News-Record.com

Recently, all Democratic members of the state Senate voted in favor of SB 954, a bill that will cheat state voters out of our say in presidential races. All Republicans voted no.

SB 954 will give our Electoral College votes to whichever candidate wins the nationwide popular vote, regardless of who wins the North Carolina vote.

This bill declares null and void North Carolina's voice in the choice of our president. Presidential candidates will only have to campaign in large states such as California, New York, New Jersey, Michigan and Illinois.

The Electoral College system protects the rights and influence of smaller and medium-size states. The Democratic Party and Democrats in the state Senate have figured out a sneaky, deceitful way to give people the middle finger.

Robert L. Simpson
Burlington

The writer is chairman, Alamance County Republican Party.

In discussions about global warming, nobody denies warming is taking place. Debatable is the cause.

It seems that lately, scientific empirical evidence has taken a back seat to politics, specifically liberal politics.

Anyone who tries to articulate an alternative theory is attacked personally and publicly, called names and otherwise insulted. This is indicative of people who know they might be wrong.

There is credible scientific evidence that solar activity is more responsible for warming than human activity.

If you can't blame anyone, there are no politics. Also, it is demonstrated that carbon dioxide is a result of warming, not a cause. Hmmm!

The video, "The Great Global Warming Swindle," by British network TV4 addresses these issues, is informative and not hosted by politicians. Type the title into your Google search to view the video on computer. Remember, Al Gore is a politician and lawyer, not a scientist.

I urge all to view this informative video, educate yourselves to all sides of the issue, and then make up your minds based on facts. Don't blindly swallow propaganda. That is what happened in Nazi Germany.

Daniel Waldschmidt
Greensboro

To folks complaining about high gasoline prices, don't blame Exxon, Shell, BP or the local gasoline retailer. They furnish the fuel. You burn the fuel. It's called supply and demand.

Who is to blame? Look in the mirror. Soccer moms sit in big SUVs with engines and air conditioners running while watching their children. Drivers wait in line and idle engines at drive-throughs. Park and walk in. It might do you good. Try driving the speed limit, not 10-15 mph over.

You have choices. Complaints without action won't solve anything.

Jerry I. Smith
Greensboro

The Department of Housing and Community Development has proposed a 33 percent ($200,000) reallocation in funding for emergency assistance that helps poor families stay in their homes.

If reallocated, the funds will go to the Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness in Guilford County.

Four agencies now receive funds from the city to help poor people in emergency situations with rent and utilities. These are older adults and working people, many with children, who have lost a job, had their hours cut, had an illness or other emergencies over which they have no control.

Cuts in these funds will seriously impact poor people in Greensboro and will contribute to many becoming homeless and needing shelter.

Studies show that the cost to society for having just a few of these people homeless can be far greater than the $200,000 to be cut from emergency assistance.

Robbing Peter to pay Paul is not the answer. Reallocating this funding now will be counterproductive to the agencies providing assistance, to the Ten Year Plan and to the hundreds of poor people who need this assistance.

Skip MacMillan
Greensboro

Last month, I had the privilege of going to New York to see the Broadway musical, "The Color Purple," starring our hometown girl and 2004 American Idol winner, Fantasia Barrino.

The show was enjoyable, enlightening and very entertaining. It takes you on a spiritual journey. It teaches you that through the trials of life, with love of self and family, you can still have victory.

I must give Fantasia a standing ovation for her performance again. It was excellent, for lack of a better word.

I read an article in the News & Record celebrity news (May 19) that The New York Times writer Charles Isherwood says that she is terrific, that with Fantasia the musical is more effective and affecting than when it opened a year-and-a-half ago.

I also want to say that Fantasia does the Triad and North Carolina proud.

Carol Williams
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Alida van Bronkhorst

Since I have been an area homeowner/taxpayer for less than two years, but did teach more than a thousand kindergartners in New York State public schools for 15 years and several hundred learning disabled children ages 5 to 21 in a New Jersey accredited school for 18 years, I was much taken aback by your front-page story about the fire at Eastern Guilford High School (May 20).

Obviously, I don't know all the history of educators in North Carolina, but out of millions of teachers, or millions of any other profession, including news reporting, we know there will be some jerks or even criminals.

By the specific reference to "a bitter teacher" as a possible source of the Eastern High fire, and all the ensuing heartbreak and extra demands of time and energy by all concerned -- not to speak of those who served that day and the financial losses which face us -- I had to believe that past North Carolina experience with murderous "bitter teachers" made this option tenable to those in the know.

I did not see any editorial to the contrary, or any explanation as to why that reason was suggested by the area paper as a viable cause.

My thanks to Charlie Abourjilie for his Counterpoint. As a taxpayer and as a mom, grandma and retired teacher, I am glad to know from his words, and from other reports on TV (even some in your paper), that we have area teachers who give appropriate, conscientious attention to their students and the academic atmosphere around them.

That is the spirit I understand after 33 years as a teacher in three different school systems.

The writer lives in McLeansville.

Like every employee who ever worked at First Home Federal Savings and Loan, I read the article recently about the vindication of our alma mater bank ("Failed lender triumphs in court," May 16) with a wide range of emotions.

Those feelings started with satisfaction, then gratitude for those who didn't give up the fight to prove us right, and finally a certain amount of sadness over what could have been had we been allowed to work our way out of the circumstances.

Ask any First Home Federal employee, and they will tell you that First Home had a unique spirit of camaraderie, a unanimous commitment to do quality work and a daily mission to provide stellar service to every customer.

Ask former customers and they will probably tell you that if you wanted to feel welcome and special, bank at First Home Federal.

First Home had so many good people that have gone on to successful careers, many in banking, many in related industries. Some are enjoying a well-deserved retirement.

Even though we are a scattered family now, we still run into each other and always say the same thing about our First Home Federal years: "Those were the best."

Lisa Brown
Greensboro

As I watched the television on Memorial Day, I saw John Edwards use that day, of all days, dedicated to honor those men and women of many American wars, to continue his political campaign.

It should not be a great surprise for a man of his caliber to put his own desires ahead of those millions of Americans who spent the day remembering the men and women who gave their lives to protect their homeland.

John Edwards has said that he wants to be a great help to the elderly and poor of the country. Perhaps he can invite many of the poor and needy to visit him and his wife in their mansion.

Benjamin E. Wilson
Greensboro

Apparently the News & Record is no longer a newspaper for the masses, but instead is focusing all too often on N.C. A&T State University. I have no dog in the fight with N.C. A&T, but it seems there is too much focus on it.

The headline on Thursday, May 24, read "A&T decision 'shameful,' trustee says." Two days later, the headline on Saturday, May 26, added: "A&T audit finds financial abuses."

I am sure there was no overpowering national news that was more important. If you are going to call yourselves a newspaper, then give us more news that qualifies as such on the national level.

Perhaps you should rename the paper The A&T Times.

W. Wayne West
Greensboro

In response to your editorial, "Keep online predators away from your kids" (May 25), may I call attention to a book being published on Aug. 14, and written by Susan Shankle and Barbara Melton, "What In The World Are Your Kids Doing Online?"

Susan is a graduate of Grimsley High School and Greensboro College. The book is a "how to" book for parents, to help them deal with cyberspace matters: the Internet, cell phones, text messaging, bullying, etc.

The changes in children's lives presented by electronics contain both blessings and pitfalls.

Parents need to take notice and this book can be very helpful. As you say,"The first line of defense continues to be parental involvement."

That begins with knowledge.

Celia Shankle
Greensboro

The writer is the mother of Susan Shankle.

For an article extolling the virtues of civic trust, Greensboro College professor Dan Malotky's May 23 column ("Leave your guns at home") shows a surprising lack of trust in gun owners. People who have a license to carry concealed weapons are more law-abiding than the general population, but Malotky trots out the spectre of the "irate woman ... digging through her handbag," assuming that his fellow citizens are inherently untrustworthy.

I was pondering this when my neighbor's son came by -- carrying a rifle. I trust this young man to use his weapon responsibly, and if needed, I would trust him to protect me with it.

Malotky apparently doesn't.

What I don't trust is Malotky's assertion that defensive gun users are more likely to have their gun used against them than to repel the assault. Those old "studies" were debunked more than a decade ago by people like Harvard professor John Lott, whose book, "More Guns, Less Crime," exposes the fallacies of anti-gun mythology.

The only "paranoid vision" I see is that of anti-gunners who argued, incorrectly, that concealed-carry laws would lead to Wild West-style shootouts. Malotky's argument seems to be based on a personal dislike of guns rather than facts, which should be an untenable position for an academic.

Jeff Pickett
Franklinville

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Torrey Dixon

I disagree with your editorial (May 20) opposing the National Popular Vote plan recently approved by our state Senate. We know from great experience with gubernatorial elections that campaigns where every vote is equal are far fairer than North Carolina's current system.

There are three particularly serious problems with the "unit rule" method used by North Carolina and most states to allocate electoral votes since the 1830s:

First, a candidate with fewer votes should not defeat a candidate with more votes. Our message to the world about the virtues of democracy is undercut when we fail to honor the principles of majority rule and one person, one vote.

Second, we now have a two-tier democracy where voters in a few states matter and everyone else does not. In 2004, young adults under 30 were fully 36 percent more likely to vote in the 10 closest states than in the rest of the nation.

Third, presidential candidates ignore the views of most people. George W. Bush's campaign never polled a single person in two-thirds of states from August 2002 through the 2004 election. It wasn't worth wasting a dime talking to any North Carolina voter not considering a campaign contribution.

Seven in 10 Americans want a national popular vote, and North Carolina has the power to join with other states to make it happen. The Senate should be applauded for accepting its constitutional responsibility to allocate electoral votes in a way that serves the interests of its people.

The writer lives in Durham and is the director of FairVote North Carolina.

Recently, I was reminded once again of the cruelty and inhumane attitude of people. I stopped to help remove a dead dog from the middle of the street. I was told by a man playing golf that she had been hit twice and neither person stopped. I understand that animals get in the street sometimes and, unfortunately, they do get hit by cars. I do not understand, however, how someone can hit a dog and not stop to help.

If the first person had stopped, the dog might still be alive. Even if you do not want to put the injured animal in your car, call the police or try to reach the owner. But leaving an injured animal to fend for itself is cruel. And I feel the same way toward the person who could not be bothered to stop playing golf long enough to come help, either.

This was someone's beloved pet, not just some "animal" as so many love to say. People should at least have the decency to stop and try to help. A moment's effort after an accident can make all the difference.
Kelley Kidd
Greensboro

This is in response to the letter, "Compile annual report on racial disparities" (May 23). Evelyn Smith and Kay Doost requested that the City Council instruct the Human Relations Commission to publicize an annual report showing progress on erasing racial disparities in the city.

The Human Relations Commission is already working on several fronts to facilitate projects to address racial disparities and to gather information that can be compiled in an annual report next year. The commission started working late last year with a dedicated group of community agencies and individuals around disparity issues.

Earlier this year, we teamed with other organizations in a process that will engage individuals in a project to identify community issues and develop plans of action to help improve race relations. Through these and other efforts, the commission is addressing issues listed in the letter related to trust and racial disparities.

The Human Relations commissioners are indeed taking an active role in exploring and identifying issues that divide our community, and we are taking steps to build bridges among the diverse residents in our city.
Maxine Bakeman
Greensboro

The writer is vice chairwoman, Greensboro Human Relations Commission.

"They perform the work no one else will do." This is the No. 1 excuse given by Congress and big business promoting the passage of the amnesty legislation for the benefit of illegal immigrants from Mexico. Isn't the reason for this quite obvious?

The American laborer fought for decades for a decent wage to better his lot in life. Now, we have an influx of workers willing to work 10 to 12 hours a day for a sub-standard hourly wage. Along with this, no health benefits. (I have witnessed this firsthand.)

This is eroding all the progress the American work force made over the past 40 or 50 years. Am I the only one who thinks that this might be killing the incentive of the citizens of this country? Naturally, big business is promoting amnesty.

Let's not forget who lines the coffers of the elected officials in this country.

Eileen Thiery
Stokesdale

As a student at UNCG, I would like to apologize for the disrespectful and abhorrent action of the university choosing not to recognize the sacrifices of the men and women in our armed services this Memorial Day. This decision by the chancellor and the Board of Trustees is an embarrassment to our university.

Memorial Day is intended to recognize the service and sacrifice of the military families past and present to America. It is not just a day for students to get out of class, or employees to take extra vacation time. It is a time to reflect on the sacrifices that have been made to protect and defend freedom, liberty and justice. UNCG not honoring and recognizing this day is a slap in the face to our military, past and present.

My grandfather is a proud World War II veteran; he served this nation with pride and courage. He placed his life on the line to fight for what we all stand for and believe in. He is a part of "The Greatest Generation."

As a student at UNCG, I would like to thank our military, past and present, for defending America, the country, the values, and the ideals. May God continue to bless the United States of America, and may He watch over our brave men and women defending freedom.

Michael Kennedy Garrett
Greensboro

The News & Record recently has run several articles and editorials related to speed enforcement on our roads. While it is easy to over-sensationalize a few extreme cases, you have missed the real issue with speed limits.

The majority of our speed limits have been set too low. These speed limits have made our roads less safe and less productive. Studies have consistently shown that the safest speed limits are those set at the 85th to 90th percentile speed of free-flowing traffic.

Unfortunately, misinformation abounds and traffic enforcement seems to be more about revenue than safety. Speed limits are set low, a "cushion" is given most of the time, and then periodic enforcement raises money from those safe drivers unlucky enough to be in the wrong place. Perhaps it is fortunate that certain judges understand the system well enough to not further penalize safe drivers with greater penalties and insurance surcharges.

Yes, this whole system undermines the credibility of traffic and other laws. However, the solution is to raise speed limits to proper levels, not strictly enforce flawed regulations. If you are interested in truthful, unbiased information about speed limits and traffic issues, take a look at www.motorists.org.

Len Ebright
Greensboro

I was watching my husband play a football game, and on this game they show football players' salaries. It got me to really thinking.

If all professional football players gave just one percent of their earnings to battered women's shelters, it could give a lot of women and their children good homes, a way for women to get on their feet to get good jobs, good education for their children, food and nice clothes. But, most of all, they could live with a sense of security. They could live without fear.

A lot of children would grow up without phobias about being beaten, or maybe they wouldn't grow up to think beating women is OK. Little girls could grow up and know better than to get in the same kind of relationship their mom was in.

What better way to spend just a little pinch of their money? And, surely, what pride they would feel when they got letters from families they actually saved.

Frances Webb
Reidsville

Thank you for your May 15 editorial, "Greensboro's canopy gives it the right shade." Greensboro was blessed with one of our nation's most beautiful locations.

On the rolling hills of the Carolina Piedmont, many varieties of stately trees shaded early settlers. These canopy trees were more than just "ornaments of life." They cleaned the air of pollutants. Their roots caught rainwater, which soaked into the soil, replenishing the groundwater and sending clean water into the streams.

In the 1900s, rather than respecting nature's gift, developers got into the bad habit of clear-cutting trees and bulldozing hills to make flat sites for building. Between 1984 and 2000, Greensboro had a tree loss of 18 percent (800 acres a year on average). Only a tiny percentage of these trees has been replaced. Your suggestion of replacing every fallen canopy tree along a right-of-way is certainly doable.

It was heartening to read Malcolm Kenton's, "Balance development with quality of life" (May 23), where he urges saving "green infrastructure" as one of the best strategies for ensuring long-term prosperity. With young people like him, there is hope for Greensboro. Most of us would love to see our tree canopy preserved and restored.

Emilie and Tom Sandin
Greensboro

On May 16, the News & Record ran an article, "PTI rejects apartment project." The article stated that developer Roy Carroll wanted to build apartments on 28.4 acres owned by PTI.

Airport authority members began raising red flags immediately, the biggest being that airport noise at that site could be 60 and 65 decibels, considered the highest range for residential building. PTI refused to sell the Ballinger Road property to Carroll because of the apartment project's close proximity to the airport.

