Vietnam Wall.

This day, I was there to protect my country from domestic threats as I swore to do in days past. The military man does not fight for political favor, but for you and the ideals this great nation was founded upon. Give us our voice and report it correctly.

Chad Nixon
Greensboro

Common sense needs a comeback. Let's look at three issues:

Energy. The critics fail to provide realistic options and fail to support building safe and clean nuclear power plants, which will eventually save our system. Plants and underground permanently sealed waste storage could be built on military bases in states that wish to keep bases. Security is already there.

Public schools. The problem is discipline and security. That's why good teachers flee for less pay and good students flee to pay more. The system assumes that 5-year-olds have been taught basic decency at home and that there is parental support. Disruptive, violent children must be moved to what they can or wish to do or learn. My Tennessee school had five vocational "shop" options (airplanes, radio, wood auto, general) in 1950.

The war. Sept. 11 events have certainly provided world awareness. Why didn't we know? We have a terrible political system but it's the best in the world. Resolution should precede November.

Frank M. Freeman
Greensboro

I agree with the article in the newspaper, "Shelter garners praise for spay-neuter rules" (March 16). Animals are precious and do not need to be treated badly or abandoned.

Animals keep us company when we feel depressed. It's shocking to see a nice dog or cat abandoned in the street. People who cannot take care of a pet and its offspring should not buy one. If they do want a pet, then they can do the right thing by spaying or neutering it. This helps to reduce the number of strays. I applaud Animal Control for picking up stray animals on the street.

Responsibility begins with each of us. If we are pet owners, this is our problem, not someone else's. If people choose to be pet owners, they should take responsibility for and be caretakers of their pets.

Jemima Agyei
Greensboro

The disgraceful situation regarding retirement funds of state employees being in the hands of one man demonstrates how foolish things are. Richard Moore is running for governor with assistance from state funds being spent in self-promotion like his counterpart, Attorney General Roy Cooper. Moore has even refused to obey the law requiring annual reporting of performance.

The General Assembly has entrusted this man with $75 billion only to be rewarded with mediocre results at best. The use of state funds in self-promotion was made into an art form by Mike Easley, and if Moore can get by Beverly Perdue in the Democratic primary, he will be our next governor -- since voters in North Carolina follow, lemming-like, the Democratic nominee without much thought about issues.

Moore's wife is an heiress to a $2 billion fortune, and he doesn't need to accept questionable contributions from people he deals with investing state employees' funds. If they behave like this before the election, just imagine what you could expect afterwards.

While the General Assembly spends time banning incandescent light bulbs in 10 years, Moore will go right along double-dealing with retirement funds and campaign contributions.

God pity this state.

Ken Lewis
Greensboro

The student was being interviewed by Fox News 8 about the shooting at UNCG and was asked if she felt safe after the incident.

The student replied that she was scared and did not feel as safe anymore. "I thought UNCG was a safe campus," she said. "You would think something like this would happen at A&T, not UNCG."

The student, who is an Afro-American female, angered not only current students at both universities but the alumni and community associated with these fine institutions.

I find it sad that in the 21st century an Afro-American female would perpetuate the thought that crime only happens on historically black campuses. I hope she knows now that crime occurs on every college campus, regardless of where you attend school. Most of the crimes are minor and do not make the 6 o'clock news like a shooting.

Perhaps a visit to N.C. A&T State University would help this young lady have a better understanding that her comments about A&T were shameful and unfounded. It would help her learn the history of N.C. A&T because obviously she knows very little about this top historic institution.

Terry Rankin
Greensboro

It appears to be a certainty that President Bush will veto any plan from Congress to set a timetable for troop withdrawal from Iraq. Amazingly, this will only be his second veto in the six years he has been in office. The first one was to stop further funding for stem-cell research. He considered it immoral, even though the research would probably lead to cures and treatments for diseases that could improve the lives of countless people.

I find it quite ironic that he seems to have a bottomless pit of money for this erroneous war he started, and yet he doesn't see the immorality associated with the deaths of well over 3,000 American service personnel, the wounding and maiming of at least 23,000 more, and the death toll of nearly 600,000 innocent Iraqi men, women and children.

Can anyone explain this utter contradiction of logic, other than the fact that he believes his religious faith will sort it all out?

Paul Manzi
Greensboro

Regarding Donna Brown's letter, "Clean Hampton even when governor isn't looking" (March 7), I have worked with some of the best administrators and teachers in North Carolina. Recently, I have had the privilege of working as a reading tutor at Hampton Leadership Academy and as a volunteer at Colfax Elementary. Hampton and Colfax both have excellent administrators, dedicated teachers and intelligent students. One difference is the physical facilities. While Hampton's building is very old, Colfax has a newer building.

Hampton requires extra custodial effort to maintain a good learning environment. Utilizing all space for educational opportunities, the 2006 Hampton students produced on the sturdy old stage the hit play, "The Wiz." Mindful of providing the safest environment, Principal Michelle Thigpen has had asbestos removed. Recently, as host to the governor, Hampton had assistance from the Guilford County Schools custodial staff to spruce up. As you know, guests in our homes require a spruce up.

If I had Oprah's resources, I would build a new school for Hampton and give raises and cruises to the Colfax and Hampton faculties.

Michelle Thigpen, Hampton's outstanding leader, will replace the retiring Dr. Mary Hamlin, Colfax's outstanding principal. As we know, good leadership is critical to school successes.

Dorothy E. Walker
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Lionel Roberts

In reference to the state of Georgia's potential apology for slavery, allow me to present to you a scenario. You are a middle-aged American with children. You have worked hard every day of your life to provide for your children. You even have saved a substantial portion of your wages to pass on to them.

Let's say one night your home gets robbed. Your safe is cracked and your entire life savings is stolen. To add insult to injury, you find out that your next-door neighbor was the burglar. You report him to the authorities only to find out that he is well connected and escapes justice.

Would you feel resentful? What if you see him add improvements to his home with your money? What if he spoils his kids with expensive gifts and maybe even a car for the oldest? Could you contain your anger if you saw them drive past your kids as they walked to the bus stop? Would you feel anger knowing that all your labor and sweat was going to be used by your thieving neighbor to enrich his children's lives and not yours?

This, my friend, is the dilemma cast upon slaves and their descendents. All their lives' labor was taken and controlled by men like our "founding fathers" who were all slave owners.
These slave owners hired what we call overseers to run their plantations mostly in their absence. This arrangement allowed them the free time to become "politicians and presidents," effectively creating the U.S. governing body and its institutions with money generated by slave labor.

So, would a drive-by apology help the descendents of African American slaves walking to the bus stop? I am not sure. But there should be some attempt at breaking the link between inferiority and black skin, which slavery formed in the minds of Americans. A formal apology could be a step in the right direction.

The writer lives in Winston-Salem.

When Elizabeth Edwards went public that her cancer had returned, money started pouring into John Edwards' campaign — more than $1 million.

Because she has cancer (and my prayers are with her) does that make him any smarter or more capable of running our country? People didn't think so before her cancer returned.

I have the same cancer Elizabeth has; my breast cancer came back and metastasized to the bone.

I think the money would be better spent on cancer research to help find a cure for all of us.

Peggy Manning
Greensboro

What costs more:

With respect to Rhonda Landreth's Counterpoint, "Praise for Scout sends wrong message," (March 29):

I know of no persons or organizations "praising [Michael Auberry] for disobeying Scout rules ... ." Indeed, Michael within hours of his rescue took full ownership of his lapse in judgment by describing the incident to his father as the stupidest thing he had ever done.

What is being celebrated by his family, friends and the media is his safe return. Too often, these stories have bad endings. Michael is 12 years old. Kids make mistakes and they sometimes break the rules.

Lord knows I did. We learn from our mistakes and move on.

So, instead of running Michael down, please join us in rejoicing his safe return and leave it at that. How and why he got in that situation should not matter — he's a kid.

Jeff Peraldo
Greensboro

Here's a thought for you. If you watched the show where they did a lie detector on notable people on national television, Paula Jones passed a lie detector test with flying colors. Now if Hillary is elected, will we be sending a proven liar and sexual predator back into the White House?

Bill Robinson
Greensboro

President Bush has been criticized (and rightfully so, on some occasions) for his swagger. For his "cowboy" attitude. For his "Bring it on!"- type statements.

So, what's up with Nancy Pelosi and her "Calm down with the threats. There's a new Congress in town"?

Who is she trying to be? Annie Oakley? More likely Calamity Jane.

Randy Friddle
Browns Summit

When she was 90 (and in excellent health), my mother moved to Greensboro to live near me and my family. She chose an apartment with a balcony that overlooked a wooded area because she loved trees and birds. For two years, weather permitting, she enjoyed her morning coffee on that balcony, reading the paper and watching the seasons change.

One day she reported in horror that the woods were being destroyed. She described heartless machinery that ate up trees, branches, baby birds, baby squirrels and any other wild creatures unfortunate enough to be caught in the maw of death. My mother didn't use her balcony after that. She couldn't stand to see the devastation. Soon afterward, she died.

Trees bestow transcendent beauty, absorb carbon dioxide, create homes for wildlife, and offer shade. North Carolina's trees are disappearing, largely due to development. When they are gone, they are gone. They will not grow back in our lifetimes.

Decades ago, singer Joni Mitchell lamented that "They Paved Paradise and Put Up a Parking Lot."

Think about it.

Maureen Parker
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Gaines Wilburn

The recent $9.36 per hour minimum wage law proposed for Greensboro by the Minimum Wage Committee is another attempt to socialize our market economy, ostensibly to aid Greensboro heads of household living below the poverty line.

Yet as William James points out (letter, April 1) many (most?) of those earning the minimum wage are dependents working to supplement household incomes — not primary breadwinners. I have some additional reservations.

How many of the rest of us are willing to pay for this and see it become law? What about next year or the year after, when it's determined that the minimum should be raised? What will be the penalties for noncompliance? Who will enforce the new law in addition to present duties, and at what cost to the community?

Andrew Brod (column, March 25) seems to be of the opinion that not many jobs would be lost and not many would move outside Greensboro due to the nature of the work. Let's say he's right. The reverse of this, however, is the following: How many people from outside Greensboro would compete with city residents for low-skill jobs at wages up to 50 percent higher than what they can earn outside the city? How many of these would be illegals (are we not enough of a magnet already)?

And with the increased competition for $9.36 per hour jobs, how many city low-wage earners, the people the new law was supposed to benefit, would lose their jobs and join the unemployed?

Does this still sound like a good idea?

The writer lives in Greensboro.

I don't understand why when developers try to rezone to build apartments or town houses, the residents always have to act against that. It is because the zoning commission approves rezoning very easily. They don't care about us residents and the community. The same problem has come to our neighborhood.

A developer sent a rezoning request to build more than 200 apartment units beside our subdivision on Horse Pen Creek Road. This will affect not only our house value, but the entire community.

What happens then? Three stoplights have been installed within a couple of years and more may be needed soon.

Now four town houses are being sold or being built on and near Horse Pen Creek Road. Middle-school students from these townhouses go to Kernodle Middle School, which has almost 1,000 students, far more than the average enrollment in the state and district.

That means we will need to redistrict again in the near future; riding time on school buses will be longer, and traffic jams will get worse.

The developer won't care about these problems after they build and sell these town houses and apartments. Zoning commissioners and the City Council should take care of residents and the community, not the developer.

Yukari Matsuoka
Greensboro

I often agree with columnist Mona Charen's viewpoint, and I think she's right in arguing that we shouldn't be ashamed to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the Jamestown settlement (column, March 31).

Nevertheless, I thought she was way off base to suggest that African Americans should be grateful that their ancestors had been dragged off to the New World as slaves, considering the corruption, cruelty and genocide to be found in Africa. She attributed that statement to African American foreign correspondent Keith Richburg of The Washington Post, but it was still an incredibly callous and insensitive thing for her to write -- and I think she should humbly apologize.

Bob Garner
Burlington

At one point in history, the United States was the place to move to escape poverty and to dream of a better future. However, with the outsourcing of jobs, a move to Central America or China may fulfill that dream better.

The closing of the Hanes Brands Inc. factory in Winston-Salem is an example of how lives are affected by the trend to move jobs to foreign nations.

The United States still lives on the Rugged Individualism model, where if you work hard you will be rewarded and the government needs to play no part.

But how is this model still advocated when 40 percent of those listed as being in poverty are working poor?

Can we really sit back and allow jobs that are supporting American families to continue to be sent away for profits? Can we honestly support wages so low that a working two-parent household lives below the poverty line?

We have to stop blaming the poor and realize the system is not working. We need to quit allowing companies to move away so easily, and raise the minimum wage to an amount where a family can confidently care for their loved ones. Then the American dream can be saved.

Tenecia Harper
Greensboro

Thank you, Anna Mercedes, for your compelling column (March 28) concerning the loss of trees and local character. When Starmount Co. began its newest development, we were promised that Friendly Avenue would be lined with trees to obscure buildings and pavement. Instead, restaurants and stores are in clear view and Starmount is now constructing a three-story bank building that looms over the Friendly Avenue-West Avondale Drive intersection.

Why a new bank building in place of irreplaceable old oak trees?

Our neighborhood is adjacent to Friendly Shopping Center. We have been informed Starmount Corp. intends to develop 2.5 to three acres of land on the residential side of Friendly Avenue, very near the dangerously congested Green Valley/Friendly intersection. It does not make good sense unless you are Starmount and looking at the bottom line.

Thankfully, the city of Greensboro has taken a different approach. They have preserved older buildings when possible and promoted local business development. In addition, we now have a lovely green space with Center City Park.

Perhaps it is time for Greensboro to enact an ordinance similar to those in New Jersey and other municipalities requiring developers to create green space equal to any land purchased for development.

True and Walker Campbell
Greensboro

By Harrison Turner and Steve Showfety

Wow! If you were among the 23,795 at the "Tournament Town Goes Downtown" Block Party on March 23 or the 1,500 who had a great time at the Family Fanfest in the new Center City Park on March 25, you helped us welcome the NCAA to Greensboro.

This enthusiastic turnout showed that our community is unique in hosting collegiate basketball tournaments. Our downtown was a major happening Friday night. As the Chris Daughtry concert began at the corner of South Elm and McGee streets, people in every direction were enjoying the evening. These exciting activities were held to promote an atmosphere of big-time hospitality in conjunction with the NCAA Women's Regional games at the Greensboro Coliseum.

Thanks to the coliseum and its Tournament Host Committee, NCAA officials and visitors from Arizona State, Rutgers, Bowling Green State University and Duke left town knowing how Greensboro embraces tournament basketball.

In addition to its first-class hosting of the competition on site, the coliseum also created and produced the hospitality events. They were part of our aggressive bid to host an NCAA Women's Final Four, a major sporting event accompanied by a national convention of women's basketball coaches and administrators. Not many mid-sized cities would pursue an opportunity like this.

It is time to aggressively provide the critical support our Coliseum Complex needs to achieve key parts of a changing master plan. Acquisition of the adjacent Canada Dry property is a much-needed step for the coliseum and a central part of plans for the redevelopment and improvements of the High Point Road-Lee Street corridor. This is an important strategic opportunity upon which community leaders need to act.

Thanks to the coliseum, the city of Greensboro, Grassroots Productions, Center City Park, Downtown Greensboro Inc., Action Greensboro, the volunteers and many others for making "Tournament Town Goes Downtown" a tremendous success.

Turner is chairman, Tournament Host Committee; Showfety, president, Greensboro Sports Council.

Wars have been fought over territory and race and seemingly from habit. Some people seem to prefer to fight than to do anything productive.

But perhaps the most reprehensible conflicts are those perpetrated in the name of religion: the Crusades, the Inquisition, the Holocaust and the Holy Wars (a real oxymoron). The current war has come to be a strong religious connotation. Within our own country, though founded on religious freedom, there are certainly many religious bigots, but, thankfully, they don't resort to mass violence.

It is difficult to see how anyone could fail to understand and appreciate the teachings of Jesus. Local churches offer programs that are uplifting and heart-warming. Mere attendance and fellowship with others of similar inclinations lift the spirits and promote peace of mind.

