News-Record.com

Beth Johnson and crew finally alerted our state to the worst problem since the discovery of the mobile home. I am, of course, talking about the shameful way people acted at the Hannah Montana concert ("Alcohol sales upset some Hannah fans," (Nov. 27).

People were out in public and actually doing what they wanted, with complete disregard as to how a few of us might feel about it. Adults were drinking beer and even wine! I even saw someone with a hot dog in their hand. This person had no regard as to how my niece felt knowing that they had made a conscious decision to eat meat.

I looked up toward the heavens and asked, "What should I do?” The guy sitting in the seat above me said, "It's a small world, and only getting smaller. Don't try to make everyone's decision for them.”

David Manley
Summerfield

Mandatory minimum prison sentences have done little other than give the land of the free the highest incarceration rate in the world. The deterrent value of tough drug laws is overrated. During the crack epidemic of the 1980s, New York City chose the zero-tolerance approach, opting to arrest and prosecute as many offenders as possible.

Meanwhile, Washington Mayor Marion Barry was smoking crack and America's capital had the highest per-capita murder rate in the country. Yet crack use declined in both cities simultaneously.

The decline was not due to a slick anti-drug advertising campaign or the passage of mandatory minimum sentencing laws. Simply put, the younger generation saw firsthand what crack was doing to older siblings and decided for themselves that crack was bad news.

This is not to say nothing can be done about hard drugs like crack or methamphetamine, the latest headline grabber. Access to substance-abuse treatment is critical. Diverting resources away from prisons and into cost-effective treatment would save both tax dollars and lives.

The following U.S. Department of Justice research brief confirms my claims regarding the spontaneous decline of crack cocaine: http://www.ncjrs.org/txtfiles1/nij/187490.txt

Robert Sharpe
Washington

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

Regarding the article, "Study: Exercise rates up, obesity constant”: Teresa Moore is right in noting that people are eating high-fat diets. Nutrition with exercise makes the most difference in weight reduction. It is imperative we look at both eating habits and exercise.

Eighty percent of cancers can be reduced by following a healthy diet. Giving a child one soda per day can result in a 20- to 30-pound weight gain annually. One out of four meals are eaten outside the home. There are no fruit stands or to-go fruit and veggie pickup windows to make buying healthful food more accessible.

Obesity is not a new problem; the nation has been getting heftier since the mid-1980s. It is only worse now. If it takes 20-plus years to get into this state of poor health, then it will take us more than a few years to get out.

Exercise should be enjoyed, not viewed as a chore to check off our list of things to do. It takes determination to achieve optimal health. There are no magic pills to lose weight, just learning to eat right and making time for exercise. You can do it!

Nicole Henigin
Greensboro

Trouble finding babysitters? ("Need a sitter for your kinds? Ha! Good luck,” Nov. 18). No way!
With six colleges in Greensboro, there are lots of responsible students looking for work. Just contact the Career Services Department and either request a list of sitters, or place an ad for a job. Be sure to ask for references and an interview.

It will provide a good experience for the students and a relief for parents needing a night out.

Shannon Dahlstedt
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Evelyn Taylor

It has been three years since Stan Swofford's stories on the forgotten drug in our community -- crack cocaine -- ran in the News & Record. The Counterpoint in the Nov. 26, 2004, News & Record by the director of the Guilford Center seemed to miss the point that Swofford was trying to make. The crack cocaine problem in our community is more serious and causes more destruction than all the other drugs combined. It now seems that three years later we still want to trivialize it.

I would have hoped that the Guilford Center director and our other substance-abuse treatment professionals would be the ones crying the loudest for a task force and/or long-term residential treatment program to target this problem and not continue to minimize it.

I agreed with Mayor Holliday in November 2004 that a task force was needed and still is. It should include all the community -- agencies, businesses, addicts, family members. Crack needs to be treated differently than any other addiction. In my presentation on crack for the Guilford County Substance Abuse Coalition, I spoke about how this drug is destroying many lives in our community.

As long as we keep putting Band-aids, then pillowcases and now sheets on this problem to cover it up, nothing will ever be done about it. We must face it together.

I have personally been fighting to rid the community of this plague since 1987. Thanks to the News & Record's editorial (Nov. 18) asking questions about the county's new drug-treatment program, it is now time to let the public know what is really going on and enlist their help.

Please let your commissioners know we must have the long-term residential program they had discussed and appropriated money for last year. There is a reason that crack addiction has such a low recovery rate -- it requires much more intensive treatment programs. Outpatient treatment should be considered part of aftercare; long-term residential should come first -- 14 to 21 days is not enough to help most crack addicts, particularly those who have mental health issues also.

Relapse is often not a sign of poor motivation or treatment failure. Relapse often means that there is something wrong with the patient's recovery plan -- not the patient. This is what happened for many years to folks who tried to use treatment services in our community.