The truth finally came out. Why didn't the airport authority wake up to these facts before now? The Greensboro politicians and PTI authority ignored the concerns of Greensboro citizens earlier regarding intense noise when FedEx was first presented to the area. PTI pushed hard for acceptance of FedEx. Why was 60 to 65 decibels OK then and not OK now?

It was a bad decision to locate FedEx at our airport. The people of Greensboro located near the airport and 10 miles out will suffer the consequences. FedEx and high-density residential areas will once again prove to be a bad combination.

Alfred Ihrig
Jamestown

In his May 30 letter, "Which president faced impeachment?" Steve Kroll-Smith's final question was: "OK, what's your guess?" My guess is that Kroll-Smith has conveniently left out the perjury and obstruction charges which led to President Clinton's impeachment.

Kroll-Smith falls into the simplistic leftist mantra that "it was all about sex." Hardly. The pernicious lies and obstruction by Clinton and his staff shook the very foundation of his presidency and the office itself. We now have someone leading our university system who was part of this travesty.

Rather than the incessant whining of the left and the pure and utter hatred of President Bush, they should use their Democratic majority and immediately move to impeach him. Believe me, it will get nowhere.

Russ Cummings
Greensboro

Over the next few weeks, the various high schools will be having commencement services. My son will be graduating this year with honors and plans to attend UNCG in the fall.

I should be excited about watching him graduate along with my family and friends, but I am almost dreading it. Why? Because of the rude people who attend graduation ceremonies. Whenever their student's name is called out, they scream, jump out of their seats, and cause such a commotion that it is very distracting.

In addition, it delays the procession of the commencement service until these people can settle back down. I don't mean to play the race card, but basically it is the black community who behaves this way, and it's not fair to all the other people who are there to honor their students.

So, please, try to express your excitement outside of the ceremonies and allow everybody the privilege to enjoy this milestone in their child's life.

Sharon Davis
Gibsonville

The recent diatribe by Thomas Sowell, "Push aliens to deport themselves" (News & Record, May 24), makes me both sad and angry -- and for the same reasons. Sowell vilifies undocumented aliens, spitting out "criminals" and "fugitives from justice" ad nauseam, and he misrepresents both why they have come here and the effect of their coming.

Most of the undocumented people in our country came here either as refugees from war and political chaos, or in a desperate attempt to feed and clothe their families. A large percentage of those from Latin America come from the most impoverished parts of southern Mexico and Central America. Their cruel situation has been made worse by U.S. government subsidies to agribusiness under NAFTA, which have made it impossible for these small farmers to compete and survive.

As a volunteer teacher of English as a Second Language, I have had the privilege to get to know a few of these immigrants. I find them to be hard-working, gracious, family-oriented and genuinely joyful people, who have much to offer to enrich our communities. Let us try a little kindness, friends, and follow the Scriptures, which tell us to open our hearts to the stranger and those less fortunate. We will all be the better for it.

Thomas Sowell is not interested in shedding light; rather he seeks to inflame. He doesn't measure up and should be dropped from the paper.

Paul Mitchell
Greensboro

Doug Clark's May 27 description of the cooperation and congenial relationship between the leaders of two rival hospitals in Guilford County gives me hope. Perhaps next their example will inspire two of our county commissioners.

As Billy Yow and Skip Alston personify the cultural differences between rural and urban, and white and black people in our county, their views understandably clash sometimes.

But, if these two leaders were to find common ground and show they can respect each other as individuals, it might help ease the racial misunderstandings and city/county divisions that often hinder Guilford County's progress.

Perhaps these gentlemen could try sharing cultural interests, like food or sports or even
music. Yow could listen to A&T's 90.1 radio station for a week, and Alston can tune in to a country station like 93.1. Then they could explain some of the lyrics to each other and laugh over a plate of barbecue or a game of golf, celebrating the diversity that many think is a positive feature of Guilford County.

As a resident of District 5, I ask my commissioner, Mr. Yow, to be the first to step forward.

Sharon Shepard
Jamestown

The Guilford County Board of Education is to be commended for naming a school after Ronald McNair, who is a perfect role model to inspire our children. The board should be applauded for turning away from directional names and place names to names that personify educational excellence.

I have talked with more than 50 Guilford County residents and no one thought that this was not a great name for this new elementary school. We should all thank the Board of Education members for a job well done.

Joe R. Stafford
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Hosea Butler Jr.

While the May 26 article by Lanita Withers, entitled "A&T audit finds financial abuse," is disturbing, there are some curious aspects surrounding this whole process that may give rise to some questions about its credibility.

Normally, audits, as well as investigations, are conducted with maximum confidentiality and away from public view and comments. This is done to ensure that any future administrative or prosecutable actions are not compromised. Yet the issues concerning the Division of Technology and Telecommunications were batted around the public domain before the audit was completed. The matter of the audit and possible wrongdoing have been dribbled around Aggieland and the communities, giving rise to all types of speculation.

The cited article seems to have the same problem the Board of Trustees had in not being able to draw a defining line between alleged criminal behavior and possible administrative errors within the university's financial department and the A&T Foundation. In addition, the premature publicizing of the audit and so much "wrongdoing," combined with the building naming fiasco, has polluted the environment until the whole matter is a mess. People make mistakes, but all mistakes are not criminal. Even those who find mistakes and point them out make mistakes.

This is where I see a glimmer of Aggie Pride revealed. The present chairwoman of the Board of Trustees stated in the article, "I personally take responsibility for the board not doing its job." Regardless of what is alleged to be wrong, how it got started or where it will end, the chairwoman, an Aggie, has taken a step toward restoring Aggie Pride.

The complicity of the board, the interim people, the staff, the past administration, the foundation, the accused, as well as the UNC staff, has yet be determined. It is unfortunate that all the hoopla preceded what should have been an orderly process -- a process where a reasonable person could reach a conclusion based on established facts and not ambiguous assertions.

The chairwoman of the board refers to the previous chancellor's "management and leadership style." We all have our individual styles. Whose is better? It is in the eye of the beholder -- as long as it is not criminal. Look around the campus and what do you see?

I ask the chairwoman to work with all Aggies to restore our Aggie Pride. She, a dedicated Aggie, appears to have taken the first and right step -- taking responsibility for the mess. There is this glimmer.

The writer lives in Hialeah, Fla., and is a 1958 N.C. A&T graduate.

The following is a Counterpoint

By J.B. Leonard

Reedy Fork Elementary School has been discussed for at least four years. It is scheduled to open in August. Why should they want to change the name now?

I live at Reedy Fork Ranch. We are a happy, friendly neighborhood of various ethnic backgrounds of all ages and from all walks of life. I love my neighborhood. People I have talked with think Reedy Fork Elementary School is the perfect name. It's located on Reedy Fork Parkway, near Reedy Fork Creek. The developers plan to make tremendous future contributions to the school. This will save all taxpayers of Guilford County lots of money. If they choose not to, the children, principal, teachers and other school employees will suffer.

Why would the school board want to start naming schools after people when most rural elementary schools have been named community names? A person's name on a building does not inspire knowledge. Children learn from their teachers, principals, family members and others who work directly with them. A person's great deeds and accomplishments should be printed in books for all children to read about. There are too many qualified people to choose from. There aren't enough schools available to credit the many people who have stood out in history.

An elementary school is the first formal school for many children. Having that first school named after the area where they grew up, and will remember for the rest of their lives, will always be special. It's more important to have an elementary school named for the community where the children live than for any particular person. That way, all children can have the same sense of belonging and pride as they learn and grow together. As they become adults, there will always be a tie to the community -- by name, not someone from our past.

School staff invited nominations for names. Ten were suggested. Only three were submitted on the required forms. A public meeting was held, all names discussed and votes taken. The name Reedy Fork Elementary had the most support (the developer's representatives did not vote). Reedy Fork Elementary was submitted for board approval. On May 24, the board announced that the findings of May 10 were wrong and that the name Ron McNair, submitted by a man in the southeast district, had the most votes. I was at the May 10 meeting. We need an explanation.

We hope the board will listen to the wishes of the people of the northeast areas of Guilford County, especially those areas surrounding the new Reedy Fork school.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Does this explain President Bush's behavior regarding the war in Iraq? Is he simply insane? Is he incapable of making a balanced decision toward getting the United States’ troops out of Iraq and ending the carnage and our shameful complicity in it?

A.O. Brown
Greensboro

Lorraine Ahearn's column (May 27) on "the miracle diet" of food stamps highlights a huge problem in the United States and Greensboro area -- the fact that even today, people in this "land of plenty" go hungry and lack nutritious food. This week, 10 percent of the population in North Carolina will wonder where its next meal is coming from. This is shocking because 20 percent of the food grown in the United States literally rots in the field -- enough to feed 49 million people. There is enough food for everyone -- the problem is waste and distribution.

The Society of St. Andrew, a nationwide hunger relief ministry with a gleaning network in the Greensboro area, fights hunger in a direct and simple way. We work with local farmers and send volunteers into the fields to glean the edible produce that would otherwise go to waste.

We get that nutritious food to hungry people and agencies immediately. Last year, volunteers for Society of St. Andrew salvaged more than 7 million pounds of fresh produce in North Carolina alone. Society of St. Andrew deeply appreciates Ahearn shedding light on the reality of hunger.

Tuesday was National Hunger Awareness Day, and Society of St. Andrew was proud to join individuals and agencies nationwide in this day of education and work.

If you would like to play a role in ending hunger locally, please contact gleantriad@endhunger.org.

Emily Reeve
Greensboro

The writer is coordinator, Triad Area Gleaning, Society of St. Andrew.

This piece of property is located at 8400 West Harrell Road, Oak Ridge. This old house is not only an eyesore and degrading to the community where it stands, but it also has delinquent property taxes of about 15 years. Winds from past storms have torn off pieces of the roof and porch. The loose tin, boards, bricks, etc. are just waiting to become dangerous projectiles during future storms.

This house should be condemned, torn down and hauled away. The house is not safe for my family and property because of the possibility of flying debris damaging someone or something. We have called the health department and the tax department. The land was supposed to be foreclosed on several years ago, and nothing has been done. We have kept the yard mowed and debris picked up for about 15 years and would like to own the land.

Your investigation into this property and any advice on what could be done about it for the safety of the surrounding community would be greatly appreciated.

Jason Nuckles
Oak Ridge

Where were you, Walter Milosky (letter, May 22), during the Clinton administration when our deficit was low or almost naught? When people had jobs, the economy was so much better, gas prices were low and we were not at war over "weapons of mass destruction."

When we were not sending billions and trillions of dollars to Iran and Iraq with people sleeping on the streets a block from the White House.

Where were you, Mr. Milosky? Our national debt has now doubled to at least $10.8 trillion since the Bush days came into play. We are funding foreign countries and wars when our senior citizens here can hardly afford food and medicine.

I'll bet you live in a fine home, have a good job and no worries because Republicans are the rich looking after the rich.

Have you lost a loved one in the war? You must have been asleep like Rip Van Winkle.

Clinton made a moral mistake, but he certainly ran the country well.

Maggie Alston
Greensboro

As the state legislature works through the ominous process of building the state's budget, let us not stoop to using the proposed home transfer tax as a means to generate additional revenue.

Yes, the state has critical needs. Always has. Always will. We can find a way to meet these needs without taxing homeownership.

Homeowners, individually and collectively, are the very reason we have such a high quality of life in North Carolina. Homeownership means strong families, strong communities and strong economies.

The proposed home tax would force homeowners to pay one percent on the price of their home when they sell their property. That's $2,000 on a $200,000 house.

This home tax would single out one group of citizens (those choosing to sell their homes) to pay for infrastructure and services that benefit everyone. These are not newcomers but current residents who have been paying property taxes already.

This home tax is not fair. Simply put, it's a bad idea. This is one legislator who will vote "no" on taxing our homeowners in this state. I hope my colleagues in the legislature will join me.

To learn more about this important issue, people can visit the Web site www.itsabadidea.org.

Jerry C. Dockham
Denton

The writer represents the 80th House District, Davidson County.

Regarding "Congressional mailings run $1 million" (June 5):

The Associated Press reported no bulk mail spending by Rep. Howard Coble. But, he did mail me several boilerplate nonresponses to e-mails I'd sent him on such things as support for the arts, public radio, sex education and other issues he does not want to deal with.

Coble or his staff could have responded to my e-mails with an e-mail back to me, but it's certainly easier to slip a form letter into the mail -- and at our expense, too.

Mark Gottsegen
Climax

The following quotes are in response to Steve Kroll-Smith's quotes in his letter (May 30):

"… We are determined to deny Iraq the capacity to develop weapons of mass destruction and the missiles to deliver them. That is our bottom line" (President Bill Clinton, Feb. 4, 1998).

"If Saddam rejects peace and we have to use force, our purpose is clear, we want to seriously diminish the threat posed by Iraq's weapons of mass destruction program" (President Clinton, Feb. 18, 1998).

"Iraq is a long way from here, but what happens there matters a great deal here. For the risks that the leaders of a rogue state will use nuclear, chemical or biological weapons against us or our allies is the greatest security threat we face" (Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Feb. 18, 1998).

"Saddam Hussein has been engaged in the development of weapons of mass destruction technology, which is a threat to the countries in the region, and he has made a mockery of the weapons inspection process. The responsibility of the United States in this conflict is to eliminate weapons of mass destruction, minimize the danger to our troops and to diminish the suffering of the Iraqi people" (Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, Dec. 16, 1998).

Robert Flowers
Summerfield

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Janet Tharpe

In response to Judy Stierand's Counterpoint, "Rude behavior from so-called Christians," I would like to say that I'm sorry she felt demeaned by the Christians who booed her at the homeowners' association meeting. Perhaps there was a more respectful way to tell her that the Constitution does not protect her from the sight of plastic reindeer (or a plastic creche, for that matter), and a more diplomatic way to object to her attempt to stamp out Christmas.

In answer to her question, "Is there a day for Muslims?": In Muslim countries, I expect there are several. The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah has always been observed alongside Christmas in the month of December.

As for the other "more than 365 religions" she mentions, I am quite sure that if they each took a day to decorate the entrance to her subdivision, it would be hailed as great, open-minded multiculturalism. But, let a Christian try to put up a Christmas decoration and the same minds would slam shut faster than a screen door in a high wind.

The point is that Christmas is both a Christian holiday and an American one. In fact, the first "American" Christmas was held on board a ship bound for the Jamestown colony.

We have chosen, as a nation, to make the birth of Jesus a holiday, and no matter how it has been secularized with everything from Santa Claus to Mistletoad, the singing Christmas frog, it is still the Christ Mass we celebrate every Dec. 25.

Finally, I would like to tell Stierand there is proof that God exists, and she's made a good start to getting to know Him by dumping the doctrine. All she needs to do now is to ask Him and He'll reveal Himself to her. Furthermore, I respectfully disagree that men have not found heaven or hell. Untold millions have found one or the other but failed to return with a report since it was a one-way trip.

And, as for Christmas, I thank God that we still live in a country where Christians can celebrate legally and publicly.

However, should the world strip away every vestige of the holiday celebration, it would find, like old Mr. Grinch, that Christmas would come anyway. For, it's not about all this "stuff" we find to disagree about, but about God's gift of love and redemption sent to us in his Son Jesus Christ. Our Christian charity may be found lacking, but never His.

I thank you for respecting my opinion, and I hope you will consider the facts.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Marilyn Wolf

Peter Brown misses the point in his column, "Edwards' 'everyman' image cracks" (Ideas, June 3).

True, John Edwards is walking a thin line. He denounces the inequalities between the rich and poor and then buys $400 haircuts, lives in a $6 million estate, and still tries to represent the average guy.

He's trying to have it both ways. But we can't have it both ways either. We can't expect our presidential candidates to be wealthy enough to spend millions of their own dollars on their campaigns and then act like they're not rich.