Though for centuries it has been human nature for us to fight one another, maybe someday we Americans can learn to follow His teachings and, though remaining in readiness, avoid all conflicts unless we are attacked. And certainly, we must never start another one.

Peace on Earth and good will to all men.

Dan W. Maddox
Greensboro

Thanks to Elon University for taking the lead here in Alamance County and among other institutions of higher learning by switching from buses that use foreign oil (gas/diesel) to buses that use U.S.A. biodiesel. They are leading by example. Now if we can just get our federal, state and local governments to do something about our dependence on foreign oil instead of just talking about it.

The Alamance-Burlington school system could and should follow Elon's lead. Not only would they be doing their part in the fight on the war on terrorism (Arab terrorists use our oil money to kill our troops — remember Sept. 11, 2001), but we would be teaching our children a valuable lesson on how to save our economy by making us less dependent on foreign oil and save our environment by putting less pollutants into it.

My wife, Margaret, and I just traded in our 4-year-old vehicles for hybrids. They actually cost less than the cars we purchased four years ago (low $20,000s vs. high $20,000s) and get twice the fuel mileage.

John M. Jordan
Saxapahaw

I can't help wondering if the proposed Guilford County jail would be excessively luxurious. Apparently the commissioners and the Sheriff's Office have in mind a building costing about $105 million and housing maybe 1,000 inmates, working out to about $100,000 per bed. But next door to us in Alamance County, they have just opened an addition to their existing jail costing $12.25 million and housing 240 inmates, or about $50,000 per bed.

What is going to be in our jail that will make it cost twice as much per inmate as the expansion in Alamance County? Why do we propose to put our new jail on expensive real estate downtown? Is it possible that if we built a jail in eastern Guilford County near the Alamance County line, it would be less expensive? Or, if we built four new jails or expansions to our existing jails, each housing 240 inmates and costing $12 million, wouldn't we save money?

Tony Blake
Greensboro

The Guilford County school board needs to support Garth Hebert's proposal to give children the choice of Southwest, Andrews or Welborn in High Point. Many of the children who are being bused the many miles from south High Point up to Southwest are suffering hardship. They are enduring two- to three-hour bus rides when there are model schools within walking distance of their homes. When they are sick at school they cannot get home because there is no public transportation, and if they miss the bus they lose a school day. It's almost criminal.

High Point politicians and school board members promised to help on such occasions. There has been no help. They have betrayed and abandoned these children. The school board cannot abandon them again. They must support this brave proposal and give these kids the chance to walk to school if they want.

Martin Phillip
High Point

Sylvia Woodard's letter, "Carr shouldn't ask public to help pay legal costs" (March 30), prompted me to write about something that has bothered me since Casey Bokhoven's death occurred.

The death is a tragedy: certainly to the young man who died; to Tolly Carr, whom I admired for his youth and freshness on the news and whose career and life are now ruined; to their families and friends.

At the same time, I could not help but think of the deference shown to Carr by the print and electronic media to a member of their own, and compare to other coverage of "celebrities." Anna Nicole Smith, a trash story from the beginning, filled more than 70 percent of the television talk show coverage for several days, and it continues on a lesser scale weeks after her death. Sidney Lowe II, the son of a prominent basketball coach and a local student, is a story of local interest deserving of an initial report and a follow-up, but there have been six or seven stories in the News & Record since his arrest.

The absence of reporters thrusting TV microphones or pad and pen in Carr's face day after day says much, all bad, about the quality, independence and professionalism of today's journalists.

Jerry S. Weston
Greensboro

I recommend replacing Howard Dean as Democratic National Committee chairman with Rosie O'Donnell. I believe she could get out the anti-Bush message even better than he does.

Hank Powell
Greensboro

In my neighborhood, Garden Lakes, the ruin of one of Greensboro's most beautiful avenues is well on its way once again. Developers are trying to get a toehold into the side streets.

We have been saddled with two years of incredible dirt, noise, Spanish and heavy equipment taking shortcuts through our streets.

It all began with the decision of Jefferson-Pilot to sell its park land on New Garden Road. There was a loud outcry about this, leading to many promises that there wouldn't be any negative result -- after all, a school was to be built and a library.

We know the agony that the folks living on the side streets of Wendover and Red Road must have experienced as developers never fade away when they think they've got a good thing going. There are no longer any homes on those side streets along Wendover.

Developers begin by offering a very lucrative price for the first few properties on the side streets closest to the main drag. They no doubt make it up later as they proceed with the redevelopment and values dive after the initial rebuilding gets going.

Barbara B. Blust
Greensboro

As I ride through the south side of Greensboro, I see there are many condos and town homes being built. In the past this would not have bothered me, but as a social work major who works with disadvantaged populations, I have become more sensitive to the needs of others.

The greatest need in the Gate City is adequate housing. When I say adequate, I mean free of roaches and lead paint. Is Greensboro trying to become more appealing, or maybe draw a different type of resident? What happens to the people who have lived in or near these areas for the past 50 years? Can they afford these new condos that start at $365,000? I don't think so.

If you really want to help Greensboro, take some of this money and erect housing people on the south side can live in that will not be labeled a project.

I don't know what the current thoughts of these builders are, but putting a mansion on what they think is a molehill will not get rid of the "moles." These residents should be respected, and those in need of housing should be helped.

There are plenty of other ways to increase the economic flow of this city, and I am more than willing to make suggestions.

Natashua Siler
Greensboro

A medical business that does not fit in with its neighborhood recently opened on New Garden Road. It's not the business itself, rather it's the company's neon flashing message board that makes it an unwelcome eyesore.

Travelers along this once-mellow stretch of New Garden Road are now bombarded by messages of "spider veins" and "Dick Cheney's blood clot." These neon message boards are commonplace on commercial-oriented thoroughfares such as High Point Road, or even farther north or south on New Garden -- but not here.

Apparently this property, which is on the north end of Guilford College and near the entrance to New Garden Friends School, was rezoned to accommodate such a commercial enterprise.

That begs the question: Is every "commercial" property afforded the opportunity to use such signage, regardless of its neighborhood? A 12-story high-rise or a giant billboard would not be appropriate for this space and neither is an obtrusive flashing message board.

In order to save the character of our neighborhoods, I ask the Greensboro City Council to review its zoning policies and to take down this eyesore.

Bob Lowe
Greensboro

The developers are at it again. Now they want to change Lawndale Avenue across the street from Country Park from residential to conditional general business. The first property up for rezoning is the northeast corner of Lawndale Avenue and Lake Jeanette Road. I say the first because, if this is changed, other properties nearby will quickly go the same route.

The entire character of that area is single-family residential. There is no commercial zoning on Lake Jeanette Road, and plenty enough on Lawndale at Pisgah Church and at Cottage Place. Lawndale through that area is a pleasant tree-lined drive. A recent article in the News & Record deplored the cutting of trees and the destruction of what used to be unique to Greensboro. Will this unique area go away next?

We do not want coffeehouses, ice cream parlors, delicatessens and other general retail, no matter how high-end, in our neighborhood. We want single-family homes with quiet streets, trees, places to walk, places for our kids, our dogs and our families. We want to be able to enjoy Country Park and the Natural Science Center without more commercial traffic around it. We want to preserve our property values and our neighborhood.

James Bennett
Greensboro

There's an old saying, "If you're not outraged, you're not paying attention." Every week I drive through another neighborhood with "Stop Rezoning" signs. Every week we see on the news another neighborhood having to fight just to keep itself intact.

What is happening to this city? Has greed completely taken the place of common sense? This type of rezoning is both reckless and irresponsible. We depend on our elected officials to squelch these types of requests before they can be seriously considered.

Will someone please pull in the reins on these greedy developers before our entire city is paved?

Bruce Graham
Greensboro

Being a "liberal" means "free, generous, not narrow or bigoted, working for reform tending toward democracy" (Webster). If someone calls you a liberal with a sneer, as though it's a swear word, just say "thanks for the compliment."

"Gay wedding" is another misused term, which certainly doesn't mean threat to a straight marriage. How could it? It means a joining of two people, same sex, who love each other enough to commit the rest of their lives to their partner. It happens in a church with a minister who calls the event "sacred."

"Gay marriage" as a sacred act doesn't give the partners civil rights that others have. One can't go in the hospital to attend his/her partner with a life-threatening condition. Only "family" can. One can't inherit belongings, property and money at the death of a partner, as straight people can. Which is why being able to have a civil ceremony would be tremendously helpful as well as the right thing to do.

Gay Cheney
Browns Summit

Greensboro, beware. Drive down Aycock Street and look on the west side. Older homes have been removed, and so have large, beautiful trees. Everyone knows trees benefit a community's aesthetic and physical health, yet area developers habitually opt for more air pollution, lack of shade, sterile landscapes, and lost wildlife habitat.

I despair, like Harold Ashworth who was concerned about the lost trees in Friendly shopping center (letter, March 26). Not to mention those cut down next door on the Burlington site. The expansions around UNCG are necessary for more student housing. But, surely, an innovative contractor can save some of those very old, very large trees. The entire neighborhood is at risk of losing all these beneficial, living monuments.

The National Wildlife Federation suggests that, as individuals, we can counter the effects of global warming by planting six trees. I cannot help but wonder how much damage we do by removing six huge trees. Those gone from the UNCG area will take well over 50 years to replace. What will GREENsboro will look like by then?

Brenda Lawson
Greensboro

Your recent article, "Hurrah for new UNC rules on textbooks," (Rosemary Roberts' column, March 30) failed to provide an accurate view of today's college texts.

Publishers are sympathetic to students' concerns about textbook costs. That's why they offer a range of course materials from which faculty can choose. For example, there are 216 introductory psychology titles on sale in college bookstores at retail prices ranging from $23.44 to $120.54. This fall, one publisher alone is offering 201 combinations for its introductory psychology text and supplemental materials.

As for cost, the average college student spent $644 on textbooks during the 2005-06 academic year, a cost that has remained generally steady for the past three years. In fact, textbook prices account for less than 5 percent of core higher education expenses for the average four-year student. America's publishers are helping students maximize their tuition dollar by responding to changing learning needs, from remedial to advanced. New technologies are helping more students pass their courses, stay in school and graduate sooner, saving students time and money while improving their success rates.

Stacy Scarazzo Skelly
Washington

The writer is Assistant Director, Higher Education Association of American Publishers.

Thank you, Greensboro elected officials, for letting Rice Toyota move forward in what I hope and plan will be a reasonable and appropriate expansion. I know our customers and the Rice Toyota team will love it; I hope our neighbors will too.

The rezoning process taught me much. We've always tried to be a great neighbor, but during the rezoning process I heard from our neighbors that we could do better. For example, they mentioned loudspeakers and lights at one meeting and I heard them. We're turning off the loudspeakers and are shielding the back lights and will turn them off at 10 p.m. I may lose some car sales, but it's the right and neighborly thing to do. That's on top of everything I've promised to do just for the rezoning.

I love my business neighborhood and have for 40-plus years. I look forward to being here for many more years, selling a quality product to the residents of Greensboro and the surrounding area. Thank you again, Greensboro City Council, for sharing in Rice Toyota's vision for the future.

Garson Rice
Greensboro

The writer is president of Rice Toyota.

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Wayne Campbell

There is no substitute for victory in Iraq. Sadly, too many in this nation have a mentality that guarantees defeat against a determined and ruthless enemy. If we'd had this mentality back during World War II, we would now be speaking German and wondering who is next to go to the gas chambers.

Victory, for those who have forgotten, is a free Iraq that can defend itself and is a dependable ally in the war on Islamic fascism. This goal is achievable with the right strategy backed up with sufficient troops, resources, and will.

The president's plan to escalate the war is a step in the right direction. It is heavily based on the ideas of military expert Frederick Kagan who has long argued that coalition forces in Iraq were too few. He detailed in The Weekly Standard (May 26, 2006) and on www.aei.org that the coalition did not have adequate troops to secure areas liberated from the terrorists. In instances where sufficient troops secured liberated areas, the terrorists could not return and freedom and reconstruction flourished.

Kagan's plan is not just some academic exercise. It is based on counterinsurgency history and the accomplishments of Col. H.R. McMaster's 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment (ACR) in the Tal Afar area of Iraq, a terrorist stronghold until the 3rd ACR liberated it. Unlike other American units, the 3rd ARC did not leave after quickly turning over security to undertrained Iraqi forces. Instead, Americans stayed and jointly provided security and reconstruction. As a result, Tal Afar became a peaceful, prosperous region of Iraq.

Gen. David Petraeus, the new top commander in Iraq, had a similar success in the Iraqi city of Mosul when he commanded the 101st Airborne Division earlier in the war. As long as the 101st was in place, Mosul was peaceful and only fell apart after the unit was withdrawn. Petraeus, like Kagan, faced the hard reality that the strategy of quickly giving the bulk of the security and counterinsurgency mission to Iraqi forces was flawed.

Although the offensive is just beginning, violence and American casualties have already been greatly reduced. Of course, the liberal media, Democrats, and other defeatists won't tell you this.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

Increasingly, condemnation of our chosen leader (President Bush) is growing discordant.

Throngs of citizens are lifting their collective voices demanding Bush explain what he is going to do about the affairs of this nation. When are you going to bring our soldiers home, Almighty Bush? What about unemployment? What are you going to do about health care? We voted you in and we can vote you out, Mr. President.

What an undesirable place to be when citizens turn against their own leader. It reminds me of Moses, who was the leader of the disenchanted Israelite people. Their expectations were ones that only the Almighty God could satisfy.

Likewise, the citizens of our country have expectations that only the Almighty God can satisfy. President Bush is merely a man. Our expectations are too lofty. Look to the only "One" who can help this country, God Almighty.

Some may label me a Bush supporter. I'd feel this way if a Democratic president were in office. No man can solve all the ills of this fallen world; that's why Jesus is called the "savior" of the world. No one else met the stringent requirements.

Barbara Brimmage
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint

By Kent Williams

The North Carolina public school calendar law should stay on the books just as it is. What became law three years ago was thoroughly debated. It wasn't ramrodded through without input from the state's educators. And it most decidedly wasn't the result of beach property owners and restaurateurs twisting arms. It would have died on the vine had it not been for an overwhelming show of support from parents, grandparents, students, teachers and other ordinary citizens. It was this ragamuffin constituency that formed the grass-roots organization Save Our Summers-NC), and I applaud its efforts.

The News & Record bases its support for a proposed calendar flexibility law on the premise that local boards are best qualified to make such decisions. We're asked to exhibit school board trust. That's an oxymoron. I can't remember the last time the school board I've come to know has rendered anything resembling a good decision.

Prior to the passage of the 2004 law, I contacted Guilford County board members to voice my dismay at the calendar creeping a few days back into August each year. Their reaction? "We know what’s best." They gave no evidence of even polling their constituency, unless it was that most important constituency, the administrative staff.

The challenge to this law is based on a few weak premises.

The first is the idea that "dual-enrollment" students are being harmed. Dual enrollment students (who number just under 8,000 statewide) are high school juniors and seniors who take classes not only in their "native" schools but also at community colleges. The number of dual-enrollment students has increased by 74 percent since the passage of the present school calendar law.

A second reason supporters of this new bill want earlier starting dates is to accommodate exams before winter break. As a former high school teacher, I can state a few things with confidence:

• All exams get review time regardless of when the exams occur. Standardized tests have basically transformed the whole school year into one big prep/review session anyway.

• Some students will study for exams, some will not.

• Memorization may degenerate in two weeks; true learning will not. If important concepts aren't still around after a short break, then they were never learned.

• In Virginia, all schools start late, give exams after the break, and Virginia's students outperform North Carolina's on all national standardized tests.

Move on to something that is going to make my children's education better, and let them enjoy the summer months.

The writer lives in Brown Summit.

Recently, the media have focused much attention on mega-superstars Angelina Jolie and Madonna and their process with international adoption. The coverage of these two has created a buzz within the country and our community on the issue of adoption. I often hear people ask, "Why would anyone adopt internationally when there are so many children in our own county who need adopting?"

