News-Record.com

The July 21 News & Record quoted Bill Leonard, dean of the divinity school at Wake Forest University concerning vacation Bible school. He said, ''There are churches that I think overstep. At the end of the week they will often have an evangelistic service and try to get little kids to profess Christianity."

I have a response: "What?"

If Bible schools teach that Jesus said, "Let the little children come unto me and forbid them not," why would they not be invited to accept His invitation? I am saddened that a divinity school leader would think children should not be evangelized.

Martha Suggs
Greensboro

Our national media have had a field day reporting on allegations that Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick ran a brutal dog fighting operation and personally slaughtered eight dogs. Yet, no one ever reports on the brutal slaughter every hour of every day of every year of a million cows, pigs and other innocent, sentient animals who are just as deserving of our compassion as Vick's dogs.

There is no life before death for these animals. In today's factory farms, cows' babies are torn from their mothers at birth and chained by the neck in tiny wood crates to produce veal.

Breeding sows are impregnated artificially and confined in similarly tight metal cages. As many as seven laying hens are stuffed for months in a metal cage the size of a folded newspaper.

Following this unconscionable abuse, the animals are trucked for hours without food or water. At the slaughterhouse, they are frequently dismembered, skinned, scalded or drowned while fully conscious.

Every dollar we spend for meat or dairy products at the checkout counter is our direct subsidy for animal cruelty. Let's remember our own responsibility whenever we get upset over the latest report on Michael Vick's cruel treatment of his dogs.

Allen Freburg
Greensboro

With no other ammo left in the trenches, conservative Republicans are now running in the opposite direction, seemingly satisfied with lowering the standard of discourse by desperately tossing grenades at both YouTube and CNN, accusing them of "political bias." Whatever.

Running away from YouTube after the Democrats did so well only proves one thing -- that the official party of Dixie feels uncomfortable standing toe-to-toe with today's culture and tomorrow's generation.

Andrew Harvel
Greensboro

Perhaps this euphemism has been around for some time, but it is new to me: "Regulatory Policy Officer." It refers to a political hack residing within a federal agency who is charged with ensuring that the agency's rules coincide with the president's views.

On July 24, President Bush's Executive Order 13422 took effect. An excerpt: "...Unless specifically authorized by the head of the agency, no rulemaking shall commence nor be included on the Plan without the approval of the agency's Regulatory Policy Office..."

Some will recall the political officer on board the Soviet submarine Red October in Tom Clancy's book. The captain could make no serious decision without his approval. Imagine a skipper in the U.S. Navy commanding under such circumstances. This is the black cloud under which our federal agencies now operate.

David Williams
High Point

The following is a Counterpoint

By Meg Eggleston

Thomas Friedman's column (July 19) begins: "I can't imagine how I would feel if I were the parent of a soldier in Iraq and I had just read that the Iraqi parliament had decided to go on vacation for August, because, as the White House spokesman Tony Snow, explained, 'It's really hot in Baghdad,' then -- 130 degrees." This mother must respond.

Our administration's condoning of this vacation while my son serves his third tour in the Middle East in these sweltering, frightening conditions is one of many reactions that shows how uncaring and out of touch are the folks who created this war. Our military is being stretched to ruin, expectations of soldiers are beyond comprehension, (i.e. very little sleep and very strenuous long days) and those who wait are weary with worry.

My daughter calls in tears because of something she has heard. During our beach week, her 4-year-old son cries about missing his beach-buddy uncle. And my brave daughter-in-law awaits the imminent birth of their third child, having finally, after three weeks, spoken to her commander husband who spent an hour getting to a phone that kept cutting off. Obviously, connection as a husband and father trumps sleep. He left in January, thought he was one-fourth of the way through in April only to get the news that his separation from family was just beginning. And Bush recently made the callous comment, "This surge has just begun.'' Not for this family.

During my worst times, I feel my family's lives are being controlled by egomaniacs who would never admit to mistakes, no matter who suffers because of them. I can only cry and pray not to become a bitter and angry person. Faith keeps my son strong. He has e-mailed of parks being built and water supplies being restored. There are humorous stories of communication difficulties in efforts to organize the people of his village toward transition. The horrors he does not share, but he appreciates the Psalms sent that speak to that.

Respect for Friedman's intelligence and reasoning has often led me to comment, "I wish he was president." (However, many folks fit this statement considering our present "leadership.") I know I am one of countless parents experiencing these same frustrations and pains.

Pray for us and for leaders who will rise up to "Do justice, love mercy and walk humbly."

The writer lives in Greensboro.

I live at Well-Spring and always enjoy my News & Record every morning and look forward to the editorial pages.

I would like to say I do agree 100 percent with the letter, "Drivers with cell phones put others in danger" (July 26).

Since I can't drive anymore and am confined to a wheelchair most of my time, my son takes me out for a ride in town or out on the highway. Sometimes I am glad I don't drive like I used to. I have seen a lot of what the writer spoke of.

I, too, would like, if possible, for the City Council to help do something to keep people from talking on their cell phones while driving.

God help protect safe drivers.

Hilda G. Moore
Greensboro

In Wayne Baucino's July 29, letter concerning sentencing of Tolly Carr, he wrote, "Whatever the sentencing judge decides … that decision should be accepted by all concerned as the appropriate disposition (emphasis added) of this case …" Not only is this a presumptuous statement, it is the height of credulity.

While the public will likely accept the sentence, seeing it as the appropriate sentence is another matter. Those with only a modest familiarity with the criminal justice system realize that five different judges looking at the same facts cane (and are likely to) arrive at five different sentences, and they can vary substantially. Baucino's logic would suggest any of these sentences would be the appropriate disposition.

In the minds of many, the death of Casey Bokhoven by an impaired driver warrants a substantial period of incarceration as opposed to a suspended sentence with probation. While Carr may deserve some mitigation consideration from the maximum sentence due to no prior record, let us hope the judge will take into account his experience as a newsman and his exposure to the danger and carnage associated with driving while impaired. Carr chose not to learn from these experiences, and Bokhoven lost his life.

Larry A. Roddy
Asheboro

I was quite amused with Michael Nifong's apology and statement, "We all need to heal, and I hope we can learn from the mistakes in this case and move forward."

Mr. Nifong, it is not that easy. We have good memories of the selfish way you handled this case and what you did to these three boys and their families. There were those who used the "hooligan" description. We have waited weeks to see if they would apologize.

But it's too little, too late.

Sallie Satterthwaite
Greensboro

I enjoyed the article July 29 on the new parks on the Haw and Mayo rivers. As the photo showed, they are great places to enjoy paddle sports. However, I felt there was a significant omission.

There have been a number of incidents at the Mayo River in the six years I've lived in this area. Windows broken, tires slashed, nails put in the roadway resulting in flat tires, and shooting at boaters.

Many boating groups (Triad River Runners, Smith River Valley Canoe Club, Tarheel Paddlers Association, Dan River Basin) have tried to work with the Rockingham County Sheriff's Department, but its response has been anemic at best.

There are many reasons why this continues -- alcohol, drug use and animosity toward the state for loss of land for the park. Many people fearing for their safety refuse to go despite the area's beauty and proximity to the Triad.

Given the rush to gentrification in the Triad, I applaud the state for preserving these beautiful resources. I ask that they now make them safe and accessible.

Jeff Hatcher
McLeansville

In the July 27 News & Record, page A14 on the bottom section, there appeared this one sentence: "The American military announced the deaths of seven U.S. troops."

Has the News & Record become so accustomed and jaded to the deaths of American soldiers that the constant loss no longer is considered worthwhile news? As Eeyore, the old gray donkey in "Winnie-the-Pooh," commented, "Pathetic. That's what it is. Pathetic. But nobody minds, nobody cares. Pathetic, that's what it is."

William Watson Purkey
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Stephen P. Millikin

Dear Sen. Reid:
I am the founder and current commander emeritus of the Black Caps Veterans Group. This is an organization of more than 300 Greensboro, N.C., veterans of all our recent wars, starting with World War II and including the Cold War, Korea, Vietnam and Gulf War I. Most of our members have been in combat and many have medals, attesting to service and bravery.

I am writing because of your remarks about another brave American, Gen. Peter Pace, current chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Gen. Pace is a four-star general in the Marine Corps, the survivor of a highly competitive process that allows only the best and most capable to be promoted through the ranks. Gen. Pace's four stars speak of his dedication and professionalism. The ribbons he wears proudly show his bravery, experience and ability to command at every level.

Sir, your comments about his being "incompetent" are out of line. You have no basis of judgment.

You may disagree with his policies (by the way, as a good officer, Gen. Pace is merely following the orders of his commander-in-chief); you may disagree with the manner in which he commands the Joint Chiefs of Staff; you may disagree with his statements on personnel.

But Gen. Pace has devoted his life to defending the Constitution and ensuring that the part of it that protects freedom of speech is alive and well.

Sir, freedom of speech is not license, and to call an officer of Gen. Pace's quality "incompetent" is to reflect more on your ability to judge than his ability to command.

Sen. Reid, on behalf of the more than 300 members of the Black Caps Veterans Group, I ask that you apologize to Gen. Pace.

The writer is a lieutenant, U.S.N.R. (retired), World War II veteran, and Greensboro resident.

Guilford County Schools should be concerned with the erosion around Jefferson School. I am an avid walker and pass these sites several times a week.

The public sidewalks on New Garden Road are covered with mud after a rain, and the Jefferson School property has quite a bit of erosion all over. The outdoor basketball courts are covered with mud and standing water in many areas after a rain.

If the Greensboro Parks & Recreation Department cannot maintain current parks, why should we add to the number?

If the contractor is at fault, then the legal department should start the process to correct it. If this is a Guilford County Schools issue, it should be looked at and corrected.

As my taxes go up, I am troubled when I see these eyesores in our community.

As a walker, I have to go into the street to avoid mud that washes onto sidewalks. I appreciate the sidewalks but would like to use them as they were meant to be used.

Max Madrin
Greensboro

I am in agreement with Joel Landau, fellow at-large candidate, and Rosemarie Andrews (July 31, B 6). I, too, was disappointed in the News & Record's articles published on July 20, 21 and 22 -- the De Facto Endorsement articles (those who hold office, have held local office, or ran for office). Interestingly, I was not mentioned.

I ran in 2001 and 2003 for a District 1 seat. That should have made me qualified to be listed with the other named individuals. Although this may have been an oversight, the News & Record is doing a disservice to the citizens when it doesn't report on all the candidates equally.

Rosemarie Andrews is correct. We need representatives with some common sense. Let the voters decide who is best qualified to be representing them.

Voters who want more information on me can visit my Web site, Gregwoodardd1.blogspot.com.

Greg Woodard
Greensboro

The writer is an at-large candidate for Greensboro City Council.

Editor's note: Woodard was listed as a candidate July 15, 25 and 29.

I see where the NAACP has called for restraint in judging Michael Vick. I suggest we show the same restraint in judging Vick that the Rev. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson exhibited to the young men in Durham accused, tried and convicted by them and the media without a shred of evidence.

I might add, unlike the case with Vick, there never was any evidence of guilt. As a matter of fact, the evidence gathered proved their innocence. In Vick's case, 66 fighting dogs at his house would make one think he might just have known something about it, wouldn't you think?

Barry Meadows
McLeansville

Skip Alston, Bruce Davis and Linda Shaw should be commended for their support for the United Arts Council.

Shame on those commissioners who voted against this funding.

Alston was right. Our community and economic development deserves better.

Jim Catlett
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Elaine Simmons

Who will guard the guardians?

The U.S. government is supposed to function within a framework of checks and balances.

No one branch of the government should have ultimate and unquestioned power. It is disconcerting that it is starting to smack of heresy if an American questions the actions of President Bush or the actions of the executive branch. I unequivocally do not want to live in a theocracy or an autocracy.

Illegal wiretaps and warrantless searches are bypassing the judicial branch, and ignored congressional subpoenas are bypassing the legislative branch.

This bypasses the will of the American people. I understand the need for executive privilege, but should that privilege supersede any and all accountability to the people governed?

I am held accountable every day for my actions, and I believe that our elected officials should be held to that very same standard.

The United States of America is not a democracy. It is a republic. We elect public officials to represent us and make decisions that benefit the majority of constituents, not just campaign financiers and the wealthy.

It seems our public servants are more concerned with their images (hiding who they are, projecting what they aren't) or the next election than about the job at hand -- to do what is best for all of us. Bipartisan politics have grounded our government to an ineffectual, sad, heartbreaking halt.

I am not willing to accept 'trust me' in lieu of real answers anymore. My trust has been violated too many times by the current administration for that gambit to work.

I, as a law-abiding citizen, deserve honest answers -- not endless evasion. It does not mean that I do not love this country because I question its leadership. I question leadership because I absolutely do love this country.

Who will guard the guardians (or police the police)? I will. So should we all. I shudder to think what will happen to this great country if we fail to exact the changes that are so desperately needed.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

The following is a Counterpoint:
By Christopher Knight

Malcolm Kenton's July 29 essay, "The people have power ... if they use it," promised a lot with its title. And I think that Kenton's heart is in the right place. But, although I agree with much of what he's suggesting, in the end I found this article disappointing.

Here's the problem with his piece: Not once does he use the word "individual." And that makes all the difference in the world.

In its place, Kenton is suggesting that we exercise our power as citizens ... but as collective participants in the current system. Not as individuals who not only can change the system but could choose to repudiate it entirely.

The Democratic and Republican parties have failed us miserably. But don't take that to mean that I have faith in any other party, either. The party system as a whole is destroying America. Why should we be expected to be accomplices to the crime?

I'm especially let down by many of my fellow Christians. Ours is supposed to be a faith that preaches the freedom of the individual and that God gives us strength to defy the temptations of this world. Instead I've watched too many believe they were being "good Christians" by voting straight Republican. It would have been just as bad if they had voted straight Democrat.

We have suffered almost 16 years of the worst presidents in American history: weak men who put their own selfish interests above that of their countrymen. Now I see both major parties present to us, for the most part, more weak men (and one woman) in the expectation that we have no alternative but to choose from among them.

Continued participation in such a bankrupt and corrupted system is not the answer. It is absolutely without moral reason to have any faith in the present system whatsoever.

But there is always a choice. Each of us can choose to "get along" with the system. Or you and I can choose to deny it, and find another way.

A political party spouts "no" and it is meaningless. A single person dares say "no," and an empire is rattled from its foundations.

If America is to have a future where she not only survives but also thrives, then we must completely and without apology abandon our misguided belief in collective might, and rather find our strength in the power of the one.

The writer lives in Reidsville.

After having read your report on the City Council of High Point's decision to have nonsectarian prayer to open its meetings, I had some questions.

What is nonsectarian prayer?

To whom is it offered?

Does the council expect and have confidence in the guidance it's seeking?

Catherine Hoover
High Point

I was disappointed to read in the News & Record (July 29) that some employers are making overweight workers pay if they do not lose weight. Obesity is a challenge facing millions of individuals today, but there have to be better alternatives to fighting it.

Will people who smoke, drink, use drugs and create hostile work environments also be charged a fee for contributing to workplace stress, low productivity and absenteeism?

Perhaps there is a simple solution to support the needed slimming of America. Employers and insurance companies could provide weight-loss programs and covered services for folks who meet the medical definition of obesity. Those of us who could benefit from obesity education and prevention are hit with out-of-pocket, uncovered expenses if we need these services.

A recent check of my own health insurance coverage lists the availability of counseling, treatment and professional services for smoking cessation, mental health and substance-abuse issues. Weight loss is not covered.

Doesn't it make more sense to provide low-cost or free medical weight-loss services now, instead of paying for cancer, diabetes and heart disease treatment later? If obesity is truly an epidemic, then how about funding educational, preventative and medically based programs before it is too late?

Al Jeffers
Jamestown

The columnist Leonard Pitts needs to be replaced by someone who can and will write a column that does not promote black-on-white crime. His column that said, "cry me a river," about the couple that was murdered and raped by a bunch of black thugs in Tennessee sends a message of hate by him against white people.

We think his column needs to be dropped from the News & Record.

Richard H. Vanderford
Siler City

Regarding the letter by Carla Atkins ("Democrats endanger religion and free speech," July 25):

It's high time Americans stopped bickering about fringe ideology and began to focus on our common good. The propaganda war is so divisive now that we are not standing together. Only by consensus can we solve the massive problems we face.