We don't criticize candidates for spending enough money on their campaigns to feed, clothe and educate hundreds of Americans, but jump on them with both feet if they spend too much money on their personal lifestyles.

Why has Brown singled Edwards out? He doesn't like where Edwards' financial support comes from -- rich people. Does he think Edwards can raise the kind of money he needs from groups like Goodwill Industries and the Salvation Army? The poor people Edwards is determined to help can't afford to contribute to his campaign. So what should he do? Run a campaign on a shoestring so he can be more like the people he wants to represent?

Maybe everyone is picking on Edwards because he is willing to address the uncomfortable issue of what to do about the poor in this country. But because Edwards is not poor himself and spends money like a rich person, Brown, like many others, suggests that he can't be genuine in his beliefs.

If Edwards agreed to drop the issue of the poor from his platform, would we like him better? If he were to say, "You're right. I live like a rich guy, so who am I to care about the poor?" -- would we find him more desirable?

Edwards wants to win. So does Clinton, Obama, Giuliani and McCain. Are we critical of the sources of their financial support? Have we checked to see how much they're spending on clothes, manicures, and other personal things? Do we criticize them for how they live?

The obvious answer is, "No, because they're not raving and ranting about the poor."

So, I guess we'd rather have a presidential candidate who doesn't care about the poor. Or perhaps just one who cares about the poor but lacks the financial means to win and do something about it.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

I read with great interest the Counterpoint by Charlie Abourjillie (May 25). I looked back to the original front-page story (May 20). It stated, "Did one prankster or a group of students ignite the first flame? Maybe a bitter teacher is to blame. Or a school visitor who slipped unseen into Room 221, next to the stairwell off the upstairs hall."

Does the News & Record think so little of the Eastern Guilford staff or teachers that it would allow such an insinuation to be printed?

I am insulted and incensed by this affront to reputable journalists as well as dedicated teachers. At the very least, the News & Record owes the staff of Eastern Guilford a public apology. At such time as an arrest is made, a true news story can be written.

John L. York
Sandy Ridge

In response to Jo-Ann Peck's letter (May 31), I would like to say she and the others in this neighborhood bickering over some decorations need to see how silly they are.

First, we as Christians are not told in Scriptures to celebrate Jesus' birth. We are told to proclaim his death until he comes (1 Corinthians 11:26). Most Christians won't follow this plain Biblical teaching when they meet.

As for taking prayer out of school, Christians never should have been alarmed because parents have the right to home school. Then, you can pray all you want. Scripture says for fathers to bring their children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Instead of wasting money on decorations and making Wal-Mart richer, take the money and be good stewards. Do what Jesus told us: Give to the poor and needy. Samaritans Purse, World Vision and other Christian organizations do a lot for the starving around the world in Christ's name. Or give to Answers in Genesis, responsible for the new creation museum that refutes evolution.

Let's quit "straining at a gnat and swallowing a camel."

Thomas Johnson
Reidsville

Why hasn't the government enforced the 1986 law regulating illegal border crossings?

Why are illegal immigrants allowed to protest anywhere, any time? Freedom of speech allowed by our Constitution applies only to American citizens.

Why are babies born to illegal immigrants allowed to become American citizens? Why punish Border Patrol officers for doing their jobs?

Once, we were America. Once, we made the laws. Once, we could enforce them. Why not now?

This is our country. Speak our language, follow our laws and customs or go home. If you want to be a citizen, do it the right way.

Marilyn Gideon
Greensboro

The June 5 edition of Inside Scoop contained the following tongue-in-cheek comment: "Who needs constitutionally enshrined principles separating church and state, anyhow?"

Please note this is not a constitutionally enshrined principle. The phrase "separation of church and state" is derived from a letter written by Thomas Jefferson to a group identifying themselves as the Danbury Baptists.

Related to this issue, the First Amendment to the Constitution simply states: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof."

It is widely accepted that the writer's original intention was to prevent the government from mandating a national religion that would require everyone to be Catholics, or Lutherans, or Baptists, etc. So, it was intended to preserve freedom of religion. The phrase "separation of church and state" has been tossed around so much that people believe it is part of the Constitution. It is often misused by groups attempting to remove any and all aspects of Christianity from American public life.

Frank Bell
Summerfield

The residents at Reedy Fork Ranch have always been told that the school will be named Reedy Fork Elementary. There have been billboards on Highway 29 for months stating this fact. I have lived there for four years and the name has never been an issue.

Ronald McNair is a great man, but he has other honors in Greensboro. The school should not be named after any individual.

Reedy Fork Ranch developer Starmount donated the land for the school, and this should be taken into account.

Michelle Laws
Greensboro

While I applaud the state's efforts to enforce the seat-belt (Click It or Ticket) laws (more than 9,843 tickets were issued at more than 4,000 checkpoints statewide), I wonder why people are allowed to ride in the backs of pickup trucks with no restraints. The driver and his passenger inside must wear seat belts. The people riding in the back do not have seat belts.

This was brought to my attention recently as I rode on I-40, in four lanes of traffic, bumper-to-bumper. A pickup truck with the driver and his passenger strapped in their seat belts passed me. I noticed that the children and a dog in the back of the truck were not restrained. I thought: There goes death on wheels. If the driver had to make a quick stop or swerve, the children could be thrown out and killed instantly. They could not survive a serious accident. What seat-belt law protects the children?

Pollard Stanford
Greensboro

How much longer can the sane world permit the horror that constitutes daily life for the people of Darfur? First, the Sudanese military and their cutthroats, the janjaweed, bomb the villages; then they kill the remaining men, gang-rape the women and do what they will with the children. This genocide has been going on for four years. Aid groups estimate that 400,000 human beings have been slaughtered and another 2.5 million driven from their homes, cast to the winds or refugee camps.

What to do? Although sanctions and divestment can slow Khartoum's architects of the final solution for Darfur, something has to occur on the ground now. The Bush administration and the drowsing European Union must pressure the Sudanese government to admit the 22,000 soldiers authorized as a peacekeeping force by the United Nations. This has to happen fast. Almost half of all Darfurians have been killed or uprooted. A gradual approach to the bloodlust of the Sudanese government will lead to extinction for most of the rest.

Michael Gaspeny
Greensboro

I encourage Jo-Ann Peck (letter, "Christians are now a persecuted majority," May 31), and others who agree with her to re-read that letter but substitute non-Christian or nonbeliever at every point where Christian is stated. Perhaps they will then understand the importance of respect for minority opinion. This basic principle upon which our country was founded is in no way persecution of the majority.

Tom Rafferty
Summerfield

I want to commend the Starmount Co., its board of directors and the Benjamin family for their recent decision to forgo a request for rezoning of the property between Green Valley Road and East Avondale on the south side of West Friendly from low-density residential to general office. Starmount, in my experience, has always been a responsible developer. This request, which would have breached the natural barrier of Friendly Avenue for commercial development and placed the Junior League in a difficult position, was not in keeping with that reputation.

At the same time, my committee, Save Our Neighborhoods, and the Starmount Forest/Hamilton Lakes neighborhood must be vigilant in following the progress of donation to the Junior League and of the remaining area to a suitable nonprofit. The process of rezoning and donation raises many questions.

For instance, what happens if rezoning occurs -- and the Junior League finds it cannot afford to renovate the house? Or if the city declines to accept the park and no suitable nonprofit can be found to accept the parkland? Or, having acquired the rezoning that it originally wanted, Starmount changes its mind and donates neither tract?

Jerry Weston
Greensboro

The concept of an "education" lottery sounded like a great idea. However, I didn't support the lottery because I believed the funds would go back into the pockets of the government and administrators. I like to be right, but this time I hoped to be wrong.

I found out recently that the special reading teachers at Irving Park Elementary, who exemplify excellence, have lost their jobs due to "lack of funding." Where are the funds from this billion-dollar lottery? I'm sure the combined incomes of Mrs. Chumbley and Mrs. Kreger pale in comparison to what the Guilford County administrators make who made this ridiculous decision.

My son came to Irving Park during his third-grade year reading below grade level. He ends his fourth-grade year reading on grade level due to the combined efforts of Mrs. Chumbley and Mrs. Kreger. Would he have obtained this without their help? Probably not, because they specialize in this area.

I know the funds are there. If you look hard enough I'm sure you'll find someone's pockets bulging with a raise, extravagant lunches and dinners, "education" conferences, etc. Unfortunately, those someones aren't the men and women educating our children.

Paula Wilder
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Charlie Patterson

In response to Fred Burke's recent Second Opinion article (May 30) regarding the location of the ACC Hall of Champions:

I think it is important to note, as he pointed out, that the NCAA Hall of Fame is indeed located in downtown Indianapolis, not far from an IMAX theater, the RCA Dome (Colts, Final Fours and numerous other big-time events) which are also located in downtown Indianapolis.

In addition, there are a number of other tourist/visitor attractions in that downtown area. Unless we move our coliseum downtown, Indianapolis is not the same situation as Greensboro.

A year ago, a private fundraising study for the proposed ACC Hall was conducted and potential major donors were asked about the location of the facility. Those interviewed overwhelmingly liked the Canada Dry (coliseum) location over downtown. They saw that location as one already attracting thousands of visitors to Greensboro versus downtown, which hopes to attract visitors.

But it should be noted that many of those potential donors asked, "Why not Charlotte, Atlanta or Washington?"

So, while Greensboro debates, discusses and sits on the $2 million in state funds already available to us, let's hope leaders in one of those other cities don't decide they want the Hall, as they would "just do it" because it would be good for them.

Could the city present a proposal to the Canada Dry property owners to consider a tax-advantage bargain sale (combination gift/sale), so together we can move on and do something good for Greensboro before some other city decides "to just do it"?

The writer lives in Greensboro.

The best suggestion in a long time is Irwin Smallwood's ambitious idea (News & Record, May 30) that we dismantle the facade of Memorial Stadium and rebuild it brick by brick as the entrance to the Greensboro Coliseum parking lot where it would serve as a public and proper reminder of the military heroes who have died in wars serving their country. The elegant facade should live on, not crumble and fade away through disregard and neglect as it surely will if left where it is.

Charles Young
Greensboro

I lifted my 5-year-old son up the other day so he could put the recyclable garbage in the right container. He got excited and animatedly chatted as he threw it and watched it tumble in. But then I began to wonder if others were also recycling.

I write this letter to encourage all restaurants to recycle. Which restaurants are recycling? Which restaurants are encouraging patrons to recycle?

I recently wrote the Starbucks company because it specifically states in company literature that "contributing positively to our communities and environment is so important to Starbucks." I asked if this is company policy, why are there no recycle bins in the Greensboro stores? The cups from the Frappuccinos are recyclable -- I ought to know since I drink so many. Other Starbucks store items also can be recycled, but there are no bins to place them in. Starbucks responded that most of the environmental efforts are "conducted behind the scenes in the back room (boxes, milk jugs, etc.)."

Maybe other restaurants are also "recycling" behind the scenes, but I challenge Starbucks (or another restaurant -- think of the marketing publicity) to take the lead by having recycle bins for customers to use.

Brad Burch
Greensboro

Recently in a news article, Doug Cobb admonishes and threatens to sue UNCG while condoning his son (allegedly) being a drug dealer. He states that he believes selling marijuana is not inherently dangerous. Talk about an asinine statement. Every day, somewhere, young people are being killed or handicapped for life by a drug deal gone bad.

Cobb states, "Sales and trades are being made constantly on university campuses." This is true. Also commonplace in our society are lying, cheating, stealing, rape and murder -- but their existence should not make them acceptable.

As long as we condone these sick behaviors, we are all willing victims. From the remarks by Doug Cobb, one doesn't have to be too clever to understand how his son allegedly became a drug dealer.

W.B. Apple Jr.
Reidsville

Andrew Bacevich and Cindy Sheehan, parents of sons who have been killed in Iraq, have every right to step away from organized efforts to end this senseless conflict. Bacevich concludes that even Democrats are abdicating their responsibility to stop the bloodshed, "joining hand-in-hand with Bush and big business, big oil, bellicose evangelicals and Middle East allies" (Washington Post, May 27).

Republicans largely continue their support for the war because of pride and partisan politics; Democrats who said yes to the recent funding bill are just outright wimps. For a seasoned cynic like me, this is par for the course.

Unfortunately, this irrationality and lack of will may permanently drive younger voters away from the very issues that are so important for their futures. I'd say, "Vote the scoundrels out," but then who would be the replacements? Worse still, who would vote?

Teresa Dail
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint column:

BY MARLENE PRATTO

I am a member of the League of Women Voters jail study committee. We have visited our local jails and the one in Forsyth. We will visit Alamance soon. We have also visited several alternative programs and have plans for more visits and interviews.

In an ideal world, we would not need jails or prisons. In this ideal world, all families would be nearly perfect, the school system would address all needs and be well funded, drug pushers would not exist, people would not use their ingenuity for mischief, and people would never have a lapse in good judgment. The ideal world would not even need laws. Everyone would know how to behave, always have good judgment, have all needs met and obey the unspoken rules.

In our world, not every family gels, not all inherited disorders have cures, drug policies are less than ideal, and the school system cannot do it all. We have laws, we have people who miss getting a good education, we have people who don't know how to fill their hours, we have people who need a second chance, we have people who find solace in drugs due to social circumstances and opportunity or perhaps due to a genetic disposition for addiction.
So in this non-ideal world, we need a jail as a temporary place for people who are arrested and cannot be assigned to an alternative, have already tried an alternative and did not succeed or cannot be moved through the court system fast enough.

While in this temporary place, why should people be subjected to inhumane living conditions? It is for this reason that we need a new jail. We don't need a new jail because we want to incarcerate more people, keep people in jail longer, or provide inmates with luxurious quarters. We need a new jail because we, as human beings, should not allow those who may or may not have made an error to live, even temporarily, in substandard conditions.

Citizens need to know that almost all the people in the jail are there awaiting trial. They have not been convicted, but almost half have already tried an alternative to incarceration. Having a jail with sufficient space does not preclude drug treatment or alternative programs. In fact, many programs need support so that people who need them can make use of them.
Gather a few friends and arrange a tour of the Greensboro jail to observe for yourself.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

Eminent domain is defined as "the inherent power of a governmental entity to take privately owned property, especially land, and convert it to public use, subject to reasonable compensation for the taking." Unfortunately, the definition of "public use" has been twisted to include any use that boosts the tax base or promotes private economic development.

The U.S. Supreme Court's Kelo decision allows municipalities to collaborate with developers to force people off their private property, not to build a public school but a high-density residential development or a mall. The developer makes a big profit, the local municipal government gets its tax base boosted massively and you, the private property owner, get taken advantage of. If you think this is wrong, you should go to www.ncleg.net and type in your ZIP in the bottom right-hand corner to find your legislators' contact information.

You should tell your legislators you want House Bill 878 approved and your private-property rights strengthened. The state constitutional amendment evolving out of HB 878 will define what is not a public use: "Public use does not include the taking of property for the purpose of thereafter conveying an interest in the property to a third party for economic development."

Eric Riddick
Archdale

I have been admiring, for some time now, the columns of Leonard Pitts Jr. for his ability to speak to the common man. Contrast that with the columns of George Will. Pitts writes with a "just folks" style that is easily understood. His opinions are clearly laid out (and, I must say, to me, he usually makes a lot of sense). Will writes columns about the virtues of American conservatism with a certain arrogance that is, at best, irritating -- and with a writing style that most people probably do not comprehend, using words such as "rejoinder," "congruent," "passivity" and "eschewing" (all from one article).

Why does Will elect to use these words in a publication to the general masses unless he is simply trying to impress himself with his own intellectualism? Why not use words that most people can actually relate to, like "skank," as Pitts did in a recent column about Paris Hilton, Britney Spears and company? Will's columns, simply put, are a chore to read.

I look forward to picking up the paper Mondays and Thursdays when I know that I will be both informed and entertained. On other days, I often ignore the editorial page altogether.