Working with Carolina Adoption Services of Greensboro, I have a clear perspective of the issues that orphans face, and I advocate strongly for adoption. However, people need to understand that those children who are orphaned in Third World countries have a significantly lower chance of survival if they are not adopted. International children are most likely to die from medical conditions (mainly dehydration caused by diarrhea) that can be easily treated in the United States. With overcrowded orphanages and improper nutrition, children face issues with delays in height and developmental skills the longer they live with improper care.

Foreign countries may not have the funding to provide adequate nutrition and shelter to these children; the United States does. Every child deserves proper care and a loving family. Why should being born into the United States make a child more worthy of that?

Naomi A. Leedie
Greensboro

On Monday night, April 2, a new American flag was stolen from my driveway on Founders Drive, where it was proudly displayed.

To the person or persons involved, please do not desecrate our country's flag. So many have sacrificed to keep it flying over this great land. Display it properly. Perhaps, though, you should feel some shame for your deed. Give some thought to your actions in the future.

Terence J. McQuade
Greensboro

Building bridges. Lots of items in the News & Record have stimulated this thought to share with our community. The world needs more love and understanding. There are many chasms between us: race, politics, sexuality, religion, culture, poverty, etc. Bridges are needed to get us together to discuss our common destinies. Our differences, when understood and accepted, bring strength to the community as we appreciate and accept each other. We are doomed to fail if we cannot build bridges between good people of all persuasions.

If we all would seek out a person with one of these gaps between us and begin to meet periodically to discuss our lives to build a bridge of understanding, exploring common goals, then we are strengthening our community.

My recording of "What the World Needs Now is Love, Sweet Love" sung by Karen Carpenter in the '60s etched the message in music into my heart. Love seeks to understand others, not convert them to our way of living. We just need to renew our efforts to build bridges and step closer to others in our community in love.

George Setzer
Greensboro

I thought Nancy Pelosi was our current Speaker of the House, so I'm wondering if that job description now also includes the role of Secretary of State?

If not, then why is she stepping outside of her sphere of authority and discussing government policy with the leader of Syria, a nation that our president and his cabinet have chosen not to do business with at this time? Who gave her this authority?

Aren't her actions sending mixed signals to foreign governments and undermining the authority of our elected president and his administration?

Anne Sampson
Greensboro

On the cover of Esquire for January 2007, is a young military veteran from the Iraqi conflict. The young man has only one limb left that he has had since birth. With administrative officials declaring that the Army fights with only the equipment it has, it appears the Army's only equipment is bare bodies.

Now the debate between the White House and Nancy Pelosi's Congress is whether to send more ill-prepared troops into a debacle without a clear concept of the enemy and no exit plan. Maybe it is a "Dirty Dozen" mission.

I hope all institutions of learning are preparing themselves for an influx of paraplegics and others from Afghanistan and Iraq.

I, too, was in the Army from 1972-1974 when one of my heroes, Richard Nixon, saved me from being sent to Vietnam.

At N.C. A&T State University in 1975, there was a veterans' representative who knew how to talk to us and was more than helpful to those seeking assistance. The veterans from our era were not ostracized at predominantly black institutions but there were hints that just the opposite occurred at predominantly white institutions.

Now that many of these limbless veterans are coming home, we'd better be prepared.

Mark H. Woods
Greensboro

In my heart, the memory of old New Orleans East (where I grew up) will remain with me forever. Greensboro had become home to my husband, my children and me just a few years before the hurricane. The victims of Hurricane Katrina are still trying to find "home." Those who have lost loved ones and treasured possessions are still struggling to maintain hope when it seems as if there is nothing to hope for.

It is difficult to get government help without a FEMA number. Those without it cannot acquire financial assistance, rental assistance or psychiatric counseling. Many migrant New Orleans residents are currently living in the Piedmont without jobs, homes, medical insurance, transportation or family support systems. Most did not "go home" as there was no home to return to.

I think it's sad when this country has made bigger sacrifices to aid war in Iraq than it has for rebuilding New Orleans and its levees. Many Katrina victims are still in need of assistance. For many of the families who have begun new lives, Katrina is always "yesterday" as many are still struggling to survive it today.

Danielle Tyler
Greensboro

What is happening to the city where I have lived my life? I was born on the third floor of Cone Hospital in August 1956, when Greensboro was a nice place to live.

Today, we have lost our identity. Pilot Life is gone, The Greater Greensboro Open has disappeared as our local PGA golf tournament's name; some people want to drop our "Gate City" nickname, probably because they don't know what it means; the Greensboro Daily News is simply the News & Record (again, most will not know where the Record part comes from), and now Friendly Shopping Center with its Christmas Santa will be sold to some investment firm, possibly from New York City.

Our culture is diluted and the social atmosphere of a once nice, Southern city is gone. People do not even know who their neighbors are.

I just hate to lose something that was once special, something my granddaughter will never enjoy -- the Greensboro I knew.

Teddy Burcham
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint:

By James R. Jackson

What costs more:

Routine prenatal care of a poor woman that she would be able to get if we had universal health care, or intensive care when she shows up at the emergency room with preeclampsia in the ninth month?

Finding Osama bin Laden with a few specialty forces and some back-channel bribes and contacts, or a war in Iraq?

Enforcing pollution controls as required by law, or allowing industry to evade them for years as they spew pollutants and fight pollution laws in courts while the environment deteriorates and cost of controls goes up?

Conserving materials and energy, or ripping off mountaintops in West Virginia and Kentucky, destroying landscapes, ecosystems, towns and lives?

Requiring higher miles-per-gallon standards for vehicles, or paying more to import oil, undermining the value of the dollar?

Supplying the army with good equipment and good medical care and deploying it cautiously where we are most likely to win, or damaging the army by sending soldiers into a war they don't understand and without the equipment to win, and then having to rebuild it?

A government where experts can do their jobs, or one where they are continuously interfered with so they leave in droves, leaving uninformed political operatives who cannot do the work?

Having sensible regulations for consumer product safety, or having no regulations, leading to injuries, illnesses, deaths, medical bills, lawsuits, bankruptcies, loss of productivity and inconsistencies in the marketplace that hamper product design?

A vast middle class who can support themselves, their communities, schools and families, or a vast class of the working poor who can barely support themselves, are unable to support services and often need public assistance?

Using good intelligence and loyal allies, or carpet bombing?

It's a pocketbook issue. The U.S. cannot afford the ideology of so-called "conservatives" who seem to be recommending some form of the law of the jungle, a "survival of the richest" medievalism.

The writer lives in Reidsville.

April 1957: After being told that Gillespie Golf Course was city owned and that blacks
should be allowed to play there, city officials appealed the decision to a higher court.

April 2007: Downtown business owners are concerned that a hip-hop club may open in their midst (of course, this will attract the wrong clientele — blacks maybe?).

April 1957: A little black girl (me) stands at the corner of Spring Garden and Warren Street in the dark, waiting for a bus to take her to a school on South Street passing two white schools along the way.

April 2007: White parents in High Point are upset that their children are on the bus for too long.

"What a world, what a world," said the Wicked Witch as she melted into oblivion.

Raymiene Hobbs
Greensboro

Just as I decided to live "carbon neutral" to save our fragile planet, it occurred to me that I'm already living "carbon neutral." The carbon monoxide detector that I purchased years ago still reads zero, ergo, "carbon neutrality."

No one told me I bought the wrong detector, that I needed a carbon dioxide detector to detect the really dangerous stuff. Every year we read of carbon dioxide deaths from faulty space heaters, or suicides by carbon dioxide poisoning from automobile exhausts. I'll never again use dry ice, or exhale while my wife is in the room.

Now I plan to buy some magical carbon "credits." Unfortunately, I don't understand how they work. Is it like buying cattle futures, where you don't buy anything, but can sell what you didn't buy at a huge profit? Say I own a 29,000-square-foot house that produces 29,000 units of the "bad" carbon, but living nearby are 29,000 homeless people who are "carbon neutral." I give them a nickel apiece for their unused carbon so I can use theirs. So, together we use the same 29,000 units. Exactly how does that reduce carbon emissions?

Tony Moschetti
High Point

Good luck to the residents of Jessup Grove Road in trying to stop the kids sports complex proposed by Ricky Proehl. Money talks.

It is being promoted as being for the kids. Whose kids? At a membership fee of $100 per month, it isn't going to be for all kids, or kids who "need a place to belong." As described in a previous article, it will be a country club for kids.

Proehlific all right. Right into Proehl's pocketbook.

Judith Wingo
Summerfield

In response to the article, "End of rotations a relief for officers" (April 8), Greensboro police officers need to quit griping. My husband works rotating shifts for the N.C. Highway Patrol so not one person is stuck doing all the night shifts and they all can spend time with their families.

Rotating shifts are a part of a hard job and it takes a special person to meet the demands as well as a strong family to back the individual. Sometimes my husband misses out on things with our two small children, but he doesn't complain, and neither do I, because we both know that this is the demand of the job. I would hate to think there are law enforcement officers that want to complain about something as trivial as a schedule when there are more important things they could be doing with their time, like protecting the city.

If you want a set schedule, then choose another line of work as you obviously aren't strong enough to handle a job as special as a law enforcement officer.

Leah Garland
Pleasant Garden

Global warming a hoax? Talk to the polar bears whose ice is melting underneath them. Rather than waiting until disaster strikes, what's wrong with less pollution and more efficient energy today? Is there some unalienable right in the Constitution to waste natural resources?

To those who complain it costs too much, you're not addressing the problem. Or perhaps you've invested in something we just don't want to buy? We know how to burn coal cleaner. We know solar and wind energy works. We know how to build efficient cars.

Detroit, never again will I buy an auto getting less than 40 mpg, and all the hyped ads in the world do nothing for me. We are getting good and bad reviews on ethanol fuel, and it's coming as fast as business can shove it down our throats.

Anyway, America needs to stop listening to the sellers of inefficient products as they try to paint themselves sexy or green.

Jim Franz
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Larry Surber

The celebration of the founding of Jamestown was going to be so pretty. Then, as Mona Charen laments in her column, "It's OK to celebrate Jamestown" (March 31), here come those blacks, Native Americans and other disenfranchised folks to stir up trouble.

People from "fine old families," long perfectly content to see America as having become the richest, most advanced and most militarily powerful nation in history — mostly by generosity, a great work ethic, and just plain old superiority — are forced to reflect on some robbing, enslaving, lying, and murder.

This is inconvenient for people who sit in Sunday School and reassure each other that not only is our country wealthy and powerful, but we are also the most Christian nation.

At one point, Charen admits that slavery was kinda bad and all. Then she admonishes us to be mature and admit it wasn't all that bad — she even produces a black man to say that with all the problems in Africa today, he's grateful his ancestors were brought over here.

I recall that in 1963, William F. Buckley Jr., a man raised in unimaginable wealth and privilege, said, "These blacks should be glad they were brought over here where they have refrigerators; they wouldn't have those in the jungle."

I'm like Abe Lincoln. When I hear someone arguing in favor of slavery, I long to see it tried on them personally.

Mona Charen also admits that we treated the Indians a bit rough, what with the Trail of Tears and all, but, gee whiz, we were no worse than a lot of other people. And she doesn't mention Major John Chivington, who advised Americans to kill all Indian babies because, as he said, "Nits make lice." (He was a Methodist minister.)

In citing John Smith's no work, no food policy, it's odd Charen neglects to mention his more famous policy: Miss three Sabbath worship services and get beheaded.

Charen closes with that tired old cliche that claims with all her warts, America is still the greatest. I saw a cartoon once: an Aztec high priest is conducting a bloody human sacrifice, and one of the ancient Aztec spectators leans over and whispers to another, "Our system may not be perfect, but it's still the best in the world."

The writer lives in Stoneville.

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Sandra B. Smith

In response to Lorraine Ahearn's "Cyber rabies in Summerfield" (March 30), I agree that criticism in small towns sometimes seems harsher because you are more likely to know those leveling it at you. It's a little harder to accept a public thrashing if you might run into your detractor at Shorty Wilson's store, the Food Lion or the Center Grove Grill.

We make every effort to keep our online forum civil, and it is mild in comparison to many. For the record, former Councilman Dwayne Crawford asked us numerous times for the identities of several of our forum participants (only ones who criticized him) and we refused. In his so-called efforts to face his accusers, he crossed the line of what is ethical and perhaps even legal.

Don't we expect elected officials to be able to accept criticism from those they purportedly represent? And don't we generally hold those elected to serve us to a higher standard? "Big Brother" now has a whole new meaning in Summerfield.

"So what's the dilly-O?" Ahearn asks, wondering why Crawford was so bent on learning the identities of forum participants. From conversations with him and due to his diligent efforts to "root out" forum participants' identities, I believe he was trying not just to face them, but to squelch them. This goes against the First Amendment to the Constitution, which Crawford swore to uphold -- the right to freedom of speech.

The writer lives in Oak Ridge and is managing editor, Northwest Observer.

A joint resolution supporting the Heart of the Triad (HOT) developmental plan and creating a new steering committee with resident representatives is being considered by the seven local governments surrounding the HOT.

HOT residents were excluded from the HOT Steering Committee, consisting of Realtors, developers, business executives, Chambers of Commerce members and select elected officials. Seeking public support by including residents now reminds this farmer of the carrot and stick coaxing the mule. Citizens desiring input should communicate their concerns about the HOT plan to their elected representatives. Decisions made will affect an area much larger than the plan's 6,000 to 18,000 acres. Taxpayers from many miles away in outlying areas of Guilford and Forsyth counties will help fund HOT.

HOT residents and adjoining citizens need responsible, impartial leaders to examine this plan: rapid, intense development to increase the tax base while open land (farm land) is still available, instead of what planners, claiming to know what is best for us, say it is.

Requiring higher taxes and fees, this HOT plan that clearly benefits special-interest groups should be disapproved. By holding elected leaders accountable, hopefully residents will have input into a new plan. Voters will see who their leaders truly represent.

Jimmy Morgan
Colfax

I would like to comment on how asinine and pointless the UNCG College Republicans' "Morals Week," including "Straight Pride Day," has become.

In case you have not noticed, College Republicans, every day is straight pride day. Straights are allowed to marry, show affection in public, adopt and raise children freely, and be represented in the media without anyone batting an eyelash. What is the point of having a straight pride day?

I guess being the overwhelming majority and having the rights to do as you please is not enough. What was it that you were out to accomplish other than showing everyone how bitter you are about the fact that the homosexual community actually came together and started "Gay Pride Day" to advocate for the rights that are withheld from them by, well, I hate to say, but people like you.

As a social work student at UNCG, diversity and acceptance are of utmost importance to my education. I believe it is important that more of our college's clubs and organizations focus on events that bring all of our students together and promote diversity, rather than focusing on events that separate us and cause tension among students.

Emily Owen
High Point

There are American troops in 135 foreign countries. This cannot be true, no way.
Start counting:

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua, Arab Emirates, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Bosnia, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burma, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote D'ivoire, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, England, Equador, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Liberia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor, Togo, Trinidad, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uruguay, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

We used to mind our own business. We were called isolationist.

Max Roseman
High Point

Editor's note: In many of the countries listed, the only American troops are Marine guards at U.S. embassies.

I write in response to Wayne Campbell's Counterpoint piece (April 10). Campbell urges support for the "new" Iraq strategy, following the "successful" example of U.S. operations in Tal Afar. It may prove helpful to examine the example frequently cited by the war's supporters as a success.

In September 2005, U.S. and Iraqi forces destroyed significant portions of the city of Tal Afar, destroying it to make it a safe place. In October 2006, a bombing in Tal Afar killed 14 people. In November 2006, a bomb killed at least 22 and wounded at least 26. Last month, a truck bomb exploded in a market in a Shiite area. According to the Iraqi Interior Ministry, the death toll was 152 and 347 were wounded. The most recent report of random killings says that seven bodies were found on Easter Sunday.