I long for the time when moderate statesmen from both parties will work together for the common good. There's enough blame to go around. Vitriolic attacks on people are not productive and only obscure the real issues.

Atkins' letter illustrates this point. She has been so politicized that she makes references such as "Democrats' newfound religion."

Hey, we just don't go around ramming our faith down people's throats. There are people of many different religions in society today. They deserve our respect. GOP is not "God's Own Party."

Atkins perceives hypocrisy in the Democratic Party but is blind to Republican corruption and hypocrisy. As a Democrat who is truly "pro-life," I oppose most abortions, the war on Iraq and the death penalty. I'm not selectively, but consistently, "Right to Life." My faith led me there.

Reading Atkins' letter, I could not find the love that Jesus teaches; I found un-Christ-like finger-pointing.

Danny Glenn
Greensboro

Recently the newspaper was full of "information" regarding audits and possible wrongdoings at N.C. A&T State University. Folks were pointing fingers, looking suspiciously at one another, afraid to hold conversations with associates and trusted friends, dubious of each others' honesty, listening to unending diatribes about integrity from questionable sources.

All of such conduct was not conducive to intellectual development and growth.

Yes, where there is proven criminal behavior and/or ineptness, they should be dealt with appropriately and according to proper procedures.

The recent announced accomplishments in agriculture and technology by persons and departments at A&T did not come overnight nor were they stumbled upon. They came from good planning, foresight, good administration and hard work.

Life should be about balance. So should reporting, so should celebration, so should our hope.

Thank you, News & Record.

Hosea Butler Jr.
Hialeah, Fla.

The writer is an A&T graduate.

As I am going back and forth on the road, I am frustrated by the number of vehicles that are right on my back bumper. I gently tap my brakes to give them the hint to back off, mostly with no effect.

There is nothing more frustrating than to have someone follow you too closely. Most of these drivers are young teenage girls. It is our duty as parents to teach our children not to do this.
So, parents, please teach your kids while they are riding in your car that following a car too closely is dangerous. If that vehicle has to stop suddenly, they are going to hit it. Teaching them this would create fewer wrecks and prevent someone from being hurt and unnecessary damage to vehicles. If you have ever been hit in the rear end, you understand where I am coming from.

So, the next time you are in your car and your children are along with you, let them know how important this issue is, and most of all, show them by example.

Katherine Gray
Stokesdale

He voted for NAFTA. He voted against allowing the government to negotiate better prescription drug prices for Medicare. He has repeatedly voted against raising the minimum wage. He voted against the ban on human torture. He says he wants to end the war in Iraq, but he votes against timelines and performance measures.

He voted against a reduction in the interest rate for student loans. He voted against protecting public transportation providers from terrorists, and now he has voted against implementing the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission to secure our nation from further terrorist attack.

He may give good constituent service, but Howard Coble simply votes wrong. He seems to be motivated more by the PACs that contribute to his war chest than by the best interests of the people he is supposed to represent.

Pete Salassi
Greensboro

None of it makes sense to me.

I have just watched the evening news give a report of more gang violence in our city, and earlier last week there was a report that, while we need more law enforcement to cope with the gang situation in our city, funding is not available.

At the same time, I see the city spending millions of dollars building a median on West Friendly Avenue that we don't need.

Now, really, what would be the best way to spend our tax dollars? Seems to me it's not rocket science to figure this one out. Surely, we could prioritize better than this.

But at least the gangs will have a lovely new street to ride on when they come marching up Friendly Avenue.

Vivien Carson
Greensboro

How can the school board even consider a revised facilities-use policy that would close elementary schools to outside groups until 6 p.m.? What they need to do is to encourage groups to work with our youth to the fullest extent for as long as children will come.

The city is faced with gangs in our city and all kinds of criminal acts. More police is an answer. However, if we really want to get a handle on this problem for the future, we need to start with our youth.

The board may be trying to get rid of unwanted adult groups that use the schools, or something else. The board just needs to come out and say so.

Public schools are for children. Children need training in all kinds of areas that the schools do not have time for but that will help a child become a better citizen. Don't deny them that chance.

Ann A. Hines
Greensboro

I would like to thank U.S. Rep. Mike McIntyre, D-N.C., for the foresight and leadership he has shown in supporting rural North Carolina. His introduction of the Rural Entrepreneur and Micro-Enterprise Bill in the 2007 Farm Bill is a crucial step toward creating a more sustainable future for rural communities in our state.

Prior to the congressman's chairmanship of the House Agriculture Committee's Rural Development Subcommittee, rural development had often taken a back seat in past farm bills. He's changed that and done something that will make a real difference, not only in North Carolina, but in all of rural America.

Entrepreneurship and micro-enterprise are foundations on which rural communities have built success in both community and economic development. They are foundations that help create economic opportunity, develop leaders and give our young people an opportunity to return to their hometowns.

McIntyre has stood when others have not and spoken out in support of the people of rural North Carolina. He has done and continues to do the right thing.

Thank you for that, Congressman McIntyre.

Eleanor Herndon
Greensboro

Does anyone still doubt that many congressional Democrats want us to lose in Iraq? These high-risk investors have their entire "portfolio" invested in a terrorist victory. We've heard a continual drumbeat of pessimism from Sen. "Benedict Arnold" Reid and most other Democrats. We've been told, "The war is lost." We're told, "We can't win." We've been told that our brave soldiers must tuck their tails and surrender.

The problem now for these Democrats is that, according to, gulp, The New York Times, Washington Post, double gulp, MSNBC and the left-of-center Brookings Institution, things have begun to look up in Iraq. Wonderful news for us Americans who have not bet our life savings on our defeat, but horrible news for those backing the terrorists.

During a Washington Post interview, Congressman James Clyburn, D-S.C., was asked, "What do Democrats do if Gen. Petraeus returns in September and reports that things are going well?" Clyburn replied, "Well, that would be a big problem for us, no question about that." These people bristle at having their motives questioned.

Why in the name of God would one political party position itself so that what's good for America is bad for the party?

Tony Moschetti
High Point

When are the property owners of the former North State Chevrolet auto dealership going to clean up the property? It is an eyesore. No class.

David Parker
Greensboro

The recent articles in the News & Record have ignored one important aspect of the T. Dianne Bellamy-Small recall election. Bellamy-Small does not represent all of the residents of District 1. There are a number of people for whom she has done nothing. The number of signatures on the petition indicates this important aspect: a no confidence vote.

I strongly urge the residents of District 1 to vote for the recall of Bellamy-Small on Aug. 21. We need someone who can and will represent the interests and needs of all the people, not just one segment.

I also urge all people to vote in the November election, as we need City Council members who will represent all the people and do what is best for our city and county and not special interests.

M.C. Young
Greensboro

As the group that triggered the official investigation into Speaker Jim Black's corrupt campaign financing, Democracy North Carolina applauds the 2007 General Assembly for taking specific steps to change the political culture in Raleigh. The legislature, especially through the new leadership in the House and the influence of progressive/moderates in the state Senate, adopted measures that elevated the needs of ordinary citizens over the interests of wealthy lobbies.

New election laws promise to expand opportunities for voters and non-wealthy candidates, while other laws dramatize a new willingness to challenge the power of narrow special interests with large PAC accounts. Implementation and refinements in the ethics laws also illustrate a commitment by a significant majority of legislators to fulfill their calling to deliver honest service on behalf of we-the-people.

We thank them for that service.

Bob Hall
Durham

The writer is executive director, Democracy North Carolina.

Recently Gene Owens had a column in your newspaper about pro football player Michael Vick's alleged hosting of dog fighting on his property. Sunday you had a column by Charles Davenport Jr. on the same subject. Both were excellent columns.

Thank God for people who will stand up for helpless animals being used in a savage blood "sport."

I just watched "Gladiator" again on TV. People haven't changed much over the centuries. They still enjoy watching people and animals tear each other to pieces. So much for the theory that mankind is evolving for the better.

Since Vick enjoys watching a bloody "sport," perhaps he'd like to do some time in Iraq. Athletes should not be above the law. On the contrary, they should be moral role models for young future athletes.

And, by the way, there is something we can do besides clucking our tongues and shaking our heads. We can support organizations like the Humane Society and PETA.

Vivian Robinson
Jamestown

Green technology is the coming wave. Businesses are implementing and embracing "green initiatives," and billions will flow through them. Greensboro would be the perfect place for these initiatives and technologies to thrive.

We should recognize this global transition and encourage businesses to develop their green technologies here, through incentives and commitments of infrastructure.

Move now and we'll lock in economic growth and provide careers in eco-commerce for decades to come. After all, we are "Green"sboro, right?

The home of Green Technology.

Jim Scott
Greensboro

Pat Robertson's American Center for Law and Justice is at it again. This time the campaign purports to protect military prayer, specifically prayers by chaplains.

In a petition, the ACLJ asks the president "to issue new regulations to protect the constitutional right of military chaplains to pray according to their faith." The issue has been picked up by fundamentalist Christians with little regard for the actual facts. The debate has risen out of turmoil in the Navy Chaplain Corps because some chaplains who did not make promotion say they were persecuted due to their "witness for Jesus."

That the tag line "in Jesus' name" must end each and every prayer is their demand.

In 22 years as a Navy chaplain, I was never told how to pray. I never told another chaplain how to pray, either. I think those who are complaining now should work through their theology a bit better. Prayer in Jesus' name is a way of saying "according to his will." I do not think it is his will to set out to offend and exclude simply so you can assert your right to do as you will.

Christianity is ill served by these disgruntled chaplains and ACLJ. Please get the facts before you sign this petition.

The Rev. Charles McGathy
Madison

The writer is a retired member of the Navy's Chaplain Corps.

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Kenneth Trager

Whenever one moves from one part of the country to another, it is going to be an adjustment and learning process. The same is true when one moves from one part of a state to another or even one section of a county to another.

There has been one political constant regardless of where I have lived. Before I became a citizen of North Carolina, I could not understand how Elizabeth Dole was elected as one of North Carolina's U.S. senators. Since I have lived here for more than two years, I am still confused.

This confusion increased even more after reading the July 28 paper. What possible justification could the senator have in being one of eight U.S. Senators to vote against a bill to "... enact the unfulfilled recommendations made by the Sept. 11 Commission three years ago"?

It is beyond comprehension that someone who supposedly is concerned about national security and the welfare of her constituents would vote in the manner the senator did.

I would hope that the informed citizens of North Carolina would find a suitable candidate to oppose "our" do-nothing, know-nothing farce of a U. S. senator and replace her with someone who provides leadership and a concern for the safety of this nation.

I would also like to "commend" Rep. Howard Coble for his no vote in the House of Representatives.

Perhaps it is time for both folks to walk into the sunset of retirement and leave their positions of power to fresher minds with clearer understandings of what is best for our nation and our state.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

It’s frustrating that North Carolina has the weakest gang laws in the South and our governor and legislature refuse to do anything about it.

This was the year that the House finally agreed with the bipartisan delegation of North Carolina mayors to give harsh penalties to gang members. It's pathetic that the Senate and governor did not agree.

Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory led the charge and knows the problems that gangs cause in big cities and small towns alike. Because of the lack of leadership of Gov. Easley and Sen. Marc Basnight, more innocent North Carolinians will be terrorized by gang activity again this year.

Patrick Sebastian
Raleigh

The following is a Counterpoint

By Lynn Tutterow and Susan Davis

We urge you to help block the proposed rezoning case in which the BlueGreen Communities of Boca Raton, Fla., has proposed a 691-acre gated, golf course community with 755 homes, including single-family, patio and town houses. This proposed Patriot's Landing development is directly adjacent to the new Haw River State Park.

There are a number of reasons why this proposed community is not a good idea for the area.

• If you estimate a conservative number of six one-way trips per planned home, this would equate to more than 4,500 additional daily trips on Church Street -- a two-lane road with a speed limit of 50 mph that would not be able to safely handle the additional traffic.

• The land in currently zoned for agriculture. A gated, golf course community is out of character with the surrounding neighborhoods of farming and working class families.

• It is our understanding that BlueGreen has plans to take up to 100,000 gallons of water a day from the Haw River to water its golf course. Taking that much water from the river would have serious negative effects on the wetlands in the Haw River State Park.

• It is reasonable to assume that golf course and 775 residences will use large quantities of fertilizers and pesticides that will likely leach into the river.

• Based on its most recent housing projects, The Preserve at Jordan Lake and Chapel Ridge, BlueGreen has not proved to be an adequate environmental steward, violating state environmental regulations and conditions of permits while building both.

This isn't about increased property values -- it is about quality of life! Please oppose this development for the good of the neighborhood, for Guilford County, and for North Carolina.

The writers live in Greensboro.

Your Aug. 5 articles on the slow food trend were informative but missed the point about the Triad's direction of growth. Only now have big numbers of Triad consumers decided to buy local.

Why? One reason some shoppers have shifted grocery dollars from chains to local farmers is, as your authors say, fear of contaminants. But since they could just as easily shop at Earth Fare or the organic section in Harris Teeter, I believe food shopping habits have changed because, thank God, food tastes have improved.

Waves of out-of-staters and foreigners (and, yes, even illegals) have moved here and demanded a wider range of products and better quality. Also, as education standards have risen, so has the average consumer's knowledge. The net result is that more shoppers are ready to diversify their spending by buying local goods and services, especially when they are demonstrably better.

The good news is that the slow food movement provides a business model for local entrepreneurs facing tough competition from big corporations. And if the Triad is to have balanced economic growth, it will need more than Wendover's big box stores, Friendly Shopping Center's latest installment of chic, urban retailers, HondaJet or Dell.

Andrew Young
Greensboro

Thank you for the editorial Aug. 4 with the 10-point review of the 2007 General Assembly. All very interesting and worthy of comment.

However, having been in the life insurance business for more than 59 years, and individual/group medical insurance for the past 25 years, the "thumbs up" relating to group insurance coverage for mental illness treatment jumped out at me.

I fully sympathize with those needing treatment for mental illness. My concern is that adding a "bottomless pit" of benefits for an open-ended malady, and the choice-driven drug treatment that will follow, with no real clinical way of determining when one is "well," will escalate the rate at which employers are already abandoning group coverage.

Smaller employers, especially if there is an unhealthy employee, are finding it increasingly difficult to pay escalating premiums.

Marvin Cash
Eden

Someone please tell me who to blame. Is the U.S. government or the general public to blame for the overwhelming amount of problems we are experiencing today?

When the federal government told us years ago that lead was bad for our children, the people worked to save our children. When automobile makers found out that faulty tires were being put on cars, the people were protected by the government. There are many examples of "we the people" protecting ourselves from our own mistakes.

So who do we blame when "we the people" turn to other countries to provide our food, toys, tires and energy needs? Are we so naive to think that these same countries will care more for our people than they do for their own?

Someone please help me explain that to my grandchildren ... please.

Ken Land
Greensboro

I feel the property transfer tax doesn't tax everyone equally. It primarily targets homeowners selling their properties, which will increase the price of homes without significantly contributing to the state income.

Why would I as a Realtor be concerned? Won't I make more money if the selling price of the house is increased? Yes; however, my first obligation is to the well-being of my customers, and if they have to raise prices, there will be less chance to sell, and in the end I will suffer. The reason there will be less chance to sell is when you increase home prices you eliminate a certain sector of potential buyers who no longer qualify for a mortgage.

As it stands today, counties would have the option to place either a quarter-cent sales tax or 0.4 percent transfer tax on the local ballot. If voters approve the transfer tax, it would increase the seller's tax over the current deed stamp revenues by 0.4 percentage points, or from 0.2 percent to 0.6 percent. It could be really chaotic if some counties approve the transfer tax and some don't.

We all need to be conscious of the need to contribute to the state coffers, but not this way.

Tom Jordan
Greensboro

It is fairly predictable that a federal bureaucracy investigating complaints of black officers by a white police chief in a Southern city would be favorably received. The local office of EEOC justified such expectations in its findings of such activity by the Greensboro Police Department and then-Chief David Wray.

It is obvious that the commission considered only evidence presented by the complainants and their attorneys. Had it acted as a responsible judicial body by considering the overwhelming evidence to the contrary, such a ruling would not have been possible.