Bob Ring
Summerfield

I find it absolutely disgraceful that D-Day, June 6, 1944, was not mentioned on the front page of the June 6 edition of the News & Record, nor anywhere else in the paper that day.

The Allied invasion of Normandy began the eventual defeat of the Nazis and the rest of the Axis powers. To not mention one single word about that most important date is an insult to the men and women who served our country, and the others of the Allies, most honorably with sacrifices obviously already forgotten by you. With so many World War II veterans dying now, you should be ashamed for not remembering the courage and great sacrifices that the "greatest generation" made to insure the freedom of the world.

Andy Preston
Greensboro

Editor's note: Coverage of the D-Day anniversary was included in the June 7 edition.

In response to the letter, "Winner-take-all change penalizes state's voters" (June 1), the writer's assertion that "SB 954 ... will cheat state (Republican) voters out of our say in presidential elections" is accurate as far as it goes.

However, the existing Electoral College system negates the wishes of the state's minority voters. Under the provisions of N.C. General Statute 163-212, a candidate who wins only 50.1 percent of the popular votes gets 100 percent of the electoral votes. The same is true in most other states (large and small) and the District of Columbia.

The principle of choosing electors at the state level and having them choose the president was written into Article II, Section 1 and the 12th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution for reasons that have long since been invalid. The details are left to the states, and thus we have a mixed bag of laws that determine how the electors are chosen in each state and how they may cast their votes for president. This mess is fair to nobody.

It is time to scrap this arcane system in favor of the direct popular election of presidents. We are supposed to have democratic elections in the United States. How does the choice of where we live warrant the power to determine if our votes count?

Lawrence Brenowitz
Greensboro

On June 1, we enjoyed the broadcast of the National Spelling Bee and were educated ourselves by one youngster's use of the word "kakistocracy." In all of my years, I have never heard this word used, and I have done more than my fair share of reading and research. I will leave it to the reader to look up the definition, but I contend that by the actions of our national leaders, as a country, we are now living in a kakistocracy.

The complete lack of regard by Sen. Richard Burr and Rep. Brad Miller as to our opposition to the immigration bill is the latest proof of this state of affairs.

There is absolutely nothing in this bill that benefits the average American taxpayer, and, if passed, it would dramatically and forever change life in this nation.

Not a republic, not even a democracy, but a kakistocracy.

Joel Long
Ruffin

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Frank Dew

The time has come to put an end to the death penalty in our state and nation. For too long, the death penalty has been applied in a racist manner. In North Carolina, a person charged with killing a white person is 3.5 times more likely to receive the death penalty. Seventy-six percent of people executed by North Carolina have been African American and 60 percent of the state's death row is minority.

For too long, the death penalty has been applied disproportionately to the poor. We know that color matters in our society, and the color that matters most is green. In North Carolina, 98 percent of those facing capital punishment cannot afford their own attorney. As a result, those without the capital, get the punishment.

For too long, the death penalty has been applied in an arbitrary manner. Some prosecutors rarely seek the death penalty, while others prosecute nearly every murder as a capital case. The result has been that a person is more or less likely to be prosecuted for a capital crime depending on the county or state in which the charge is brought.

In addition, since 1973, 120 people have been freed from death row because they were proven to be innocent, in some cases by college students and others working outside the justice system. We will, therefore, never know how many innocent people have actually been executed. Also, if the death penalty is a deterrent to murder, why aren't the murder rates higher in states without the death penalty?

For those who look to the Bible for support of the death penalty, remember the cases of Moses, who killed an Egyptian; David, who arranged for Uriah to be killed in battle; Saul, who was a co-conspirator in the stoning death of Stephen, and Jesus himself who was a victim of state-sponsored execution at the hands of the Romans. It was Jesus who said, "Whoever is without sin, cast the first stone."

For too long, slavery was the law of our land. For too long, women were denied the right to vote. For too long, domestic violence was seen as a means of solving family problems.

The current impasse between the state medical board, the court system, and the Department of Corrections helps us to see that the time has come to put an end to the death penalty in our state and nation.

The writer is pastor, New Creation Community Presbyterian Church.

During the last election, the majority of voters thought they were voting for U.S. senators and House of Representatives members who would get our troops out of Iraq, secure our borders and disapprove the guest worker program to give amnesty to illegal immigrants.

Did we elect gutless politicians who couldn't stand up to the president? They should have set time limits for getting the troops home soon. In addition, the funding appropriations bill for supporting the war should have coincided with the time limits. This puts the ball in the president's court to get them out, making him totally responsible for keeping them in harm's way.

Immigration, properly controlled, is part of the American tradition and is good for America, but it must be legal and controlled.

There are many immigrants who have paid a lot of money to become citizens and they are still waiting for their turn. Permitting illegal immigrants to jump in front of them is not ethical.

We have a Constitution that provides for immigration and naturalization of those who want to become American citizens. Why aren't these elected officials following it?

William Joseph Colozzi
McLeansville

I can understand Cindy Sheehan's resignation and comments concerning the war like, "I've been wondering why I keep killing myself and wondering why the Democrats cave in to George Bush."

A great example of such was Jimmy Carter's recent criticism of Bush, followed by waffling and wavering about telling the truth when Republicans yelled at him, and his retreating like a hound dog with his tail between his legs. He will never be considered a "Profile in Courage" and should take some lessons from Texas Republican Ron Paul.

I'm sick of the Democrats caving in, and unless someone with some courage enters or emerges from the pack of pumpkins, I'm going to change my party affiliation and waste my vote on Ron Paul.

If the king has on no clothes, someone should tell him before he shows his asininity further. If there is enough outcry by those in a position to be heard, perhaps he might take heed.

We can only hope.

James L. Pettiford
High Point

This letter is in response to Ed Maddox's Counterpoint piece, "Apartment project will benefit UNCG," (May 11).

Maddox, who lives in Randleman, is one of the owners/developers of University Village, a 600-student mega-apartment complex that borders the backyards on the 500-700 block of Mayflower Drive. (A drive down Warren Street on the western edge of the complex shows the magnitude of the development).

Maddox implies that the impact on our street (which, even before students move in, has suffered tremendously from construction noise and traffic, rolling terrain flattened and shade trees pulled up by their roots) is justified because the street is basically not worth caring about.

He infers that the neighborhood is untidy, seedy, and that partying students litter yards. I have lived on Mayflower Drive for more than 12 years; others have been here longer than that. Our yards are neat, we plant flowers, we care about our neighborhood and we value its close location to UNCG and downtown. The students that live in rental housing on our block cause few problems.

Yes, some of what Maddox describes exists near Spring Garden's commercial area, in the 700 block, but the rest of the street should not be dismissed as dispensable.

Susan Getty
Greensboro

He was a bright, athletic, good-looking 16-year-old who was out at a party with friends. His friend who drove him home had been drinking that night and couldn't react quickly enough when making a turn. The car they were in hit a tree and the fire board cut him in two.

At the funeral, all of their classmates grieved, especially his 14-year-old sister who adored her older brother. I will never forget her shaking, knowing that she would never see her brother again in this life.

Parents, principals, athletic directors, coaches, teachers, youth ministers, community leaders, and all who have influence with our youth should remember at this time of year, during graduation parties and at the start of summer, that drinking and driving can kill.

Please do your best at your schools and churches, and in your homes to convey the message that drinking and driving can kill. Our youth are the community's most precious gift.

Joe Plante
Summerfield

Regarding the letter that disagreed with naming the new elementary school in Reedy Fork for Ronald McNair ("Reedy Fork Elementary is best name," June 6):

Reedy Fork is a creek. It's simply a low-lying area where water runs downhill to feed into larger bodies of water.

Ronald McNair was a gentleman who studied and learned in our community. He took those learned skills with him to NASA. He used skills and ideas learned here to further mankind's knowledge of the universe. In doing so he lost his life in a horrific accident that also took the lives of other brave Americans serving the United States and mankind.

Why doesn't the writer of this letter simply say what he means? Ronald McNair was an African American. Surely, developers will not withdraw support of the school for this or any naming reason. If they did, they would be as nearsighted as the person who wrote the letter in question.

I'll sign my letter as a citizen proud of what Ron McNair did for my country.

Carl M. Allen Jr.
Gibsonville

Our gay citizens continue to gain equality slowly. One state has legalized gay marriage; one allows spousal rights; seven states have legalized gay civil unions, to be joined soon by Oregon and New Hampshire.

Research continues to frequently verify homosexuality as biologically based, removing it from a moral issue. More religions abandon their historical misunderstanding of homosexuality as they realize their scriptures currently have nothing accurate to say defining this ancient cultural taboo.

Vice President and Mrs. Cheney approve their new family value through their lesbian daughter Mary's delivery of their new grandson with the help of a sperm donor. Perhaps they will now speak out in support of nature-given same-gender devotion.

Yet homophobia remains powerful enough to be exploited by mountebanks lifting the exploitation to harmful levels. Religious proselytizing recently transferred an entire diocese in South Carolina from the Episcopal Church to the African Anglican Church because of the election of a gay man as bishop in the New Hampshire diocese and the election of a woman as presiding bishop.

And not one of 21 presidential candidates has the courage to refer voters to research qualifying our gay citizens for equal rights.

Bill Clinard
Little River, S.C.

Regarding the article on Heelys ("Kids need healing from 'heeling'," June 4):

I would like to respond as a parent and safety advocate.

Unfortunately, my daughter and I know firsthand how dangerous these wheeled shoes can be. My children wear helmets while riding their bikes, scooters or skates; however, it didn't occur to me to use safety gear while "heeling."

In March, my daughter suffered a broken arm and hand injury when she fell while heeling over a tiny rock. The break was painful for her -- not to mention the costs for medical care. I am thankful that it was her arm, which has healed, rather than her head.

I want to alert parents of the risk with these shoes. Parents should think of these shoes as skates and apply the same rules. Some safety tips for parents:

• Restrict where your children "heel" (no streets or retail stores).

• Actively supervise children when they "heel."

• Require your children to wear the appropriate safety gear such as helmets, wrist guards and elbow and knee pads.

I hope our experience can benefit other families by preventing injuries from heeling.

Cheryl Ledford
Browns Summit

The article about Forbush High School hunter safety team was definitely on the mark. My son and I had the privilege, in the 1990s, to work with these fine young men and women.

The parents, teachers and coaches deserve a big "well done." The time, effort and expenses are overwhelming.

It's refreshing to see a community step up to the plate and hit a home run.

Tom Naylor
Summerfield

Recently, two Southeast High School students were cited for possession of alcohol. Because the school's athletic handbook only addresses the consumption of alcohol, and not the possession of alcohol, these students were allowed to play in the championship baseball game. What about the fact that they broke the law? If that's not prohibited, it should be.

The athletic director said, "This isn't an issue..." The reason he can "guarantee" that the students were not drinking is because they got caught before they started. One of the mothers said that they didn't violate the policy because they didn't drink.

They were going to wash their hair with it and not drink it, right?

As usual, we wait until someone is injured or killed by a drunken driver before making it an issue. These athletes should have been punished by not allowing them to play in the championship game. Again, we put athletics above the law.

Then, guess who was on the front page of the Sports section? One of these students, being portrayed as a pitching ace for the team. Obviously, sports and this championship game are more important.

Thank you, deputy, for stopping them from drinking and driving.

Sheryl Baker
Pleasant Garden

In Eric Townsend's article (June 5), he states Guilford County is paying $2.7 million per year for inmate health services to Prison Health Services of Tennessee. On April 30, Judy McDaniel Woodle died in prison of a strangulated hernia, yet Health Services officials refused Sheriff BJ Barnes' request for documents regarding her care, and Sheriff Barnes is not at the moment pursuing their refusal to his legitimate request.

A person in custody is dead. A strangulated hernia is generally considered to be an operable situation. There seems to be some missed responsibility in this case.

Two million dollars a year is not "chump change" for medical care, yet we in Guilford County will look like "chumps" indeed if we do not get clear answers about what transpired in Woodle's situation. At the very least, on the surface, it can appear to be a "wrongful death" case.

Prison Health Services must provide answers to legitimate questions -- perhaps not until forced, but certainly they have a responsibility to do so. It must be in their contract somewhere.

Bolling Lowrey
Greensboro

It seems that schools are now doing what society has done for years: placing their athletes on a pedestal regardless of the degree of "wrong they have done." I am not going to comment any further about that.

What I do want to comment on is the other 1,398 students at Southeast High School whom Coach Scott Smith obviously doesn't know and, for that matter, neither does Principal Keith Kremer, or he would have made a comment about the character of Southeast High.

Certainly, this high school is no different than any other in the area. There are the students who choose to drink, some choose drugs as their path, others decide that there are "unmentionable" things they prefer to do.

But for Coach Smith to say, "I guarantee you that of the 1,400 students here, (the players charged) are the only two I can guarantee you were not drinking," I will say what a poor choice of words to use, Coach Smith. I believe that you owe a lot of students, with character, an apology.

Cindy Baker
Greensboro

I am writing with deep concern about the lack of maintenance and upkeep of the Veterans Memorial at Country Park. I was visiting the memorial on May 27 in observance of the Memorial Day services. The landscape is overgrown and unsightly.

When you build a tribute to fallen veterans, not maintaining the memorial site is a dishonor to them. I would appreciate it if those responsible for the upkeep and maintenance would keep to their tasks.

Robert DeLuca
Greensboro

I have been disappointed by the letters you have recently chosen for publication.

One example is the letter (June 6) from A.O. Brown attacking efforts against terrorism by defining "insanity" as "doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results."

Fortunately, Alexander Graham Bell, Henry Ford, Eli Whitney, Thomas Edison, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Christopher Columbus and the Wright brothers felt differently.

Perhaps the above quote is closer to the definition of persistence.

Frank Freeman
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Ralph Womble

The News & Record editorial, "Dell downturn offers development lessons" (June 8), distorts the facts surrounding Dell's selection of North Carolina for its new manufacturing facility.

Your editorial makes reference to "paying $280 million to lure" Dell to the Triad, but you fail to explain that Dell is contractually obligated to meet or exceed both job and investment numbers over a 20-year period to receive the full incentive amount.

Dell will not receive the first dime from the community or the state until July. The incentives the company receives are after it pays its taxes and hires the agreed-upon employees, which makes the Dell deal a true "pay as you go" project. If Dell falls short on the agreed-upon jobs or investment, then its incentives will be reduced or eliminated.

The editorial also fails to acknowledge the economic ripple effect that Dell has created in the region. There are six Dell suppliers that have located in the area.

Several retail and residential developments have also announced since the Dell facility opened, and the expected economic impact will exceed $50 million. No incentives were used for that tax-base increase.

Also, property values in the vicinity of the new facility continue to increase rapidly, further adding to the tax base of the region.

The good will generated by Dell's location in Winston-Salem is hard to put a price on, but Dell, along with FedEx and HondaJet, have validated this region as an outstanding business location -- and the public relations value created from these locations would be impossible to purchase.

The writer is chairman, Winston-Salem Business Inc.

Your headline, "CEO pay on par with athletes, actors" (June 11), really exposes your anti-business, pro-liberal Democratic agenda. CEOs direct American industry, the core of the American economy; athletes and actors are in the entertainment industry, supposedly a secondary and discretionary dollar of the American consumer.

Wouldn't a more serious treatise of the subject be to ask why athletes and actors are paid the kind of money as CEOs of industries that provide actual goods and services in the society, given the irrelevant and unnecessary nature of their "jobs" to the well-being of the nation? I really hate it for Brad Pitt that he has to endure making less money than the CEO of Yahoo, a leader in Internet search.

I suppose my take on the issue won't be given the light of day, what with the obvious election year agenda the old media are trying to drum up. Let the class warfare and phony populism begin.

Joel Coltrane
Archdale

This is in response to Len Ebright's letter about increasing speed limits. I taught truck driving for 29 years and believe his reasoning is flawed.

The average driver may be driving at a speed higher than the posted limit at any given time. But think about this. The average driver is -- well, average. And average is not that good. Most drivers may think they are better than average, but this isn't mathematically possible.