We need to be sure we have a treatment program in place that will help the people -- mainly chronically homeless folks who have never had that opportunity in our community before. Turning beds over faster to get more people through treatment will not help. Many of the folks who need appropriate treatment opportunities are the parents of our youth who are turning to gangs.

The program should fit the addiction -- not the addiction fit the program.

The writer is a member of the Guilford County Substance Abuse Coalition and a long-time community activist. She lives in Greensboro.

Regarding the letter concerning annexation without representation:

The residents in the recent Greensboro annexation shouldn't be concerned about the costs in the immediate future. Our property was annexed in July 1996, 11 years ago. We still do not have city water or sewer. I assure the residents it will be some time, if ever, before they receive city water and sewage.

City taxes start immediately but some services may never come. We have paid city taxes for 11 years. The street where we live joins property developed after our annexation. These properties received all city services as they were developed.

We still have no street light, no city water or sewer. Why should we pay the same city taxes but receive less service? Is this not inequitable?

Sylvia and Gerald Smith
Greensboro

On Dec. 13, Guilford commissioners will make an important decision for citizens of this county. They will decide whether to allow almost 700 acres of beautiful hardwood forest to be destroyed for the sake of a private gated golf course community.

The alternative to this rezoning would be a likely sale of this property to the state to enlarge the already existing Haw River State Park. If this issue is new to you, please investigate at http://www.citizensforhawriversp.org/.

For those backing this cause, this is a call to action. As the old sports saying goes, 'It is time to put on your game face." There will be no second chances. This is an urgent matter. There are no losers in enlarging the park.

The property owners will sell to the state at the same price as the developer, local business benefits from increased tourism, and, most importantly, water, land and natural resources are preserved for generations to come.

The two most important things to do is call commissioners and tell them you support the park, and come to the meeting Dec. 13 at 5:30 p.m. at the Old County Courthouse.

Kyle Klimek
Greensboro

A couple of weeks ago, at twilight, I noticed a light on in a building at the back of my lot which I keep locked. I called the Greensboro Police Department, explained the situation and also that this was not an emergency.

In less than 10 minutes, two nice officers, Waddell and Bond, arrived. Everything was OK, but I am so grateful for the polite and efficient response. I feel safe.

Thanks, Greensboro police.

Laurinda de Beck
Greensboro

I read with sympathy and understanding about the teacher who had had enough of the misbehavior and disrespect from her students and expressed to them, perhaps too strongly, her disapproval. The main problem is not with the teacher, but with the students — really with the parents.

My daughter, a "Teacher of the Year," recently retired, told me of the poor behavior of many of her students. Third-graders using language to her more often heard in Marine barracks.

The teacher was out of line, of course, but the real penalty should be dealt to the wayward students and, if possible, to those parents who failed to instruct their children, 'Behave yourselves and get an education It will be useful later."

My father was superintendent of schools in Thomasville while I was a student there. I would never have disrespected a teacher. The occasional one who did was usually taken to his office where he often applied a switch to the backside of the miscreant. It worked.

Many things have changed since I was in school — some good, some bad. Corporal punishment would not be accepted now, but student respect for teachers prevalent then must somehow he regained.

Dan W. Maddox
Greensboro

Good job, city of Greensboro and coliseum. Scheduling the Hannah Montana concert at the same time as a major craft show was a stroke of genius.

You managed to kill traffic at the craft show while gouging the concert patrons for parking. And to have them both end at about the same time was brilliant. The ensuing traffic snarl was incredible.

Good job, Greensboro police. Your efforts at traffic control were stellar. Traffic managed to move despite your best efforts otherwise. The cop at the corner of Chapman and Lee streets did a great job protecting the corner and keeping the sidewalk warm and little else.

Oh well, what did I really expect?

David Smith
High Point

It is shocking that Judge Joseph Turner would lower the bond of an alleged attempted cop-killer from $1 million to $150,000! Treymayne Jackson allegedly had the means, the motive, the intent and the gumption. The suspect's lethal intent was only foiled by Officer Merritt's bullet-resistant vest.

Judge Turner should be ashamed and embarrassed by his decision, and the citizens of Greensboro should be repulsed and infuriated by Turner's blatant disregard for the lives of our police officers. Judge Turner is an embarrassment to us all.

Blair Flowers
Greensboro

Obesity in America has reached epidemic levels. There has been no shortage of discussion in the media about the problem, but, unfortunately, action stops there.

It is time we take the health of our children and the rest of the country seriously and tackle the issue with forward thinking and ingenuity (a little common sense would not hurt, either.)

Vending machines only offering candy and sodas must be taken out of school cafeterias. Exercise periods cannot be seen as expendable in favor of extra lesson time. Little things like these may seem insignificant in the fight against obesity, but they are very important.