The profound, well-documented series of articles by author Jerry Bledsoe, :Cops in Black and White," provides conclusive evidence that not only did Chief Wray not treat his black officers unfairly, he made every effort to respond to their complaints.

The city officials should appeal the EEOC findings and request a complete review of the matter by a federal judge. Such a review could provide some very interesting results. Perhaps then justice would at last prevail.

William K. Oden Jr.
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint

By Jaci H. Ponzoni

Thank you for the reality check on North Carolina's progress in funding land preservation as promised in the One Million Acre Initiative ("Conversation goals won't be reached easily," Aug. 2). As you point out, the $8 million that the legislature budgeted for the Farmland Protection Trust Fund is welcome, and I commend Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, the governor and legislators such as Pricey Harrison and Kay Hagan for their leadership.

North Carolina and the Triad are fortunate that continuing collaboration among state agencies, land trusts and conservation groups ensures that state dollars stretch as far as possible.

Currently, several innovative partnerships with the Department of Transportation and Wildlife Resources Commission help efficiently channel state funds to protect lands vital to North Carolina's future.

Conservation groups are playing a pivotal role in stretching funds by competing for grants and negotiating the best deals for landowners and taxpayers. And, by matching private donations with state and federal funding, conservation groups help multiply the state's investment in land protection. The payoff is cleaner water, more local food and support for our state's largest industry.

Given the rapidly escalating cost of land, there are limits to what can be done without significant additional public investment.

I hope the legislature's recent action indicates that citizens can expect increased funding for land conservation in the immediate future. As a board member of the Piedmont Land Conservancy, I know from personal experience that the dollars will be well spent.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

The race card. Sometimes I think it's used more than the credit card. Both are convenient, and the "interest" in both cards is extremely high. Both cards have their merits.

The credit card is great for emergencies. The race card can be used for fighting injustices and racism, and not as a sympathy card.

Take the case of Dianne Bellamy-Small. In my opinion, calling for her resignation had nothing to do with racism. It was simply a case of vanity and arrogance. She is more than qualified for her position but needs an attitude adjustment. When you choose the behavior, you also choose the consequences.

Sometimes we need to leave our credit cards at home when we shop. The race card should not be used just because things didn't go your way or you didn't like the outcome of a certain situation. Both cards should be used responsibly.

Give the credit card respect for the power it has. When used for the wrong reason, the race card can lose a lot if its power. Let's give respect before we expect it.

I find it very hard to make sense out of nonsense.

Shirley Wright
Greensboro

Regarding Vivien Carson's letter, "No funds to fight gangs, but plenty for median" (Aug. 5), I hate to knock the state where I was born, but the elected officials of Guilford County and Greensboro are the most fiscally irresponsible group of politicians whom I have ever encountered in 73 years of living in various parts of the country.

John H. Dickson
Greensboro

Buried amidst the rubble, tears and vindictive analysis, a positive message from disasters: Heroism in America is alive.

Soon after each disaster in these past decades, the finger-pointing and name-calling drowns out the truly remarkable deeds of the average American citizen dashing onto the scene to save a life.

During the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, the floods in New Orleans, the reconstruction of Iraq, the fires out west, the recent bridge collapse in Minnesota, and now the mine collapse in Utah, America heroes surface.

By "heroism," I suggest the selfless giving of individuals and groups for the benefit of society. Our leaders seem determined to ignore one of the pillars of our society: belief in ourselves as a society, as a team.

Instead, self-interest, money, fear and power are the currency of Washington speech writers. This cynical approach to life has led to tragedy abroad, and the erosion of America's most precious civic institutions and infrastructure.

Yet somehow, people in America are still able to act in someone else's best interest, and for this, there may still be hope for us.

Kurt Lauenstein
Greensboro

I would like to thank Rep. Brad Miller for voting in favor of an amendment to establish a national Renewable Electricity Standard (RES). The amendment is part of "The New Direction for Energy Independence, National Security, and Consumer Protection Act."

The passage of RES, along with legislation in H.R. 3221, will make significant steps toward a cleaner and more secure energy future.

The RES requires utilities to generate 15 percent of electricity from renewable energy such as wind, solar or biomass, or through energy efficiency savings by 2020.

We thank Rep. Miller for standing up to massive opposition by coal-fired utility companies and their allies, and joining a broad coalition of environmentalists, labor unions, farm groups and clean energy developers to pass this bipartisan legislation.

Courtney Abrams
Greensboro

The writer is assistant citizen outreach director, Environment North Carolina.

Referencing "Officers willing to negotiate" (Aug. 4): Let me get this straight. An African American officer allegedly assaulted a woman in a hotel in 2005. A "black book" was used to attempt to obtain incriminating evidence against the black officer.

What would be the point of putting pictures of white officers in the book when the alleged victim stated it was "an African American officer"?

If the woman had stated that it was a white officer who assaulted her, the book would have been made up with white officers' pictures. What would be the point of putting pictures of African American officers in the book?

It amazes me that the EEOC ruled that evidence suggests discrimination took place or that Greensboro (taxpayers) would even think of paying money for this ridiculous lawsuit. There are people in this world who need to get a life and stop using the color of their skin as a trump card. They need to stop blaming others for not getting what they want, when they ask for it.

Geneva Clodfelter
Julian

Moses Cone Health System is trying to hold Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina hostage with its demand for increases. It is common knowledge that hospitals nationwide struggle to fund operations due to the huge influx of patients who are treated but who don't have health insurance.

Why, in a democracy, should a free enterprise like a hospital give services to the uninsured and then bill the insured more to cover the cost?

If I went to McDonald's without money to eat a meal, they wouldn't serve me anyway and bill the next customer twice.

That is happening here under hospitals' guise of wanting to "take care of" its professionals. If hospitals want to be hospitable to uninsured patients, they should open free clinics funded with public donations
.
This hostage situation creates the prospect of more people seeking "free" care since they couldn't afford rate hikes proposed by area hospitals.

Bonnie Ware
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint column.

By Richard Lee Ponting

An op-ed column in the July 21 News & Record, "Get over fear of nuclear power," deserves comment. The article made arguments aimed at setting to rest fears about nuclear power safety and reliability and advocated its immediate expansion ("The nation needs more well-regulated nuclear power plants").

Completely overlooked was the issue of disposal of nuclear waste products from existing plants. Appropriate methods for safe disposal of a variety of types and levels of these materials has never been decided upon either at the national or state level. The issue has been debated for more than 30 years.

This situation was confirmed in a talk given Feb. 27 by Dr. Louis Lanzerotti of the National Research Council, and sponsored by Sigma Xi of Greensboro and UNCG. He said that most radioactive materials were stored on site in "pools" that are rapidly filling.

Recommendations were to transport these materials to dry storage facilities, at considerable cost. No decisions have been made on these recommendations.

Until nuclear waste disposal issues are decided and acted upon, it would be irresponsible to expand nuclear power.

Perhaps a more interesting question relates to the fate of current plants. Many are reaching their expected lifetime, and serious consideration should be given to their replacement.

While nuclear expansion is a more troublesome prospect, current nuclear plants likely should keep their place alongside hydro as part of the base of U.S. electrical production.

Let's have a realistic discussion about the future of nuclear power as a clean and sustainable part of our energy future.

The writer lives in Browns Summit.

The following is a Counterpoint

By Don Hallock

I refer to the July 19 Counterpoint in which the author takes to task the movie "Sicko" and those in the media who favorably reviewed it.

Michael Moore can be overly forceful, but I have yet to see any of his critics offer proof that he told any lies in his movie. Calling someone a liar just because you disagree with him doesn't cut it with me.

In 1948, Harry Truman, hardly a far lefty, called for universal health coverage. I agreed with him then and agree with him now.

Where America ranks in the developed world in infant mortality, life expectancy, etc., should make every American angry and embarrassed.

Why don't we have a universal single-payer system? The answer is simple. It's the hundreds of millions of dollars that the insurance and other lobbies spend to defeat it. Our leaders just can't bring themselves to vote against their big-spending buddies. And many ordinary citizens are taken in by their clever propaganda.

I have asked my conservative friends if they thought every child born in America should receive decent health care. They always say yes.

Then when I detail what that would entail, they say, "Oh no. That would require more big government -- as everybody knows, big government can't do anything right."

Gee, why do I have the notion that Social Security, Medicare and the Postal Service run amazingly well?

I ask my friends if they're aware that our leaders in Washington enjoy exactly what I'm suggesting, even as they deny this benefit to us. They never have an answer.

People terrified by the "S word" point out that when Canada instituted it, some physicians fled to the U.S. True, we were easy to flee to. Where will our doctors flee to?

People also point out there can be a wait for elective procedures.

True, Canada has not yet fully adjusted, in terms of numbers of doctors and ample infrastructure. This will correct in time, and it will not be a problem here.

MRI machines and other high-tech devices abound here and sometimes sit idle.

We spend 30 percent of our health dollars administering our clumsy system. If we went the single-payer route, the figure would reduce to 10 percent, according to experts. This saved 20 percent would quite likely cover those not presently insured.

Do the math and let's get on with it.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

City Manager Mitchell Johnson's arguments for banning the Stop the Violence gathering echo reasons to ban Super Jam, which encourages the tradition of an all-night party in the High Point Road/Lee Street corridor.

That after-event party does:

Last June, when Guilford County Schools' AYP (adequate yearly progress) scores were published and Sedalia Elementary School was among those schools that achieved "distinction," many parents and staff were very nervous, lest our wonderful principal be transferred to another school that did not make AYP.

When that didn't happen by July 1, we relaxed and began to prepare for the coming school year. Our principal, Edwina Monroe, worked with us to plan activities and put them into motion.
Suddenly on Aug. 6, we learned she was to be moved to a school that didn't make AYP. We are devastated.

It takes time to create a successful team of teachers and staff It also takes time to develop relationships and trust among teachers, parents and students. This is not fair. It is too soon to lose that momentum Mrs. Monroe has created at Sedalia.

In addition, we have been designated as an opt-out school for students coming from low-performing schools. This is due to Mrs. Monroe's superb leadership at Sedalia. Why take her away now? This is akin to punishment for a job well done. Instead of rewarding this leadership, our school has been punished also.

Judith R. Hyman
Greensboro

I'm sure many people can relate to Lorraine Ahearn's column, "Patch of brown: Save the planet and kill the lawn" (Aug. 3).

Every fall we aerate, fertilize, lime and reseed our lawn. By the end of summer the only grass that actually looks good is the ever-present, tenacious, seemingly impossible-to-kill Bermuda grass. Other than a small area of grass for the grandkids to play on, I'm planting creeping juniper instead.

Lorraine may be interested to know it's possible to have green in her yard without having a lawn.
There are many low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, winter-hardy, green ground covers that don't need mowing, including liriope, mondo grass, creeping phlox, periwinkle, pachysandra, sedum, creeping juniper, ice plant, ivy, etc.

It's fairly easy to plant ground cover and kill your grass. Dig a hole in your grass, plant your ground cover, and cover the surrounding grass with a thick layer of newspapers and cover it with pine needles. Keep the ground cover watered until it is established.

If you want to keep weeds out forever, cover the newspapers with landscaping fabric before adding the pine needles. It may seem like a lot of work, but you'll never have to mow, aerate, lime, fertilize or reseed that area again.

Donna Padget
Summerfield

A hope shared by many has come to pass: extended health care for children enacted by both Congress and the N.C. General Assembly.

In Washington, the Senate passed legislation providing heath care for 6 million lower-income children not currently covered. Republicans and Democrats worked together to make it happen and have enough votes (68) to override an expected veto by President Bush. It's encouraging when senators can put aside party differences to help the less fortunate. Consensus governing does and will work.

In North Carolina, the General Assembly passed North Carolina Kids' Care, making available affordable health insurance for 38,000 uninsured children from low-income families. Thousands more children will be added in the future. Also, the same General Assembly has adopted a plan (State Earned Income Tax Credit) providing a tax refund to the lowest-wage earners in North Carolina. This plan will help lift children and families out of poverty.

It has been said that the worth of a society can be measured by the help given to those who are least able to help themselves. Our representatives in Washington and Raleigh have met this standard. May it continue.

Bob Kollar
Greensboro

The Counterpoint by Bob Goodman, "Negative news fails to reflect reality" (July 24), powerfully stated the positive side of America's circumstances. It was pretty much irrefutable. Multitudes of Americans have achieved fair to excellent situations, and even these on the low end of the scale are mostly far better off than the majority of those in the rest of the world. We do live in the best country on earth. But, oh, it could be so much better.

I, myself, have been guilty of sometimes presenting the negative side. My letters were also irrefutable. Consider the precious lives and treasure we have thrown away in a stupid war, $9 trillion national debt, a severely flawed medical system, increasing immigration problems, FEMA failure, stem-cell and abortion controversy, corruption and cronyism in Washington, problems with education, etc.

Actually, we have two opposing realities. With improved leadership, the positives could far outweigh the negatives. But the opposite could also come to pass.

Can we do it? Can we elect a man (or woman) and a Congress in 2008 and thereafter who will lead us to achieve the grandeur that could be within our grasp?

Dan W. Maddox
Greensboro

According to Pete Salassi (letter, Aug. 5), Howard Coble wants to give all our jobs away, gouge Medicare recipients, keep the poor in poverty, torture anybody who disagrees with us, keep the Iraq war going on forever, make a killing off interest on student loans, see buses and trains blown up, and make life easy for terrorists in America.

What Salassi seems not to understand is that, while it's important to promote and support legislation that will benefit the country, it's also important to vote against bills that overreach, will have negative fallout or are impractical, riddled with pork and just too costly. Of course, some bills are just bad ideas in the first place. Voting against lousy bills is different from "voting wrong."

Congressman Coble does indeed give good constituent service. The vast majority of his constituents believe that he "votes right" most of the time, which is why we keep electing him. Further, Salassi might note that a congressman of Coble's integrity, who does in fact fairly represent the interests of those who elect him, doesn't need a big "war chest" funded by PACs. His constituents will see to it that he's got enough dough to conduct his campaign and get re-elected.

Tom Bobo
Gibsonville

John Edwards: poor little cotton-mill boy criticizing Hillary through ol' Bill, who balanced the budget and left a surplus for G.W. to give away to those who didn't need it. Many of us old Proximity Cotton Mill boys remember with gratitude.

Give it up, John. Sour grapes have never tasted good. You never were in the running. Don't keep fighting your own party.

John Kincaid Sr.
Reidsville

I asked my 14-year-old son, who was in the DARE program as a fifth-grader, if he could remember anything he learned from the class. He recited for me: D -- I won't do drugs. A -- I won't have attitude. R -- I will respect myself. E -- I will educate me now.

Our youth from all ethnic, socioeconomic and religious backgrounds face the paths of right and wrong on a daily basis. As parents, grandparents, community leaders, teachers and coaches, we must provide strong messages that reinforce the right choices so that the drug dealers and other detractors do not corrupt and harm our children.

It saddens me to see Sheriff Barnes decide to do away with a proactive program that reaches the children before entering middle school. I know he is a good man who cares about our youth. I hope he reconsiders or money comes from other sources to help all children learn about the dangers of drugs.

Our principals, teachers, PTAs and school administrators should ask for this program to be continued. If it is not continued, principals should reinforce the DARE program in fifth-grade PE classes.

Joe Plante
Summerfield

I'm sick of the arguing who is right and who is wrong about Moses Cone Health System and Blue Cross/Blue Shield contract negotiations. Fix the problem and move on. Customers are the ones who are going to suffer -- as usual.

The avarice in the health-care and health insurance industry never ceases to amaze me.

Nobody cares for the patients anymore, it's all about the bottom line.

Fix the problem. Take care of your customers/patients. Money should not be the bottom line when dealing with people's health.

Kenneth Bicknell
Greensboro

I saw on a national news network a debate over the constitutional separation of church and state. All I could think about was what our forefathers would think of our nation today. Would they be happy? Disappointed?

Whether people like it or not, our nation was founded on Christian values and teachings. The problem is that the creators of the Constitution are not here today to explain what they were thinking. I think the separation of church and state was not meant to keep church out of politics, I think it was meant to keep politics out of church. They did not want the churches to become political parties like those in Europe.

I can't speak for our forefathers, but I can speak for myself when I say we have fallen far from what we were meant to be. People ask, if there was a God, why would He let Sept. 11 or Hurricane Katrina happen? The only time you see Americans unite is when a disaster occurs. If you would talk to Him more often, maybe He would use other ways to unite us. With all the problems facing our nation, I would like to say in God we still trust.