Most drivers are average; some are better and some are worse. Therefore, only a few, the true professionals, are capable of handling their vehicle properly in most emergency situations. Increasing speed limits will only create more of these situations, and the greater the speed, the greater the damage when two objects collide.

Whatever the speed limit, some drivers will exceed it. I see it in every speed zone every day. From a safety standpoint, we don't need "average" drivers driving at higher speeds than they can already safely handle.

I think the speed limits are fine. If the average driver cannot abide by them, then the average judge should just enforce the law.

Ron Nichols
High Point

How about some real celebrity justice? Let's sentence Paris Hilton to no paparazzi for life.

Bill Burnett
Greensboro

It is important that, as citizens of this state, we participate in decisions that will have long-term impact on our energy supply and the air we breathe. North Carolina universities lead the way when it comes to clean energy research and education, with resources like Appalachian State and the Solar Center at N.C. State. We have the know-how to produce clean, alternative energy from farm fuels, wind and solar power.

We have technology to build factories, offices, schools, appliances and homes more efficiently, cutting energy use by 14 percent or more.

Instead of tapping common-sense solutions for clean energy, the state's utilities propose more of the same old dirty and dangerous sources of power.

For example, regulators recently gave the green light to Duke Energy to build a new coal-fired power plant west of Charlotte at its Cliffside station, near the Shining Rock Wilderness area. What's worse, Duke Energy and Progress Energy both want to build the nation's first new nuclear plants in 30 years even though these plants will create hazardous waste that we'll be stuck with for generations to come. We can do better. Let's think progressively.

Gayle Canner
Greensboro

As a former educator and grandmother of 14, I have attended more than my share of school functions. Sadly, I have come to approach them with dread. All too often, the students' performance is marred by boorish behavior of the audience. I have left many times, angry and frustrated, with my mother's favorite cliche, "Any fool can act a fool," echoing in my head.

However, my granddaughter's recent graduation ceremony at Summerfield Elementary provided a pleasant surprise. It was held on a 94-degree day, and there was standing room only in the un-air-conditioned gym. But both the graduating fifth-graders and proud parents proved they were plenty smart. They knew when laughter was appropriate, when to hold applause, and how to exit at the correct time. The rare cat caller was ignored or met with cold stares. Someone had taken the time to teach that every assembly is not meant to be interactive and riotous. The resulting classy behavior made the occasion the dignified, memorable event it was designed to be.

Much admiration is due the principal and teachers who reinforce proper decorum and parents who are first teaching it in their homes and then modeling it in public. I pray this marks a trend.

Nelda Howell Lockamy
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Robert Sharpe

Regarding your June 7 editorial, marijuana is an easily grown weed. Pot would be virtually worthless if legal.

Former UNCG student Stephen Cobb getting shot in the back during a robbery attempt is a direct consequence of marijuana prohibition.

Note that marijuana prohibition does not necessarily deter use. The University of Michigan's "Monitoring the Future Study" reports that lifetime use of marijuana is higher in the United States than any European country, yet America is one of the few Western countries that uses its criminal-justice system to punish citizens who prefer marijuana to martinis.

Unlike alcohol, marijuana has never been shown to cause an overdose death, nor does it share the addictive properties of tobacco. The short-term health effects of marijuana are inconsequential compared to the long-term effects of criminal records.

Unfortunately, marijuana represents the counterculture to many Americans. In subsidizing the prejudices of culture warriors, government is subsidizing organized crime.

The drug war's distortion of immutable laws of supply and demand make an easily grown weed literally worth its weight in gold. The only clear winners in the war on marijuana are drug cartels and shameless tough-on-drugs politicians who've built careers on confusing drug prohibition's collateral damage with a relatively harmless plant.

The big losers in this battle are the taxpayers who have been deluded into believing big government is the appropriate response to nontraditional consensual vices.

(The results of a comparative study of European and U.S. rates of drug use can be found at: http://www.monitoringthefuture.org/pubs/espad_pr.pdf)

The writer is policy analyst, Common Sense for Drug Policy, Washington, D.C.

Retired editor Irwin Smallwood proposes in the News & Record (op-ed, May 30):

"Let's dismantle old (World War Memorial Stadium's) facade brick-by-brick if feasible, and reproduce it as a magnificent entrance way to the coliseum parking lot."

But recall what Mayor Edwin Jeffress said when the stadium was dedicated on Armistice Day 1926: "(The stadium) is here for the use of the coming generations; the soldier boys said they wanted no hollow granite, no useless monument to decorate our street corners … but, they wanted something that would be useful; that would help develop mind and body; that would, in this way, be a perpetual memorial to those who have passed."

Smallwood is proposing to take a still useful and much-used memorial and make of it a "useless monument" that its makers disavowed.

Smallwood's idea is deeply disrespectful to the veterans of World War I, who asked to be remembered with an active, athletic memorial, not a parking lot entrance.

David Wharton
Greensboro

The San Diego Zoo spent more than $7 million to build one habitat for polar bears. The Natural Science Center spent just two-thirds of that to build an entire zoological garden, Animal Discovery. Museum staff and trustees have been tenacious stewards of the city bond and private contributions.

Soon, Greensboro will have its first-ever nationally accredited zoological park. The 550-page application for AZA, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, accreditation will be submitted in full before the Sept. 1 deadline. AZA accreditation will position Animal Discovery in the top 10 percent of the 2,000 zoos in the country. Just 213 facilities meet this rigorous standard.

We are also blessed that the Brooks Family Maned Wolf Conservation Center, the nation's first green and sustainable maned wolf breeding center, will break ground soon. With Jim Brooks' vision, this propagation and conservation education center has been pre-approved by the AZA's Species Survival Plan program and the Taxon Advisory Group chairman at the Smithsonian.

Our team is working hard to bring a signature zoological experience to Greensboro. Now the time has come to turn our attention to the complete reinvention and renewal of the aging 68,000-square-foot museum.

Glenn Dobrogosz
Greensboro

The writer is executive director, Natural Science Center and Animal Discovery.

Am I dreaming? What is happening to my country? All the 2008 presidential candidates are vying for the title: "most religious." Religion is good, but it is also very personal and private.

We desperately need a leader, not a preacher. For the past six-and-a-half years, we have had a president who talks to God -- and God answers. If God was truly Bush's consultant, he wouldn't be one of the worst leaders ever.

The presidential hopefuls talk as if religion is the prime qualification for the job they seek. Religion is the answer to a host of things in your life, but it won't solve the issues that confront us today.

We have wars, poverty, inadequate health care, global warming, and on and on.

Let's take religion out of politics and search for the person with the right qualities to be our leader and the leader of the free world. We are electing the president of the United States, not the pope.

Max Roseman
High Point

Unfortunately, your June 8 editorial about "development lessons" failed to recognize that North Carolina's incentives -- including those for Dell -- are primarily performance-based and self-funded. If a company hires the right number of people at a certain salary within a specified time, it receives tax credits. If deadlines aren't met, it won't receive the credits. And let's keep in mind these tax credits are against tax payments that would not exist if the company hadn't come to North Carolina. In business, nothing is risk-free, but that's about as close as you can get.

When it comes to economic development, big companies like Dell have significant ripple effects throughout the economy. That's why they have always been recruited and always will be. At the time Dell announced, it was the largest new industrial project in North Carolina in 10 years.

Finally, we commend your editorial for the emphasis on the region investing in itself to develop an educated work force, up-to-date infrastructure and controlling taxes. History shows that in this worldwide competitive environment, incentives must be a fact of life. The jobs for thousands of North Carolinians will depend on it.

Ronnie Goswick
Youngsville

By Richard Levy

A&T's financial problems point to several lessons:

* The A&T Board of Trustees is not responsible.

Volunteer boards cannot possibly uncover financial chicanery or ineptitude except by accident. Indeed, it is not their job, which is to approve the direction of the institution, evaluate the chief executive, and attract money. The idea that they should uncover wrongdoing is nice but ludicrous.

* The consolidated University of North Carolina bears the primary responsibility for oversight of its member institutions.

These folks are paid professionals. They have staff and auditors. They should have the expertise to uncover problems, no matter what they are told. These institutions are large and complex. If the institution's head covers up wrongdoing or doesn't know about it, only professionals are likely to discover the truth.

* Black institutions face special challenges.

Few African Americans have experience overseeing large institutions. Thus, it is not surprising that they are sometimes blindsided by problems. Given the tremendous private-sector demand for African American professionals, a high percentage of the most qualified black accountants and managers are unavailable to institutions like A&T. This is no denigration of the many dedicated people who work tirelessly and honestly at A&T. It merely points out the special problems black institutions face. Yet, at the A&T family, alumni and taxpayers have a right to expect honesty and competence. The consolidated university must assume special responsibility for training and oversight so trustees and the public can assume their money is being handled properly.

One final thought. Problems like this show why rules should not allow naming buildings, roads, etc., for currently serving officials. Dr. Renick surely didn't know about the alleged thievery. But it is simply bad policy not to wait a few years after retirement so boards can make a reasonably informed decision.

The writer served two terms as a N.C. A&T State University trustee. He has a master's from A&T and has taught English at that school.

The News & Record, which has shown a remarkable inability to inform its readers as to how North Carolina's two senators vote on issues, recently became involved with the latest immigration bill after its initial defeat. It was stated in an editorial (June 9) that Sen. Dole's stand against the bill was poor policy.

I believe the staff of the News & Record must not have read or studied the 500-plus pages in the document. Otherwise, they could have seen that the bill was stacked in favor of many special-interest groups. Plus, it contained provisions that made absolutely no sense, such as a path to citizenship for gang members who state that they are removing themselves from the gang.

On top of this, no financial impact statements were done to estimate the cost of this vast undertaking. New departments and staff requirements needed to process 12 million to 20 million illegals toward citizenship were not authorized. The bill was so full of procedural flaws that it was unenforceable. It has to be asked why the 1986 immigration bill has not been enforced. I hope that the News & Record's future reporting uses an educated and factual background.

Randall Schultz
Summerfield

President Bush was condemned for his statement of faith in Jesus Christ. The liberals ridiculed him and continue to say that he admits he talks to God and must be nuts.

Now it is finally happening. All of the Democrats in the primary, who never mention God, are coming out of the closet. I have heard of foxhole conversions or deathbed conversions. Now we have Democratic primary conversions. They go to black churches and campaign but say Republicans cannot even talk about faith. I ask them, faith in what?

I am suspicious when I hear someone talk about faith and never mention Jesus' name. How can you claim to be a Christian and not recognize the one who died on the cross and, therefore, is the basis for Christianity? So, when someone says "God bless America," or "I am a Christian," ask them to clarify that statement. I have never heard this done. I guess because none of the questioners is comfortable with saying "Jesus," either.

Bennie Taylor
High Point

The apparent approval of your commentary (Summary Judgment, June 9) displays a marked lack of knowledge about Native America. For years, there have been, through the Bureau of Indian Affairs, seven criteria (of which a tribe has to meet any four) for a native tribe to be federally recognized.

The Lumbee have never been able to meet even one. This group has no language, no history, no culture, no tradition, etc. The only reason this farce is near congressional approval is the hope for future votes from these people.

If any group would truly deserve federal recognition, amazingly it would be your average Mexican, any one of whom has more pure Native American blood (mostly Aztec or Mayan) than all 55,000 Lumbees combined. If this legislation does pass, it can only be a signal to everyone, regardless of ancestry, that "Hey! I can be an Indian, too!"

Donald Bradley
Danville, Va.

Your editorial about the Dell development lesson (June 8) strikes a nerve in me about the government's taxing private citizens to partially subsidize private industry.

There is no place for me and other private citizens to be given the funds to start our own business. And if there were, I would still be legally liable to repay the debt.

Instead of continuing to use taxpayer money to make the city look good, let industry use other considerations for deciding where to locate, such as the availability of workers, water and electricity for industry, and so forth.

Are there hidden agendas here? Does anyone benefit privately by this use of taxpayer funds? I don't think so, so why not stop it?

Willie Laughlin
Summerfield

In your June 9 Summary Judgment column, you rightfully gave a thumbs up for the new financial aid policy at Davidson College that eliminates loans from its need-based financial aid packages -- replacing them with grants and work study. You further stated this was the first such approach in the nation.

In the interest of accuracy, you should be told that Princeton University initiated the nation's first such policy three years ago.

Edwin L. Bryan
Greensboro

The writer graduated from Princeton in 1957.

Newsweek says our high schools are in the top five percent of schools in America. Now I hope this is not true.

Think about it: Less than 42 percent of students pass the AP and IB tests. In some schools, the percentage is as low as six percent. Our schools require armed police to keep order.

Our "prestigious" quality certification was revoked. Two schools were under legal threat of being closed.

Our state and federal test results are abysmal.

Top five percent? What does this say about America overall? Add to above:

The schools won an award for having a dropout rate under three percent, yet over 35 percent never complete high school. How can this be?

Our superintendent has said central staff could not be cut. We are not top-heavy. Yet an independent study of the Human Relations Department found, among other things, "The departmental hierarchy appears top-heavy with more executive directors and directors than span-of-control requirements would dictate."

I went to the organization charts and counted approximately 34 directors and executive directors, yet we are reducing reading resource help.

I could go on, but space is limited. It's all done with smoke and mirrors. If we put up with it, we deserve it. But our children deserve better.

David Colin
Greensboro

There seems to be no simple solution to the chaos in Iraq. However, some common sense might be appropriate. For generations, tribes there have been feuding. We hope the recent surge will be successful, though it may result in only a temporary truce. Long-standing hostilities don't vanish overnight.

I am reminded of an adult child still living at home. As long as his parents are meeting most of his needs, he has no incentive to develop his potential. Were they no longer subsidizing him, he might be motivated to stand on his own two feet and become responsible for his own future.

Whether the troops carrying most of the burden exit tomorrow or years from now, Iraqis will finally be responsible for their own destiny. Then, they might come to appreciate their homeland and wholeheartedly seek ways to settle their differences.

Too many service personnel and Iraqi citizens have already been slaughtered. The cost of this war has become astronomical.

Realistically, years of tribal fighting will not be erased overnight. But, the sooner they begin to respect their country, the better. A united Iraq would be in a better position to deal with negative outside influences.

Miriam Hill Caviness
Greensboro

Voters should say "yes" to $440 million in school bonds, but only if a qualified construction program manager is utilized from design to final accounting. I am fortunate to have served as construction program financial manager with N.C. Monroe Construction Company during the 2000-2003 $200 million Guilford County school bond program. I am proud to have worked with some of the finest people I have ever known, within and outside the Guilford County schools. These are undoubtedly some of the best stewards of the taxpayers' money when the work is managed properly.

During my work with the 2000-2003 bond program, we documented over $50 million in savings to the taxpayers, many times the program manager's fee. It was enough to add entire schools that were not included in the original program and increase the scope of essentially all projects that were included in the program.

I believe that every contractor involved in the 2000-2003 bond program will tell you that change order requests and especially payments were handled in a fair and timely manner.

Joe Gray
Greensboro

Hooray for our North Carolina senators! Both voted to allow the misbegotten immigration reform bill to die the death of a thousand amendments. Now President Bush is stumping to revive this Frankenstein's monster.

Conceived behind closed doors with no debate or public discourse, this bill would give amnesty (by another name) to an estimated 12 million to 25 million illegal aliens. Under the guise of immigration reform, this bill proposes to put these home invaders on a fast track to citizenship for a measly $5,000 fine and a promise to "go back" on some unspecified date, only to return later with the approval of our government.

What makes Congress think these lawbreakers will suddenly decide to do the right thing? They're already protesting that the fine is too much. How long will it be before the fine gets waived due to "hardship"? If this were not so serious, it would be laughable.

We need the president to enforce the laws already on the books and secure our borders. If this bill is revived and passed, George Bush's legacy will be having opened the door to invaders through our southern border, ensuring terrorist attacks and the eventual demise of America itself.