Consider this: An extra 15 to 20 minutes a day of exercise can keep off 10 pounds in one year. Cutting a person's daily calorie intake by a scant 50 calories also can help a person shed 10 pounds in a year. These are not difficult tasks; they do not require a diet overhaul or anything of that ilk, yet they could do wonders to help our population stay in shape and live longer, healthier lives.

John Woodson
Elon

Julie Murray says, "Life is good. My husband and I are happy." Yet gasoline prices are crimping her grocery budget, she can't afford a larger house, and she says President Bush is not focused enough on people's problems at home.

This recent AP-Yahoo survey also says most in the U.S. are happy and in control of their lives and finances.

But those polled also encounter stress at least sometimes daily, including a third who say they face it frequently. Gee, I thought stress was part of living. I must be wrong. Seventy-seven percent say the country has moved in the wrong direction, although they are personally happy.

What do these polls reveal? Partly it's the polling company whose agenda is to seek out negatives, lest no one would read them. Secondly, the negative news, taken at face value by most, is passed along in polling data. But most importantly (i.e. Citizen Julie), we expect the government to take care of everyone, eliminate stress and make it possible to buy larger houses.

Don't you get tired of all the complaints from those who admit they are doing well? Why can't we be thankful for what we have and the opportunities to do even better?

Bob Goodman
High Point

With Pakistan such a big issue, it's time to read Greg Mortenson's "Three Cups of Tea." It gives good background on the country and U.S. involvement with it, which has not always been positive. Mortenson spent 15 years raising money for and building schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan, believing that education, not war, brings peace.

Fearing we were abandoning Afghanistan after the Russians pulled out, he called for money to help and was told the money couldn't be sent there because of their poor banking system. Strange, he thought, how bags of money to fight the Taliban got there, but the other two-thirds earmarked for schools, roads, sewers didn't.

He quotes Brig. Gen. Ashir Baz, who was struck silent watching wailing Iraqi women on CNN carrying children's bodies out of the rubble of a bombed building: "People like me are Americans' best friends here. I'm a modern Muslim, an educated man, but watching this, even I could become a [jihadist/mujahid]. How can Americans say they are making themselves safer? President Bush has done a wonderful job of uniting one billion Muslims against America for the next 200 years."

Read it and you'll care about the children, the schools, the roads, the hospitals, and not just that they fight the terrorists -- to protect us.

Gay Cheney
Browns Summit

Willie Duncan, regarding your letter (Nov. 18): I'm old also, but it sounds like you've got a decade on me. Though I didn't live through the Great Depression, I know it wasn't Franklin D. Roosevelt's socialism that finally rescued the United States, it was our re-energized industrial infrastructure (established by American capitalism and entrepreneurship) responding to the demands of World War II.

While you may crave the "security" afforded by Big Government, it's a fantasy. Our government has never created and managed a program well nor spent a dollar of our taxes without wasting half. So the idea of turning over one-seventh of our economy to government bureaucrats (as Hillarycare would do) is the wrong answer.

Before you go pining (and voting) for another Clinton co-presidency, remember the unrepentant, shameless, petty behavior of Bubba and Hillary while in office -- Lincoln bedroom sales, military technology sales to China, multitudes of fund-raising scandals, plundering White House furnishings, the outrage of Pardon-gate and Bill's serial abuse of women.

The latter provided one benefit, of course. Hillary gained her only executive and military experience -- as CINC Squelching Bimbo Eruptions.

So, Willie, do the right thing. Vote for someone who is not crooked and smart enough to know what the definition of "is" is.

J. Michael Crouch
Greensboro

In 2006 and 2007, the news media trumpeted experts' predictions of major hurricane activity for U.S. coasts; on both occasions the experts were wrong.

You helpfully point out that apathetic homeowners are incrementally dropping flood insurance coverage. This could be a mistake; for some it could be a crucial mistake.

This country needs education both in predictability and insurance. Basically, it matters less how often your predictions are right than what the costs are for being wrong.

As to insurance, we need to guard against catastrophe first, annoyance second. Toward that end, we as a society should probably purchase home insurance that protects against major loss from almost any source, life insurance to the degree we have dependents, health insurance insuring against major medical bills (not necessarily providing $15 co-pays), and possibly no dental insurance at all.

The storm forecasters remind me of the people who said real estate would go up forever, rain will never again fall in Greensboro (Brownsboro?), and, ironically, global warming will swamp Florida with knee-high water over the next few decades.

Jack Glenn
Greensboro

Recently I joined the ranks as a Kiwanis volunteer for the Salvation Army annual Christmas drive and am pleased to acknowledge the spirit of giving is alive in Greensboro.

I'm not sure whether a cheerful greeting/smile or the bell-ringing gained the attention of passing diners; yet, the Spirit of Christmas prevails. Their gifts were reflected in many happy faces; children laughed and adults felt good about themselves. It was a good occasion.