Michael Overton
McLeansville

I was in the post office the other morning when two women with babies and a man came in. The postal employee asked for some form of identification. None of them could produce any so they just laughed and left. The employee and I watched as they got into two vehicles and drove away.
No ID means no driver's license, which also means no insurance. Illegal once meant illegal, but for some reason our neighbors from the south don't have to conform to the same rules that legal U.S. citizens do.

When are our politicians going to remove their heads from their backsides and pass legislation to protect our borders? We true Americans want our borders protected regardless of the cost. We would save billions of dollars that are being wasted on supporting them under the present system. If they want to come to the United States, they should do it legally or not at all.

Jimmy Wilson
High Point

I have watched your comic strip "Get Fuzzy" evolve from a comic strip to a political commentary. You moved "Mark Trail" from the comics page to the sports page before dumping it. Could you move "Get Fuzzy" to the editorial page and do the same? The strip writer's political leaning closely matches the newspaper's, and I think it would fit right in.

Barry Ellison
Madison

I am writing this to make people aware of the importance of vaccinating their pets against rabies.

As you probably read in the paper this past week, someone took a rabid cat to the vet for treatment, not knowing it had been bitten by a rabid animal. Well, my daughter happened to be one of the technicians who was trying to help the cat.

All because someone did not get this cat a rabies shot, my daughter and the other people who came in contact with the cat, including the vet's office and the family, now need to have a series of painful, expensive shots. And the cat had to suffer the trauma of being bitten by a rabid animal without the protection of a shot. Needless to say, it had to be euthanized.

Please, if you can't afford to get a $5 rabies shot, then you can't afford a pet. It doesn't just affect the pet, it affects everyone who comes in contact with it.

For the sake of your loved ones, including your pets, please protect them by getting your pet a rabies shot. It will be worth it in the long run.

V.L. Smith
McLeansville

The religious right is charging Democrats with threatening to take away their freedom of religion, with lying and suddenly finding religion in order to get votes. I and other liberal Christians like Mr. Obama and Mrs. Clinton are tired of those Christians acting as if they are the only Christians, that theirs are the only values that are important and that they are being persecuted.

Democrats base their beliefs on the teachings of Jesus. These teachings charge them not to judge, as Christians on the right often do, but to care for the poor and for their neighbor.

Democrats believe that the government exists to help us all meet our basic needs: health care, education, food and support when we are disabled or too old to work.

We liberal Christians are afraid that those on the right will force an anti-separation of church and state, anti-science agenda down our throats by passing laws against abortion, gay marriage or laws for prayer in the public schools and the teaching of intelligent design.

Democrats believe in freedom and would never stop the free speech or worship of others.

Barbara Sloan
Greensboro

As chairman of the Greensboro Parks and Recreation Commission, I would like to respond to Max Madrin's recent letter (Aug. 3), in which he complained, quite rightly, about mud covering the sidewalks on New Garden Road and the basketball courts on the Jefferson School property. While his complaint is justified, I must take issue with his faulting the Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department.

The Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department has no authority over either the sidewalks or the school property. They are the responsibility of the Transportation Department of the city of Greensboro and the Guilford County school system.

Notwithstanding a continuing lack of funds, the Parks and Recreation Department and all of its employees from top to bottom deserve a pat on the back for the programs they operate and the facilities they maintain.

The current issue of the Leisure Guide, available through the city, provides ample evidence of the tremendous work of the department.

The citizens of Greensboro can be proud of the top-notch quality of our Parks and Recreation programs. They are the envy of citizens everywhere.

Robert D. Douglas III
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Linda Long

We get it. We understand that the "Money" in Greensboro does not want the Wyndham Championship at Forest Oaks and wants it moved to Sedgefield. There has been enough negative reporting about why or how it will occur. We find Ed Hardin's comments about our community (column, Aug. 5) very insulting, although he is not the first from your publication to offer the put-downs.

Hardin is right about one thing: The golf course is one of the finest courses in North Carolina and is maintained very well by an extremely hardworking group of professionals.

The goal of the PGA Tour and the Wyndham Championship is to raise money for various charities; it seems everyone's time would be better spent to concentrate on that goal instead of putting down Forest Oaks Country Club and the community.

Does anyone ever stop to think about how these comments might affect attendance?

The community at Forest Oaks will survive, whether the tournament leaves or stays (most of us, contrary to what you report, would like for it to stay). We are certainly tired of all of the disparaging remarks about the neighborhood and the clubhouse. The community is a wonderful place to live; it's quiet, safe for children and filled with neighbors who care for and watch out for each other. Perhaps we don't have million-dollar homes lining the fairways, but if you drive through the streets in Sedgefield, the "Money's" choice of venue, you will certainly see some properties that are less than stellar.

Our community has some very beautiful, well-maintained homes, but somehow those never seem to get mentioned in your articles. We are proud of Forest Oaks and would like everyone in the Triad to come out and see for themselves what a fine place it is to spend a day watching golf with your families, or to live with your family.

No matter what happens, we wish the Wyndham Championship the very best of luck for the future, because it is a good thing for the Triad. For at least one more year, to paraphrase Mr. Hardin, we will water our roses, mow the grass and pull our plastic lawn chairs into our yards to watch the modern players who supposedly make fun of us walk by.

And we'll be cheering for all of them.

The writer is a resident of Forest Oaks and a member of Forest Oaks Country Club.

To North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Jim Long:

As you are no doubt aware, the Moses Cone Health System has terminated its contract with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina effective Nov. 1. Blue Cross is North Carolina's largest provider of health insurance, with 3.4 million subscribers. Given that fact, and that Moses Cone is the predominant health care facility in Greensboro, many thousands of subscribers will be greatly inconvenienced.

They will have to travel a minimum of 20 miles for non-emergency health care needs, creating, by the way, a significant additional burden for those other area hospitals.

Regrettably, the parties have decided to fight this battle through the media. This is unacceptable behavior for two organizations that can and do have a major impact on our health and well being.

My plea to you is this. The Department of Insurance should bring whatever pressure is required to bear on both parties to work this out. In the absence of progress, they should be forced (legislated?) to go to compulsory arbitration.

Jim Kennedy
Greensboro

What happened to those indignant "conservatives" who bristled at Bill Clinton's extramarital affair? Where are those rabid, foaming-at-the-mouth "conservatives" who pushed for his impeachment? They are conspicuously absent from the debate over the criminal cloud hanging over George W. Bush and his cronies.

They obviously do not equate the outing of a covert agent, lying before Congress and going to war under false pretenses to the level of a sexual affair.

I suppose they are too busy supporting the Texas church that canceled a veteran's funeral because he was gay to notice that our current administration is gutting the Constitution. Maybe they are just searching for flag burners, who we all know are a huge threat.

Or maybe they are helping Coy Privette put prayer in schools. What a country!

John Graham
Greensboro

I commend Sheriff BJ Barnes for abandoning the DARE program in public schools. It just does not work.

The program focuses on berating children with scary images of disease and failure and associates them with drug use. These tactics are patronizing and ineffective.

As children grow up, they tend to lose trust for these educators and rebel against them. Furthermore, those who would listen are those least likely to get involved with drugs in the first place.

The county is right in moving the funds to actual law enforcement. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, but only when the prevention works.

This is not to say that the effects of drugs should be completely left out of the curriculum.

Instead, the decision-making abilities and methods against peer pressure should be reinforced through other activities, rather than just scaring the children. We can educate them on the effects of the drugs without outright brainwashing.

I participated in the DARE program and now, as a high school student, can strongly say that it gave me nothing more than spite against these people who seem to think I cannot make my own decisions.

Max Holder
Summerfield

Spending on the arts is better thought of as spending for health. Healthy bodies need healthy minds; healthy minds need the arts.

Currently most arts organizations are quick to inform the public that their work brings dollars into the economy. This is true. But the funds generated come into the community, not to the entire support of arts organizations. The arts is not a true business although it must be administered in a businesslike fashion. Unlike a brick factory, there is no consistently reliable product to be made, seen and understood. The evanescent nature of the arts is a part of its grand charm and necessity; it is the importation of the ineffable into the mundane.

The arts, the real stuff, is not simple entertainment. The real stuff almost never supports itself. Governmental support is vital and never foots the entire bill. To the Guilford County commissioners: Please reconsider and provide supplementary funds to your community's arts organizations during the fiscal year and put them back in the budget next year.

Philip Shore
Asheboro

The writer is executive director, Randolph Arts Guild.

The following is a Counterpoint

By Sarah Gribbin

The photo of the diverse group of city residents planting a tree as part of the Neighborwoods program in the Aug. 5 paper is certainly intended to convey optimism about city green-up efforts. However, reality is that everywhere in the city and county I encounter recently planted trees languishing and dying for lack of follow-up.

In the last four months, I have personally "liberated" at least 100 trees from plastic stabilizing rope that was never removed by the contract landscapers or city workers who planted the trees. These ropes strangle the tree and lead to limb loss and premature demise of potentially long-lived shade trees. I see what a 15-foot, older tree costs at nursery centers around town and calculate the city is squandering tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of dollars planting and abandoning trees that do not survive.

A particularly glaring example of neglect and sad irony, considering its name, can be seen in the Willow Oaks neighborhood along Washington Street, which has been hyped as an example of smart urban renewal. Hint to city officials: Nothing shouts urban blight better than dying trees.

Perhaps our city needs to plant fewer trees but provide better follow-up to these blessed investments in our city's future. Developers could be rewarded for planting and maintaining healthy trees and landscaping and penalized for allowing plantings to die.

A final word: Plant younger, smaller and more affordable trees. They have better chances of survival and, in three to five years, will be equal in size to their older brethren.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

The following is a Counterpoint

By Joe Stanley

Thanks for your recent coverage of the N.C. General Assembly's budget agreement.

In every budget, there are winners and losers from a summer-long process of give-and-take and ongoing negotiations. And although many North Carolinians might see the budget as a routine bureaucratic process, they may not realize how much it affects their daily lives.

That's because, with the passage of this year's state budget, North Carolina's first University Cancer Research Fund was created. The fund was established to help fight cancer in our state, and will receive $25 million in 2007-2008 and $40 million in 2008-2009. Beginning in 2009, the fund will receive $50 million per year.

There are 41,000 new cancer cases and 17,000 deaths annually in North Carolina. More than 560,000 people die from cancer across the nation every year.

These are not nameless, faceless numbers. Each one of them represents a personal story of struggle and survival.

The UNC School of Medicine and its Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center in Chapel Hill see cancer patients from every corner of North Carolina, and every one of our 100 counties. This new funding follows their support for a new state-of-the-art North Carolina Cancer Hospital, which will transform cancer research at UNC and greatly expand our clinical and public health efforts to prevent, detect early and treat cancers statewide.

We have all been touched by cancer. One in three North Carolinians will develop some form of cancer during his or her lifetime. Over the next 30 years, the number of cancer patients in North Carolina will double.

The General Assembly should be commended for recognizing these needs and making this groundbreaking investment in our state's battle against cancer.

The writer is a Greensboro resident and a member of the Board of Visitors of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.

I thought that the conflicting articles by the CEOs of Moses Cone and Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) (Aug. 8) were a great public service. A strong follow-up article would be to compare the compensation packages for the top 10 executives at each organization and each organization's profitability.

I know they are both nonprofits but it's still easy to see how much of a surplus there is between revenues and expenses, if they will supply the data. It would also be instructive to determine how much each organization spends on lobbying.

I think this would be of great interest to your readers. The contrast between an organization that actually performs medical services and an insurance company that performs no services except as a middle man would be very relevant.

I'd be willing to bet I can pick the more profitable, higher-paid organization. How about you?

Earle Bower
Greensboro

Last week I attended a meeting of the Guilford County Planning Board expecting a fair hearing of the request by the Bluegreen Co. to rezone 691 acres of land adjacent to the Haw River State Park for the construction of an upscale golfing community, Patriot's Landing. To my dismay, the Planning Board chairman appeared to favor the Bluegreen project from the outset.

The stated rules would allow the proponents 20 minutes to present their case followed by a 20-minute presentation by the opposition and finally a five- minute rebuttal by each group. The chairman stopped the time clock on at least two occasions to ask leading questions of the Bluegreen representatives which in essence allowed the proponents approximately 40 minutes rather than the 20 allotted. The opponents, who objected the rezoning based on environmental concerns as well as the practices of Bluegreen in other developments, were not accorded the same courtesy.

To cap off the evening, the chairman proceeded to lecture those opposing the project by pointing out how much better the Bluegreen proposal was than "other proposals we have seen."

I was personally offended by the manner in which he conducted the meeting and by his attitude toward well-meaning citizens who care deeply about the future of Guilford County.

Joan Bass
Julian

In the 18 years that I have been in medical office management, I have witnessed the insurance and drug industries methodically hijack our health care system.

Insurance premiums, deductibles and co-pays continue to rise while, in many cases, provider reimbursement has actually been reduced. Insurance premiums are higher than home mortgages and I have seen co-pays do a complete reversal.

Where a patient's co-pay was $15 and the insurance paid $60 for a particular procedure or visit, the patient now pays the $60 and the insurance pays $15!

I have no problem believing the president of the Moses Cone Health System when he states that Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina has held them hostage. In the small office I manage, we experience what amounts to blatant harassment in our attempts to get legitimate claims paid.

While insurance payments have declined, medical establishments have had to hire more and more administrative staff just to "fight" to get paid.

I am increasingly annoyed when I keep hearing politicians say that everyone needs health insurance. The insurance lobby says everyone needs health insurance!

What everyone really need is access to quality health care.

Mary B. Hess
Greensboro

The situation involving former WXII morning anchor Tolly Carr is a tragedy of the worst kind for all concerned.

To have Mr. Carr talk to local high school students is an excellent idea. However, he should speak to them from behind bars. The logistics of taking students to the prison could be prohibitive, I know, but it would be much more effective to see Carr behind bars as he explains to them the error of his ways.

If Carr comes into the classroom, he will be well-groomed and immaculately dressed, and the unspoken message will be, “Look at me. I was drunk and killed a person and now in less than two years I am out and doing well.“

Jeri Rowe, in his article of Aug. 14, asks the question, “But is that enough?“ The answer is no. The sentence should have been 10 years.

John W. Taylor
Greensboro

In a recently surfaced video clip from 1994, Dick Cheney details the first Bush administration's reasons for not going into Baghdad during the Gulf War: It wouldn't have been worth the additional American lives. One must assume the second Bush administration knew this when the invasion of Iraq was decided upon.

What changed between 1994 and 2003? Did Cheney forget? Did the reality of the consequences change? Or, could it be that the reasons for George W. Bush and his cronies making the decision to go into Iraq overrode the cost in lives and dollars that would inevitably ensue?

Cheney said in 1994 that going into Iraq would have resulted in a “quagmire“ for America. He was right. Bush didn't care. He had another agenda and then had the gall to characterize dissenters as cowardly, unpatriotic defeatists who were not supporting the troops.

The best way I can think of to support the troops in an unwinnable and immoral war is to bring them home now. And, as was the case during Vietnam, this will only happen if we all say it long and loudly enough for our government to hear us. If it doesn't, we should elect a government in 2008 that will.

Lawrence Brenowitz
Greensboro

It makes me wonder:

Our city fathers and mothers painting what will be under-utilized bike lanes all over town, forcing increasing oncoming traffic closer together because going “green“ is supposed to make us feel better.

Our city fathers and mothers spending $6 million and two years cutting down beautiful trees on Friendly Avenue to put in medians that likely will increase accidents when one additional stoplight and a full-time policeman giving tickets to speeding drivers would have made it safer.

Our city fathers and mothers likely giving RF Micro Devices another $1.2 million to create jobs when that is what we RF Micro stockholders (I am one) are paying CEO Bruggeworth more than $3 million a year to do.

Our city fathers and mothers not being able to find money to combat increasing gang activity when it is sorely needed for the benefit of the city.

It makes me wonder where the heads of our city fathers and mothers are. It must be the heat.

Bruce Raynor
Greensboro

Mark Binker's piece Aug. 12 about the voting record of N.C. Rep. Harold Brubaker was very interesting. At almost 25 percent missed votes, he has the second-worst voting record in the House.