Frank Light
Madison

I am a Republican who did not vote for President Bush in either election. He lost me completely after what he did to Sen. McCain in the 2000 primaries. Further, when he sees the world in terms of an "Axis of Evil," he is as much a religious bigot as the Muslim extremists he claims are threatening us.

Instead of dealing with fundamental issues like overpopulation, he presses his religious beliefs by ordering cuts in family planning wherever he can -- including, apparently, the World Bank under Mr. Wolfowitz.

I hope you will push Sen. Dole -- as well as other candidates who maintain a blind eye to the President’s biases -- during the election campaigns. I would like to see the Republican Party return to its political roots rather than continue preaching like a closed-minded evangelist out to save the soul.

William T. Bode
Liberty

The following is a Counterpoint

By Elizabeth Dole

In 1986, when Congress passed an immigration bill, an estimated three million illegal aliens residing in the United States were granted amnesty. At that time, promises to secure our borders and enforce our laws were made…but not kept. Today, an estimated 12 million to 20 million illegal aliens live in the United States. The U.S. Senate now has an opportunity truly to address the past failures that have put us in the current crisis. Unfortunately, the Senate immigration bill again puts the cart before the horse.

This bill rushes to legalize millions of illegal aliens, which is not the urgent matter at hand. We must first focus on securing our borders and enforcing our laws. I have heard from thousands of North Carolinians who ask me what is being done to address these pressing needs and to make our communities safer. Understandably, folks have no confidence that this is occurring.

Consider last year's authorization of 700 miles of border fencing -- astoundingly, just two miles have been constructed! And, the catch-and-release of aliens who are committing crimes, such as drunk driving, has become commonplace.

Given that the Senate immigration bill was crafted in secret sessions by just a handful of senators, pertinent amendments deserved a place in the debate -- for example, my proposal to ensure that illegal aliens convicted of drunk driving do not become repeat offenders. But when I tried to fix this serious problem, my commonsense amendment was blocked. Similarly, many of my colleagues had worthy, enforcement-focused amendments that were denied a vote.

When I saw a chance to derail this fundamentally flawed immigration bill, I acted on it. I stand ready to work to first address the real crisis -- the security of our borders and the enforcement of our laws. We must not ignore history's lessons -- we must get immigration reform right this time.

The writer is a U.S. senator from North Carolina.

Government budget time requires searches for ways to meet critical service needs. Recent salaries posted by the Rhino Times for higher paid public workers in Guilford County make me wonder.

My lifetime career government friend is #12 on his salary list, but the school system has 75 employees with higher salaries. More than half of this higher end are administrators. Recently, I read of layoffs of reading teachers due to lack of funds. How many reading teachers could be employed in exchange for one administrative reduction on the reviewed salary list?

George Setzer
Greensboro

After several months, the city appears to have finished work on the water line rehabilitation project in my neighborhood and has moved on to Westerwood. No more blue hoses along the curbs and no more metal plates in the middle of the road for us. Every time that our water was cut off during this work, I complained. But I know that really I should have felt very grateful instead.

How lucky we are to live in a city that has the resources to maintain the water system and improve its efficiency. How easy it is to forget that more than a billion people lack access to clean, safe drinking water. This number includes millions of children; in fact, approximately 4,000 children die each day from water-borne diseases.

Meanwhile, in the United States, we shower in drinkable water and use it to water our lawns while buying bottled water to drink. Maybe we should consider drinking our clean tap water instead and sending the money we would otherwise spend on bottled water to buy clean water for people in other parts of the world.

Margaret Rowlett
Greensboro

Recently, the News & Record published two letters concerning the definition of insanity. In "Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results," Frank Freeman (June 14) disagreed with that definition by pointing out that "persistence" paid off for the great leaders and inventors that he named. These men, however, tweaked their earlier efforts in order to get good results. They did not mimic their previous work in every detail. Their successes often came from a change in what may have appeared to be an almost trivial step.

A.O. Brown (June 6) incorrectly calls the fight against terrorism "insanity" according to the definition. If he honestly appraises this extremely important undertaking, he must note the constantly changing details in our military and humanitarian efforts to solve a huge problem.

Brown and Freeman should recognize that the men and events they either admire or critique have corrected defects in order to obtain success in their final results. The definition stands.

Marion Griffin
Asheboro

On the sidelines, shooting from the hip:

* Money, money, money. Pro athletes, CEOs, incentives for business (free enterprise?), federal, state, local budgets, pork barrels and earmarks, escalating taxes, rising prices, etc. Are we smart enough to step back and rediscover common sense?

* Presidential politics will benefit from the extended hoopla now so painful to watch. One or two worthy stars will survive, as will the nation.

* Truth and Reconciliation. Most people know the truth and have reconciled. It was a sad chapter in the never-ending saga of bad people doing bad things.

* The Sit-ins. A worthy event in our lifetime, something Greensboro can remember with pride.

* Immigration. The lifeblood that got us started. These days, do it legally or go to jail.

* Crime. It's everywhere, so pay for the best law enforcement available, give support and help young people make good choices.

Having shot myself in the foot in my mouth, I think Greensboro U.S.A. is a great place to recover.

Bill Beerman
Greensboro

I remember Dad:

It was about 22 years ago that Dr. Coleman Brantley died. I was in college and thought nothing like this could ever happen in our family. He was 6'4" and a heavy man (due to my mom's good cooking).

I just thought he was Dad, the man who was strong, smart and fun. Who would have thought lung cancer would claim him so young?

When he died, three people wrote articles about what a great doctor he was. I was proud, but what I would miss was how he used to tuck me in at night and I knew I was safe; how he knew early in the day I had appendicitis so that, by midnight, my appendix was out; how he took me fishing, to ride bikes, and bought me everything a little girl could want.

Now he has missed my graduation, my teaching school, my sister's wedding, her four children, and so much more.

I still have old patients of his tell me they miss him as a doctor, but I just miss him as Dad.

Keri Brantley
Greensboro

The bipartisan immigration bill, presently stalled in Congress, has been called the "Grand Compromise" by its supporters, but Thomas Sowell's description of the bill as a "bipartisan betrayal" is more like it.

I think that the Democrats and Republicans who support this bill are trying to gain political advantage rather than trying to solve a very important problem.

Immigration affects our country's future: our population growth, our resources, our language and culture, and our political mix.

These important issues should be decided by a serious discussion involving all U.S. citizens.

Until we establish control of immigration, however, the ones making the decisions will be the illegal immigrants themselves, those who employ them, and irresponsible politicians.

Control means we have to enforce existing laws. We have to make crossing the border illegally much more difficult, and we have to make illegal employment much more difficult to find.

Fenced borders and national ID cards are certainly not part of my image of America, but I do think we have to get serious about who gets to decide about America's future.

Jerry R. Varner
Greensboro

In response to letter from Carl M. Allen Jr. (June 13), Reedy Fork Creek is much more than a low spot where water runs.

It is a historic area that dates from before the Revolutionary War with a grant from the king of England.

Revolutionary troops, Confederate troops and Union troops camped along the banks of Reedy Fork Creek (the main supply of water for Greensboro). Reedy Fork Creek was recorded on the earliest maps of the county. Troops in World War II trained on Reedy Fork Ranch.

Reedy Fork Ranch is a master- planned community that will have an estimated 10,000 residents living on the ranch when it is fully developed.

This property will have a shopping center (The Shoppes at Reedy Fork), office buildings and a 300-acre industrial park (Reedy Fork Ranch Business Park) that could employ thousands.

This development, when completed, will add more than $1 billion to the tax base of Guilford County.

We have had thousands of troops die in combat to protect our rights to free speech and majority rule.

The residents of Reedy Fork and the Northeast area have the legal right to request that the board of education name the new elementary school in the middle of this community Reedy Fork Elementary School.

William A. Mericka
Browns Summit

Others have spoken of weak and poor coverage by this paper of local events. I now totally agree.

For the past three weeks we have had one of the largest sporting events in our state in Greensboro, the State Games of North Carolina. This event attracts over 15,000 amateur athletes from all over North Carolina. They have 33 sporting events of all types, ranging from baseball to wrestling. The only coverage I have seen is some partial score postings on two days last week. Yet, we have pictures from some senior games that are occurring in New York state.

If you would publish some coverage about the State Games, you may sell more papers to the hundreds or maybe thousands of guests in our town hoping to see an article about their team or themselves. How are people to know where they may go to see an event where they may have an interest? Not in the News & Record.

There are 14 events in Greensboro this weekend in addition to the opening ceremonies on Friday. What are the chances that we may get to see what others see as they come to Greensboro to participate?

Gary Upchurch
Greensboro

Mike Nifong should never have had to step down as district attorney. He did what he was elected by the people to do. I wonder if we will go after all attorneys who have prosecuted innocent men and take their licenses.

Let's consider the countless African American men who have been falsely accused of rape with no evidence against them. These men's lives have been destroyed, but no one cares.

Also, with DNA evidence available, most of the men freed are African American, but the only response they get is "oops." The crime even remains on their record unless the governor removes it.

Are we going after the attorney who prosecuted Darryl Hunt and hold him responsible for the years Hunt sat in jail innocent? Hunt will never get those years back.

In some cases these men received monetary compensation, but what is that compared to lost years behind bars knowing your innocence and when everyone in the judicial system knows it?

These Duke boys were inconvenienced; they don't have a clue about having their lives disrupted. In a few years, this will be forgotten. I say give Mike Nifong back his job. We need fair men like him.

Michele McMillan
Greensboro

I enjoyed Gene Owens' column (June 16) about the Zodiac and Methuselah, and I wish to emphasize a safety warning and clarify a misleading generalization.

Owens wrote, "Don't look directly at the sun, with or without a telescope." I want to reiterate that direct sunlight can cause permanent eye damage in just seconds, without the victim being aware of it until too late.

However, there are safe ways to look at the sun. The method I use is a quality, professionally made solar filter. While I share Owens' concern, it is possible to look at the sun safely. I would suggest we amend his rule to read: "Never look directly at the sun, especially when using binoculars or a telescope unless you are absolutely sure that you are using a safe solar filter."

For the last several years, hundreds have looked at the sun through my telescope fitted with a safe, professionally made solar filter. Each month, on the Saturday near the time of the first quarter moon, I set up an observing site in Center City Park. We've seen sunspots, lunar mountains, and last month we successfully hunted down Venus in the daytime.

If anyone is interested in looking or wants more information, I invite you to join me between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. this Saturday (if it's not too cloudy).

Dennis Hands
Greensboro

Leslie Mizell's choice to use the derogatory term "harelip" in her review of Triad Stage's "Tobacco Road" (June 17) was a bit ironic considering her brief opening diatribe about the play's complicity in perpetuating negative stereotypes. It may seem a harmless moniker for one born with a cleft lip (the unanimously clinically approved term), but it is actually a disparaging slur with a significantly dark history. I'm sure the editor would not allow Mizell to call a character's portrayal of someone with Down's Syndrome a "retard."

It is time that these unfortunate labels born from ignorance find their way out of the vocabularies of supposedly educated people, Southern or not.

Brad Brown
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Kevin Haggerty

"Tobacco Road" is an American classic. Triad Stage's current production of this classic work adapted by Jack Kirkland from Erskine Caldwell's novel accomplishes what theater is meant to do: get the audience to react emotionally. This is clearly the process that Leslie Mizell reviewed in your newspaper (June 17).

Theater is also meant to facilitate learning from such reactions, probably the more difficult part of the equation. Thus, Athens at the height of the classical age around 450 BCE required its citizens to attend the theater, otherwise be designated as "idiotes" and far less capable of voting wisely for their governmental leaders.

However, implicit in Mizell's review lurks the notion that the only feelings we're supposed to feel from a play are the pleasant ones, the kind elicited by such plays as "Our Town." Well, Triad Stage professes to present a variety of plays, sometimes with controversy attached, and it has succeeded admirably. "Tobacco Road" is clearly not a feel-good play. But to discount it because some people might take away negative perceptions of the South is to argue that Shakespeare's "Hamlet" should be left in the past so we don't think less of the Danish royals.

Finally, while Mizell does give a positive nod to the acting and staging, her blind spots appear to dominate her review. So, for instance, recasting the play from the 1930s to the 1970s indeed has an important purpose: This time change illustrates that human beings throughout the ages are likely to become less human according to the conditions they find themselves in, especially as they allow such conditions to increase the power of their self-limiting beliefs.

I am happy to say that your review did not prevent a nearly full house on a beautiful Father's Day Sunday afternoon, of which I was a part, from giving a very rousing standing ovation.

The writer lives in Summerfield.

Being a fan of Ron White, comedian, I purchased four tickets for myself and three friends to attend this concert at the War Memorial Auditorium June 16.

I was surprised to discover beer was sold during the show, which was very short -- about one-and-a-half hours. I could not believe they kept the bar open during the show. People were getting up and down all through the short show.

I could not hear; I had to move to allow people in and out. The noise was disruptive. I feel robbed. It cost about $45 per person, and I paid about $170 for four tickets for three friends and myself.

I think that selling beer and wine during an event in the auditorium is unnecessary and very disruptive. It was the wrong thing to do.

I won't waste my money in a venue such as that again.

Lesson learned.

Joanne W. White
Greensboro

National AIDS Test Day is June 27. It is of paramount importance that all people regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or economic status find out your HIV status. Getting tested for HIV is a powerful tool toward preventing the spread of HIV.

People who know their status are more responsible and more likely to take precautions to reduce the risk of spreading HIV. I doubt anyone would knowingly transmit HIV to someone else knowing HIV is preventable but has no cure.

There are numerous places and opportunities to get HIV tests confidentially. Getting tested is the best way to prevent spread of the disease.

There are service and care organizations in Guilford County for people receiving a positive diagnosis. A person in care is less infectious than someone who possesses the virus and is not in care.

Our local AIDS organizations have an initiative to help reduce the spread by encouraging people to get tested. The goal is to increase the number of people who know their status by at least 15 percent in Guilford County. This is an effort everyone can participate in to help prevent the spread of HIV.

Get tested!

James McNair
Greensboro

Greensboro has the worst taxis I have ever been in -- worse than Tijuana, Mexico. Greensboro cabs are dirty and have no leg room, no ventilation. Some have no working windows and no air conditioning.

The rear seat room is small because the driver has the seat pushed all the way back so he can watch his TV on the front seat. That in itself is a hazard.

Is it that cab companies just don't care enough to police themselves? This not only reflects on the cab company but also makes a bad picture for the beautiful city of Greensboro. It looks like the Greensboro government would have some sort of regulation and guideline for a cab to operate.

It is disheartening to visit such a nice city and have to ride in poor transportation. I hope the city fathers can see this and take action.

We come to your city to have a good time and shop. The reason my friends and I take a taxi is so we can go out to dance and have a few drinks. This way we would not be driving while drinking. We love the city and all its people.

Janice Allison
New London

I have just finished reading your article in the Life section (June 19) about cockfighting. What would possess you to run an article on this subject? It only encourages this illegal and very brutal sport. I'm sure there are cockfighters in this area as well as many dogfighters.

Any so-called sport where humans have to put two animals in a ring to fight until one of them is dead is barbaric. Isn't there enough uncivilized behavior in the world from human beings already? It tells of the sad state of our world when we derive pleasure from watching animals kill each other.

Perhaps if we regress to the times of ancient Rome when humans fought and killed each other for sport, we could really fill these stadiums.

The enjoyment of this type of "sport" can only lead to an increased desensitizing of violence and death. Don't you think we have enough of that already?

By the way, I am a 25-year vegetarian. I don't buy leather, either -- just in case you were wondering.

Lynne Bailey
Greensboro

I am feed up with how the police and sheriffs need a raise. If they want one, fine. But no more free ride.

Think how many people working in Guilford County make less then $32,000 a year. They don't get a free car to drive home, no free gas. I know we've heard this before -- they're on call. If they are, they need to stay there. They don't need to go home.

Let them do what firefighters do. Look at how much money we could save per year.