I have never heard the term "prosperous" applied to Tal Afar, where unemployment was estimated at 80 percent in 2006, and I don't think an objective observer would find it peaceful, either. If this is the kind of success a "surge" will bring, I want no part of it.

Eric Eno
Greensboro

It was my extreme pleasure to work with Sen. William Martin for 18 years. In the realm of public administration, I can think of no one who cared more about his constituents.

Sen. Martin voraciously read all literature necessary to make the best decision before he voted. Most importantly, he talked to people everywhere. He was totally accessible in Greensboro and in Raleigh. He cared deeply about making a positive difference in his community for people of all ages.

Kimberly Dawkins Berry
Greensboro

The writer is director, Piedmont Triad Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging.

OK, so after the city Zoning Commission unanimously recommended denial of Rice Toyota's rezoning request, the City Council unanimously approved it, with certain "conditions."

By ignoring the commission's recommendation — and the city's Comprehensive Plan — the council basically said, "Planners and advisory boards are mere window dressing, to be ignored as we help our friends in the business community." Do you wonder why I'm nervous about the pending commercial rezoning request at Lawndale and Lake Jeanette, a mere two blocks from our house?

Thousands of cars pass through this intersection daily, and the inappropriate intrusion of commercial interests only serves to impede traffic flow, heighten the chance for accidents due to ingress and egress at the site, and set a dangerous precedent for future commercial requests that would further erode the residential nature of the neighborhood.

The Lawndale request has already been postponed until May so that attorneys for the applicant can buy time and hope the furor abates. Meanwhile, ask yourself: Whom do the members of the City Council truly represent? If you're not sure, ask the residents of Stratford Drive and Garden Lake Drive. And don't forget the residents of the Lawndale/Lake Jeanette area.

W.H. Nash
Greensboro

In response to Jennifer Rogers' assertion (letter, April 1) that our children don't value their education, I couldn't agree more. I disagree it's because of changes in the school calendar.
The downfall of our education system began with merging our schools. Then (former Superintendent) Jerry Weast increased class sizes to idiotic proportions and dismissed teacher's assistants. Throw in the EOGs and a school system that doesn't educate our children but wastes their lives, and teachers spending six hours a day preparing for tests, and what have you got? Little robots that have no idea about history, science, social studies or quality time spent with a teacher who's not overwhelmed and spending every waking moment worried about test scores.

Look no further than private schools, home-schooled children and home-school resource schools to see proof of what real education is. These students often have a shorter school year, only take a standard end-of-year test, and come from classes that often incorporate prayer with fewer than 25 peers. Yet, they excel in all areas of educational standards and are recruited by the best universities.

Wake up, parents. We will have more than we can answer for if we don't do something about the joke we call our "school system."

Jo-Ann Sarti Peck
Greensboro

Reports of rabies cases in the Triad are growing. Yet daily, I witness dogs allowed to roam in our city parks off leash. Having been attacked and bitten by a Labrador, America's most popular pet breed, I urge residents to comply with the city ordinance. Keep dogs on leash, regardless of how well-behaved you believe them to be.

Even dogs that are not rabid are unpredictable around strangers and others' dogs. A family pet attacked my dogs and me. Afterwards, our veterinarian explained even vaccinated pets can be dangerous; the rabies vaccine begins to diminish in efficacy as the end date draws nearer.

Fortunately, we did not contract rabies, but the lessons of this attack linger.

Cynthia Adams
Greensboro

Thank you so much for the article, "Wiccans gather to celebrate faith" (April 9). It was interesting and most informative. I really do appreciate it.

This article gave me the perfect tool to use when discussing faith with my daughter. It will demonstrate to her what not to believe in. For what is not of God is evil. And, as we know, the Wiccan belief system is not of God.

Jennifer Morgan
Asheboro

I am a retired high school math teacher, have given EOC exams after Christmas, and support the Aug. 25 start date. Reasons valid in 2004 are still valid.

House Bill 359 went through the Education Committee and full House like a runaway train in just a few days. It will put control back with local school boards, likely setting start dates back to the first week of August. All that will be required is a waiver request for any reason such as wanting exams before Christmas. This bill was pushed through at the insistence of administrators with little notice so parents had no time to protest.

This is a statewide issue, and HB 359 is now in the Senate. To stop this, please go to the Save Our Summers Web site, www.saveoursummers.com, and click on Legislators. There you can e-mail your senator or the entire Senate. Parents, you must voice your opinion to them. The speed at which this was pushed through means it could be effective for the 2007–2008 school year, regardless of your plans.

If you believe school shouldn't begin before Aug. 25, please go to the Web site and tell representatives statewide to vote "no." Leave summer alone.

Rosemary Hinkle
Welcome

As part of a reading lesson dealing with point of view, I shared a letter to the editor written by Greg Everhart, "Kids should get to play despite a little rain" (March 11). Everhart feels Guilford County overreacted in its decisions to close a park due to rain.

Some points our class discussed are below:

Why would they close a nice place to play?

If I was a kid who lived in Jamestown and was assigned to play my favorite sport there (and the field was closed the day before), I would be really upset.

Kids need a safe and wide-open place to play and practice on.

If the fields keep closing, where could kids play sports?

Kids, and many adults, like to play in mud and on grass because it's fun and different.

It would be great if Guilford County remembered how their lives were when they were kids. When you were younger, didn't you love to run on your favorite fields?

We had great discussions due to this article. Thank you for motivating us to enjoy reading the News & Record.

Angie McAvinney
Asheboro

The writer is a fourth-grade teacher at Charles W. McCrary Elementary School, Asheboro.

This responds to Tom Taylor's letter, "Lessons from Vietnam" (March 30).

The Vietnam War was stagnating until Richard Nixon ordered a saturation bombing of North Vietnam in late 1972 (a surge). The enemy dashed back to the peace talks and in the January 1973 treaty, it recognized South Vietnam and its borders (we won!).

The enemy broke the treaty in 1975, attacking South Vietnam and Cambodia. Ted Kennedy and his ilk rejected President Gerald Ford's request for logistical help.

Presto -- a bloodbath and "boat people" in South Vietnam and history's worst genocide in Cambodia. (Read "Murder of a Gentle Land" or watch "The Killing Fields" for the result of the United States deserting its friends.)

We didn't shift savings from Vietnam to the Cold War. Neither Congress nor Jimmy Carter would fight it. When Ronald Reagan started "Star Wars" (ridiculed by Kennedy, John Kerry, etc.), the U.S.S.R. began making concessions, culminating in its Dec. 25, 1991, collapse.

The lesson from Vietnam is don't abandon our friends, but resolutely do the right thing.

Al Shumard
Greensboro

Be careful what you wish for, you may have to extend your reach. If we demanded the firing of Don Imus for his insensitive remarks about the women of Rutgers University's basketball team, then we need to demand the same thing of Rush Limbaugh.

I have no problem agreeing that what Imus said of those talented athletes at Rutgers was reprehensible. But how are those horrible descriptions any different than Limbaugh referring to hardworking, intelligent women who promote the rights of females as "feminazis"? Isn't he committing the same verbal abuse?

Respecting people is not a luxury in this country. All citizens should be held to a higher standard when speaking of those with whom they may disagree or whom they dislike.

On the other hand, Imus is in the business of (and getting paid richly for) making people mad, and so is Limbaugh. If we're going to change the rules of radio, then both of them need to go down or we must bite the bitter bullet and simply turn off our radios.

The choice is ours.

Mary Coyne Wessling
Greensboro

This is a big thank you to the inmate litter crews and the government agency that administers, with our tax dollars, the litter pickup program. They picked up the multitudinous pounds of litter from our road, part of which is a North Carolina byway, just before Easter. You do a beautiful thing for us, and I appreciate it.

We live in a beautiful place by God's grace. Our roadsides are constantly assaulted by trash carelessly thrown out by those who seem not to care.

It may seem minor to them, but I wonder: How do they treat the rest of God's creations, friends, family, pets, wildlife, who also live here on this place?

Kitty Wells
Greensboro

I would like to discuss our country's health care system. Currently, there is talk about the possibility of socialized medicine in the United States.

I think it's about time.

Health care is now driven by the job you have. This leaves many children, families, and the elderly in a difficult situation.

As a social work student at UNCG, I have seen repercussions of this system. For the elderly on a fixed income, often the medication required leaps into the hundreds of dollars which is difficult for them to pay.

Cancer patients who do not have a job or had to leave their job because of their condition often do not have insurance. After being diagnosed, there is a five-year waiting period to receive more insurance if they are cancer free. Likewise, children with illnesses are often unable to afford medical care.

In a socialized medical society, everyone is viewed as equal and therefore is entitled to medical care. The systems in place in Europe and Canada have proven to be successful. While neither system is without flaws, if we are genuinely a country that prides itself on caring for our population, why do we continuously only take care of the wealthy in exclusion of the poor and middle class?

Rachel Vaughn
Greensboro

What's going on here? We live in the 21st century, yet the General Assembly is reverting back to the 1800s to "appease" the black community. For what? For something that occurred nearly 200 years ago? Now they're saying that's not enough, that there are numerous other injustices that black citizens can see.

What about injustices done to the Native Americans, to the homeless, returning Iraqi war vets, to those who need medical help from the Veterans Administration, legal immigrants, etc. Why shouldn't we apologize to these groups?

This whole apology thing is just going to open a Pandora's box. Give someone an inch and they'll take a mile.

Think of the deceiving, greed, lying and downright conniving that will take place -- especially when money gets added to the equation, i.e., New Orleans.

And, does the General Assembly think the state of North Carolina is responsible for low student scores, high infant mortality, or any other perceived ailments that befall a black person? Baloney.

The General Assembly should think about the ramifications of such a blanket policy and, more important, who qualifies for all these apologies and reparations? And, even more importantly, who will be in charge of this monumental task. Hmm?

C.K. Caldwell
Reidsville

I keep hearing reports from the troops that you war opponents want to force home before they can finish a hard-fought war. Their request is for your support and help to complete the job they are trying so hard to finish for us -- to protect this country they love.

If they want to stay and finish, who are you to stop them? Did you think about their feelings? They want to fight for our continued freedom and come home victorious.

If the writer who suggested we supporters go and live in Iraq for a while wants to go herself, she'll see how it will be here if the terrorists take over this country, if the troops aren't allowed the support they need. She'll be the one shocked.

Another writer asks if we have seen our country attacked since Sept. 11. Well?

Bush is trying to get the help our troops need and keep us from falling to terrorist demands. If you opponents get your way, we will lose our freedom and be forced to bow to a god of hatred, violence and their way of thinking.

Please. Stop sabotaging us.

Elizabeth Jones
Greensboro

As a pet owner, I am one of millions of people in this country who share the worry of wondering about the safety of pet foods. If this could happen with pet food, what about the human food supply chain?

I would be interested to know how (or if) the products used in the manufacture of human foods are monitored more closely, especially in this post-Sept. 11 world? How easy would it be for someone with ill intent to poison widely used ingredients by major processors or manufacturers of foods for human consumption?

Think about that.

Kim Case
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Meredith Millard

A recent article ("Connecting with students," April 3) outlined emerging technology that Guilford County schools would like to introduce into classrooms. This initiative is commendable because technological education will be a key factor in making our students successful in an increasingly global world.

Education Week gave North Carolina a "D" grade for results on "requiring or training teachers to use technology." I'm certain that I speak for many parents who have sought for years simply to have homework and class work assignments posted on the GCS Web site. While copying homework and project assignments is the ultimate responsibility of students, a parent unaware of requirements or due dates can't reinforce them.

I attended a fifth-grade parent-teachers meeting last year where a father expressed dismay that he had just learned that a major project was due three days hence. He asked why it was not posted on the Web site. The principal replied that electronic posting of assignments was absolutely not a GCS requirement, similar to not having a requirement for a teacher to have five days of prepared lesson plans. Perplexed parents left and set up a network to contact each other to confirm daily what the assignments were. I have had similar conversations with middle-school teachers. One teacher stated that she did not have the time to post assignments but that parents should feel free to call or e-mail anytime and she would promptly respond. If all 120 parents called or e-mailed her for assignments, she would probably find it beneficial to post assignments online.

Brown Summit Middle School consistently scores 20 points higher on end-of-grade tests. Assignments and projects are on most of the teachers' Web sites. One-third of the tests were taken by economically disadvantaged students, and they might not have access to the Internet. My limited experience is that almost every student has access to the Internet. Students still need to take responsibility for recording assignments, but parental oversight can only help reinforce that responsibility.

A famous ad states that "Parents are the anti-drug." Parents can also be the "anti-failure" measure, but we need information in order to ask appropriate questions of our children. High-tech innovations can only bring good things to our schools. If our teachers aren't trained and required to use already existing technology, we may be throwing precious additional financial resources away.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

The headline article in your April 8 edition about the Young Christians Children's Fund confirmed a nagging suspicion about charity organizations. The Better Business Bureau's reaction that they are encouraging anyone contacted by the fund not to donate is a pitifully weak position. They should vehemently condemn this organization and push for criminal intent investigation.

Unfortunately, because of ineffective policing, more and more people are becoming wary of donating to charity organizations. I know we are. Too bad for those doing good work as they all get painted with the same brush.

Nothing surprises me these days nor would reading some day that even a more hallowed organization is accused of misuse of funds as was the United Way several years ago. The wonderful American tradition of donating to the needy would be the unfortunate casualty.

K.R. Hunt
Greensboro

The Duke lacrosse case illustrates the scary fact that anyone can have their life changed forever based upon a lie. Another case didn't make the 24-hour cable news cycle, but is personal and eerily similar.

My close friend was falsely accused of sexual misconduct two years ago. His case went to trial and he was proved innocent. Justice was served, correct? Not exactly. He lost custody of his child for more than a year, incurred more than $200,000 of debt from legal fees and had to live in fear of potentially serving a 20-year prison sentence.

Meanwhile, his accuser walked away from the trial with no punishment and all legal fees paid by the state. Only now is he reclaiming his life and able to see his child, but he will have to deal with the enormous debt for decades.

Something is wrong with a justice system that allows a person to make such damaging false accusations without any consequences. I hope the Duke lacrosse players sue their accuser and other enablers like Mike Nifong in order to make someone think twice before destroying others lives with a lie.

Tom Imbus
Browns Summit

The following is a Counterpoint

By Diane McLaughlin

An item in your "Health & Family" column (Life section April 9) reports that the "stages of grief" are purported to "last about six months" according to a study completed at Yale University.

We should be cautious about generalizing this information to the public.

Grief is a normal reaction to a loss, and every journey through grief is different. Mourning the loss of a child is quite different from mourning a parent who has lived a full life.

Describing grief as occurring in stages is discouraged because grief does not follow a linear process as stages would suggest. Grief varies depending upon the relationship to the survivor, the nature of that relationship and multiple other factors.

Many a grieving person is doing his hardest grief work around the anniversary of the loss. Some find that they need counseling, not "treatment" (treatment suggests an illness), to work their way through some unresolved issues.

One of the most difficult problems for a grieving person is family members and co-workers who prematurely tell them that they should be over their loss and moving on. It requires time for a grieving person to incorporate the loss into their lives, ascribe meaning to the loss and eventually accept it.

There is no way to rush grief, and to attempt to do so is doing a disservice to the griever.

Diane McLaughlin, LCSW, is director of The Counseling and Education Center Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro.

Thanks are due to Stephen Prothero for pointing out that we are a nation of biblical illiterates (March 25) with only one out of three of us being able to name the four Gospels.

In 1941, I was pledgemaster of the SAE fraternity at LSU, and I put that question to 28 freshmen candidates for membership, offering them extra credit on a test they were taking if they could write the answer. I got far worse odds because only one of them could put down Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Attacks and ridicule on the Bible have been standard fare for centuries, and the result is the many churchgoers today who only want a "do good, feel good" religion -- the more entertainment and less Bible, the better.

Ability to understand the Bible requires the possession of two keys: salvation that results from strong Gospel preaching and the Holy Spirit's teaching ministry, which Jesus promised to his followers the night before his crucifixion (John 14:16).