A few months ago, several of us in our area had an issue we wished to alert him to and hopefully obtain his support for. We called him six times and left messages for him; three times at his office in Raleigh, and three times at his business in Asheboro. He has to this date returned none of them. Sen. Jerry Tillman, by contrast, responded immediately and soon worked out a solution to the problem.

We hope the Republican Party will nominate someone more responsible and responsive for the next election. As constituents, we all at some time could need support from our elected officials. We deserve representatives who back the people who vote them in.

David and Jacqie Stansfield
Climax

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Brian Clarke

To squander the chance Greensboro has for an ACC Hall of Champions by placing it inside the coliseum would be absolutely inexcusable.

The whole point of the Hall of Champions is to create a facility that does justice to the rich and storied history of the ACC (and to strengthen its ties to Greensboro). The point also is to create a facility people will want to visit year-round.

This is a prime opportunity for Greensboro to create something unique and exciting that residents can be proud of for years to come.

Sticking the hall in a “renovated“ reception hall in the Special Events Center with a “first phase“ of 7,000 square feet and a small theater is ridiculously small and inadequate. Remember, at the same time Greensboro's legislative delegation (especially Sen. Kay Hagan) secured $2 million in state money for the project, Charlotte received similar funding for the NASCAR Hall of Champions. It appears the NASCAR hall will be a fantastic facility -- everything the ACC hall could and should be.

With the ACC's long-standing ties to scores of major corporations, one would think that finding corporate support for the project would not be difficult. However, one has to be willing to put forth the effort to find out.

I have thought that much of the criticism of coliseum Director Matt Brown over the years has been undeserved. However, this plan appears, on its surface at least, to be lazily conceived and designed.

The ACC is extremely important to Greensboro, both from a historical and economic perspective. And as we all know, Charlotte has courted the ACC headquarters for years.

Say what you will about Charlotte, but when it does something, it does it right and it does it fast. Greensboro cannot afford to take the easy way out with the ACC Hall of Champions.

Please, Greensboro, stop aiming for mediocrity and do something we can all be proud of.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

Let me be one of the first consumers to weigh in on the Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina/Moses Cone Health System argument. Last fall I spent three days at Cone for what turned out to be nothing. Now, I appreciate the staff's concern for my well-being; however, I went from a known circumstance in the emergency room to a full-bore diagnostic attack because of a shadow on a film with no other supporting signs or symptoms.

The staff convinced me that I was probably seriously, if not terminally, ill and needed to be inpatient -- but all for naught. Their effort could have been expended on an outpatient basis and both BCBS and I would not be out some serious change.

I have complained to the hospital staff, but they still see the merit in charging me several thousand dollars and turning me over to collections for a shadow on a film that could have been resolved on an outpatient basis. Do no harm?

Wayne Thornton
Greensboro

I read with interest about the bickering between Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina and the Moses Cone Health System. I am a BCBS subscriber.

While BCBS profits are at a record high and are putting plenty of money into executives' pockets, consumers, physicians and health-care facilities are expected to foot the bill.

I was horrified recently when a specialist under my BCBS PPO plan told me that once I pay my $40 copay, she is only reimbursed $6 above that for seeing me. Crunch the numbers. My family pays $500 a month for this "coverage." This is her reimbursement for an appointment that would normally cost the uninsured $125. This is extortion. If physicians or health-care facilities don't want to accept a small payment, then they lose the BCBS pool of patients. Cone will be unable to improve its services and keep up with developments if it is not fairly reimbursed.

I challenge everyone with BCBS insurance to contact Bob Greczyn, president of BCBS of North Carolina, at 919-765-7338 or bob.greczyn@bcbsnc.com to let him know how you feel. We need to speak up if we expect to protect our quality health care!

Connie White
Greensboro

I read Joe Plante's Aug. 13 letter supporting the DARE program in our schools. Plante stated that what his son remembered most about the DARE classes were these words: "D -- I won't do drugs, A -- I won't have an attitude, R -- I will respect myself, E -- I will educate me now."

These words are lyrics from a powerful song many elementary music teachers use to support the DARE program. As you can see, music teaches life's most important lessons. Please continue to support your school's music program.

Sally Muller
Greensboro

It's time to rid this city of the incompetents who make up the Greensboro City Council.

It would be my hope that there are one or two who understand the seriousness of the gang problem we are facing in this city. But without the necessary funding, which the City Council refuses to allocate, the problem will continue to grow and spread until someone prominent is killed or injured. Then watch how quickly your council will respond.

Police Chief Tim Bellamy has outlined the need for putting a full-time gang unit in place; other police officers have endorsed this request, Greensboro residents have expressed their concern, and now Cliff Lovick, a former gang member, has been quoted in the Aug. 12 News & Record.

Read it for yourselves, folks. Mr. Lovick says it all in a nutshell!

Greensboro keeps annexing more land; however, we are not getting additional police officers at the same rate. In the past two months, Greensboro officers have been shot at two separate times by gang members. Does the City Council have the guts to address the gang problem now or will it require a police officer getting hurt or killed first?

B.L. Woltz
Greensboro

The July 29 article by Tina Firesheets celebrating 20 years of Anytown, the youth leadership conference of the National Conference for Community and Justice, effectively conveyed the fun and fellowship experienced by students as they learn lifelong lessons in understanding and respect for those different from themselves.

Recognition needs to be paid to the college students and adults who serve as directors, advisers and counselors to the high school delegates. All volunteers, they forgo a week of their summer vacations to serve as leaders and role models, giving tirelessly of themselves from dawn to the wee hours of the night while demonstrating a model community of diverse ages, genders, colors and creeds working, learning and playing together in a caring and loving way.

The underlying structure of Anytown is meticulously planned, but without these dedicated people showing the way, the program's alumni, which includes physicians, lawyers, teachers, preachers and parents, would not be inspired to live what they learned during their week at Blowing Rock Conference Center.

To each of them, a hearty thank you.

Liz Reinecke
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Fawn Botts

After 18 years of teaching in the Guilford County schools, I continue to be baffled by the decisions being made that truly impact our students. I wonder if their best interests will ever be the driving force or if decisions will continue to be made for all the wrong reasons.

Edwina Monroe has been the principal of Sedalia Elementary for the past two-and-a-half years. Mrs. Monroe is a rare gem. She brought years of elementary experience and a passion and commitment to truly make a difference at Sedalia.

Sedalia thrived under Mrs. Monroe's leadership. A true sense of family returned to our school. The entire school community worked together to ensure that each child succeeded. Now, right before school begins, we find that she has been taken from us. Why? What purpose does it serve to uproot what is so right?

The administration of GCS doesn't care about its employees or the children we teach. They only care about Adequate Yearly Progress and test scores.

Sedalia has done very well under Mrs. Monroe's leadership. The staff, students and parents love her, respect her and work well with her. This type of relationship takes time to achieve and once achieved should be allowed time to grow so that the students will reap all of the benefits from this type of environment.

Sedalia requests that GCS reconsider this decision for the sake of our children and staff.

The writer lives in McLeansville and is leadership chairwoman, Sedalia Elementary School.

This summer's Eastern Music Festival recently ended after five weeks of exciting concerts and related events in Greensboro. The quality of programming, the extraordinary performance level of the students and faculty, and the caliber of guest artists make this one of the premier summer music festivals in the country. How fortunate we are to have it here!

I hope the News & Record will continue to give Eastern Music Festival the coverage it deserves and provide more reviews of its performances. Such recognition from local media is vital to audience development in the arts and to the cultural life of our community.

Donna Moran
Greensboro

Here's my new answer to the question, "Paper or plastic?" Neither!

Much attention is being called to the devastating impact that plastic bags are having on our environment. Paper, while more biodegradable, is not much better and kills trees, to boot.
What's a shopper to do?

Harris Teeter has just started stocking sturdy, large tote bags that are both reusable and washable and only cost 99 cents apiece. I was able to fit all of my groceries ($150 worth) into just five bags. An order that size would have easily used double or triple that number in plastic bags. And the bags fit neatly in my car versus falling all over the place.

No, I don't work for Harris Teeter, but I do care about the environment and am always looking for anything I can do to help protect it. This is a small price to pay (indeed, a very small price) to make a small difference.

Thanks, Harris Teeter. I hope to see a lot more of these bags leaving your store, packed with groceries.

Nancy Probst
Greensboro

Moses Cone Health System says its charges are 50 percent lower than other hospitals.
Blue Cross Blue Shield says Moses Cone charges up to six times more for X-rays, CT scans, etc.

Now either someone is lying, someone is incompetent, or someone is using statistics selectively.

Between the two CEOs involved, Tim Rice of Cone and Bob Greczyn of Blue Cross, what would you estimate their compensation is? Maybe more than a million dollars?

Just the fact that our health care is in the hands of CEOs is enough to scare you.

Moses Cone's marketing (they actually have vice presidents for this) is ridiculous. A few years ago they actually ran an advertisement that said when you check in you will be greeted in your room by a "trained nutritionist ambassador" to discuss your menu.

As for BCBS, an article on their Web site, headlined, "BCBSNC Puts a Face on the Uninsured," asserts that the fault of being uninsured lies with the patients.

I have experienced both organizations. BCBS charges me a premium for our granddaughter's coverage. Moses Cone sent me home after a surgical stay with a blocked catheter.

A pox on both their houses.

David Colin
Greensboro

If I were a gang member needing to establish a new territory, I would look for a city where the police department has some officers with possible links to drugs and prostitution. That way, I would know the possibility of police protection for my illegal activities would be high.

Then I would look for a city with a puppet government being run by a group noted not for expecting excellence in city leaders, but rather that accepts a lack of excellence as long as their skin is the right color.

Then I would look for a city where the city manager, with the approval of the City Council, bows down to special-interest groups for the sake of some kind of misplaced appeasement, resulting in lost taxes due to million-dollar suits and overpayment to vendors.

And finally, I would look for a city where apathy and an "I don't care" attitude results in a city where people lose hope and fail to clean house by exercising their right to vote out less-than-excellent leaders and demand total excellence in their police officers.

Welcome to Greensboro, boys.

Fay Pegram
Greensboro

Please, Rosemary Roberts, get a problem.

People who say "ma'am" and "honey" are being respectful or friendly. Why such a strong objection to something that is essentially positive?

Roberts has milked this trivial subject for two columns. Put your public forum to better use.

Anne V. Hardin
Greensboro

I gather from the front-page article in the News & Record (Aug. 4) titled, "Officers willing to negotiate," that the only thing the EEOC was able to come up with was the possibility that a book containing photographs of black officers was a red flag indicating David Wray's discrimination against blacks.

Need I remind the public that these were all photographs of black officers on duty during the hours in which sexual molestation by a black officer was alleged? The plaintiff in this case said a black officer molested her. To insist on putting a picture of a white officer into this book trumps absurdity.

Also, Ken Free and his clients accused Special Intelligence of offering preferential treatment to criminals who might identify other criminals. Isn't that standard practice in law enforcement?
And isn't it possible that Wray suspected there was a gang of police officers operating within the department, and since most gangs are racially homogeneous he was simply trying to clean it up?

Anne Snoek
Greensboro

As a parent and a social worker, I am very concerned for our youth who will be negatively impacted if the school board passes the community use policy. This policy will affect many children in our community. Everyone from local Girl Scouts to potential gang members will be affected.

Due to the recent budget cuts and firing of almost all school social workers, many children will be slipping through the cracks this school year. The additional loss of after-school activities leaves our community vulnerable to further gang violence and other social problems.

Many students will not have transportation if activities occur in another location or after 6 p.m. Children will lack proper supervision in the afternoon. Girl Scouts will be left without safe meeting places. Girl Scouts offers girls educational activities and increases self-esteem. Troops meet in schools where high-risk youth directly benefit from these experiences. Many scouts give back to their schools and our community through meaningful service projects.

This proposed policy is a bad choice for our community and affects all segments of our population. Please reconsider this policy and give our youth safe and positive after-school choices they deserve.

Grier Hock
Greensboro

There is no greater issue of security in America then the health of our people. Creating a system where every person is guaranteed complete health and well-being, free and accessible, is the most important issue facing our nation today.

Stephen van Vuuren
Greensboro

It seems we're at the mercy of our insurance company and the Moses Cone conglomerate.
Blue Cross Blue Shield claims that Cone's charges are much higher than other hospitals in our area. Cone claims that Blue Cross Blue Shield pays far less than other insurance companies.

Where does this leave the insured?

Will we face driving 35 miles in the throes of a heart attack or giving birth? It seems to me that we have less and less to say about our health care.

We should be able to feel confident of being able to use the hospital nearest us with the claims being paid. Why aren't we actively protesting and taking an active part in this decision?

I encourage all who are insured by Blue Cross Blue Shield to get involved and take charge of your health care.

Ginny Jenkins Mobley
Greensboro

A legend has passed. Brooke Astor, who liberally donated more than $195 million to New York City's cultural infrastructure, is gone.

There are still a few, very few, gazillionaires who contribute to the humanitarian enhancement of the communities in which they live. They just give the money without being hounded or dunned. They just do it— conservative and liberal, from both parties and virtually every religion that thrives in the United States. They do it, apparently, from a personal choice to improve the city in which they live.

So I have to wonder. In Greensboro, we have a ton of millionaires and a couple of billionaires, and at least one low-key zillionaire. Why aren't they contributing to the enhancement of Greensboro's cultural profile?

Throughout history, the treasures of civilization that we all now treasure were donated privately by wealthy families. From Athens to New York, Paris to Hong Kong, the big money that has created admirable metropolitan profiles has all been from private sources — not taxation on the citizens of the region.

New York? Thank you, Rockefellers.

Rome? Thank you, de Medicis.

Greensboro?

Well, the point should be obvious. The wealthy citizens of a community historically have funded civilization, not individual taxpayers. Thoughts?

Lonnie Groendes
Greensboro

As a parent and a social worker, I am very concerned for our youth who will be negatively impacted if the school board passes the community use policy. This policy will affect many children in our community. Everyone from local Girl Scouts to potential gang members will be affected.

Due to the recent budget cuts and firing of almost all school social workers, many children will be slipping through the cracks this school year. The additional loss of after-school activities leaves our community vulnerable to further gang violence and other social problems.

Many students will not have transportation if activities occur in another location or after 6 p.m. Children will lack proper supervision in the afternoon. Girl Scouts will be left without safe meeting places. Girl Scouts offers girls educational activities and increases self-esteem. Troops meet in schools where high-risk youth directly benefit from these experiences. Many scouts give back to their schools and our community through meaningful service projects.

This proposed policy is a bad choice for our community and affects all segments of our population. Please reconsider this policy and give our youth safe and positive after-school choices they deserve.

Grier Hock
Greensboro

A legend has passed. Brooke Astor, who liberally donated more than $195 million to New York City’s cultural infrastructure, is gone.

There are still a few, very few, gazillionaires who contribute to the humanitarian enhancement of the communities in which they live. They just give the money without being hounded or dunned. They just do it -- conservative and liberal, from both parties and virtually every religion that thrives in the United States. They do it, apparently, from a personal choice to improve the city in which they live.

So I have to wonder. In Greensboro, we have a ton of millionaires and a couple of billionaires, and at least one low-key zillionaire. Why aren't they contributing to the enhancement of Greensboro's cultural profile?

Throughout history, the treasures of civilization that we all now treasure were donated privately by wealthy families. From Athens to New York, Paris to Hong Kong, the big money that has created admirable metropolitan profiles has all been from private sources -- not taxation on the citizens of the region.

New York? Thank you, Rockefellers.

Rome? Thank you, de Medicis.

Greensboro?

Well, the point should be obvious. The wealthy citizens of a community historically have funded civilization, not individual taxpayers. Thoughts?

Lonnie Groendes
Greensboro

It seems we're at the mercy of our insurance company and the Moses Cone conglomerate.
Blue Cross Blue Shield claims that Cone's charges are much higher than other hospitals in our area. Cone claims that Blue Cross Blue Shield pays far less than other insurance companies.

Where does this leave the insured?

Will we face driving 35 miles in the throes of a heart attack or giving birth? It seems to me that we have less and less to say about our health care.

We should be able to feel confident of being able to use the hospital nearest us with the claims being paid. Why aren't we actively protesting and taking an active part in this decision?