Oftentimes a bell rung awakens us to responsibility and rewards us with a good feeling.

I encourage all of us to seek opportunities of service, complimenting our fellow man. It's contagious and can last throughout the year.

Greensboro Kiwanis Club serves the children of our community and the world.

William C. Smith
Greensboro

On Nov. 27, the "Today Show" aired a segment called "The Top 5 Phone Numbers That Will Change Your Life." I was pleased to see that they included 1-800-QUIT NOW, a free, confidential counseling service for people who want to quit smoking or chewing tobacco.

Only 3 to 5 percent of smokers who try to quit on their own manage to do so. By checking in with a trained counselor, tobacco users can bump the success rate to 30 percent.

As the holidays approach, consider calling 1-800-QUIT NOW and change not only your life, but your loved ones' as well.

Michelle Gill-Moffat
Whitsett

It has been evident by the Israeli acceptance of a two-state solution in 1929, in 1937, in 1947 and at Camp David (2000) that there must be something in the Arab agenda to stop the peace process and that, in my opinion, has always been the desired elimination of Israel.

There has never been a Palestinian state because Arab countries have never allowed one to be created. They have chosen to spend their money on other things.

There have been Arab leaders who have worked with Israel and have achieved peace, and maybe that is the best we can hope for.

Being part Lebanese, I have empathy for Arabs and their struggles and believe peace is good for everyone.

I don't think if Mexico were firing rockets into the U.S. as Arabs have into Israel from Gaza, we would react with the restraint Israel has demonstrated.

I have not seen a good return on Israel's investment (land for peace), and I am personally against it. All countries make mistakes, including Israel, but this is their call.

This conflict has been known about for years and years. So let's pray that the Arab agenda has changed.

John Nahas
Reidsville

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Pamela Smith

More discussion is now taking place among our officials, schools, churches and police/sheriff's departments on gang prevention. It has been said our kids need positive ways to spend their time, social and recreational opportunities, plus a feeling of acceptance and belonging. I have a suggestion on how we might begin to provide solutions to these needs.

Sell (for a profit) the BB&T building, just bought by the Guilford County Board of Commissioners, and buy the long-abandoned Pomona Cotton Mill at the corner of Spring Garden and Merritt Drive. We could call it The SAVE (Students Against Violence Everywhere) Center.

It could be renovated to provide numerous activity areas. There could be batting cages, space for pitching softballs, soccer fields, basketball courts, perhaps a bowling alley, rooms for crafting, singing, dancing (even dance lessons).

Let local beginning bands perform; hold classes on etiquette and sex and drug education; help with homework and reading; offer storytelling, group discussions on topics the kids want, game rooms, contests, magicians -- the list goes on.

The age limit would be 10-17, one-time registration required, open Fridays and/or Saturdays 7-10 p.m. Provide only one entrance to check their center ID containing parental and medical information, and include a drug-sniffing dog and metal detector. Anyone caught with drugs or weapons would be turned over to the police and banned from the center. All other doors locked from the outside with alarms if opened from the inside.

There would be a need for uniformed and undercover officers. Parents, teachers, churches, PTSA, businesses, college students, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, etc., could volunteer to chaperone. Anyone caught smoking, cursing, bullying, being disrespectful or fighting would be expelled and his or her center ID confiscated. The ID could be earned back by providing community service for a length of time consistent with the violation.

Businesses, churches, neighborhood communities, the city and county could provide monies and supplies. A yearly $5 fee might be necessary. Drink and snack machines would be available with the profit going back to the center.

This would be a tremendous undertaking, but we have to start somewhere. We need to join together to save our kids. Remember, they are our future.

Let's make them proud of who and what they are and, they in turn will help the next generation.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

Health care reform, after a nearly 15-year hiatus, is again in the headlines.

As students at the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Public Health, we wrote and distributed an online survey to the top graduate health policy and administration programs across the country and noted several trends.

When asked whether they believed access to health care was a right, 76 percent of the respondents agreed. When asked which of the presidential candidates was the most qualified to deal with health care issues, 65 percent named Hillary Clinton. This was notable because only 53 percent of the respondents identified themselves as Democrats. A dominant 70 percent of respondents indicated they would support a plan for universal health insurance, even if it meant raising taxes.

The effort to achieve health care reform in the early 1990s was stifled by partisan politics. This survey of the health care leaders of the future suggests a turning of the tide. These future administrators and health policymakers could play an integral role in fixing our broken health care system.

We invite you to join us in search of solutions, and maybe this time the obstructionists' efforts will be stifled.

Austin Johnson
Durham

Good words need to be heard again, like those in David Brooks' column (Nov. 24). He writes on immigration with quotes from an address made on Oct. 10, 1996. Some of those quotations follow:

"I'm pleased to ... talk about the anti-immigrant movement in America, and why I believe this movement endangers the single most important reason for American greatness, namely, the renewal, reformation and reawakening that's provided by the continuous flow of immigrants.