Those who have the keys devour the Bible, know it well, and desire to hear it preached.

The Rev. Warwick Aiken Jr.
Eden

The writer is a retired Episcopal priest

It was with a sense of relief and mixed emotions that I had while reading that the Duke rape case is finally over. I have no legal background but the time it took to untangle all of the evidence, or lack of it, is truly incomprehensible to me.

I hope that Attorney General Roy Cooper's office has learned from this tragedy.

I further hope that safeguards are being put into place to decrease the probability that, as stated in the News & Record, "badly flawed prosecution" would ever happen again. A lot of hurt and harm has been endured; some may have permanent scars attached to their names.

The attorney general's office should be commended for a job well done -- a little late, but well done just the same.

This is a time for healing. I hope the young men falsely charged with those crimes can put this behind them while taking some valuable lessons with them as they move on with their lives.

I further hope the city of Durham can find some acceptable level of closure so tensions can subside and former relationships can be re-established.

Matt Dennison
Greensboro

I join countless others in shock and grief over the horrific massacre at Virginia Tech and pray for the families of the victims. But I must speak out again against our national tolerance of nearly unrestricted gun ownership.

In a country where it is easier in most states to buy a gun than to get an American Express card, such incidents are the "price" we implicitly are willing to pay for our interpretation of the Second Amendment. What ridiculous public policy.

If Mr. Cho had lived in Sweden, he probably would have used a knife, and perhaps 30 lives would have been spared.

Hopefully our prayers will offer some comfort to the bereaved, but unfortunately they will not prevent more such tragic incidents.

Keith Hoile
Greensboro

As a young boy growing up on a farm for part of my young years, I learned what it meant when someone referred to you as a horse's rear end. I had never seen it defined so well and demonstrated so well until I saw the television networks do the hatchet job on the Virginia Tech staff and the way they responded to the murders there this week.

It is unforgivable to blame them for something that one man hatched in his crazed mind.

You will see another demonstration of the horse's rear end definition as soon as Sen. Charles Schumer and Rep. Nancy Pelosi come out with their plan for preventing things like this. You can guess what it will be, but I will remind you that people have been killing each other since the beginning of time.

Only the weapons have changed, but the end result is the same.

Ken Sawyer
High Point

It was my pleasure and privilege to attend the regional final basketball game in Greensboro to watch the Rutgers women play. They were "pumped," and they played an exemplary game.

Players stood at attention during the National Anthem, and their behavior on and off the basketball court made me proud to be an American and a woman.

The degrading and insensitive remarks from Don Imus were, at best, deplorable. I found myself thinking, How would I have felt if one of these young women had been my daughter? There was a time when we were more gentle and kind.

Imus has spent years joking about sensitive issues, but I was always taught that joking at someone else's expense was never funny. Since Imus has now become the victim, maybe he will change his tune. Unfortunately, Imus is not alone. There are other broadcasters, hip-hoppers and media personalities who have forgotten what we learned in kindergarten: "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."

To the Scarlet Knights' young women and their coach, C. Vivian Stringer, all I can say is, "You go girls. Be proud."

Judy Gecinger
Jamestown

Concerning the recent zoning decision from the Guilford County Board of Commissioners to approve the "Proehlific Park" project, I would say that it once again points out that the commissioners are bought and sold by big business and Realtors.

With this board, it seems that neighborhoods' wishes will always lose out, as "money talks."

I agree that we need to set aside more areas where sports facilities are available for our youth, but a sports facility that charges $100 a month for membership will hardly benefit those who need it most.

If Proehl truly wants to give back to his community and establish a lasting "legacy," he would be donating this land to the county. Giving back means "giving," not profit.

The commissioners' attitude that the area is going to grow no matter what begs the question as to why we even have a Board of Commissioners if they are going to cave to the demands of big business on zoning issues.

Commissioners, please revisit your decision and reverse this decision for the people's sake.

David Benson
Greensboro

As parents, our children look at us as role models. We try to teach our children good morals and values. Most parents instill in their children the importance of staying sober. We tell them not to drink and drive, and if they drink, to do so responsibly.

I have run into some parents at school functions who do not stand behind what they are teaching their children. There is nothing wrong with taking that relaxing drink after work, but if you have to attend a school function after that drink, what example are we setting for our children? Are we telling them to do as I say and not as I do?

Our children watch what we do, be it good or bad. I have nothing against anyone who drinks, but when children are involved, we need to set a good example. Think before you drink, and remember your child may be watching.

Connie Pass
Summerfield

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Earl Inge

Those of us who were raised on a farm or around chickens all have witnessed what happens when a chicken becomes injured through some sort of misfortune. The other chickens seem to take particular delight in running in and pecking the victim incessantly, almost angrily.

The unfortunate chicken cannot defend itself and subsequently will die as those other chickens keep up their attack, literally pecking the injured chicken to death.

With the attacks the talking heads and so-called experts are making on the administration of Virginia Tech for the tragedy on Monday, I was reminded of the primitive way chickens can peck a defenseless community member to death. Everybody is running in, taking cheap shots and pecking at the university's president, Dr. Charles Steger, all proclaiming that they would have done it the intelligent way, not the way it happened.

The truth of the matter is nobody can know how he would react in those particular circumstances unless it were to happen to him. It is so easy to make themselves feel important to sneak in, take a peck or two and yell to the world how intelligent they are.
A chicken's brain is about the size of a marble, and it makes you wonder what makes it want to peck another chicken to death. The human brain is many times larger, but the same characteristic is strangely present.

Sadly, the size of the brain has nothing to do with the insidious and primal force within people (and chickens) who feel it necessary to run in and peck away. (Sound a lot like the two "reverends" in the Imus incident?) Seems to me our society has not advanced much beyond primitive chicken barnyards.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

In Kathleen Parker's column, "Best to ignore chocolate Jesus" (April 5), she slanders the name of our Lord and Savior, in a week that His passion and death are remembered and mourned and His resurrection is joyfully celebrated. Why should good Catholics be "calmed down"?

This attack by Parker on the Catholic League leader Bill Donohue for protesting this sacrilegious "work of art" during Holy Week is preposterous, to say the least.

I, myself, am Christian Roman Catholic as is Bill Donohue. Those of us who are of the Christian Roman Catholic faith should be upset and protest appropriately any act of desecration or disrespect to the Holy name of Jesus.

Three cheers for Donohue. He went about his protest quietly and moderately when he approached the hotel in their pocketbook. It appears that secular progressives have respect only for their own god called money and profit.

In response to Parker's statement that "the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob probably doesn't get his feelings hurt over a chocolate nose-thumbing," does she remember the first of the Ten Commandments: "Thou shall not have any false gods before me; I am The Lord your God."

Robert O'Brien Jr.
Asheboro

Almost a year ago to the day, a request to re-zone the corners of Gardenlake Drive and New Garden Road was on the table and was turned down by our commissioners. We were very much against the request and as it turns out, the commissioners agreed with us that time.

It seems that a drugstore chain finds that corner to be irresistible, but the commissioners felt, as we did, that a 24-hour retail operation was not appropriate for the entrance to a residential subdivision across the street from a park and an elementary school, and was against the city's own plans for development.

This time, they approved an even worse plan. The same developer hired an attorney and came back with even more retail, but, supposedly, addressed our concerns with some townhomes and condos behind the retail to transition into our neighborhood and had the audacity to insinuate that because we came to his meeting to discuss the plan that we were in agreement.

We are not. There is more than enough commercial and retail down the street.

Why do our appointed and elected officials continue to perpetuate this hideous sprawl at the expense of our neighborhoods and communities?

Rhonda Strader
Greensboro

"Power to Peeps," "Newspapers into Seed Pots," "Backup Singers For 'Idol',""“Smith's Journals." These are just a few of the items on the front pages of the News & Record in recent days.

Where can I find the one news item which should concern your readership the most?

Where is the list of American men and women who have died in Iraq or Afghanistan?

Or the number of wounded?

Each day I look for this information and usually find it under "World" news anywhere from page A15 to B3. The people who die or are wounded serving our country deserve better from your newspaper. This is not "world" news to be buried away ... this is American news and should be on the front page of every newspaper in America every day.

Please reconsider your treatment of this vital information.

Rosemary Warr
Trinity

The Guilford Center is saddened by the shootings that occurred on April 16 on the Virginia Tech campus. The gunman was reported to have shown signs of a mental health crisis and a prior episode of depression.

The public needs to know that violent behavior is not a typical symptom of depression.

Tragic events affect all of us. It is normal to respond with feelings of anxiety, helplessness and anger. A good way to deal with these emotions is to talk with others who might be sharing the same feelings.

Emotions can become overwhelming. It is important to know that there is someone to turn to if this occurs.

The Guilford Center's toll-free telephone information and referral service at 1-800-853-5163 is available any time, day or night. (1-866-518-6778 is the TTY number for deaf and hard of hearing consumers.)

Anyone having thoughts of harming him or herself, or others, needs the immediate assistance of a qualified mental health professional. The center operates 24-hour crisis/emergency services at 201 N. Eugene St. in Greensboro. High Point area consumers can find help during business hours at our High Point center, or after hours and on weekends at High Point Regional Health System.

Larry Ray, M. D.
Greensboro

The writer is medical director, the Guilford Center.

In the past several months I have had two close encounters with bicycles.

Both were when it was dark; one at night, the other pre-dawn. Neither had a lighted lamp in front.

There are many more bicycles on the road now and something needs to be done to protect them and drivers of cars.

The police department provided me with the statute requiring lighted equipment on bicycles that share the road with cars.

It reads: "Every bicycle shall be equipped with a lighted lamp on the front thereof, visible under normal atmospheric conditions from a distance of at least 300 feet in front of such bicycle and shall also be equipped with a reflex mirror or lamp on the rear, exhibiting a red light visible under like conditions from a distance of at least 200 feet of such bicycle when used at night."

Theresa Hansen
Greensboro

In response to Barbara Brimmage's recent letter ("Bush faces challenges only God can overcome," April 11), demonstrating her lack of understanding of the growing condemnation of George Bush, I offer the following:

For six years running, Bush and his administration have misled and frustrated the will of the American people on issues central to our values. We've seen our government playing a role in torturing people. We've seen people at the highest levels of our government willingly expose us to illegal government spying and eagerly acting to deny people the right of habeas corpus and due process.

Most recently, we've learned that Bush's Attorney General Gonzales and the FBI have failed their constitutional responsibilities by abusing the Patriot Act's National Security Letter provision, resulting in the FBI illegally obtaining personal information on innocent Americans without any form of judicial review.

Add these abuses of our Constitution to the Iraq debacle, and you find an outraged citizenry of all parties.

Robert Mersereau
Greensboro

Our political system is badly skewed, in my opinion.

The endless length of time spent electioneering before the presidential election, and the obscene amount of money collected by all presidential aspirants of both parties represent a failure of our democratic process.

I realize that we cannot compare our geographically large nation to the United Kingdom, but surely we could take some leaves out of their book and reduce the amounts of time and money expended to select our choices for the presidency in 2008 and beyond.

Harriet Folley
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Addison Ore

Get Real. Get Tested.

Four simple but powerful words that could go a long way in helping to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS in North Carolina.

Get Real. Get Tested is a statewide HIV education and testing campaign that was initiated last fall by the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. The mission of the campaign is to test people for HIV who have never been tested before, identify people living with HIV/AIDS who need care, and educate the general public about HIV/AIDS.

The clear message of the campaign is that if you are sexually active, you should know your status and know the HIV status of your partner(s). The campaign's messages are consistent with new Centers for Disease Control HIV counseling and testing guidelines.

Critics may debate these new guidelines, but the facts support more extensive testing. An estimated 30,000 North Carolinians are infected with HIV. A quarter of these people are unaware of their infection. Over the past few years, North Carolina has averaged about 1,700 new HIV/AIDS reports annually. HIV/AIDS is not going away.

Increased testing and early referral to care should be important to all North Carolinians. People who know they are infected with HIV have the opportunity to take advantage of therapies that can keep them healthy and allow them to live longer lives. They also can access prevention information to protect their sex partners from becoming infected.

Get Real. Get Tested events in Fayetteville and Raleigh/Durham have tested more than 500 people. This weekend (April 20, 21), the campaign comes to Greensboro/High Point. Local community-based organizations and volunteers will work with the state and the Guilford County Department of Public Health towards the goal of testing more than 350 persons.

Testing teams will operate out of command centers strategically selected for high HIV morbidity rates. Teams will go door to door in some neighborhoods to do testing. This is an all-out assault on HIV/AIDS.

The adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure certainly rings true when applied to HIV/AIDS. Every case of HIV that is prevented will save health care costs in excess of $600,000 over the course of the 24 years that an HIV/AIDS patient can now expect to live.

As State Health Director Leah Devlin recently said, "Everyone in North Carolina needs to realize that HIV prevention is their issue."

Get real. Get tested.

The writer is executive director, Triad Health Project.

The costs of acting like an empire show up in how our income tax dollars are spent. We need to follow our money. Thirty nine cents of every income tax dollar goes for military spending. This is the lowest estimate, from National Priorities, which doesn't include, for example, $17 billion for nuclear bombs in the Energy Department's budget.

Only half a penny from each dollar goes to energy conservation, which could prevent more foreign policy disasters like our war in Iraq. Two cents of each income tax dollar, $36.6 billion total, goes for housing assistance. Yet, homeowners with incomes of more than $100,000 who have mortgages get $47 billion in reduced taxes. This gets more upsetting if you have seen any pictures lately of housing needs in New Orleans.

We can be the empire that fights endlessly as it decays at the core, or we can learn where our money goes and insist on a change?

Anne Cassebaum
Elon

Apparently, this was not the first time that "shock-jock" Don Imus has engaged in such deprecating and abusive comments. His recent description of the Rutgers ladies basketball team were then true to form -- no surprise there. But, the history of his behavior makes a mockery of his apologies to these young champions.

It is unfortunate that we -- listeners, readers, media and advertisers -- have tolerated this behavior this long. It is not up to the media, or the FCC, to police this. It is up to us, as both customers of the media and consumers of advertised goods and services.

It starts with one -- one listener, one consumer. I never have been a listener of Imus’s show. But I am a consumer, so I would expect advertisers of conscience to abandon Mr. Imus, as they eventually did. It appears that one may have become many, for both CBS and MSNBC pulled their support of the Don Imus show.

Maybe civility has a chance to survive after all.

Jim Kennedy
Greensboro

I am writing to highlight the lack of concern the George W. Bush regime has for the remains of those brave, fallen soldiers who gave their lives for this country. I was sickened to my stomach when I read how they were not being met by an honor guard and, most of all, how their remains were treated.

These soldiers' flag-draped caskets were removed by an ordinary ground crew -- which in many cases used a forklift to unload their remains from the airplanes.

The president sends them off to war. They make the ultimate sacrifice; then their remains are treated with no respect. I applaud John Holley, who lost a son in the war, for deciding the buck was going to stop with him and for seeing to it that the government would meet them with an honor guard.

Because of this brave man's regard for his own son's remains, countless fallen soldiers will now be given respect. God bless you, Mr. Holley, for looking out for those who can no longer speak for themselves.

Ray Miller
Greensboro

As a second-year student in the Joint Master of Social Work program between N.C. A&T and UNCG, I am writing to seek support from our local legislators for HB 937 and SB 863. These bills seek to expand the N.C. Child Welfare Education Collaborative, which would strengthen public child welfare services by training and employing more qualified workers in local social services departments.

We are facing a statewide turnover rate greater than 30 percent so it is crucial that we have trained professionals to work with our children.

Adrienne Turner
Greensboro

School shootings happen with such regularity now that murderers must set new records to truly shock us. The recent, horrible tragedy at Virginia Tech proves yet again that a huge pool of defenseless victims is created whenever and wherever gun prohibition is enforced.

Any of those 32 now dead might have cut short that killer's rampage had they been permitted the tools to do so. There has never been a more critical time to review why gun laws do not work. It is painfully obvious that gun laws did nothing to protect anyone in the Virginia school shootings, and that people's right to defend themselves from lunatics like this should never be infringed.