I encourage all who are insured by Blue Cross Blue Shield to get involved and take charge of your health care.

Ginny Jenkins Mobley
Greensboro

There is no greater issue of security in America then the health of our people. Creating a system where every person is guaranteed complete health and well-being, free and accessible, is the most important issue facing our nation today.

Stephen van Vuuren
Greensboro

I gather from the front-page article in the News & Record (Aug. 4) titled, "Officers willing to negotiate," that the only thing the EEOC was able to come up with was the possibility that a book containing photographs of black officers was a red flag indicating David Wray's discrimination against blacks.

Need I remind the public that these were all photographs of black officers on duty during the hours in which sexual molestation by a black officer was alleged? The plaintiff in this case said a black officer molested her. To insist on putting a picture of a white officer into this book trumps absurdity.

Also, Ken Free and his clients accused Special Intelligence of offering preferential treatment to criminals who might identify other criminals. Isn't that standard practice in law enforcement?

And isn't it possible that Wray suspected there was a gang of police officers operating within the department, and since most gangs are racially homogeneous he was simply trying to clean it up?

Anne Snoek
Greensboro

The recall of our District 1 City Council member goes far beyond race, color and creed.

It makes a mockery of democratic process and threatens the constitutional and voting rights for a certain segment of voters who have been historically and frequently ignored by "the powers that be."

I'm outraged, and my disillusionment is with others continuing to justify and sanction this action. Persons outside of this district were able to spearhead a disgraceful campaign and lead a witch hunt to unseat the voters' choice. Rights our forefathers and past leaders struggled, fought and died for.

A well-functioning democratic government should be accessible and responsive to the needs of all citizens. By this city, where is fair treatment and equal justice for the voters in District 1?

Carolyn S. Smith
Greensboro

The facts about DARE: As the state coordinator for DARE, I think it needs to be noted that the vast majority of accepted research says DARE does have a positive impact on students. The instructional methods used in the DARE curricula teach students critical-thinking skills, problem-solving, and reading and writing skills. DARE gives students accurate facts about tobacco, alcohol, marijuana and inhalants from organizations like the American Heart and Lung associations and NIDA.

DARE does not use scare tactics; if those are used, the officer is not teaching the DARE curricula correctly. DARE's main focus is teaching students how to make good decisions in the midst of peer pressure. Using the current DARE teaching methods, students are given scenarios that require them to determine what the problem or situation is, the choices they have, the consequences of each choice, and then make a choice based on those consequences. They then assess whether they have made a good choice. It should also be noted that it was the county commissioners who would not fund the positions the sheriff is mandated to have.

Lee Guthrie
Greensboro

Of all the issues facing our great country, the ones that are pulpit-driven and Bible-based provoke the most passion and debate. These are issues such as abortion, same-sex marriage, evolution, separation of church and state, display of the Ten Commandments on government property, etc.

Focus on these issues means ignoring others.

At the Senate confirmation hearings for Supreme Court justices, abortion was the litmus test. This may be a hot-button issue for the church, but given the problems facing us today, abortion is a nonstarter.

However, everyone debates "the war." Other issues languish. Health care, education, the disappearing middle class, corporate influence on government via lobbyists, race relations, environment, campaign finance reform, etc.

To broaden the political landscape, we need a larger, much larger voter turnout. Politicians would have to contend with a greater segment of the population. More issues would be on the table and debated.

When there are few voters, a small minority (such as the extreme left or right) can make a difference.

Let's all get out and vote. Become active in the process. Revive our great democracy. Your vote: Use it or lose it. Dare we have compulsory voting?

Max Roseman
High Point

It has been disappointing in recent days to observe how the News & Record has prominently focused on potential negative aspects of this year's golf tournament, to the exclusion of addressing the many positive aspects of this, one of the country's longest-running professional golf events. There are some exciting new faces in the tournament with interesting stories to tell, and the newspaper should be digging these out and presenting them to us. Instead, the tenor of the coverage has been very disrespectful to the community and tour professionals and is dismissive of the thousands of hours spent by community leaders and volunteers to keep this tournament as a showcase for the Piedmont area of North Carolina.

The icing on the cake is that, after all the negative coverage, the editorial page exhorted citizens to come out and support the tournament. Somebody needs to talk to somebody.

Jon Maxwell
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Keith Peddie

The "Inspections often deal killers" article (New Triad Homes, Aug. 5) was basically very fair to the house inspection process, correctly advocating pre-listing inspections and recommending that all buyers have an inspection before closing. These are both excellent precepts, but there was little about the house inspector's position in this process.

One problem in the whole inspection process is that people do not exactly understand what the inspector is doing. They tend to expect too little or too much from inspectors.

But the crucial point to remember is that the inspector is trying his best to satisfy the client or, if you wish, protect his legal position. This will safeguard him from a complaint, a lawsuit or, in this state, a complaint to the Licensing Board. He wants none of these.

This is very understandable but it also means that every "fault" he finds should be included -- there certainly is no intention of "striking fear in buyers." (Even a 100-year-old house should be safe and sound for habitation, and to argue for less is dishonest.) Simply put, if anything is omitted from the report and found subsequently, the buyer would soon be on the phone, demanding restitution in whatever way.

A sticking door is trivial, right? Wrong. There is usually nothing wrong with the door, its frame or indeed the wall in which the frame sits. But the foundation supporting the floor below -- ah, yes, that could be the problem. Settlement and the drainage under and around the house could be the real culprit. These could be serious and expensive problems, but the sticking door is the only evidence that the inspection has to go on. Reporting a sticking door is not being "picky."

Advisers to the buyers and sellers should honestly and explicitly advise their clients as to what to expect and what not to expect from the report. If any adviser does not understand the inspection process, then he should make it his business to learn.

The depth and scope of the report should never surprise the seller and buyer, but too often it does. By then, their positions are already entrenched and the report becomes a matter of ego, not repairs.

This conflict is the true cause of aborted sales, but it is not the fault of the inspector or the report.

The writer is a home inspector in Greensboro.

Since I was a first-grader at Irving Park Elementary School, I have been committed to Girl Scouting. When I heard that the Guilford County school board planned to ban campus meetings of external organizations until after 6 p.m., and has further proposed to prohibit information from outside organizations to be sent home with kids, and not allow for-profits to donate scholarships, I was concerned for the future of this wonderful program.

Girl Scouts in the public schools serves many girls in underserved populations who do not have transportation to and from school. Many scouts could previously stay after school until meetings, but with this new policy, they will no longer be able to do so.

Since they have no way back for a 6:00 meeting, the organization cannot help these girls in underserved populations to achieve the kind of personal growth, character development, and other benefits that I and so many students have enjoyed. We may well be losing yet another safe and productive after-school activity.

The policy may be intended to protect school children, but it will squash beneficial and positive influences in the lives of all the current and future Girl Scouts.

Bayly Hassell
Greensboro

Regarding your April 17 editorial ("College students, guns lead to campus trouble"):

If the situation, which existed at Va. Tech, were duplicated today, with an unarmed student body and teaching staff, "leaving protection to law enforcement," why would you expect any difference in the outcome?

If, on the other hand. personal sidearms were legal, whether or not any person were "toting," the fact that they might would produce a scenario much less attractive to a mass murderer.
To ensure a weapon free campus, an unscalable wall would have to encompass the entire campus, and every entrance would have to have very sensitive metal detectors and two guards -- 25 hours a day. Every delivery truck would require close scrutiny and an escort.

I cannot imagine more than five lives lost at Va. Tech, provided the faculty and student body were armed to any extent.

Arthur S. Lyon
High Point

The following is a Counterpoint

By Robert Healy

The op-ed piece, "Iraq not a lost cause" by the Brookings Institution's Michael O'Hanlon and Kenneth M. Pollack (Aug. 5) demonstrates why the Internet is vitally important to anyone who cares about the news and how it is reported (or misreported or not reported at all) in the mainstream media.

The column these two "scholars" wrote already has been thoroughly eviscerated by a wide variety of commentators and bloggers across the Web. The most notable of these are Salon.com's Glenn Greenwald and The New York Times' Frank Rich.

I strongly recommend that those who read the O'Hanlon-Pollack column go to Salon.com, scroll down the main page while viewing the contents list on the left side and click on the "Glenn Greenwald" link. Once at Greenwald's main page, scroll down to the July 30 entry "The really smart, serious, credible Iraq experts O'Hanlon and Pollack"). When you finished reading that, scroll back up to his July 31 entry ("A new low of mindlessness for our media"). These two Salon responses contain everything readers need to know as to who O'Hanlon and Pollack really are and what they represent. Greenwald's comments also contain numerous links to a vast amount of additional, supportive information.

Likewise, Frank Rich's excellent New York Times column ("Patriots who love the troops to death") on the matter is available for reading at nytimes.com (registration required), but has also been posted at http://freedemocracy.blogspot.com. Rich's column goes beyond the O'Hanlon-Pollack piece to cast much-needed light on the shadowy ways in which wishful thinking has replaced reasoned thinking in political discourse.

The only purpose of "think tanks" such as Brookings Institution, Heritage Foundation, American Enterprise Institute, Cato Institute, et al., is to disseminate their ideologically based propaganda as widely as possible, warping the public's perception regarding a great variety of issues.

When you hear how the surge/Iraq war is really going well, or that global warming is not actually real, or how eliminating habeas corpus and posse commitatus constitutional provisions are integral to maintaining our security, it is then when you should realize that something is askew. Why? Because such statements violate all reason and empirical evidence to the contrary.

Use the Internet. Do your own research. It is your best defense against manipulative pieces like O'Hanlon-Pollack's Brookings Instutition propaganda.

The writer lives in High Point.

Thank you for the recent article on jury duty (July 30) and subsequent editorial (Aug. 1). Over the years the primary problem with efficiently summonsing citizens for jury duty has been outdated addresses.

Guilford County is buying new jury management software which should help. The new system will update juror addresses, simplify requests to reschedule jury service, improve record-keeping and speed payment to jurors.

With better information, the court system will be better able to enforce jury duty summonses and make more efficient use of juror time.

The county expects this system to be in place next year.

In Guilford County there are scores of jury trials every year. A jury trial is a constitutional right of all citizens, and jury service is a time-honored civic responsibility, without which our courts could not provide effective and equitable justice. Most citizens who serve on a jury find it a rewarding and positive experience.

We thank all of those citizens who help uphold this cornerstone of democracy through their service as jurors.

Catherine Eagles
Greensboro

The writer is senior resident Superior Court judge in Guilford County.

Republicans and Democrats in Congress have been anxiously waiting for Gen. Petraeus' report on progress in Iraq.

He is known as a straight shooter, and can be relied on for an accurate assessment of the war.

But, who is writing the Petraeus report?

From the Aug. 15 Los Angeles Times: "Despite Bush's repeated statements that the report will reflect evaluations by Petraeus and Ryan Crocker, the U.S. ambassador to Iraq, administration officials said it would actually be written by the White House. ..."

Say what?

Harvey Herman
Greensboro

I have lost a dear pet who was loved and deeply cared for. Phoebe died from wounds suffered in an attack by two stray pit bulls while we took our morning walk.

I will never understand how people can breed and keep attack dogs who put us all in danger. Obviously, they are a mortal threat to both humans and to the pets that others of us treat and care for as our own family.

How I wish we would prohibit the breeding and keeping of dangerous animals. Our society, which keeps perpetuating a climate of fear, puts us all in peril from each other.

As a human species, we have certainly not risen to a very high level of consciousness. My little rescue beagle gave only love and joy. My heart is breaking that she couldn't have died of old age.

My heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful doctors and staff at the North Elm Animal Hospital, Sgt. Biffle and all of the officers who helped to try to save her and all of the kindness and generosity from family, friends and strangers who donated for her care.

Mary B. Hess
Greensboro

I read with interest the article on the proposed asphalt plant in the Aug. 18 News & Record. To characterize the affected area as "semi-rural" is misleading. The location is surrounded by several large subdivisions.

Over 25 years ago, much of the affected area was designated a watershed area, with development limited to large lots. This watershed is to protect what is now Lake Mackintosh and Burlington's water supply. Since then, the Board of Commissioners approved the installation of sewer lines in this area. This has resulted in rezoning to smaller lot sizes and accelerated residential growth. County officials continue to oversee the expansion of this system.

Guilford County government has clearly encouraged residential growth in this area. There are vast areas of Guilford County with much lower population densities. To approve an industry dealing with known carcinogens in the midst of this growth for the convenience and profit of a corporation is a betrayal of the public trust.

Sid Kauffman
Greensboro

It is of the utmost importance that the next president come to office with knowledge of foreign policy and the ability to get things done in Congress by working across the aisle with both parties.

We should have learned after the last seven years. George Bush came to office having never been to Europe.

It is astounding how the parties and the American people have allowed the press to lead them to rock stars whose big plus is name recognition.

Hillary is one of the most intelligent candidates ever. However, her negatives, fueled by the right-wing hatred of her and Bill, will create one of the dirtiest campaigns in history. The dirt, mud and lies will bring this election to an all-time low.

The most qualified candidate in foreign policy and experience working with Congress is also the same individual Bush asked to prep him before his first European visit, and the first with a political solution to ending the Iraq war.

He has been on the world stage for 34 years working in a bipartisan manner. The Democrats need to get it right this time with the nomination of Joe Biden.

Jim Dye
Greensboro

I would like to comment on Kenneth Trager's letter, "Dole's vote and her election mysteries" (Aug. 7). Trager's eloquent description of Sen. Dole's performance as senator for North Carolina was superb.

I attribute Elizabeth Dole's winning a seat in the U.S. Senate to the political history of her husband, Bob Dole. She didn't even run the Red Cross with any success. I consider her a Republican puppet.

President Bush didn't want to adopt the Sept. 11 Commission suggestions, so she voted against it. During her recent term, she was too busy raising funds for the Republican Party to take care of any business for the constituents of North Carolina. I heard on the radio she is already helping an Indian tribe.

It is almost time for re-election and her coming to the front will be magnificent. Sadly, if re-elected, she will relax back into her "do-nothing" luxurious free Republican ride.

Yvonne Kane
Asheboro

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Michael Maddox

I live in rural Rockingham County (that might be redundant), and I was recently driving along among the many tobacco fields in the area. I started thinking, of all things, about the recent headlines regarding the fact that Afghanistan is now the source of more than 90 percent of the opium in the world. Our country is spending huge amounts of money to minimize the opium crop in Afghanistan. That opium is the source of most of the heroin that comes into the Unites States.

I did a bit of research and found that in 2002, drug overdoses killed about 16,000 people in the United States. Of those deaths, cocaine and prescription opiates, such as hydrocodone, killed more people than heroin.

Presumably, prescription opiates are not made with smuggled opium from Afghanistan, so illegal opium accounted for, at most, maybe 5,000 deaths.

Tobacco kills nearly 440,000 people each year in the United States ... and that's only considering cigarettes, not other forms of tobacco. According to the Centers for Disease Control, tobacco use causes more deaths than HIV, illegal drug use, alcohol use, motor vehicles, suicides and murders combined. So I'm kind of wondering why we're so concerned about opium poppies in Afghanistan when the tobacco grown within a five-mile radius of my home likely kills way more people each year.

Hey, I grew up in the Virginia tobacco country. I worked one summer on a tobacco farm when I was a kid. I know it's a way of life for many people. However, don't we eventually have to face the fact that tobacco is exceedingly bad stuff from a public health perspective?

I'm not advocating the demise of the rural tobacco farm, but shouldn't we be trying to put things in the proper perspective?

The writer lives in Madison.

Now that Michael Vick has pleaded guilty to dog fighting charges, the NFL must ban him for life. I've watched the NFL for more than 40 years, been a season ticket holder in Seattle, and attended games with family and friends in old RFK and the fabulous stadium in Charlotte. I watched games with my father growing up, and my brother and I still talk football. I've also witnessed the steady rise of trash values and Vick is the final straw -- either the NFL bans him for life or I'm through with pro football.

And I'm no PETA member. I've owned dogs all my life, including the French Brittany I currently bird hunt. Dog fighting is barbaric and those involved in it are beneath contempt. Jail is just about too good for this kind of scum and living the high life as a multi-millionaire NFL player is out of the question.

Preventing future outrages would require that we stop coddling "student athletes" from the moment they show a spark of talent, regardless of intelligence or moral character. Given the current climate in our high schools, institutions of higher learning, sports pages and alumni associations, however, there's faint hope of that.