Lewis Hawks
Greensboro

No! Do you hear me, commissioners? How about you, council members? I am one taxpayer who says enough! Six tax increases in seven years. Would you like to stick your hand further down my pocket? There might be some lint left in it.

Only in government can an increase in a budget item be a cut. Just because you want $20 and only get $18 doesn't make it a $2 cut when I am only paying $10 now. It's still an $8 increase.

It also doesn’t help when the News & Record reporter writes his story claiming that the budget has been cut, then mentions the increase. When will there be true cuts to the fat that you put in your budget?

Oh, and by the way, I'll also punch the "no" button come Election Day.
Randy Lewis
Greensboro

In response to '''Tobacco Road' is not a feel-good play" (Counterpoint, June 21), I don't think the Greeks would have thought that knocking grandma out of the way for a turnip would in any way improve mankind.

Triad Stage is stumbling toward regional theater. Rusty trailers ain't it. When the acting and the material acted begin to get better reviews than the sets, maybe some progress will have been made. The closest they have come so far is "Brother Wolf." Beowulf doesn't get dated; the Joads do.

Philip Shore
Asheboro

In my mind's eye, I see the Iraq war as comparable to the handling of a bag of microwave popcorn. The top U.S. chef purchases the popcorn but hopes that only a few of the kernels will pop, even if he turns on the heat in the oven. He pushes the "start" button (shock and awe).

Soon a couple of kernels pop, so he pokes in his finger and successfully nudges them out (mission accomplished). Then a few more begin to pop, so he uses his thumb with the finger.

Not a problem that we can't handle (bring 'em on).

Suddenly the whole bag explodes with pops. He plunges in his fist to grab a handful (the surge). Ouch! This is hotter than I anticipated. I can't admit it, but there’s a dilemma here. If I 'withdraw my fist, the whole bag is likely to collapse. If I keep my fist in, as my gut feeling tells me I must, we'll have victory somehow. Decisions, decisions! I’m the great decider, so it's stay the course. Besides, there's going to be a new kid on the block soon, and I'll just dump the whole bag in his lap. Then I'll give him my blessing and wish him better luck next time.

Dorothy Meehan
Graham

The Guilford County Board of Education recently named the new elementary school the Ronald McNair Elementary School at Reedy Fork.

This was an outstanding decision. The life of Ronald McNair is an inspiration to all of us. He is a great role model who will encourage our students to reach for the stars.

Shortly before his death, Ronald McNair, speaking to young students, said the following: "Whether or not you reach your goals in life depends entirely on how well you prepare for them and how badly you want them. You're eagles! Stretch your wings and fly to the sky."

Tom Gilmore
Greensboro

A recent article (June 15) on declining bird populations had the northern bobwhite at the top of the list, with an 82 percent drop over the past 40 years.

For a number of years during the 1980s, the city let the grass grow high under the power lines in the park along Benjamin Parkway. The area was quickly colonized by quail, whose cheery call of "bobwhite" we heard nearly every time we walked the path. Since then, the mowers have had the upper hand, hence no more birds.

Why can't the city let that area revert to tall grass as habitat for a species in need of help? Not to mention saving the expense of repeated mowing.

Kenneth L. Caneva
Greensboro

In your recent article (June 14) on downtown bike cops, Pat Sawyer
expressed "embarrassment" to have to see someone eating out of a garbage can.

How embarrassing do you think it was for that man to be seen eating out of a garbage can?

How embarrassing is it for Greensboro to have more room for stray dogs than for homeless people?

How embarrassing is it to have local governments cut funds to help the homeless, while giving "incentives" to multimillion-dollar corporations?

How embarrassing is it for Greensboro to have 1,200-plus citizens sleeping in the streets nightly?

How embarrassing is it that our "community" doesn't do more to support the efforts of Greensboro Housing Coalition, Urban Ministry and warriors in the fight against homelessness like Cara Michelle Forest and the many college students in Greensboro.

Alas for all of those who would like to see the homeless fade into the woods so they don't have to be reminded of their plight and our responsibility.

J. Edward Shields
Greensboro

In his News & Record column (Ideas, June 3), Peter A. Brown denounces presidential candidate John Edwards by citing reasons to suggest that Edwards is a phony. Each of the detailed reasons is money-related and, according to Brown, is inconsistent with Edwards presenting himself to voters as a champion of the poor and the downtrodden. Brown emphasizes that Edwards has paid $400 for haircuts and owns and lives on a 100-acre-plus, $6 million compound.

Then Marilyn Wolf writes (Counterpoint, June 8) that Brown is wrong to single Edwards out; that all the presidential candidates are rich. Wolf might be right except for one thing -- $400 haircuts? This strongly suggests narcissism, hardly appropriate for someone whose priority is something as ugly as poverty.

John Edwards seems like a very nice person and is certainly rich enough to live anywhere he chooses. I truly wish him happiness living on his $6 million compound, which I hope remains his residential address for a long, long time. At least for the next 10 years, and 10 more years after that, and so forth.

John Sparks
Greensboro

Since Mike Nifong has been disbarred from practicing law in North Carolina, I think everyone involved in this farce should be held accountable.

Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson and Crystal Gayle Mangum should have to make an apology to the lacrosse players and all the people of the United States for trying to play the race card against some good white boys. Mangum should be charged with lying to the people of this state.

Richard H. Vanderford
Siler City

It is scandalous of you to give an entire page worth of not-rebutted free publicity to the harebrained secessionist movement in Vermont (Ideas, June 17).

One foundation premise of my political philosophy is that our Union is indivisible. It would be nice to have my local newspaper on board with me on that one, at least.

Perhaps you have developed such a loathing for your own country that you would like to see it broken up. Your readers, and the voters elsewhere, do not always elect the candidates you endorse.

Peter Fessel
Greensboro

I am writing in response to Sharon Davis' letter, "Treat graduation with respect and decorum" (June 5) in which she accuses the "black community" of behaving rudely and disruptively at graduation events.

Is Ms. Davis for real? Not only was I mortified to read what she wrote, accusing people of color of something so ridiculous, but I was very disturbed that the News & Record even published her letter. I think both should be ashamed.

Are you both deliberately trying to create divisiveness? What could possibly be the motivation of either party?

Davis wrote, "I don't mean to play the race card," and then proceeded to do just that. You know anytime someone prefaces a statement with, "I don't mean to," that they are going to any minute. "I don't mean to hurt your feelings ... but, I am going to anyhow," as if by saying, "I don't mean to" it will wipe away any stupid or hurtful comment made thereafter.

Lighten up, gal. Try to delight in the fact that people celebrate and express themselves in many ways, and it has nothing to do with what color they are. Shame on you and the paper.

Marcia Macdonald
Greensboro

Why is there a double standard in our society today? Don Imus said what he did and within week he was forced to apologize and was then terminated from his job. Wow, is all I can say.

After the accusations came out on the Duke players, just about everyone said they were guilty. Horrible things were said about these boys, from rapist to racist.

I thought this was America, where you are innocent until proven guilty. That was not the case with these boys.

Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton went on the march and declared that they were guilty and turned Durham into a battlefield. And now they are found to have done nothing wrong.

Do we hear a thing out of the people who crucified these boys on the nightly news? Nope.

What is wrong with us? I wish I had the answer to that question.

I am glad that the district attorney was disbarred. It was just a small victory in this case. I think a simple apology would speak volumes.

Mike Overton
McLeansville

Christian believers in Jesus Christ, pray for the children in Guilford County elementary schools. Those who want them in a gang, to try drugs or alcohol are influencing them.

They are not learning how to handle their anger in an acceptable way because of the violence they see on television and participate in with their video games.

I believe the answer for their future is a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Some children do not know who God is and that He loves them.

I can touch their lives by praying for them. You can, too.

I believe that if God does not intervene in the lives of these children, they will not grow up to be happy, positive, productive citizens in a society that expects so much of them.

God does not just create a child. He specifically designs a child with a plan and purpose for him or her.

His plan is perfect and it will give them hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).
Please pray for GCS children and let them become "your kids" on your prayer list. They will be the ones who govern our great U.S.A.

Annette Bush
Browns Summit

I'm distressed that the Outer Banks are being abused. My parents lived in Manteo in the early 1950s. Then, it was a most interesting place. If you discovered Duck, you had to back your car to the highway. There was no way to turn around. I remember listening to a man who, as a boy, was a messenger for the Wright brothers. There was no road on the Outer Banks. Waves destroyed efforts to build one.

The health nurse went to Hatteras and elsewhere on the Outer Banks in a Jeep -- the only vehicle that could be used. The ferry traveled from Nags Head to the Outer Banks twice a day. When she missed the ferry, she spent the night in her Jeep or on the sand. More good stories. I have fond memories of fishing off sunken LSTs, climbing up and rolling down Jockey's Ridge. So much has been lost.

Why were any kind of vehicles ever allowed to drive on the beaches? Where was the control of the number of houses that could be built? What used to be called the Graveyard of the Atlantic could be the graveyard of the area.

Thank you, Lorraine Ahearn, for writing the series.

Ann Ashmore Clegg
Greensboro

The article on how much money climate change (June 21) could cost North Carolina is based on sea-level rise.

The article's projected sea-level rise is badly out of line with both the historical average and the recent IPCC projections.

It projected a one-foot sea-level rise in 25 years and a three-foot sea-level rise in 75 years. This is the same as a 12.2 millimeter rise per year.

The average sea-level rise for the last hundred years is estimated by the IPCC at between 1.5 and 2 millimeters per year.

The article's projection is six to eight times higher than the historical average.

The IPCC makes a projection (p. 409 of the current report) of sea-level rise of 40 to 120 millimeters for 25 years (1.6 to 4.8 millimeters per year).

The article's projection is two-and-a-half to eight times higher than the IPCC's.

For 75 years, the article's projection is 2.5 to 5.7 times greater than the IPCC's projection.

In short, its estimate of sea-level rise is all wet.

Robert Burns
Greensboro

I wish something could be done about our city allowing wine and beer sales at public events that are attractions for families and children.

The News & Record has an advertisement (June 22) for “Fun Fourth Festival” at Blandwood on Sunday, July 1, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

I thought what a great event to take my 9- and 11-year-old grandsons to, until I read further in the ad that there would be wine and beer tasting along with music, free tours of the Blandwood Mansion, heritage games and Revolutionary War camp re-enactors.

Also, in the same day's News & Record was a letter to the editor from a reader complaining of the disruption from the sales of wine and beer during a concert she was attending at the Greensboro War Memorial Auditorium.

Also, for the past several years the city of Greensboro has allowed the sales of beer at the Fun Fourth activities in downtown Greensboro, which is also a families' event.

What message are we sending our children when they are constantly exposed to alcohol?

Evelyn Andrew
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint

By Kent Couch

In response to "Pressure's on at OBX" (June 20), your portrayal of the people driving on the beach is biased and unfounded. Before you publish such nonsense, I recommend you spend a day with the fishermen and women that drive the beaches and gain a little more insight into our world.

Cape Hatteras Recreational Area was established under the pretense that the same access to the beach as before the land purchase would continue. Closing the beach to ORV's will destroy the local economies and impede access to those unable to walk through miles of sand.
Regarding "beer drinking and partying," we don't close interstates because of drunken driving, do we? The actions of a few cannot curtail public access for all.

I drove across Bonner Bridge on Memorial Day and saw the crowds. I've also driven that beach in mid-February and been the only truck out there. I've also seen strangers helping strangers (stuck), people taking their trash with them, and, worst of all, children and families being exposed to the outdoors.

Spend a day with a fisherman and you'll learn who the stewards of this resource are. I'll be glad to take you.

In the 30 years I've visited the OBX, I've never seen anyone but fishermen promote beach clean-ups. When the containers of Styrofoam washed up last month, were the birders there cleaning up with us? I didn’t see any.

As for Sidney Maddock, two questions. One, how does he access the beach to harass the birds? Two, do you think the oysters and crabs might have minded his "propellor-churning"?

Plovers and oyster catchers aren't the only species on this planet. Seagulls, minks, foxes and fisherman exist as well.

The writer lives in Claremont.

I applaud the recent vote of the Guilford County School Board to name the new Northern area elementary school for Randall Jarrell.

It was astonishing, however, to note that the project team did not think naming a school for Jarrell would be appropriate since his death might have been a suicide, related to his bout with mental illness.

Those who exhibit exemplary talent, genius and a keen sensitivity to the suffering of others sometimes struggle with the pain of mental illness. Should we negate their accomplishments and decide they are unworthy of recognition because they may have taken their own lives?

Surely, we are more compassionate and enlightened.

Levina Kollar
Greensboro

Sen. Elizabeth Dole does a great disservice to the people of North Carolina by trying to divert our attention from the fact that she has not come up with a true solution to our immigration problem. She is certainly not addressing the pressing need to make our communities safer.

There is an estimated 400,000 thousand "illegal aliens " living in North Carolina. She conveniently lumps these "lawbreakers" into one group, again a diversionary tactic. There is a vast difference between those who crossed the border without inspection to work and be with family and those that are committing crimes (rape, murder, drunk driving). Most of these estimated 400,000 thousand "illegal aliens" are hard-working productive members of our community, raising families and contributing to our economy. Unless there is a plan for mass deportations, the majority are not going anywhere.

Our security is threatened every day because we don't know who is here now. She insinuates that the "Senate Immigration Bill was crafted in secret sessions by just a handful of senators." She knew about these meetings. Stop making excuses, roll up your sleeves and come up with something that makes sense.

Tammy Kelly-Rouse
Greensboro

I read your online edition daily and enjoy it.

I am writing in regard to parents concerned with military recruiters in schools. My military career consisted of 22 years in the Air Force of which four were spent as a recruiter.

Recruiters are like all other sales persons. They have objectives to meet and sometimes it gets hard and some recruiters may get a little overzealous. I know most parents don’t want their sons or daughters to join the military; however, where would our country be today if we had no military?

Most recruiters do a good job of providing information concerning their particular branch of service, and I don't know of anyone who has been forced to join the military.

Ed Roberson
Richfield

After reading Leslie Mizell's review of the current play at Triad Stage, "Tobacco Road," we almost didn't attend the play. However, good friends, whom we trust strongly, recommended we see it.

We were not disappointed. We found this production dynamic and powerful. Kudos to the actors who made us believe in the devastating poverty and ignorance of the residents of Tobacco Road.

How fortunate we are to have flourishing theater in the Triad -- The Community Theater, The Broach Theatre, our local colleges and universities, and our newest treasure, The Open Space Theatre. We hope the News & Record will increase its coverage of local theater offerings. We want honest reviews of plays; we just think Mizell's review was hugely undeserved.

Judith Hyman
Eleanor Procton
Greensboro

I beg to differ with Michele McMillan when she says that Mike Nifong "did what he was elected to do," (letter, June 21). Only if you think he was elected to indict suspects without proper investigation, present a photo lineup of only white lacrosse players, withhold DNA evidence from the judicial process and create racial unrest with inflammatory accusations during his election campaign was he "doing what he was elected to do,"

No reasonable person would want these actions if they were accused of a crime. McMillan concludes that "we need fair men like him." That's "foul" instead of "fair." She should read Thomas Sowell's column published on the page following her letter for a more balanced view.

Tom Bazemore
Burlington

In his column Sunday, "Schools must return to basics to succeed," Charles Davenport Jr. makes some excellent suggestions for improving Guilford County schools. Sadly, since these ideas are logical and sensible, they will probably be ignored by Superintendent Terry Grier and his staff, who apparently speak and understand only "bureaucratese."

However, Alan Duncan and Garth Hebert and possibly some other school board members still understand plain English and should immediately take action to implement these very important suggestions.

A good starting place would be to dismiss Grier and his entire staff of overpaid assistants and replace them with people who are dedicated to education, not social reform and empire building.
Another newspaper recently printed the salaries of county employees, and those of Grier and his assistants were indeed shocking.

If the school board fails to act in this crisis, the commissioners should. We taxpayers deserve better. Let us insist upon it -- at the polls, if necessary.