"Gun control" legislation may make people feel safer, but its ultimate effect will be to create more victims and increase the frequency and severity of such tragedies as this most recent school shooting.

Christopher LaFortuna
High Point

Lester Dyson asked, "Have we been attacked by terrorists in this country since we went to war?"

Is it any better because our brothers and sisters in other countries felt the wrath brought on by the war? Is it any better because our men and women are being killed on foreign land?

Is it any better because innocent Iraqi women, men and children are being killed and maimed by the thousands? Is it any better because men and women are lying in hospitals with limbs blown off, psychiatric problems, families' lives destroyed for life, but no -- the terrorists didn't do it on our grounds, they just did it elsewhere due to the war. Whoopee. That doesn't count.

I am still waiting for the day when the Americans will be greeted by parades and flowers in the streets, mission accomplished.

Bush will not talk with anyone who doesn't agree with him. We just show our weight and tell them to bring it on, my way or hit the highway
.
May God have mercy on anyone who thinks someone else's life is worth less than an American's.

Olga Coble
Liberty

What was it about that first shooting at Virginia Tech that allowed the campus to remain calm enough for the killer to walk to the post office, mail a package, return to campus two hours later and kill another 30 people?

Was it that the first shooting was presumed to be "domestic," as was originally reported, or that it was violence against a woman? Whatever it was, it was reason enough for university administrators and police to fail to take it seriously.

Julia Nile
Greensboro

I didn't agree with him on much, but Jimmy Carter got it right in 1976 when he said, "Our income tax system is a disgrace to the human race." After 30 years, our tax system is much worse now.

The big issue is not whether you owe or get a refund; it is that our 67,204 indecipherable pages of tax code are out of control.

While Joe Taxpayer sweats over deductions, special-interest groups enjoy loopholes, earmarks and political favors at our expense. Tax season is a good time to call on our elected representatives to scrap the current system and replace it with something that works: a simple, fair and flat tax code that respects us.

With a flat tax we could save billions of hours and hundreds of billions of dollars by simplifying our code. With no more loopholes, itemizing or worrying about the alternative minimum tax, we could file our taxes in minutes. A flat tax would allow a personal deduction for everyone so families could take care of themselves before paying the government.

As the presidential primary season heats up, I would like to know if the candidates stand with the lobbyists or the taxpayers.

Joyce Krawiec
Kernersville

Apology accepted. I thank the state Legislature for apologizing to me for my ancestors being held in slavery.

My earliest known ancestor was Patrick McAtee. He was brought over from Ireland around 1680 as a slave to an aristocratic family in Maryland. My family has been waiting a long time for this apology. Now, where do I line up for the reparations?

Mac McAtee
Oak Ridge

OK, so Imus "apologized" for his stupidity. Now we are all holding our collective breath to hear Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson do the "mea culpa" bit.

After all, they rushed to judgment on the Duke lacrosse players. Is it not "racist" to refer to those players as "rich, white, well-to- do ..."?

Give credit to the players' parents that they didn't use the term "racism" regarding the trumped-up charges of rape.

Also, don't hate people because they made something of themselves and have the means to defend themselves. Did it ever occur to the crybabies of this world that many people work hard to get an education that permits them to earn a decent salary?

Pick yourself up, stop crying and work your butts off like so many of us have and without the benefit of "grants" and "affirmative action."

Eileen Thiery
Stokesdale

The following is a Counterpoint:

By the Rev. Jesse Bledsoe

After 28 years of ministry, I am blessed to pastor a most wonderful congregation. Buffalo Presbyterian Church of the Presbyterian Church/USA has approximately 330 members and growing. Twenty-six of these members are African American, but the members do not see each other by skin color. We are brothers and sisters in a loving family.

We believe that in Christ there is no Jew nor Greek, bond nor free, male or female, and no black or white. Our congregation believes Jesus is Lord; the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are given by inspiration of God and they, and they only, constitute the divine rule of Christian faith and practice.

We also believe in holiness in life. Holiness inspires us to live lives obedient to God, loving others, and seeking to walk as Jesus walked. Our faith prompts us to be kind, one to another; tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God, for Christ's sake, has forgiven us.

There is plenty of blame to go around for the horror of that bleak day in 1979. My personal conviction is that living my faith, loving all people, forgiving those who have wronged me, and seeking forgiveness from those whom I have personally wronged will accomplish far more than words uttered by an organization that was not even involved in the events to begin with.

We are to live in a loving, forgiving present, in order to give all children hope for a better future in our city.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

The year I moved to Greensboro, 2000, I lamented my loss of the great architecture I was used to. I'm a Chicago native and then lived in New York. But magnificent trees and lush wooded areas around the neighborhoods offered a measure of compensation.

In a scant seven years, Greensboro has become a veritable Six Flags Great America (amusement park), from the perspective of an automobile passenger on the local roads turned into major highways through this small town, punctuated by slashing strip malls and intrusive shopping centers. What's left? Fewer natural areas among the residences, and the rest of town resembles an untended backyard.

A large turkey, a young deer and its mother recently ran across my apartment's front stoop. I realized the developers were even closer.

Is there an effective way to stop the developers' madness?

Reva Moore
Greensboro

Jennifer Morgan's letter of April 15 provided a disturbing glimpse into the hypocrisy and intolerance many in society have for those who differ from the norms established by mainstream society, either in their appearance or in their religious beliefs.

To those of us not blinded by our ignorance of that which we do not or cannot understand, the God of Christianity is a god of love. He does not chastise others for their differences and certainly does not use the innocence of youth as an opportunity to spread hatred and prejudicial ideologies.

True Christians embrace and celebrate the diversity that makes all of us who we are as individuals. As adults, it is our obligation to teach our children as well as ourselves to respect and embrace physical, socioeconomic and racial diversity.

Our children are our legacy, and if we teach our children to hate something or a group of people whom we label as being "not of God" simply because they choose to worship freely, then we have assured them a future darkened by unjustified ignorance and hatred.

Benjamin Fair
Greensboro

I am a tenant at the 804 Green Valley Road complex of Starmount Co. It has been a real pleasure to drive to work each morning and see the beautiful landscaping at all the Starmount Co. locations. It has also been a pleasure working with all the maintenance personnel.

I hope the next company will continue the fine work that Starmount Co. has always done.

Ada Nelson
Greensboro

There are two types of majorities. One can be counted and the other is a standard -- for truth, beauty, justice, intelligence, acceptability and, oh yes, talent. They are often embodied in the same group.

Harvard law professor Lani Guinier, author of "The Tyranny of the Majority," says this is risky business in a democracy. Being the majority gives us a sense of entitlement, and what better way to encourage it than by creating situations where we are the majority? They allow us to solve problems by majority rule rather than logical discourse. Like kids on a playground, we get to settle squabbles by the number of friends who share our point of view. But being the majority does not make us right; it just makes us think we are.

Poor Don Imus never learned this. Maybe now he will. If nothing else, his troubles show us that when morality is not enough, we can still count on money ("Don Imus loses CBS job in stunning fall,"News and Record, April 13).

Richard A. Davis
Pfafftown

Mexican trucks should be searched at their point of entry into the United States to make sure they are bringing merchandise, not illegal immigrants and illegal drugs.

Also, Mexican truck drivers must observe the same laws that U.S. truck drivers obey regarding maximum hours that can be driven, etc.

Edna Landon
Greensboro

The recent dismissal of all charges against the Duke lacrosse players is great. Now let's prosecute everyone who tried to "hang" these innocent men. Mike Nifong, Crystal Mangum and whoever else was involved in the plan to play the race card against these men should have to pay for their scheme.

Richard Vanderford
Siler City

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Len Docimo

Two recent articles seem unrelated until they are placed next to each other. Then their relationship becomes apparent.

The first ("Blacks push Georgia slavery apology") talks about the very slow-moving bandwagon to have Southern state legislatures (and a menagerie of other groups) apologize for their role in slavery. "By asking Georgia to apologize," Edward DuBose of the Georgia NAACP says, "we're asking it to assume responsibility."

Would a sincere apology be sufficient? Or is DuBose looking for something more -- like reparations? If the response is unclear, how sincere can the apology really be?

The second article is a column by Clarence Page, who will surely be verbally abused by the black "leadership" for his face-the-facts challenge to those same self-ascribed leaders when he says: "White racism is not the biggest problem holding back the advancement of people of color" today. It is easier to holler from the stands than to call signals down on the field.

The April 5 News & Record put forth two more arguments for apologies: one a Counterpoint; the other an editorial. Both articles called for apologies without telling us what the response would be.

All four articles, taken separately, will continue to breathe life into daily assertions of ongoing white racism. What we people of color need to do is combine the two: Every state, corporation and organization that benefited from or supported slavery should apologize in an open and sincere way. In exchange, the African American community should accept the apology and offer forgiveness. The knee-jerk cry of racism would be reserved for actual, provable situations.

The result? Like Page says, Americans could then focus our energies on wiping out the test score gaps in our education system. No Child Left Behind would have active support instead of verbal criticism.

The impact would be tremendous: Reduce the education gap and you reduce teen crime. Reduce teen crime and you reduce the growing prison population. Reduce the prison population and you increase employment. Increase employment and you increase income and family stability.

Page calls it a victory for the equal rights revolution. I call it a victory for all of us.

The writer lives in High Point.

I can appreciate Guilford County Schools Superintendent Terry Grier's recent idea to develop an aviation academy in light of the recent economic development provided by HondaJet. Unfortunately, I am inclined to believe it is simply another newsworthy sound bite given in an effort to display some extraordinary insight by the school system. Such a program would be very costly.

Also, the real need would be for aviation mechanics and technicians, not pilots. So why would some pilot training be included?

More importantly, to even consider such new initiatives and learning paths, would it not require that existing facilities and curricula are adequately resourced and performing at or above standards? This is definitely not the case where overflowing and aging facilities are crumbling from lack of basic maintenance and services and, in some cases, additionally saddled with inept administration.

TV commercials notwithstanding, I would ask that the school board, parents, county commissioners and taxpayers ask if our tax monies are being spent most effectively for educating our children and young adults. And for our future.

T.L. Kornegay
Greensboro

As a resident of southeast Guilford County, I want to express opposition to the proposed asphalt plant on Liberty Road. This location is a predominantly residential area with houses across the street and a manufactured-home community right next door.

There are already three businesses in this area that generate hundreds of trucks daily on Liberty Road. Large trucks going to and from these businesses are taking shortcuts through our residential neighborhoods and speeding down Liberty Road.

This asphalt plant will not in any way be an asset to our community. Based on our research, residents believe it will have a negative effect on our quality of life, reduce our property values and endanger lives.

To the members of the Guilford County Planning Board, I urge you to vote against the rezoning of this property. To the citizens of this area, please show your opposition by attending the Planning Board meeting on May 9.

Rene Staley
Greensboro

It was interesting to note that in this newspaper's reporting of the tragic deaths at Virginia Tech, one article continued a legacy of racist coverage that damages us all.

That sidebar article (April 17) on other mass killings and fatal shootings at colleges in recent years left out some significant campus deaths. Three unarmed African American students at S.C. State in Orangeburg, S.C., were shot to death and another 27 wounded on Feb. 8, 1968, during nonviolent demonstrations to integrate a bowling alley.

Two African American students -- one a high school student taking a shortcut through the campus -- were shot and killed at Jackson State University in Jackson, Miss., and another 12 wounded on May 15, 1970, during protests around conditions on campus and the Vietnam War. This was just 11 days after the noted killings of four students at Kent State University.

These multiple deaths are as important as the deaths of white students you listed. Is it that they have been expunged from our collective memories, or did they never lodge there as the news reporting of them left the events then unnoticed and now unnoted?

As a society, we need to do better in recognizing the importance of all humanity.

Ed Whitfield
Greensboro

By broadcasting bits of the video mailed to it by the Virginia Tech killer, NBC decided to give this sick person another piece of the "victory" he obviously craved. Now, he has achieved Internet immortality.

NBC has set a dangerous precedent, basically following the orders of a psychopath. From this point on, every mass killer who decides to go hunting humans will send his video to NBC, certain that the network will fear bad ratings more than the rage of victims' families and survivors.

I'm reminded of the death of Steve Irwin, the Australian Crocodile Hunter. When a stingray killed him, his company took the video, handed it to the authorities for their investigation, and, out of consideration for the feelings of his family, vowed never to release it to the public.

Such a difference we see here in America!

NBC says it "carefully considered" the idea of showing this stuff to the public. Did NBC bother to contact a single victim's family to discuss this with them? I expect it never occurred to anyone at NBC.

If this is the care NBC takes with such a clearly bad idea, what sort of trust does it deserve with anything else?

Eric Harrington
Greensboro

What is served by giving airtime to the video Cho Seung-Hui made between his episodes of carnage?

One argument puts forth that it is "newsworthy." By his citing of the Columbine incident, one would think that there is ample evidence that giving glory and fame to lunatics only adds fuel to other troubled souls with visions of violence.

It is disturbing to think that there appear to be no limits to what the media choose to air. Notwithstanding the significant grief this additional assault must be causing those already-suffering friends and families of the victims, is there no line, no balance to be struck between "newsworthiness" and decency?

Kim Leipham-Freedman
Greensboro

Every 90 minutes someone in the United States is diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), and every 90 minutes someone dies from this disease. As many as 30,000 Americans currently suffer from ALS.

Although ALS is not as prevalent as cancer, heart disease, etc., it is just as devastating to people with it and their families. Since this disease is relatively rare, not much money is allotted to research.

On June 9, there will be a "Walk to D'feet ALS" at Center City Park in downtown Greensboro. Last year at the ALS walk in Charlotte there was little media coverage. Therefore, we need to establish different ways to make people aware of the disease and what they can do to help. If you cannot walk, donate. If you cannot donate, walk. We need all the support we can get to defeat this devastating disease.

Ashley Shelton
Greensboro

It's not surprising that Robert Peters' letter concerning the Greensboro Truth and Reconciliation Commission (April 11) was so self-serving. After all, he was co-chairman and, I'm sure, put significant time and effort into its mission. However, I recall many influential leaders and citizens of the area advising this ill-founded group not to pursue its endeavor in the first place. Now those same wise persons refuse to consider the commission's findings, and those who participated in the failed effort are upset.

Peters offers quotes about "the past" and how it relates to the present. I prefer the opinion of a 100-year-old nun who, asked to what she attributed her long life, replied: "The past is dear, but it is dead."

The incident that day was deliberately carried out by two vile organizations, neither of which deserved even the smallest amount of attention from the police or anybody. Both knew what they were doing, and events turned out pretty much as planned (yes, the CWP wanted martyrs).

This whole situation reminds me of a dog that has found a carcass. It loves to roll around in the stinking, rotting flesh.

Philip Johnson
Siler City

An asphalt plant? Here?

That's right. An asphalt company is planning to build a huge plant on Liberty Road. This lot abuts a trailer park. People live there. It's outrageous!

But first the asphalt company must get this parcel of land rezoned from a residential site to "heavy industrial" use. It is going before the zoning board on May 9 to get approval.
Come out and stop this atrocity.

Cynthia Wassong
Greensboro

I am writing in regard to the future of Greensboro's City Arts Dance program. Our city manager has suggested that this program be privatized. I implore the City Council not to allow this.

My daughter has been with the program since the age of 4. Six years and four recitals later, she has learned the fundamentals of dance in a diverse atmosphere with an affordable price tag. When she began this program, she was a shy young girl. Now she is outgoing and aspires to one day give a solo performance. This program has laid a foundation for my child to grow as a performer and as a well-rounded, active community member.

Privatizing this program would be a huge mistake, not only for the young dancers who have gained knowledge and confidence by participating in it, but also for the city. Privatization would likely result in an increase in prices, thereby discouraging the participants who rely on such an affordable program.

I value programs that benefit our children, like City Arts Dance. I only hope that the City Council will do what is best for our community.

Kara Milton
Greensboro

I oppose rezoning the corner of Lawndale and Lake Jeanette Road.