Bryan Chitwood
Greensboro

OK, Tiger was not at the Wyndham, but would Tiger or any of the other notable absentees have beaten Brandt Snedeker's 22 under par or his final round 63? Even without the marquee names, the Triad had a terrific opportunity last week to see lots of great golf (remember, all of these guys are very good), and Greensboro received the priceless national exposure via CBS, the Golf Channel, ESPN, etc., that comes along as a freebie for any city fortunate enough to host a PGA Tour event.

The vibrancy of a region is a major driver in its economic growth and long-term well-being, and the Wyndham, without question, makes a major contribution to the vibrancy of the Triad. We should all be very proud and thankful that the PGA decided to stay in Greensboro.

Hats off to Wyndham and everybody who made this happen.

Thomas C. Watkins
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint

By W. John O'Brien

I am writing in response to the Cal Thomas column, "Global warning fanatics need to chill" (Aug. 18). As one can guess from the title, Thomas thinks global warming is an idea put forth by fanatical scientists. Yet, he devotes only one of his nine paragraphs to any data to back up his contention that global warming is not occurring. He contends that years in the 1990s were not the warmest years on record but the year 1900 and some years in the 1930s were warmer than those in the 1990s.

Even if true, this hardly is enough to discredit the massive data sets that show the earth is warming. So let's look at the science.

First, almost nobody denies that carbon dioxide is increasing in our atmosphere and that it is a greenhouse gas. Basic physics show us that this being so, the atmosphere and the earth should warm up.

Have they? First the direct evidence: Scientists taking many long-term climate data sets all over the world see a 1-degree Fahrenheit warming over the last 50 years. Data from satellites that have temperature-measuring sensors on board lead scientists to a similar conclusion.

However, there is much more data that just these temperature measurements that are consistent with global warming.

First, if the atmosphere is warming the ocean should be warmer now than in the recent past. It is.

Glaciers should be melting and retreating. All over the earth glaciers are melting and retreating.
In the arctic, permafrost should be melting and deepening. It is.

The ice on the Arctic Ocean should be melting and be thinner. It is.

In northern temperate areas, lakes and rivers should freeze later in the fall and thaw earlier in the spring. They are.

The northern range of animals and plants should be moving poleward. They are.

Animals and plants living on mountain ranges should be moving up the mountains. They are.

All these facts are consistent with global warming and there are very few examples that run counter to these trends.

Many of the specific scientific articles that detail these trends are listed in an excellent Web site climatehotmap.org. I am not affiliated in any way with this Web site.

The writer teaches biology at UNCG and lives in Jamestown.

The owners, directors and volunteers of the Wyndham golf tournament did a great job this year, but, more importantly, the golfers who participated put on a spectacular show. Even though we did not have some of the big names in the field, the fans were treated to a great display of birdies, eagles and two hole-in-one's.

For those who missed it this year, I encourage you to come out next year so you can see for yourself what a great event we have.

Charles P. Scott Jr.
Greensboro

As a senior executive responsible for ensuring, among other things, that 575 employees and their dependents have access to high-quality health care at rates both the corporation and its employees can afford, I am frustrated with the contract dispute between Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Moses Cone.

As these two large, powerful, and profitable institutions expend significant energy and cash in a public relations battle, my colleagues and I are left to alleviate the increasing concerns of our employees while simultaneously preparing to spend time and money negotiating with other insurers. Curiously, our Greensboro-based employees are not pleased by the idea of driving back and forth to Winston-Salem or Durham when experiencing serious health conditions or caring for family members.

While each tries to gain the upper hand in this high-stakes match, the fact remains that employers bear the ultimate burden of providing health care coverage to the vast majority of people. A single-payer system is looking a lot better to me, and if Moses Cone thinks dealing with Blue Cross/Blue Shield is cumbersome, I invite them to consider their bargaining power in the face of the federal government.

I urge both to figure it out quickly.

Scott Fleming
Greensboro

After reading the letter, "Cone's effort cost insurer and consumer" (Aug. 18), I felt I had to answer.

First, my wife spent a lot of time in Cone Hospital in four years and died there in 2006. The staff took excellent care of her.

Yes, she was covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield. Yes, we paid out several dollars in co-payments. Yes, I had issues with some charges, which were resolved by Cone's accounting department, sometimes in our favor, sometimes not. The staff put the wheels in motion, however.

The letter writer's personal doctor and BCBS had the final word on admitting him and for how long. His doctor must have seen something in that "shadow on a film," and he or she is the only one who can order diagnostic tests -- not the staff. BCBS could also challenge some tests.

Just maybe these tests will save a life someday.

The real reason for the letter appears near the end -- the writer refused to pay and Cone turned him over to a collection agency. Fair enough.

Cone Hospital is due fair payment from BCBS.

George B. Wood
Greensboro

Is an unborn child a human being? Most scientists say so. More importantly, the Bible says so. Whenever it mentions an unborn child, it assigns human qualities to that child.

Some examples:

1. Genesis 22:22-25 -- unborn children Jacob and Esau are fighting in their mother's womb. It's humans who fight.

2. Job 3:3 -- Job laments the day his conception was announced ("There is a man child conceived"). When Job was conceived, he was a "man child."

3. Psalms 139:13-16 -- David talks about how God watched over him when he was in his mother's womb.

4. Jeremiah 1:5 -- This prophet was ordained while still in the womb.

5. 2 Samuel 11:5 and Matthew 1:18 -- Two unmarried women pregnant out of wedlock are "with child." The original Hebrew term yeled and the Greek brephos used here actually mean either unborn or born children.

6. Luke 1:15 and 1:41-44 -- John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother's womb. As a 6-month-old fetus, he recognizes newly conceived Jesus and leapt for joy about being in Christ's presence.

So, in God's eyes, an unborn child is a human, and, therefore should not be subject to killing.

Al Shumard
Greensboro

Recently, I read some information about Greensboro's old Pomona Roundhouse on the Internet, and it brought back several fond memories of my life in the village of Pomona from 1940 to 1946.

On the afternoon of Dec. 7, 1941, I recall my dad coming out of the house and yelling to a neighbor that Japanese planes had bombed Pearl Harbor, and that night he listened to the news on the radio into the wee hours of the morning. I was only about 7 years old.

Later, the troop trains would pass my home on the way to the roundhouse, and the soldiers often waved at us, especially if a pretty young lady was nearby.

Some of my most treasured memories of Pomona are from the six years I attended Thomas Hunter Elementary School, which was about a mile walk from my home. Mrs. Merritt was the principal and third-grade teacher, and others included Mrs. Matlock, Miss Middleton, Mrs. Chilton and Mrs. Goodman.

Last but not least in memories was a pretty girl in my sixth-grade class named LaRue Taylor -- my first real "crush" at age 12. To paraphrase an old, famous comedian, I will end by saying, "Good night, LaRue, wherever you are."

Claude C. Pruitt
La Plata, Md.

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Ron Rubenzer

I really enjoyed the article, "Unschooling: The world is their classroom" (Life, Aug. 19).

I am all in favor of "unschooling." The only major problem is that these children have great difficulty showing what they know on tests. Unless one can unschool graduate degrees in medicine, law, engineering, etc., it is absolutely critical that these students become test-wise. Why? To demonstrate they have skills based on objective standards.

Of course, tests are not fun (Einstein threatened to quit science after a bruising battery of exams).

Still, tests should be stepping-stones and not stumbling blocks. That's my view based on decades of experience as a school psychologist in North Carolina and at Columbia University.

The reason I emphasize the importance of test-taking skills is that I see very many highly intelligent students who, for one reason or another, cannot test well on standardized tests.

The main cause seems to be that they were spared standardized tests in their learning environment. I believe in discovery learning, etc., but I think to really prepare students for the real world, they have to learn to "do what they have to so they can do what they want to."

Even Einstein earned his Ph.D. because he thought a standardized degree was important.

Another reason why test-taking is so important is that high-performing students are now getting free tuition at Harvard and other top-notch schools. Portfolios of exceptional experience are nice to have for admissions but usually don't replace test scores.

My motto for my students has been, "Your success is my goal." I feel students should be happy and effective.

The writer lives in Greensboro and works with Triad Counseling/clinical services.

This is an effort to make a theological contribution to the discussion about whether it is appropriate for a minister or anyone else to offer a prayer in the name of Christ at a City Council meeting or a Grasshoppers' game or any other gathering of people who are not present for the purpose and practice of the Christian faith.

In theological schools, students learn certain qualities of prayers. The purposes of prayers are multiple, but they are all offered in an attitude that we who pray are worthy to address the Almighty only through Christ, through whom we are cleansed. We approach God as though He were literally viewing us through Christ and acknowledging that only with that viewpoint do we make bold to approach God.

So, properly speaking, when a Christian minister -- because of who he or she is -- is called upon to pray, that person is only officially "authorized" to pray as a Christian. Unless a Christian prayer is wanted or needed, then a minister should not be asked to perform it. If asked, he should politely defer.

Warren Brannon
Whitsett

The writer is a retired Presbyterian pastor.

We may already consider seeing another Republican in the White House in 2009. This country is not ready, yet, to elect a woman (Hillary) or a black man (Obama), and Edwards will not be taken seriously; thus, the 2009 administration will continue supporting Israel -- the snatcher of Arab lands (Palestine) -- and will continue interfering in other countries' business (like Iran), not to protect our sacred national interests but those of Israel.

Our administration claims Iran is meddling in the Iraq war. Look who's talking. We are the biggest meddlers around with troops in 38 nations. Therefore, there'll be more of the same old soup in 2009.

Who elected us to be the world's cops, spending billions of taxpayer dollars and killing thousands -- ours and others -- and nevertheless continuing under threats of terror because of our international political stupidity, both Republican and Democrat?

Helio Salvador
Greensboro

While dining at a local restaurant, we noticed there seemed to be many empty tables. The manager explained that the new, large chain establishments were "killing the locally owned and operated restaurants."

And, while we are grateful these large chains have made Greensboro their home -- and are doing a great job and have a lot to offer -- we have decided to support our home-grown business owners.

Won't you join us?

Ron and Tanya Self
Greensboro

The gang problem in Greensboro needs to be stopped right away. Police Chief Tim Bellamy has put in a request for added help with the gang problem. Sheriff BJ Barnes has to cut into other programs to get the manpower he needs.

As a taxpayer and law-abiding citizen, I am requesting that the City Council and the Guilford commissioners give our chief and our sheriff all of the help and resources they need to solve this gang problem. You can choose to meet this problem head-on now, or you can choose to meet it later, when it has spread like cancer and is vastly more expensive and more violent.
Doing nothing sends a signal of fear and weakness to the gangs. Doing nothing to cure this problem is essentially setting me, the law-abiding citizen, up for a gang attack.

Doing nothing will open Pandora's box.

W.D. Curry
Greensboro

In his column of Aug. 21, Thomas Friedman expressed his skepticism about the continued presence of U.S. troops in Iraq because the Iraqi government has not made progress toward political reconciliation. In fact, the events over the summer clearly indicate that Iraq is embroiled in a civil war and that the government is unwilling to make the compromises necessary to bring peace to the country.

The Sunni representatives have withdrawn from the government. Thousands of U.S. weapons that were handed out to police and army recruits have gone missing.

Furthermore, the Italians disrupted an attempt by the Iraqi Minister of Defense, a supporter of Shiite militia, to purchase a large cache of illicit weapons abroad.

Finally, the most deadly suicide bombing of the war killed almost 500 people in northern Iraq.

Gen. David Petraeus says that the troop surge was intended to buy time for the Iraqi government to achieve a political solution to the war. However, the Iraqi Parliament decided to go on a long summer vacation while our troops are serving extended 15-month deployments in Iraq.

It's time to tell our senators and congressmen to support the troops by bringing them home now.

Denise Baker
Greensboro

Congratulations and thanks to Mark Brazil and the hundreds of volunteers who worked on the Wyndham Championship at Forest Oaks. By all standards, the tournament was a big success.

Congratulations and appreciation are also due Wyndham Worldwide for its marvelous support of the tournament through its corporate sponsorship. Stephen Holmes, CEO, spent the entire week in Greensboro working and thinking about ways to make the tournament better next year.

The Wyndham people are committed to the Triad. This can only be good news for our golf tournament.

A special thanks should be given to Bobby Long, chairman of the Greensboro Jaycees Charitable Foundation, who did a marvelous job of keeping our tournament alive. Under his leadership, the tournament became a regional project, not just a Greensboro project, which is a very positive move.

Jim Melvin
Greensboro

On a recent hot Saturday afternoon, my eyes needed a rest from reading and I turned on the TV. What a large range of chemical answers to difficulties, both physical and mental, were being advertised and urged upon all viewers.

These ads represented expensive answers from huge, extremely profitable business enterprises. People were being reduced to quivering masses of insecurities. Surely a human being is more than that. What about inner strength and/or religious faith?

Harriet Folley
Greensboro

In the article, "Vick plea put his career in jeopardy" (Aug. 21), one of his defense attorneys, James D. "Butch" Williams Jr., referred to Vick as a father, a son and a human being. He's about the worst role model any kid could have. He has brought shame on his parents and family, on his team and on his sport. He is right down there with the refuse of humanity.

What career? This should be a no-brainer. Vick should get the maximum sentence that a judge can give him and he should be banned from all professional sports for life. There is nothing more despicable than the man or woman who abuses helpless animals and, sadly, there are far too many of them.

They have abdicated their place among civilized humanity and we are best off without them around.

Ian A. Millar
Kernersville

I would like someone to explain why a McDowell County sheriff's deputy was driving at 120 mph on I-40. The article (News & Record, Aug. 21) has haunted my thoughts all day.

He crashed into a car, killing a 2-year-old innocent child. His very lenient punishment: a suspended jail sentence of 45 days and 48 months probation. It seems that common sense would tell even a 21-year-old deputy sheriff that the consequences of such actions would not be worth the pursuit and ensuing accident.

Just reading the article has made me question the training for deputy sheriffs in McDowell County. I don't know if the person he pursued was caught or not -- but I do know the Frye family must every day think of their loss and surely question the motives of driving 120 miles an hour on one of our most heavily traveled interstates.

Kay Currie
Greensboro

Greensboro has an active cultural life. In the music field, we have the Eastern Music Festival and a very good Greensboro Symphony Orchestra. Productive people are often drawn to communities by such attractions. It is good here, but it could be better.

Neither the festival and orchestra, nor the people who might patronize them, are well served by the News & Record's spotty coverage of their concerts in recent years.

I ask the News & Record to recognize its great potential as a patronizer and publicizer of the arts in Greensboro. Music reviews provide the best publicity, even (or especially) if they are sometimes critical. Please give us more of them.

Allen W. Trelease
Greensboro

I strongly disagree with Max Holder's letter (Aug. 15) regarding the effectiveness of DARE.

In 12 years, I have seen what a difference the program has made to my students. I know DARE works. I watched my students use techniques they learned when faced with difficult situations.

I have heard them say, "Remember what our DARE officer said?" Hearing about drugs, alcohol and getting along does not mean the same coming from a teacher as from an officer who has seen what happens when a person makes poor choices. DARE officers taught lessons, greeted children in the mornings, spoke with children between classes, ate lunch with them, talked with children having a difficult time, and helped load buses.

I never heard our officer scare or "brainwash" children. DARE is a well-planned set of lessons designed to give students ways to deal with drugs and peer pressure.

Does Sheriff Barnes realize the mistake he has made? We should be proactive about our children and drugs. DARE is a fantastic program that has stopped many children from taking drugs. Why not do something before they start taking drugs instead of trying to fix the problem after the fact?

Ellen E. Hinshaw
Randleman

The Guilford County school system is trying to protect our students, and that is a good thing. However, it could use a little common sense.

A teacher friend informed me that I could not volunteer to help put her kindergarten children on the bus to go home the first day of school because I have not had a background check.

Never mind that she is a personal friend of 15 years, I taught at the same Guilford County middle school for 29 years, substituted and tutored for the next two years, and helped put her children on the bus for the past two years. Maybe my background was checked during the last 31 years, but I am not aware that it was. And if it was, nothing has changed since last June.

Guess it is a sad commentary on our society that a volunteer cannot volunteer.