"I believe that the anti-immigrant movement is one of our most serious public problems."
Those words come not from a Democrat but from a Republican candidate for president, Rudy Giuliani. Perhaps there is hope for our country, "with liberty and justice for all."

Brady Faggart
Greensboro

I read that an N.C. A&T professor complained that he saw a sign in a deputy sheriff's car (from the back seat of the car, on the steel screen that separated the back seat from the front seat) that read, "Jesus is your savior." The professor wrote to the News & Record (and many others) that it was "inappropriate to have a religious slogan in a government-owned police car."

He may be right. However, it seems to me that our primary concern would be that an A&T professor had an open container of alcohol in his car. That sounds an awful lot like drinking and driving to me. And not drinking, and subsequently driving, but drinking while driving — which most people I've known don't do unless they really need to drink and can't wait until they are not driving.

So what I guess I think is inappropriate is a government-paid professor, sitting in his government-owned office, using his government-owned computer to write letters to what appears to be everyone he could think of that he's offended to see the word Jesus while he's being detained in the back seat of a sheriff's car for allegedly drinking and driving.

Bill Stevens
Jamestown

This is to all of the media: When will you people get it through your heads that telling all the gangs, crooks and would-be crooks how slow the response of the police is only adds to the problems? If we would only work to get more officers on the force, the men and women could do the job they are trained to do.

Thanks to the reader who gave the praise to the police recently. It is about time.

Catherine Flynt
Greensboro

The last two slaps in the face to Greensboro citizens by the outgoing City Council were giving Mitch Johnson a raise and giving Linda Miles a deal for six months at $91.50 per hour as a consultant.

We hope the first two items on the new City Council's agenda are to rescind both of these actions.

Betty and Horace Swift
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint:

By: Becky Kates

Lorraine Ahearn's column about the problems encountered by landlord Wayne Stutts ("When vandals strike, landlord fights back," Nov. 18) is indeed a sad sign of the times. But it left me wondering why Stutts' houses and so many others in Greensboro have remained vacant for so long.

In the five years that I have lived in the Glenwood neighborhood, I have passed by 805 and 807 Gregory St. on a regular basis, and they have been vacant as far back as I can remember.

According to deeds on record with Guilford County, Stutts' rental company has owned 805 since 1986 and 807 since 2003.
Vacant houses are an obvious eyesore, contributing to perceptions of crime in an area. And they are easy targets for squatters and vandals and contribute to elevated levels of actual crimes in the same area.

Unfortunately, desperate people watch what goes on and strike houses that seem to be abandoned.

In frustration, Stutts resorted to putting bars on the windows of his houses. "What else could I do?" he asks.

I would submit to Stutts an example less than 50 yards from the houses he owns on Gregory Street: a restored two-story bungalow at 912 Union St. I am acquainted with the man who fixed up this house and owned it as a rental property for three years. Despite the bleak surroundings, he had no problems with vandalism while the house was being renovated and he had no problems finding good tenants. How did he do it?

First, he went well beyond the minimum housing standards, making the house look very attractive.

Second, he went the extra mile and provided furniture and free Internet service to attract college students looking for an affordable option. Because Stutts' properties on Gregory Street have virtually no front or back yards, he may have better luck attracting students than a family.

Restoration of a neighborhood happens house by house, block by block. I would urge Stutts to become part of the solution by bringing his houses up to a high standard as quickly as possible. With some extra effort and a little creative thinking, the properties owned by Stutts can be both attractive and profitable. Bars on the windows are only a temporary solution to the problems this landlord has encountered.

I hope Stutts will choose to join the Greater Glenwood Neighborhood Association in our many efforts to revitalize our community.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

In 2006, an estimated 17,602 people died in alcohol-related traffic crashes in the United States for an average of one fatality every 30 minutes. What a staggering, heart-breaking loss of human life. Sadder still, a preventable loss.

Good for Guilford Sheriff's Deputy M. Osborne for protecting the public at the sobriety checkpoint when N.C. A&T Professor M. Reza Salami was cited having an open container of alcohol in his car ("Patrol car Jesus raises legal hackles," Dec. 1).

Good for Sheriff BJ Barnes for resisting Professor Salami's obvious subterfuge in trying to direct attention away from his own egregious behavior by bullying the sheriff's office, calling Osborne's "Jesus is your savior" sign in his patrol car "offensive."

Professor Salami, someone else's personal religious beliefs are not "offensive."

Mixing alcohol with driving is.

Julie Schindler
William Liszka
Greensboro

M. Reza Salami was offended by a Jesus sign. Big deal.

I'm more than offended and appalled that someone with such a title of prestige would be driving with an open can of alcohol. I would suggest to Salami to evaluate the reasons he was placed in a patrol car.