The stretch of roads along Lawndale and eastward along Lake Jeanette is a stable residential area dotted with middle-income communities. Heavy weekday work traffic exists but does not affect the quality and makeup of our neighborhood. Country Park and the Natural Science Center have main entrances on Lawndale near this intersection. Hikers, bikers, parents, grandparents, kids and grandkids from all over Greensboro traverse roads and paths here daily. All want the same thing: a nice place to live and raise kids away from commercial enterprise.

For years, I've watched other areas of Greensboro transform from "nice residential neighborhoods" to congested, overbuilt, fast-food/business-park sprawl with residential communities smothered in between. Politicians and lawyers who represent interests of landowners and developers tell us, "Rezoning one parcel won't affect the zoning of surrounding land in the future." Not true. Changing the zoning of one corner opens Pandora's box. Rezoning would change our community forever.

I say no. Enough. To the builders I say, find another corner for your "architecturally aesthetic" mall, which is akin to having a gold ring in a pig's nose. We do not want it!

Susan H. Bower
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Gail Williams

As a former board member of the Humane Society of Guilford County, I was both saddened and angered to learn recently that the Piedmont Community Spay/Neuter and Wellness Clinic is soon to be no more.

I have seven pets that I take there for annual checkups. I love my animals and believe in providing them the best possible care. I take them to the clinic for annual boosters, yet I have a private vet who provides services beyond shots and wellness visits. Without the clinic’s services, I could not have rescued so many animals and given them proper care.

Fortunately, the veterinarian who had the vision of helping Guilford County become a no-kill community, Dr. Jeff Corville, will be moving his practice to another location in June. And, you can bet I will still utilize his services while visiting my other vet for major procedures.

I just have to question the motives of the current board. Why uproot an established facility that has done a tremendous service for the county in an effort to reduce the pet population? What animal group could possibly think this is a good move?

Of whom are they afraid? Local vets in town?

Most clients who take their pets there would never frequent a vet otherwise or, as in my case, be able to afford them were it not for the services provided by the Piedmont Spay/Neuter and Wellness Clinic.

If you have not visited the facility, it is worth your time. Never have I been in there when the waiting room was not packed with a roomful of pet owners patiently waiting to see Dr. Jeff or Dr. Rob.

Kudos to those who really care about the animals.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

When a suicide bomber recently penetrated Baghdad's Green Zone and jump-started eternity for some unwitting diners in the parliamentary cafeteria, I knew that George W. Bush's response would include the president's favorite word.

He did not disappoint. There it was: "democracy"” ("Bush: Bomber struck a symbol of democracy," News & Record, April 13).

Mr. Bush talks incessantly about democracy. Over the last four years, he has shed oceans of others peoples' blood in his quest for democracy.

Democracy is anathema to the plan of government elaborated in the document Mr. Bush solemnly has sworn to preserve, protect and defend.

Given the name of his political party, Mr. Bush exhibits a curious hole in his vocabulary.

Our president lately has expressed an interest in books. Perhaps, in retirement, he can pursue that interest. Perhaps he can persuade Laura to read to him aloud some books that explain the concept of a republic.

Barney W. Hill
Thomasville

Regarding the column by Robert Peters, "Surprised by council's rejection" (April 11):
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission was a waste of time, money and energy. The driving force behind this study was likely some of the same people who helped initiate the confrontation and the shootings. They really ended up getting what they asked for.

The Communist Workers Party had already had a confrontation with the Klan in China Grove. What else could they expect when they dared the Klan to show up at a "death to the Klan" march. I was living in Greensboro during this event, and I felt that we should have given the Klan, the Nazis and the Communist Workers Party all the guns and ammo they needed, put them in the coliseum and barred the doors and let them have a shootout.

Greensboro might have been a better place.

Bob Ayers
Greensboro

Jennifer Morgan's letter (April 15) left me pitying her. Demonizing others' religious beliefs, as she did, calling Wicca "evil" and "not of God," showed a shocking display of her own religious ignorance and naked prejudice. That she lacked the most elemental attributes of her own "faith" was astonishingly evident.

Morgan (presumably Christian) sneeringly condemned Wiccans. Interestingly, there's nothing Christ-like about her letter.

While Christ admonished His followers to "judge not, lest thou be judged," Morgan judged Wiccans as evil. And though Christ's Second Commandment was to "love thy neighbor," Morgan is happily planting seeds of prejudice into her daughter's soul while teaching her "what not to believe in."

What does Morgan know of Wicca beyond some newspaper article? Nothing, it would seem. And this is precisely the point.

Teaching her daughter about her own faith is laudable. Teaching her to be prejudiced against others whose faith is different, however, seems psychologically abusive.

Ignorance begets prejudice, and prejudice begets hate. Does Morgan want a daughter who hates non-Christians?

Wicca is a beautiful faith, full of ritual, reverence and spirit. Its main tenet is: "An' thou harm none, do as ye will."

Robert Healy
High Point

On Thursday April 5, just before the close of business before the long Easter weekend, Secretary of Health and Human Services Carmen Hooker Odom announced that Medicaid reimbursement for community support services would be reduced by a third. These critical services fill in the gaps for mentally ill clients and help promote life skills and independent living. Without community support, many will end up struggling to maintain stability at work, at home and in the community.

Communities across the state have felt the impact already. Less than a week after the secretary's decision, one of the Triad's largest community support agencies had already begun reducing staff. Without the funding, agencies cannot cover the costs of services.

Clients with serious mental health and substance abuse problems may simply be out of luck. A recent state audit apparently revealed that some agencies were abusing the system and overcharging the state, but should everyone (especially the people served) be punished? There are many agencies that provide quality services on which people depend. Secretary Hooker Odom should immediately re-evaluate the fee schedule to ensure that North Carolina's most vulnerable citizens receive the care they need.

Todd O'Boyle
Jay Poole
Greensboro

It's been months, going on years, since I wrote U.S. Rep. Brad Miller on separate dates about separate subjects.

When I didn't hear from him, I called his office several times but got no information.

Since I am new in North Carolina, I was writing to get information and ask him to support a piece of legislation.

I also wrote Rep. Sue Myrick twice in 2005, asking her to support a bill.

I sent one letter to her Gastonia office and another to Charlotte after calling her office to make sure I had the right address, since she didn't answer the first letter.

My most recent letter was to Sen. Elizabeth Dole. Several months have gone by and I haven't heard from her, either.

What is going on here in North Carolina? I'm from Michigan, and when I wrote my elected representatives there, I always received an answer.

Nan Faram
Greensboro

Regarding the letter "Wiccans are not of God" (April 15):

Jennifer Morgan displays, yet again, the bigoted intolerance I see in many so-called "Christians." So many of the "Christians" I meet are racist, war-supporting, intolerant people.

It's no wonder the younger generations are turning away from their churches. My wife and I have very close friends who practice this religion. They also work to better their community by dedicating time to teach children, raising money for cancer research and the humane society and caring for the environment and the world around them.

Just what we need is another close-minded mother raising her child to be intolerant of others beliefs and growing up to think that anyone who doesn't practice her religion is "evil."

This will most certainly make the world a better place.

Tom Wyble
Summerfield

Well, congratulations for stooping to a new journalistic low -- affording a twisted and warped individual capable of committing mass murder the publicity platform he desired.

I am sickened and wish you would have had the integrity to publish instead a front-page photo spread and story about the precious lives cut short by his senseless act.

So, you may have sold more papers running the depraved photo you chose. My question is, did you help to make the world a better place today?

Maura Barber
Greensboro

A News & Record editorial in late March announcing the new president of Bennett College called her "a seasoned, forceful speaker" who is "equally comfortable in front of large audiences and television cameras."

Indeed, Julianne Malveaux appears to be comfortable and forceful speaking on topics, even when she doesn't know the facts.

Recently, after the North Carolina attorney general declared the Duke lacrosse defendants innocent, Malveaux said on NPR, "Those kids don't deserve an apology. They hired strippers. ... They were known for hooliganistic behavior. … So, no, they don't deserve any apologies at all. ...

"Something happened to this woman and she deserves a lot of our compassion."

If "hooliganistic behavior" refers to drinking, perhaps in excess, that may be true. However, an investigation showed them to be respectful young men and very good students.

Yes, "something" did happen but not the "something" that Malveaux suggests. A disturbed young lady made a false claim of rape. These young men have been slandered for more than a year and it's time to stop.

That someone in Malveaux's position would speak with such authority about a topic that she obviously has no knowledge of is just very sad.

Beth Brewer
Durham

The citizens of North Carolina need access to quality health care providers. Nurse practitioners (NP) are one such option, providing quality, economical care.

As an experienced registered nurse (RN) and an NP student, I am writing to express my views about an issue concerning NPs. The public probably is not aware that the N.C. Board of Nursing and Board of Medicine jointly regulate NPs.

Because nursing and medicine have different scopes of practice and are different health care professions, each board should oversee its own profession and only its own profession. I support the recommendation that the N.C. Board of Nursing solely govern NPs.

Recently, the Board of Medicine tried to impede the licensure of more than 30 NPs in North Carolina. This action caused discord between nurses and physicians. It is unfortunate that disagreement instead of collaboration exists between the two groups.

I urge concerned citizens to voice their views to their legislators and request support of all efforts to name the N.C. Board of Nursing as the sole authority to govern, license and discipline NPs, thereby helping to support the uniqueness of each profession and remove barriers to delivering care to North Carolina citizens.

Constance A. Gilet
Greensboro

The writer is a nurse practitioner student at UNC-Chapel Hill.

After the tragic Virginia Tech massacre, the need for stricter gun-control laws is eminent.

When a drunken driver kills another, the person who served him the alcohol is held legally responsible, but there are no penalties for the store that provided a murderer with a gun. If the law regulates alcohol more firmly than it does firearms, it implies that alcohol is more dangerous.

The right to bear arms should not take precedence over the right to live, but until guns are outlawed, such misfortunes cannot be prevented.

Leia Forgay
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Hank McGovern

Regarding Charles Davenport's column, "Slavery apology is ill advised" (April 15):

In 1996, The Charlotte Observer published a letter I wrote titled, "Appropriately ashamed whites, let's take action," in which I suggested the white race apologize to blacks for slavery.

My point was that when one has hurt another, a sincere apology promotes healing. Despite the 150 years since slavery's eradication, why has there not been an apology?

Although race relations have improved, we still have a great deal of progress to make. The white race's unacknowledged shame and lack of apology seems to hover in our national subconscious. The recent gesture to apologize makes conscious the suppressed shame.

Opponents to my perspective held views similar to Davenport's, ones that politicized the issue, making it a "liberal" strategy. Although some may fall into the category expressed by Davenport, the intent behind my letter was one of compassion and morality.

A sincerely meant apology will be accepted by many, if not most, blacks. If it is not sincerely intended, many will perceive it as "condescending," as Davenport asserts. It may be respectful to ask for permission from blacks before making an apology, and when such permission is not forthcoming, do not force an apology.

Davenport's assertion that an apology promotes dissociation is not accurate. A heartfelt apology would do the opposite. It helps us associate our virtues to our emotions. Davenport makes a good point, however, that an insincere, politically based apology would facilitate dissociation.

My suggestion: If you mean it, apologize; if you don't mean it, don't apologize.

Davenport's statement that, "In the liberal mind, blacks are incapable of improving," is nonsense. The apology is not intended to help blacks improve; it is intended to help whites improve. We need to improve our level of responsibility.

Many say that it wasn't us who were responsible for slavery. Since the slave trade involved our ancestors, we need to apologize for them.

Marilyn vos Savant, rated as having one of the highest IQs in the world, said cooperation is the greatest achievement of humankind.

A sincerely intended apology from whites to blacks who are willing to receive it has the potential of demonstrating cooperation. As we continue to travel on a cooperative path together, our society can be more peaceful and at ease.

Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King would smile.

The writer lives in Asheboro, and can be reached at
epictetus@triad.rr.com.

I am writing in response to the April 19 article, "Four schools may lose subsidies."

As the parent of two Lindley Elementary School students, I have seen firsthand the effectiveness of the Title 1 program. Title 1 funding has allowed Lindley students to flourish in a strong, supportive learning environment with excellent teachers and staff. Low student-teacher ratios encourage learning across a student population that is diverse both economically and culturally.

Test scores have improved significantly in recent, successive years. Lindley was named one of Guilford County's "Most Improved Schools" in 2006. Reducing funding now would defeat the purpose of the Title 1 program, slow student progress and possibly lower test scores.
With further funding, Lindley students can continue to thrive academically.

Joanna Phillips
Greensboro

Once again, dinner ruined by secondhand tobacco smoke. My husband and I looked forward to joining friends for dinner at a new restaurant in High Point.

As we entered, we quickly realized there was no barrier between the bar and dining areas. Smoking was allowed at the bar and drifted into the dining area. So while no one was forced to taste my dinner or drinks, I had no choice but to breathe their tobacco smoke as I ate my dinner.

Today, as I use my asthma inhaler and treat my scratchy throat, another restaurant has been removed from my return list. As someone who suffers from asthma, I know all to well the damaging effects of secondhand smoke. I enjoy dining, music and comedy as much as anyone, but often pass on these venues due to smoke. You may have the right to smoke, but I also have the right not to breathe it.

I support a public smoking ban. In the meantime, I have a loyal list of smoke free places to dine. They can look forward to my business.

Mary Anne Collins
Greensboro

I was pleased to note in Wednesday's News & Record that President Bush has discovered Romans 12:21. I was really afraid he hadn't made it past Leviticus.

I wonder whether he has read the rest of that chapter, especially from verse 14 on. I wonder also whether the history of the world in the last five years would have been different had he opened his Bible to this passage earlier.

Dare we hope he might eventually find the Sermon on the Mount? Will it matter if he does?

Richard Cox
Greensboro

The Starmount Co. wants to rezone six acres on the south side of West Friendly at the corner of West Friendly and Green Valley from low-density residential to nonresidential zoning so that it can build offices.

Starmount Forest, a part of what used to be the Village of Hamilton Lakes, is 100 percent zoned low-density residential and the vast majority of residents want it to remain exclusively residential. Starmount wishes to change zoning on this visible parcel to nonresidential for personal financial gain.

To gain acceptance for this greatly undesirable event, it has offered a house on the property cost-free to the Junior League of Greensboro, which has accepted it.

The Junior League has as its partial purpose "improving the community." However, it is in league with the Starmount Co. to disrupt a stable close-knit community.

The Junior League, for its complicity, gets a free house that Starmount believes will further its effort to build offices there.

Shame on the Junior League.

Clyde M. Marr
Greensboro

In response to Danielle Tyler's letter (April 12) regarding the Katrina victims: If you dare to compare the war in Iraq to the tragedy in New Orleans, first one needs to begin with Americans who are naive to the determination and meanness of terrorists — those Americans who would rather complain than prepare; who would rather whine than encourage strength of youth; and who would rather mock than support a stand of "togetherness."

The New Orleans "pitiful" glowed in their weaknesses and lack of priorities. Wasn't it evident that "tourism" was well-funded, while protecting citizens was forgotten. They even continued with the lavishness of the Mardi Gras rather than spending in wiser directions. Some false claims proved citizens stealing from government.

How differently the Amish portrayed themselves. Christianity shines in response to tragedy. Arrogance, whining and unpreparedness aren't Christian responses. In my 60 years, North Carolina has usually sailed through tragedies by showing a conservative, prepared respect for the unexpected.

Listen carefully to all vibrations. Tragedy can occur everywhere. The worst place lies between the brain and the heart.

Carol Richard
Burlington

The following is a Counterpoint column.

By Michael Northuis

Thomas Sowell's March 29 column, "Democrats' rhetoric is dangerous," not only misses the boat, it is nowhere near the coastline; every paragraph seems to be out of step with factual reality.