William K. Oden Jr.
Greensboro

Regarding the letter, "Nifong gets punishment just for doing his job" (June 21):

Are you kidding? If we elected him to commit "willful misconduct and violate due process," Michele McMillan would be right. But she is wrong. He was found by the judge to have "broken two dozen rules of professional conduct" in the handling of the Duke lacrosse players case. In addition, he did not merely prosecute innocent men against which he had no evidence, he prosecuted men even though he had evidence that they did not commit the crime. He withheld DNA results for more than six months that would have exonerated the players. This was not in his job description.

The men involved received money from Duke for the way they were treated by Duke, not by Nifong. McMillan really should check her facts before she decides to embarrass herself in the newspaper.

Betsy Lamb
Greensboro

Your childhood environment determines your future. You may think I'm way off on this, but forget your adult supremacist mind frame and think about what I'm saying. Even in a tragic situation you could work your way through school and become a well-known name in the world because of your determination. Life is funny like that but not even nearly as hilarious as people can be. People decide early how successful they're going to become.

You have lazy children who grow up to sit behind desks writing death certificates just so they don't have to deal with people. There are others who are immediately ready for the world. Those grow up to become high-priced, hard-hitting lawyers.

Americans whine that everything is going overseas. Then they go shopping and buy things that say "Made in China."

Wake up, America. If you're against something, you don't support it. It doesn't make sense to buy a cheap overseas chair, $10 less than one made in the United States, only to tell friends to pity you, your husband lost his job upholstering chairs just like the one you bought. Shouldn't something have clicked by now?

Tiffany Russell
Trinity

The purpose of my letter is twofold. First, I write in memory of all loving, nurturing parents who have suffered at the hands of a bureaucratic judicial system and Social Services.

Secondly, I write in appreciation of Greg Weirda of the Guilford County Department of Social Services for his kindness and good will toward my wife and me, which is more than I can say for some of his colleagues. Mr. Weirda should be given a raise.

Richard W. Murray
Greensboro

Finally, a major breakthrough in the local political scene. Some Democratic commissioners actually disobeyed power broker Skip Alston and his faithful puppets to cast a bipartisan vote for a new county budget.

Obviously very upset, dismayed and angry, Skip lashed out at his former loyal subjects in an attempt to discredit and humiliate them on television.

Bruce Davis and Carolyn Coleman also tried to help in the dressing down, but to no avail.

The Democrats (with newfound consciences and spines) hung tough and did the right thing, voting for our new budget. Congratulations and thank you.

Skip, perhaps next year you can muscle in the $250,000 for the Civil Rights Museum and some other pet projects, but not this year.

John Meyler
Greensboro

What part of "all volunteer military" do students and parents not understand?

Working with our military in Iraq for the past couple of years has allowed me to see that we as a nation truly have much to be proud of with the men and women of our military.

The problems we experience with our uniformed troops are miniscule compared to the days when we depended on the draft to fill our ranks.

Heaven forbid young people actually wanting to serve our country and preserve our democratic way of life.

How short-sighted they would be to start a college fund while serving in the military and earning an education instead of having it handed to them.

How ridiculous it would be to join the military and receive thousands of dollars of free training while being paid a living wage with benefits.

Yes, there are risks involved in our military. Beyond the obvious risks of war, there are also the risks of learning discipline, leadership, a trade, teamwork and pride of paying something back to our great nation for the privileges of freedom.

Are our young people so uneducated and naïve they must be protected from information provided by military recruiters?

Al Stewart
Jamestown

I cannot understand, with all of the infinite wisdom stored in the brains of the News & Record writers, why they missed the real reason there is a rush to cut all the trees. It is real simple.

The trees are being cut to turn this state into a desert to make all the illegals streaming into this country feel at home.

Ken Sawyer
High Point

Our state legislature is grappling with a projected North Carolina "population tsunami" of four million additional people between 2000 and 2030 for a total of 12 million, or a 50 percent increase.

North Carolina will be the seventh-most-populated state, ahead of Michigan and Ohio, up from the current ranking of 10th.

Our population increase will nearly equal South Carolina's current population of four million.

The impact to infrastructure, including water, sewer, roads and schools, could be severe.

The need to expand capacity for new population growth, while simultaneously rebuilding water and sewer lines, that in many communities, particularly rural areas, are reaching 100 years of age, will be a tremendous challenge.

We must give the legislature credit for tackling a looming problem before it becomes a crisis.
The Partnership for North Carolina's Future is rightly encouraging our General Assembly to address issues that need immediate investment.

However, leaders must also have the fortitude to put the right financial resources in place.

That's why I encourage North Carolinians to call their legislators and ask them to stand up for North Carolina's future.

Brian A. Roth
Plymouth

The writer is mayor of Plymouth.

Your article on bicycles in the June 25 Local section neglected to mention a few facts that every Greensboro rider and driver should know.

City ordinances 16-222 and 16-227 prohibit bicycles, skateboards, roller skates and scooters on sidewalks in the Central Business District. Unfortunately, the city has neglected its responsibility by not placing signs in the CBD.

For motorists, the speed limit in the CBD is 20 mph, not 40 or better as some seem to think.

While there are no signs in many of the crosswalks in the CBD, state law requires that you stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk.

Also, a sign on The Depot of the same size and type of the ones on city parking garages would be a great help.

David Hill
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint:

By James Brady

David Brooks' column, "Background shapes teen behavior" (June 25), typified conservatives' twisting reality to their liking.

His thesis was that teenagers make decisions based on their accumulated experience. That is, they evaluate a new experience based on how it compares to their previous experiences.

He extrapolates that learning does not help teenagers address new experiences because they carry around "subconscious landscapes of reality ... implanted since birth." I find this mechanistic view of human behavior depressing because it denies the benefits of education.
Brooks illustrates his point with the perceived failure of sex education: "Birth control education doesn't produce measurable results."

This is a logical fallacy that conservatives overlook. They claim sex education should not take place in the public schools because its effects can't be measured.

Pray tell, how does one quantitate births that don't happen?

If the only way to evaluate the success of an activity is to measure it, why is a favorite target one whose results are inherently difficult or impossible to measure? I suggest because it is convenient, however illogical.

Conservatives should look at educational programs that have been measured. Look at accident statistics for young drivers who did and did not receive their driver's licenses through driver training classes.

Argue with statistics that show the more education a person receives in general (dropouts vs. high school graduates, high school graduates vs. college graduates), the higher their income.

I know it's harder to argue with real numbers than to pick on non-quantifiable situations. The latter are just easier pickings for people whose philosophy contradicts reality.

The writer lives in Summerfield.

Since black folks are always being accused of "playing the race card," I thought a white woman should try it. Here's what I've observed about local politics lately:

Four white Democratic county commissioners allied themselves with two white Republicans to pass a budget that de-funds many nonprofit organizations that serve poor people. Why did race solidarity trump political loyalty? Will these commissioners suffer any consequences from the N.C. Democratic Party?

Chairman Paul Gibson refused to consider additional budget cuts proposed by the black commissioners. What happened to common sense?

A white city councilwoman felt it appropriate to call for the resignation of a black city councilwoman from a majority black district, and a white man who does not live in the district stepped up to circulate a recall petition. Taxpayers will waste $30,000 on a special election two months before the regular election in November, just to make a point. Uh, what point exactly?

At the suggestion of a black member, the school board voted last February to create an advisory committee to ensure that minority- and women-owned businesses get their fair share of school construction contracts. The advisory committee has yet to be created.

Terry Austin
Jamestown

Thanks for the article about candidates for mayor in Nashville.

It really would be good for all the people running for office to spend a few days and nights on the streets to show them how the homeless live. I believe they would have a new look on how they see things.

It is good to be rich and have people contribute to your campaign, but get all the sides of America and the ones who live here whether in fine homes or on the streets.

God has been good to me and mine, and we have homes to live in and food to eat.

May God bless us all, and may there be peace once again.

Iris Newby
Eden

The nerve of the media to blame global warming on humans. The column in the religion section on June 23 is pretty laughable.

First, to try to compare Anna Nicole media coverage to global warming media coverage is a big stretch. They are not in the same ballpark. I'm guessing the best policy is to use the planet for all it's worth because the "rapture-train" will be here before you know it.

I think Jody DeLancey needs to look in the book of Common Sense 101 and figure out that humans are causing global warming. The fact that she thinks taking care of the planet is useless because the "rapture-train" is heading this way is really funny. So if the "rapture-train" doesn't make a stop here, what does the future hold in DeLancey's world?

Before you know it, the media will cover why bees are disappearing, kids are getting sick on hormone-filled milk, and pesticides are polluting our food supply. While DeLancey waits for the "rapture-train," I will do my part to make our planet a better place to live.

Jason Roberts
Greensboro

A recent Gallup poll tells us that the approval rating of the Democratic-controlled Congress is 14 percent, an all-time low. I'm wondering why it's that high. As awful as the Republican leaders were, they were at least sane, unlike the cadaverous Harry Reid and the perpetually wide-eyed Nancy Pelosi, who believe that global warming poses more of threat to our survival than the Islamo-Fascist radical Muslims who have vowed to destroy us. They believe that an energy bill is taxing the oil companies $29 billion, and, being liberals, believing that will not be paid by consumers in higher gas prices.

Additionally, their love affair with ethanol, which is more expensive, burns less efficiently, may be more problematic in smog creation than unleaded gas and, worse, has already begun driving up the cost of food, is misguided. The price of corn has tripled and is expected to double again as smart farmers will be selling their corn at much higher prices to the saviors of the planet, ethanol makers. And since these folks want to invite most of the uneducated, unskilled workers from Mexico to join us, all the "tortilla riots" will occur here rather than in Tijuana.

Tony Moschetti
High Point

The following is a Counterpoint

By Michael Christopher

The hard truth that Charles Davenport avoids in his column (June 24) about schools is we will never be able to turn the clock back to that time he imagines once existed when the "basics" were taught. That's because public education has endured more than its share of difficulties in trying to maintain quality. Here are some reasons:

First, professional educators and researchers have gained a clearer understanding of how the brain functions, the uniquely varied ways children learn and how to teach in ways compatible with different learning styles. Additionally, the Internet has made a vast array of information available to students, requiring that they synthesize large amounts of information and discriminate between valid sources of data and those derived through conjecture or opinion.
To keep up with these two important and interrelated trends, schools must invest heavily in professional development for teachers.

Second, governance of public education includes not only local school boards but also layers of state and federal regulation. For each layer, school districts must demonstrate compliance, requiring administrative control, which is not always funded by the agencies expecting compliance. Consequently, districts have had to cut programs in order to support governmental mandates that have grown significantly over several decades.

Third, the American family has changed radically. Teachers report widespread frustration by the lack of involvement of parents in their children's education in both poor and well-to-do districts. The consequences are so far-reaching that schools have become the substitute for family life for many and thus are expected to not only teach academic, athletic and artistic skills, but to become de facto community and "moral" centers. Given that reality, schools have had to supplant the classroom teacher with other professionals trained in social work and psychological counseling.

The "days of old" can’t come back; the world has changed too much. We must recognize and act upon our new reality: support our teachers with better pay and professional development, giving them skills to teach, using methods gleaned from the most recent research; reduce ineffective and under-funded regulation while assuring the funding of educational opportunity for all students; and increase funding for parent education, community counseling programs, and other programs that encourage involvement of the family in the life of the school.

The writer is an independent school consultant and lives in Greensboro.

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Sue Jezorek

I attended the county commissioners meeting on June 21 and was appalled at the behavior of several commissioners. They spent more time personally attacking and making sarcastic comments about other commissioners than actually discussing the issue on the table.

These negative personal attacks are immature and unprofessional. If they want to insult and degrade each other, they should do that at some time other than a public meeting. The lack of respect shown to others was outrageous.

There ought to be rules that keep comments and discussion on county business. This behavior makes meetings last far longer than necessary and discourages citizens from attending. There are sometimes students observing the meeting, and it gives a bad impression of how government works.

Unfortunately, this rude behavior extended to people who came to speak. I was there as a member of the League of Women Voters of the Piedmont Triad jail study committee. We spent two years studying the jail system in Guilford County and various alternatives to incarceration. We studied the Kimme report as well as jail studies by national experts. We visited all the jails in the county as well as in Alamance County and Winston-Salem. We also spoke with many leaders of alternative programs and people working in the court system. We had asked for, and been granted, time to present our study results. We sat through several hours of business ahead of us, and after a short break we were to speak.

Skip Alston, Carolyn Coleman and Bruce Davis did not have the courtesy to come back and listen to us. When we finished our 15- to 20-minute presentation, they returned and Mr. Alston proceeded to criticize our report as obsolete and inaccurate, not even having heard what we said.

This is no way for elected officials to treat people, particularly a nonpartisan, volunteer group that has worked hard to present a balanced and, hopefully, informative report on an important issue.

I wish to thank the majority of commissioners who did not participate in the name-calling and maintained their dignity as they tried to carry on in a businesslike manner. It is a shame that a few can dominate the meeting and turn it into an embarrassing event that reflects poorly on the entire board.

I appreciate the hard work of the commissioners trying to conduct county business in spite of these disruptions.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

Did hell freeze over? Did Skip Alston angrily flaunt his "voodoo budget alternative" in the face of his former collaborator, Paul Gibson, basing his alternative on tax revenue surpluses achieved by the administration of Jenks Crayton, the very same tax director that Alston, Gibson and Bruce Davis forced from office?

Did Republicans and Democrats on the Guilford board just agree to cut funding for critical community infrastructure while raising taxes for bond servicing with crocodile tears? Was increasingly inconsequential Carolyn Coleman really that candidly unaware of her astonishing broadside against Commissioner John Parks, that he was "betraying the promises to the provisional voters that elected him" by abandoning campaign promises to that power PAC to conveniently jump ship?

Kudos to Commissioner Linda Shaw for her effort to remind her fellow commissioners that 90 percent of the annual budget is borne by property owners, who constitute less than 70 percent of the county's population. Everybody else skates free and sucks up the gravy. Taxes up. Programs cut.

It would seem hell is still safe from global freezing. As Pogo reminded us, "We have seen the enemy, and it is us."

Lonnie Groendes
Greensboro

Renaming school uniforms "standard mode of dress" is such a nice euphemism. The word "uniform" denotes uniformity. It even has militaristic connotations. No one wants to think of a school as a conformity factory. Do English teachers still assign George Orwell?

You have to wonder when school officials have just renamed the school uniform. Reasonable dress codes are one thing, but dictating the color of shoes seems more like capricious authoritarianism. Why black shoes? Wearing blue, red or green shoes isn't quite the same as displaying more skin than clothes. Do these colors lead to juvenile delinquency?

Bill Jarrell
Greensboro

Republican Sens. Voinovich and Lugar now call for reducing our forces in Iraq. Why are GOP leaders just now beginning to see the light?

Where were they when former Marine Col. John Murtha called for withdrawal of forces to the periphery more than two years ago? How many soldiers have died since Murtha presented an exit strategy?

Polls show 26 percent of Americans support the president, but Republicans in Congress are slow to learn.

John W. Graham
Greensboro

The obvious answer to the immigration question: heavy fines for American employers who hire illegal aliens. If hordes of Mexicans waiting to slip across our border learn they cannot find work, there will be no need of a fence or more border patrols. A contractor told me he wants more Mexican workers. "I pay them well; they want longer hours; a little rain does not send them home. All they need is a number."

A state university recently discovered that nine illegal employees had the same Social Security number, obviously forged. No problem, they were good workers and "each had a number."

Can Congress settle this dispute between security and eager employers? Are they a threat or benefit? They are here illegally, but are they really criminals? We cannot round up and deport a million people. Some kind of "amnesty" is necessary.

Give those here three months to get registered and get a one-year card. Impose heavy fines for employers who ignore the card requirement. After one year, consider extensions or deportation. Meanwhile, our police should check every lawbreaker for alien status and deportation.

Dick Douglas
Greensboro