I applaud Officer M. Osborne for displaying the sign. Each day our law enforcement personnel's lives are put in jeopardy and deadly situations due to the moral decay of our society by drunk drivers, drugs, etc. I consider religion a personal privilege and would be honored to have Jesus in my car, by sign or in spirit, should I be on the road with Salami.

Apologies should be directed to Sheriff Barnes and his staff for time wasted that possibly was needed for more important matters.

We country folks (especially the cook) used to have a saying that "if you can't take the heat, stay out of the kitchen.”

Perhaps Salami would fare better to do his drinking in his kitchen, thus avoiding the offense by being exposed to a Jesus sign in a police car.

Delores C. Tucker
Stokesdale

Brian Balfour's piece, "The N.C. benefits time bomb" (Dec. 2) is off base in reference to his statement regarding whether North Carolina families should support "hundreds of thousands of retired state bureaucrats."

I would not consider the many nurses and doctors who work at UNC Hospitals and who care for our state's sick and injured and the teachers who educate our children "bureaucrats." I am a nurse, not a bureaucrat.

While I don't dispute the math, I suggest he watch his language.

Paul O'Neal
Summerfield

In response to Professor M. Reza Salami being offended: He as an educator should know that this country was founded on freedom of religion.

He was not forced to read the sticker in the patrolman's car. He must be offended every holiday that he is off with pay or being able to practice his own beliefs.

I don't feel his rights were violated, not like ours when we go into countries to liberate them from invading armies and we are not allowed to display our religious beliefs (crosses, Bibles). Even our chaplains aren't allowed to wear their insignia. We must practice on our own religious days in a low-key manner. We also must observe their religious beliefs and holidays or be subject to their law as to punishment.

Mr. Salami, you should be lucky that you live in a country that allows so many freedoms that you are able to complain about a simple bumper sticker that was intended to send a message to someone in need.

It seems to have gotten your attention. God bless.

William Campbell
Hampstead

Here we go again, somebody being offended because a sticker about Jesus is on the back of the front seat of a vehicle, which just happened to be a deputy's patrol car.

If M. Reza Salami was offended, he should just not look at it, like the sheriff said. It seems like every religion in the world comes here and wants Christians to put their beliefs in the closet and hide them. Where is the so-called tolerance that everyone wants when it comes to Christianity?
There doesn't seem to be much to go around. Maybe Salami should be more worried about driving around breaking the law with an open alcohol container.

Don't drive with open alcohol in your vehicle and just maybe you won't be stopped and have to be offended again. I am thankful that the officer just might have prevented you from hurting someone and, by the way, driving with alcohol is very offensive.

Ernie Andrews
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Jerry Clark

I feel compelled to respond to Rosemary Roberts' column, "Bad call: UNC rewards coach for failure" (Nov. 30).

I, too, am a proud graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill and love my university. I would like to speak to the two points Roberts was trying to make in her column.

First of all, Ms. Roberts, you may attend football games at UNC, but you know nothing about the game of football. It takes skilled athletes to win at this level of competition; coaches can do only so much. It takes time to recruit, instruct and coach a group of men into a winning team.
Duke's coach, Ted Roof, was given ample time to recruit his own players and produce a winning team. He won four games in the last four years. Coach Davis was able to win four games his first year at UNC with very little talent.

Way to go, Coach. You deserve the raise, and maybe in four years when you win a national championship with players you have recruited, like you did at the University of Miami, Ms. Roberts will print a retraction.

Second, Roberts mentioned the large salary disparity between professors at UNC-CH and Coach Davis. This country's most valuable resource is our teachers. I agree with Roberts that most teachers are woefully underpaid. I am willing to make a concession.

As soon as professors are hired and fired on merit the same as Coach Davis, then I will agree to raise their salaries. Eliminate tenure and make the professors' individual salaries negotiated, just like Coach Davis'. When the professors start to instruct in a fair and balanced manner, I will be first in line to fight for their raises. Until then I agree with Roberts that the disparity is unfair and I believe Coach Davis should be paid even more to make up for the gap that exists between expectation and performance. Go Heels!

The writer, UNC Class of ‘65, lives in Greensboro.

Did Leonard Pitts visit the Guilford County school system? His deductions after studying educational success stories hit home.

To quote: "Much of what ails American schools can be traced to a bureaucracy that doesn't pay enough; does too little to encourage and reward creativity; doesn't give principals authority over who works in their schools; and makes it nearly impossible to fire bad teachers."

We can lay poor pay at the feet of county commissioners. We can blame the second problem on the federal government's No Child Left Behind law. The third is a maybe, but the fourth is painfully so.

Our whole community needs to insist on improvement. Our responsibility as citizens wanting to make Greensboro a better place lies heavily on all our shoulders. Will we face the challenge or let things rock along as they are?