Sowell asserts that the only reason Democrats swept the midterms was because of their constant criticism of those noble Republicans. Earth to Thomas: The reason for the midterm turnabout is that Americans are finally fed up with the lies, the incompetence, the financial irresponsibility, the flagrant disregard for the constitution, the lack of checks and balances, the corruption, the arrogance, the cronyism, the inflation, the lack of affordable health care, the billions of tax dollars given to oil companies, the neglect of pressing environmental issues, the broken laws and the deadly and costly war without end that have been the hallmarks of six years of unbridled Republican leadership.

Sowell seems to think only in political strategies and doesn't seem to see the larger moral issues at stake. We are killing innocent people in a country that, as we have come to find out, was not even a threat to us. They were not part of the Sept. 11 attacks and they had no WMDs pointed at us. Now they are in the midst of a civil war that we unleashed and Republicans are still calling them "The Enemy."

The Bush team was in such a hurry to invade that it didn't take time to properly armor its troops, or properly plan the peaceful installation of a new democratic government. Nancy Pelosi and Company are trying to extricate our troops post haste before more are killed because of W's incompetence.

If killing Iraqis is so important, Mr. Sowell, why are you still here in America criticizing honorable, moral people that want to end this war instead of in Iraq with your gun?

The writer lives in Greensboro.

In response to Keith Hoile's anti-gun letter (April 19):

It's clear that when it comes to firearms, he's wading in the shallow end of the knowledge pool.

There are numerous conditions that exclude one from acquiring a firearm, which include being adjudicated as mentally defective or being committed to any mental institution.

Virginia officials failed to complete either of these actions against Seung-Hui Cho, and, in turn, he remained eligible to purchase firearms.

The Virginia Tech shooting didn't occur from a lack of gun control; it was a product of it.

Schools are popular targets for mass murderers because they're gun-free zones. Virginia Tech was gun-free until April 16, when a deranged murderer showed up.

Ironically, Virginia Tech's administration lobbied against a bill that would have allowed licensed citizens to carry concealed weapons on university property.

Economist John Lott writes that states that allow concealed handguns have reduced multiple-shooting attacks by 60 percent.

And a Virginia lawyer once wrote: "Laws that forbid the carrying of arms disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes. … They serve to encourage rather than prevent homicides, for an unarmed man may be attacked with greater confidence than an armed one."

Those words were Thomas Jefferson's, in 1764.

John Dixon
Kernersville

I was the type of person who would get up in the morning and go to work or school and then come home to family and friends.

I never thought too much about what anyone else was doing if it did not concern friends or family or myself.

A few years ago, I was introduced to the field of social work and volunteering. I have learned so much from my volunteering work in the community -- almost as much as I have learned about social work in school.

I have realized that giving back and supporting my community is important. Many schools and agencies are in need of volunteers. Volunteering allows you to donate spare time that is as valuable to them as money.

In return you'll learn so much about your community, your neighbors and agencies that are out there helping those in need.

Shontae Crouch
Greensboro

Regarding the vacancy on the Summerfield Town Council:

I am a former candidate for Summerfield Town Council and a former candidate for county commissioner.

I am a successful businessman and believe I am fully qualified to become the next town councilman.

Summerfield has experienced growing pains and other problems that need to be resolved. It is the duty and responsibility of the council to work together and agree to disagree on different issues.

The most important question to ask is, What is best for Summerfield and its taxpayers?

My 13 years in the Marines, three years as a detention officer with Guilford County and more than 11 years as a businessman have given me the positive attitude and discipline needed to deal with people of diverse backgrounds. My 27 years of working with people in different capacities has enabled me to analyze situations and then come up with a solution.

I believe the current Summerfield Town Council should appoint me to fill the vacant seat because I will work for the people and make the hard decisions.

Don Wendelken
Summerfield

I must respond to the negative view of general aviation (GA) airports presented in your article, "Plane travel fees benefit jet-setters" (April 16). Smaller airports serve the average public in many ways:

* Those overnight deliveries by UPS/FedEx/DHL that you depend on are carried into smaller communities in light cargo planes, many of them landing at GA airports.

* Blood and tissue samples are transported to regional biomedical testing labs by small aircraft, so you can get your lab results back quickly.

* If you should be unfortunate enough to need to use an Angel Flight to get yourself or one of your loved ones to a major medical facility for treatment, you may enjoy the use of corporate aircraft at no charge.

* Our local economy benefits from businesses like Cessna and HondaJet, which produce only GA aircraft, not airliners.

* Without the availability of GA airports to relieve traffic from commercial airports, their runways would be more crowded, resulting in longer delays for airline passengers.

Most of the airport support comes not from passenger taxes but from taxes on aviation fuel.

And this money is used to improve the availability and safety of all airports, not just GA.

Wendell Putney
Greensboro

The letter, "Those who cry racism" (April 21), greatly upset me. More than a collective apology from the majority, I'd be pleased with a simple acknowledgment that based on the fact that African Americans have had to rise up from slavery in very adverse conditions, equal opportunity has not been forthcoming.

Yes, some strides were made during the Civil Rights Movement, but to this day talent, education and experience still do not guarantee jobs, promotions or success for hard-working African Americans. Imagine a pet dog raised in the owner's house with the best food, warmth and security. And then imagine the yard dog given slop in the cold.

When the writer says "pick yourself up and stop crying," I still wonder who she thinks should apologize.

A. Jean Jackson
Greensboro

Last week's anti-war demonstrations in Greensboro were very interesting for some of the comments made to the news media by the pro-war demonstrators.

To call someone a traitor because he opposes our involvement in an ill-advised, falsely justified and unnecessary war is absolutely wrong. In fact, these demonstrators are more patriotic and supporting of our troops than most in that they oppose their insertion into harm's way unless there is no other alternative.

I think most everyone would agree with going after the terrorists in Afghanistan, but not going into Iraq, essentially creating a civil war and large numbers of new terrorists.

How can anyone be accused of not supporting our troops when they insist that they only be sent into conflict when there is no alternative?

Cindy Sheehan has every right to speak out, and I hope she never lets up until we are done with Bush's war.

Larry G. Mabry
Troy

Will the men and women of the Greensboro Police Department get some backbone and stop whining about rotating shifts?

I spent 20 years with the military working three days, three swing shifts and three midnight shifts, then having 72 hours off.

That went with the job of being in the military, serving my country.

Should not you do the same thing for the city?

"To protect and serve." Sound familiar?

Serve your own interests first?

Stop your whining, GPD. You wanted to become police officers. Be just that.

Greensboro has enough whiners, thank you very much. We don't need any more.

Lew Bowers
Greensboro

I find the greed behind High Point Regional Health System's opposition to a hospital in Kernersville to be appalling and irresponsible.

Kernersville's population is growing, and we require our own hospital. I will personally boycott all facilities associated with High Point Regional in Kernersville and direct all of the people I know to do the same until its objection to our residents having our own hospital has been withdrawn.

Lori Priddy
Kernersville

The recently vacated seat on the Summerfield Town Council will be filled by a "joint decision" of the remaining council members. I would hope that their ultimate choice would be predicated on the applicants' desire to serve the needs of the community combined with the willingness to thoroughly analyze a given situation and arrive at "fact-based "decisions.

Don Wendelken possesses those kinds of qualities. His work experience includes 13 years in the Marine Corps, three-plus years with the Guilford County Sheriff's Department, and his ownership of a successful small business for more than 10 years.

His diverse background has given him exposure to an environment that strictly adheres to the understanding, compliance and enforcement of certain rules and regulations, which would affect the lives of others as well as his own.

In addition, Don is a family man who still finds time on a weekly basis to volunteer his talents to help improve the quality of life for less fortunate people.

Don's experience would enable him to bring a new perspective that would aid in the evaluation and decision-making process that is the responsibility of the Town Council members.

They would be wise to add his talents to the council.

Bill McKenna
Summerfield

Presidential candidate John Edwards' spending of $400 per haircut and $250 per body spa session is public proof he does not need money.

I encourage those who have donated to his campaign to demand refunds in full and to donate that money to any of the many legitimate causes serving people in desperate need in our state and nation.

Patricia L. Apple
Reidsville

The following was sent via e-mail to "NBC Nightly News":

Your decision to broadcast the tape and still pictures of the mass murderer at Virginia Tech is beyond reprehensible.

Barely 48 hours after the event, before some families have possession of their relatives' bodies, much less buried and grieved for them, you chose to show this sick individual's rants.
Disgusting.

Further, this publicity will only serve to encourage other so inclined individuals to seek their 15 minutes of infamy. No doubt the next tape will soon be at your door.

Don't bother with some retort of First Amendment rights; rather ask yourselves what happened to your common sense, decency and responsibility to the public.

The executives responsible for this airing should apologize and resign immediately.

Mose Kiser III
Greensboro

Now is the time for our legislature, the president and faculty of Duke University, the members of the Greensboro Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the Ku Klux Klan, the NAACP and all other racially oriented groups to shake off their blinding focus on skin color and clothe themselves with some love, forgiveness, respect and color-blindness.

It is certainly not a time to rekindle the sins of the past. "Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."

Nothing is gained by classifying a whole group of people as "victims." We all deserve better.
Love and respect for one another is what God is looking for among us. Apologies for what others have done just do not impress Him.

They represent flimsy facades to hide the evils of our day. What do you believe?

Marion Griffin
Asheboro

Pet overpopulation is a big problem. A differentiated license fee is not the solution. It will only punish responsible pet owners. Currently, people must vaccinate their cats and dogs against rabies. We cannot get everyone to comply with that law.

How then will we get irresponsible pet owners to comply with a license fee?

If a reduced fee is given to breeders, how many will be encouraged to become "breeders"? I care for 13 dogs and cats. They are all spayed/neutered, vaccinated and treated for fleas; the dogs are current on heartworm prevention. Sixty-five dollars a year may seem like a trivial amount to some, but that is about one month's worth of food for my pets. The 13 dogs and cats were someone else's unwanted, previously unaltered pets.

A license fee might discourage some from trying to take care of anymore strays, thus increasing the burden on the shelter.

We cannot make someone become responsible, but perhaps we can punish irresponsibility.

Maybe the fees for pets found loose who are not vaccinated and not altered should be increased.

A license fee is not the solution to overpopulation.

Susan Smoot
McLeansville

Still stunned and depressed by the events at Virginia Tech, I opened my newspaper to see a half-page photo of the perpetrator, glorified on a large TV in his chosen paramilitary persona.
What poor editorial judgment.

I can only imagine what people who may have lost someone at Virginia Tech felt when they saw the murderer tricked out like Rambo, seeing the same horrifying image that was probably the last thing their loved one saw. You have given him what he wanted — fame, front-page glory, painting him exactly as he wanted all the media to.

What an incredibly insensitive choice.

Why not print a huge photo of Holocaust survivor Liviu Librescu, who gave his life protecting his students, rather than playing to the sick fantasies of his killer?

I am appalled at the way you allowed the killer to manipulate you.

Janice Tulloss
Greensboro

Back when Ronald Reagan was president, he commissioned a well-known industrialist, Peter Grace, to study and report on government waste. It became known (not very well) as the Grace Commission Report.

You can download it from the Internet. It states that government wastes 60 percent of every dollar it receives in taxes and how it is wasted.

I wonder why this report seems to have been pushed under the rug, especially in light of the vast accusations of graft and fraud against government contractors in Iraq.

If this report is to be taken as true (it is the government's own report condemning itself), why then has there been nothing done about it by our elected leaders? I think it is because those benefiting from all that extra cash like wallowing in it.

Just think, if government were held to the same standards as private business, we would all be paying about half the taxes we now pay. I would be in favor of that.

Chris Corry
Greensboro

The slaughter of students and professors at Virginia Tech was tragic and a blight on the nation's history.

However, Edward Whitfield, in his letter (April 23), brings the race card into play. This just shows that some individuals like to play the race card when it is uncalled for, not relevant and completely inappropriate.

Joe Brown
Jamestown

I wish to protest the condemnation of Dr. Julianne Malveaux in your (my) paper of April 21. The three Duke miscreants deserve nothing but public opprobrium for their participation in the hiring of two young women as nude dancers for their off-campus party. I wonder how their mothers, sisters, grandmothers and girlfriends feel about this disgusting abuse of the female body.

Shame on Mike Nifong for perverting the cause of justice by not bringing this to public view in a court case. Shame on the overprivileged trio -- they deserve no apologies but a full measure of public shame. And extraordinary shame on Attorney General Roy Cooper for declaring the voyeurs to be "innocent." Articulation of the Scottish verdict of "not proven" would have been more appropriate from the lips of that quintessential "good ol' boy" Cooper. He'll never again get my vote.

Charles J. Warde
Greensboro

When I heard that for the memorial at Virginia Tech, "The bell was rung 32 times, and 32 white balloons were released, then a thousand balloons in the school colors, maroon and orange, floated up from the field," I was saddened. Not just for the lost lives but also for the litter being sent into the atmosphere. I'm sure it was an impressive sight to see 1,032 balloons floating away. Where will the balloons come down? In yards or the forests or fields or streams or in the ocean?

They pose a problem to birds, animals and marine life. Even if they are biodegradable balloons, it usually takes about six to 12 months or longer for them to break down. Until then it's litter. Why litter to honor those we lost? Why not release birds or have a butterfly release or plant trees?

One day after Earth Day (four days before Arbor Day), I had hoped for something more earth-friendly.

Cindy Williams
Greensboro

I am very much opposed to the asphalt plant on Liberty Road at the rock quarry. We have plenty of big trucks coming in and out without adding more. This is close to a lot of residential areas and schools.

Wanda Duke
Greensboro

"They're still hooligans!" the incoming president of Bennett College, Dr. Malveaux, declared on a recent NPR radio panel discussion. "Those kids don't deserve an apology." She indicated that, in her mind, the entire lacrosse team and the three young men whose lives were basically ruined, then were declared totally innocent by N.C. Attorney General Roy Cooper, "do not deserve an apology."

The entire team? How about the entire Duke University student body? How about the entire state of North Carolina? If a few of her students are falsely accused of a crime, then declared totally innocent, I hope she has a different attitude.

Do we really need another person in Greensboro who seeks to divide rather than bring our community together?

Jim Turnage
Greensboro

Yes, a slavery apology is just a start, not to mention the 40 acres and mule that weren't given to most freed black families. I'm a black man, and I just have to say that this country needs to step up and give back what we lost out on: education, money, heritage, etc.

We have to get to the root of the situation, and then we as a people can go forward, recognizing that what was done to blacks in this country was wrong.

President Bush should be the first on the list to make that start. He's the one most qualified to be in charge of this monumental task of apologies and reparations.

L.C. Daniels
Walkertown

My grandson, Tyler Arnold, just graduated from basic training school with Artillery Unit F-1 at Fort Sill, Okla. He's in the Army now, and not behind a plow.

Proud? You bet we are. He is the son of our No. 2 son, Mack Arthur Arnold III. His grandma, Fay Arnold, lives in Greensboro at Well Spring Retirement Village. Tyler volunteered just a few weeks ago from his hometown, Millburn, N.J. His mother, Alison, and his younger brother live there, as does his dad.

The slogan "Support Our Troops," has new meaning to our family now!

Mack A. Arnold Jr.
Wrightsville Beach

If Adolf Hitler could have read the headline of the April 20 News & Record, "Anti-war rally will face opposition," I am sure he would have smiled. Hitler and his band of fascists did not miraculously appear overnight and get elected to their positions of power. They got there by fear and intimidation of anyone who opposed their ideology. Speak out against them and you might get beaten up or even disappear. They did not brook any opposition.

Charles Gant of the Gathering of Eagles essentially said that he and his group wanted to "shout down the opposition so they cannot be heard," and that they are "anti-American and have nothing worth saying." Gestapo tactics, if I may continue the comparison.

If he and his group wanted to stage a pro-war rally, they would have every right to do so under our laws. To deny people on the other side the right to voice their opinion in an open forum is truly the mind-set of Hitler and like-minded people.

No matter how good an American Gant feels he is, I am sure the fine folks in the Gestapo also felt the same about the Fatherland.

Kent Tager
Greensboro

Sunday's letters inadvertently were omitted from the letters blog over the weekend.
They are now available for reading and for your comments.