Janet King
Greensboro

I'd like to respond to Wayne Thornton's letter (Aug. 18) concerning Moses Cone Hospital and his experience there.

He stated that he spent three days at Cone "because of a shadow on a film with no other supporting signs or symptoms." He felt that this was evidence that Cone costs insurers' and patients' money that need not be spent.

I wonder how soon would Thornton have sued the hospital had it let him go home because "it's just a shadow on a film and probably nothing" and it turned out to be a very big something?

Beth Cottle
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Cynthia Dorman

Your two-part series, "The voices we do not hear" (Aug. 13 and 20), has brought much-needed attention to the issue of teen pregnancy. In 2005, there were 891 teen pregnancies (92 percent were unmarried) and 575 teen births in Guilford County.

The Family Life Council was not mentioned with the prevention programs. We offered the first parent education program for teen parents in the state in 1974, and we recognized early on that boys must be part of the solution because they are part of the problem. Our nationally recognized Wise Guys program has assisted boys in making better decisions about sexuality and abstinence since 1990. When we began Wise Guys, the pregnancy rate in Guilford County was 114 per thousand for 15- to 19-year-olds. In 2005, the rate was 50 per thousand, a remarkable drop and a tremendous savings to taxpayers.

Wise Guys is only part of the reason, but an important one, that Guilford County's teen pregnancy rate has continued to decline over the years. With funding from United Way and the Moses Cone-Wesley Long Community Health Foundation, the program continues to serve more than 1,500 adolescent boys each year, with excellent outcomes that prove its effectiveness. The program emphasizes communication with parents, a critical element in keeping kids abstinent.

There is still much to be done. If we are to be successful in eliminating the problems that occur as a result of teens who become parents before they are ready, we must support programs that help prevent teen pregnancy.

The writer is executive director, Family Life Council, Greensboro.

The following is a Counterpoint column.

By R.A. Lawrence

This is in response to the letter, "DARE was ineffective, worthy of cancellation" from Max Holder (Aug. 15). I supervised the Guilford County Sheriff's Office DARE Unit for almost 10 years. I also was a DARE officer and sometimes filled in for officers. I also taught full curriculums at school to stay current on my DARE certifications. I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent teaching DARE.
I supervised some of the most professional and caring officers I ever met. They went out of their way for the children they taught and were often involved in unsung, behind-the-scenes activities to provide the students a better and safer school climate.
In this day and time, some students may never encounter a law enforcement officer in a positive setting outside of programs such as DARE. This makes the contact between students and the officer very valuable.
Holder cites "scare" tactics and "brainwashing" as negative features. He may never have seen former DARE students run up and hug their DARE officer, behavior not indicative of "scare tactics."
The effects of drug usage are scary without embellishment. The DARE program is against the use of "scare" tactics. Holder states he can make his own decisions. I am glad he can, but good decisions are based on facts and the consequential risks involved. This is fundamental in good decision-making. DARE provides facts on drug usage that can be scary, but scare tactics and brainwashing aren't part of the curriculum.
Anyone can contact DARE America and obtain lesson plans. I urge anyone who doubts the program's techniques to do so and make up their own minds. As for Holder's comments, DARE provides knowledge for decision-making. Effectiveness may be in the degree to which the individual who attended classes may choose to employ these techniques.
Recently, one of our DARE officers retired. We figure he taught about 14,000 students. It is inconceivable that some were not positively affected by this officer and the program. It is moot for now because the DARE program was canceled due to lack of funding. But to say that the program was ineffective for reasons cited by Holder is inaccurate.

The writer is a School Resource supervisor.

Former Sen. Fred D. Thompson, R-Tenn., has not yet declared his presidential candidacy, and why should he?

He can dodge the election laws by simply having a Web site, solicit for donations and spread the word for friends to hold fund-raising parties and call into Rush Limbaugh about how great he is.

All of his fellow Republicans running must adhere to federal election laws which have not yet caught up to cyberspace.

Thus, he has been able to promote his positions and raise money while technically remaining a non-candidate.

Thompson can get all the exposure he needs on the reruns of "Law & Order." Maybe the other Republican candidates should demand equal time from NBC.

As long as he can be an unofficial candidate, he can rake in the money and not adhere to the federal election laws. He's got it going on. A guy that smart needs to be our next president.

Ronald E. Lee
Greensboro

Irony is a concept that apparently eludes President Bush's grasp. While lavishing faint praise on Iraqi Prime Minister al-Malaki ("a good guy"), the president is understandably frustrated by the absence of leadership and political progress to complement our military surge.

The president also preaches about very selective comparisons between Iraq and Vietnam. How about some context?

Al-Malaki lacks the will and ability to pull Iraq together. But no one in the world possesses the elixir to irrigate with U.S. values the vast desert where nationalism and the common good are anathema.

The president neglected to mention certain clear parallels about Iraq and Vietnam: not understanding the local people; having grossly unrealistic expectations; not having an up-front exit strategy; and accusing those opposing the war as not supporting the troops. (Maybe the most meaningful support of our troops would be pulling them out of an unwinnable war.)
Credibility has two primary components: honesty and competence. Leaders are credible people who add a compelling vision.

We all have a hard time believing a message if we don't trust the messenger. In assessing the lack of leadership prowess, the president focuses on Baghdad. Washington, D.C. is closer — in proximity and in significance.

Walt Gavin
Greensboro

It seems everybody is "bashing" Blue Cross Blue Shield lately, so I need to let people know about a positive experience I had recently.

In March 2007, I was diagnosed, following a biopsy, with prostate cancer. There is a very good cure rate operation done in the United States but the recovery time and rates of incontinence and impotence are quite high.

My doctor said there was an ultrasound operation available in Mexico where the cure rate was just as good and there is minimal recovery time and the incontinence and impotence rates are lower. He forewarned me my insurance may not cover such as it is not yet FDA-approved and is done out of this country.

The company responsible for this operation, USHIFU, had to be paid up-front, which we did. After the operation was performed, we sent an itemized bill from the hospital in Mexico to BCBS and three weeks later, we received a check covering all the costs of the operation except a $500 deductible.

The bottom line is I have been so pleased with the outcome, I'm trying to let people know.

Charles C. Davidson
Greensboro

The impending sentencing of professional football star Michael Vick fails to overshadow the heinous and barbaric crimes of which he is accused.

Despite the efforts of animal rights activists and organizations throughout the nation and the world, the facts of the case against Vick show that more must be done to stop the recreational slaughter of domesticated animals throughout the United States.

In a society hopelessly inundated with celebrity arrogance and superstar egotism, the criminal justice system has an opportunity to hold Vick accountable for every aspect of his actions.
To show Michael Vick any leniency simply because of his social status or financial stability would be not only a disturbing setback for the continuing crusade against animal cruelty, but also a great injustice to the living beings that were viciously slaughtered for sport under his watch.

Benjamin Fair
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Richard A. Koritz

On Aug. 22, I drove to Raleigh to attend my first meeting as a member of the North Carolina Human Relations Commission.

The News & Record for Aug. 22 had featured front-page headline coverage of the victory of City Councilwoman T. Dianne Bellamy-Small in the recall vote held on Aug. 21. An editorial that morning also focused on this rare occurrence, concluding that the only thing this community achieved with the election was a bill for $15,000. I strongly disagree.

When asked to comment on happenings on the human relations front in Greensboro, I gave the following reply to my new colleagues:

The vote signified that the majority black district which the councilwoman serves is not going to let other folks, especially well-connected white folks, tell the black community who should be their representative. This is a very positive outcome.

Greensboro has district council seats precisely as a means to remedy the situation in which African American representation had been systematically denied. From the time when Councilwoman Florence Gatten, whatever her personal motivation, first publicly called for Bellamy-Small to resign her elected council seat -- and throughout the lengthy process of the petition effort which compelled the recall referendum -- I have been alarmed that this series of events represented a return to the open white-supremacist oppression of the period prior to the 1960s, prior to the emergence of the civil rights movement.

I applaud Bellamy-Small for standing firm against the campaign to get her to resign or to become demoralized and lose the recall vote. Had either of these things occurred, it would have been a serious defeat for the black community and all of us who believe in justice and fairness.

As a voter in District 1, I have not been happy with Bellamy-Small's representation. Her lack of support for the A&T homecoming vendors and lack of interest thus far in the effort which I help lead to bring truth to our community youth regarding military recruitment in our high schools have been troubling.

However, in defending herself and her elected position, Bellamy-Small has led a successful defense of the black community on the political front.

Those of us who rallied to her side against the recall effort also were standing up for equality. And we prevailed. Congratulations (and watchfulness) are in order.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

I was surprised by the letter ("Now pro football should ban Michael Vick for life," Aug. 24) by Bryan Chitwood. I would think hunters, of all people, would understand Vick's low-life mentality. After all, they share a common opinion: that it is perfectly OK to injure or kill animals for their own amusement and call it sport.

Vick has the same indifference to dogs that Chitwood has to the birds that he kills, or another hunter has to deer, etc. Whether they are domesticated and living in our homes or living wild in the woods, legal or not, cruelty to animals for enjoyment is indeed "barbaric" and "beneath contempt."

Arlene Sweeten
Jamestown

I cannot find a copy of your ground rules for letters commenting on those running for political office, but as I recall, as a general theme, it stipulates no negatives. Therefore, it seemed odd to me that you printed a letter from Yvonne Kane from Asheboro that thoroughly trashed Elizabeth Dole (an example: "I consider her a Republican puppet").

Whether or not the statements by Kane have any merit, it seems to me you violated the spirit, if not the letter, of your own stated policy.

So, given the political bent of the editorial page of your paper, I assume your policy of no negatives applies only to Democrats or liberal candidates.

Mike Crouch
Greensboro

Editor's note: Here, in part, is what our election letters policy says: "Opinions about a candidate's fitness or unfitness are welcome; allegations of misconduct are not."

I read the article, "New Orleans is dying" (Aug. 27), and couldn't believe my eyes. People couldn't believe that the government was in so many words ignoring the city.

If I recall correctly, didn't the government help out with millions of dollars to help build a new stadium? Seems to me the people of New Orleans and their local government should have thought about priorities first.

I am not trying to sound cold-hearted, but I find it extremely hard to feel sorry for a city that was devastated as much and would rather put what money it had into a stadium versus its housing.

Randy Baldwin
Greensboro

In reference to Andrew Brod's article (Aug. 26) on our state's woeful infrastructure: I'm breathless at the sheer hubris of our national policy; we're playing a game of truth or dare.

Will our bridges hold? Will we get across the river without plunging into the divide? We hold our breaths as we traverse I-85, and as Brod implies, the odds are against us that we'll reach the other side.

In short, we have no money to repair our own nation's and state's roads and bridges. Yet we mortgage untold billions in our collective pool of tax revenues -- albeit still uncollected -- to buy $200 hammers via Halliburton for a shadow "democracy" in Iraq?

Are we a nation gone utterly mad?

This tax reform, initiated by our current government, has squandered our solvency and even our roadways, for what -- a false promise of international security?

Must I ask the obvious? If we cannot afford to repair our own infrastructure here in the United States, are we the best appointed architects of a new order abroad? Or are we utterly deluded?

Cynthia Adams
Greensboro

On Aug. 25, Greensboro had its first gay pride day. I never found it advertised in any major publication. The only place it was mentioned -- and you had to know about the site to find it -- was at www.OutGreensboro.com. The only coverage that I could find was in Sunday's Winston-Salem Journal. I know Greensboro wants to keep a low profile, a hush-hush, and it proved that last weekend.

Even without publicity, the event was well perceived by those who were there. With all the gay support in this town, you would think it would be more accepted by the people of Greensboro, and that Greensboro would be proud to support its people.

A lot of good things came out of this event. It is sad that more people didn't know about it. It could have proved worthy to all who attended.

Donald Miller Jr.
Winston-Salem

Your editorial, "College students, guns lead to campus trouble," (Aug. 17) is consistent with your previous anti-gun opinions and is flawed. Having been a law enforcement officer and private security instructor for 10 years, I know plenty of "law enforcement authorities." All would have cheered anyone stopping the killing at Virginia Tech before the body count reached 32.

Your expert source states that having trained, licensed armed citizens on campus would have made things worse. How would an armed, concealed-carry licensee on campus have made a nightmare which cost 32 lives worse? What would have been the outcome if one of the professors in Norris Hall had been an armed, concealed-carry licensee? Would that have changed things? I believe it would have.

What college students and college staff deserve is the right to self-defense. We aren't talking about people performing law enforcement; the discussion is people's ability to defend themselves from the use or immediate threat of deadly force. Officers know the truth: There will never be enough police to protect everyone. Citizens are responsible for their own personal safety. Police protect our community through law enforcement and criminal investigation -- not personal protective services.

Michael Tellekamp
Jamestown

The following is a Counterpoint

By Lisa M. Whitley

At this second anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, I am amazed that this disaster of multiple levels has not gotten as much attention as the Iraq war. Many people died because of incompetence at the city, state and federal levels.

During the hurricane and its aftermath, I constantly watched the news and read reports to see if I could find information on my mother, father or brothers in the chaos. My heart still breaks when I see commentary on the storm.

I went to New Orleans soon after with the Red Cross to help. It was bad. I revisited in December 2006 and it was still bad, as little progress had been made in outlying areas.

It seems as though Big Brother can tap into our phone lines, read our mail and secretly survey citizens without required warrants. But yet Big Brother idly watched as New Orleans and smaller cities perished on the Gulf Coast. We are the richest country in the world, but we fail at investing in basic, common sense infrastructure.

During the six-day ordeal following the storm, many residents were treated with little humanity. My aunt was one of those we saw on television bound to a wheelchair waiting for help. We relied on the caretakers to evacuate her living facility, but they failed to do so. Instead, she and many others were dropped off on the highway to defend for themselves.

I keep asking myself and others many questions.

Why were the people considered "refugees"? Did they lose their citizenship as a result of the storm?

My grandmother told me that the first comment or reaction you hear gives a look into someone's soul. What does Barbara Bush's comment that those in shelters in Texas were "underprivileged" and that the displacement was "working very well for them" reveal? Why was President Bush's first ground visit to the Gulf Coast so long after the storm hit? What about the thousands still not home? What about the thousands still waiting on appropriated funds to repair their homes?

These questions should be brought up in the presidential debates. I think the people on the Gulf Coast and especially in New Orleans deserve answers. What happens with the next Katrina? Who will step up to the plate and take control?

The writer lives in Whitsett.

The tragedy of the death by pit bull of beagle Phoebe, whom I fostered, is symptomatic of a festering cancer in our society, a cancer fostered by the rap and hip-hop culture of dog fighting, illegal drugs, violence, filthy language and thuggish behavior. Celebrity scum like Michael Vick and rapper DMX are only the tip of an ugly iceberg. Now we are told that our local animal shelter and humane society are overcrowded with pit bulls which are unadoptable.

Thus all of us, including homeless dogs and cats, have to pay a heavy price for this cultural of violence.

It isn't PC to even mention the problem. The Atlanta NAACP and Jesse Jackson supported Vick. Nobody wants to speak on behalf of the thousands of murdered dogs or millions of young lives destroyed.

The giants of the civil rights movement, Martin Luther King and Medgar Evers among others, gave their lives for equality and opportunity, and this is the result: street thugs running nationwide dog-fighting and gambling rings and promoting foul language and violent behavior.

I'm glad Dr. King did not live to see what has happened to his dream.

Robert Gaines
Greensboro

People are condemning Michael Vick's behavior, but they don't have the moral strength to condemn the brutal killing of other animals. And they even go so far as to justify the recreational killing of some animals.

Why does the dog have such a high place among our concern? All animals are God's creations and their lives are sacred.

People make a sport out of killing other beautiful and majestic animals not for food but for their own selfish pleasure -- deer, bears, foxes, birds, rabbits, squirrels, fish -- just to name few.

What greatly hurts me more than two dogs fighting is the thought of beautiful animals in their natural environment taking a stroll with their family or looking for food and a human sitting in ambush with sophisticated high-powered weapons waiting to kill those animals just for sport or a trophy.

God created all life forms and that life is not to be taken except for just cause. If you can't condemn to the same degree the cruel unjust killing or treatment of any of God's creatures, then your thinking is weak and defective in condemning Vick for abusing just dogs.

Douglas Diaab
Burlington