Barbara P. Walker
Greensboro

They came back to Pearl today, fewer than last year. The artillery of time has thinned their ranks but hasn't dimmed their spirit. As they walk through the Arizona Memorial, I see the quiver of a lip, a bow of a head, a stare into the horizon and an embrace of a fallen foe.

They stand above watery graves of buddies with whom they had served their country. They enjoyed the vitality of youth, saluting the Stars and Stripes, not thinking about tomorrow, thinking about wives, girlfriends, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and home.

The sun begins to set on Pearl Harbor, and each sunset slowly but surely takes these brave souls with it, until the glowing and inspirational flame of life of that generation will be extinguished. But what they did for their country will never be forgotten, never extinguished.

To the men and women of Pearl Harbor and those who followed, you fought the good fight. And lest we forget, the brave and dedicated men and women of today's armed forces will someday inherit the cane and walk slowly among places of remembrances, their mecca to their kin.

To all the known and unknown heroes, we shall never forget.

H.M. Chilton
Greensboro

It has finally occurred to me why drivers, and not just in Greensboro, don't do a simple thing like using a signal when changing lanes or turning -- we're lazy. This is the only thing that makes sense as I drive around the Triad.

Drivers are lazy. We don't want to get out of the car at McDonald's or Starbucks, or even the dry cleaners to get our clothes after someone else has cleaned them for us. Americans have become lazy. I am a victim of this myself by sitting around on weekends watching football for hours. At least I use my signals when I drive.

Barry Epstein
Greensboro

"As long as there are tests, there will be prayer in school." This was a quote on a poster in one of my classrooms. Though an amusing quote, it has a great deal of truth behind it. For an immense amount of time, religion in schools has been a growing issue. Prayer in school has been an especially key quarrel. As of now, "students may pray when not engaged in school activities or instruction."

At my high school, there was plenty of religious diversity, but it never transformed into conflict.
David G. Hallstrom Sr., a retired private investigator who publishes several Internet directories, says, "In my opinion, having organized prayer in school isn't 'an establishment of religion' but is instead the carrying out of the will of the majority of the people in this nation."

Not everyone believes in a god, but everyone believes in something. There has never been nor will there be a time when everybody is satisfied. When it isn't possible to please everyone, it's usually the smartest choice to try to please the majority: prayer in schools.

Wesley Fogleman
Burlington

I appreciated the widespread support shown me as a newcomer candidate for the City Council. I was encouraged that a large bloc of voters and I shared similar opinions about city government.

My best wishes go to the new council. I will watch with interest as it tackles issues of gangs, drugs, policing, water, transportation -- while remaining focused on budgeting. Greensboro is on the economic rebound but warning signs suggest a need for conservatism in budgeting and managing expenditures.

The new City Council needs to address forthwith the David Wray matter and bring it to a conclusion. In light of the SBI investigation and grand jury findings, we are entitled to know why Chief Wray was forced to resign, and whether his personnel file should be cleared and his name restored in recognition of his many years of commendable service to the city.

Bill Knight
Greensboro

The writer was an unsuccessful candidate for an at-large seat on Greensboro City Council.

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Nelda Howell Lockamy

Let me see if I have this right. Dee Todd got crossways with the folks who thought her hire should have produced a winning football team -- or at least that she should have kept her comments to herself.

So without the benefit of professional courtesy, she was demoted, given a salary cut, and dumped in the academic landfill otherwise known as the School of Education.

Please understand -- my beef is not about football. You could deflate all the pigskins in the world and not affect my quality of life.

Nor is it about what administrators feel they must do to protect the sacred cow of athletics. My complaint is that a person whose background appears to be exclusively in college athletics administration would be deemed a fit for the School of Education.

Why not reassign her to the College of Engineering? I haven't seen Todd's full resume, but I see nothing in print that would indicate she is less qualified to teach quantum physics than she is to teach, oh, say, an instructional methods class.

But I know these are wasted keystrokes. Having spent over a decade on a College of Education faculty, I know that athletics trumps everything. More than once, our department was forced to absorb a losing coach or a disgruntled administrator or a professor under ethics investigation.

For, after all, anyone who went to a school qualifies as an educational expert, right?

I took special note of the chancellor's comment that the decision to reassign Todd was "in the best interests of the athletics program."

But what about the best interests of our future educators who are not only required to produce with winning test scores, but who are hardly rewarded with salaries commensurate with their efforts?

So to answer your question, Ms. Todd, yes, you are the scapegoat for football. After all, what is it they say? "Those who can, do; and those who can't, teach."

The writer lives in Greensboro.

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Terry May

What kind of a police state do we live in when a person is forced by officers of the law to sit in government property and be confronted by religious indoctrination that is obviously abhorrent to his religious beliefs?

This is religious tyranny. To top it off, the government official in charge of protecting our freedoms, in essence says: "If you are offended -- too bad! Get over it! I don't care about your religious rights, nor do I care about the law."

If the story were about a Christian incarcerated in Saudi Arabia being forced by Moslem officials to read Islamic propaganda, I can only imagine the uproar we'd be hearing here. But since this religious oppression took place in a predominantly Christian city, we will instead hear about how this is a Christian country and those of us who are not must choose to ignore such affronts.

However, the law is clear that being in the majority does not give anyone (especially an officer of the law) the right to force religious beliefs on others.

Surely Sheriff BJ Barnes' remark that he "supports deputies displaying anything which gives them comfort" is self-serving poppycock. Had the poster that gave the deputy comfort been supportive of his homosexuality, or denouncing Christianity, is there any doubt Sheriff Barnes would have had it removed immediately? His response to the officer would have been to ignore being offended and just get over it.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

A recent letter from Blair Flowers (Dec. 3) was so abusive and wrong that it needs correction. The public should know that Judge Joseph Turner is one of our most knowledgeable, fair and serious jurists, and that we are fortunate to have him serving on the bench. His action in reducing the bond of Treymayne Jackson from $1 million to $150,000 was in compliance with his sworn duty to avoid excessive bail and to set reasonable bond for persons charged, but not yet convicted, of serious crime.

The Constitution's Eighth Amendment and state statutes require what Judge Turner did. Bond is not designed to punish people who have not been tried. Bail is meant to secure the defendant's appearance at trial. Guilford County guidelines, set back in the 1970s and frequently updated, call for bond for attempted murder in an amount from $15,000 to $100,000.

Judge Turner, out of regard for the alleged assault on a officer, set this bond at $150,000, certainly a substantial incentive for Jackson to appear for trial.

The criticism of Judge Turner was mistaken and unfair. He has never been an embarrassment to anyone.

On the contrary, he is a source of pride across North Carolina, and has been for his entire time of service.

J. Sam Johnson
Greensboro

This letter is in response to David Smith's letter, "Poor timing, traffic jam led to mess at coliseum" (Dec. 2).

Smith incorrectly blames the Greensboro Coliseum and city of Greensboro for simultaneously scheduling the Hannah Montana concert and Craftsmen's Christmas Classic Arts & Crafts Festival on Nov. 25. He is apparently unaware that the coliseum does not dictate start or end times for events.

These details are set at the sole direction of the event promoter. The craft show ended at 5 p.m. while the concert ended at 6:30 p.m., so Smith's claim that both shows "ended at that same time" is simply wrong.

Is Smith suggesting that the coliseum should have passed on hosting the sold-out Hannah Montana concert (the hottest touring act in the country) because the previously booked craft show was being held the same day and ended more than one hour after the concert started (4 p.m.)?

Finally, in regard to Smith's complaint that the scheduling of the concert "managed to kill traffic at the craft show," please be aware that the attendance for the craft show was nearly identical to its Sunday date in 2006.

Andrew Brown
Greensboro

The writer is public relations manager, Greensboro Coliseum Complex.

The Florida company in favor of developing land previously earmarked for Haw River State Park is requesting another continuance. It does not seem unreasonable to suspect that the request is being made in hopes that the groundswell of opposition to this proposed destruction of natural land will die down.

The delay stratagem did not work the first time around, so they are trying it again, fully aware that when scheduled meetings are changed and postponed, people tend to get tired, disinterested and confused. Opponents may even, the developers hope, give up.

The matter is in the hands of our county commissioners, and the meeting is currently set for Jan. 17, 5:30 p.m. If the commissioners deny the rezoning request, perhaps Bluegreen will return to Florida and leave the Haw River property in the hands of North Carolina and the citizens of Guilford County.

Southerners in general and North Carolinians in particular have always been known for their love of the land. That means undeveloped land: trees, woods, hills, rivers. Undeveloped land should remain undeveloped -- especially land already intended for a state park.

Maureen Parker
Greensboro

Your Page B2 for Sunday, Dec. 2, was headed with the editor's own column about grammatical madness. I applauded everything said there, but most of all the intent. Usage matters. Communication requires precision in thought and accuracy in words. Bravo!

Then I turned to the "Old Pine" story on Page A1, continued on Page A6 -- and wondered if I was reading the same newspaper. The cutline for Joseph Rodriguez's photo of the old tree reads, "Longleaf pines are only found in North America." I have noted that a similar improper placement of the word "only" numerous times in the News & Record.

I was instantly reminded of my 1948 experience with the college freshman textbook, "Learning to Write in College" (page 201), with revelations about the placement of the word "only": Only he lost his hat (nobody else did). He only lost his hat (nobody stole it). He lost only his hat (and nobody else's). He lost his only hat (he never had but one). He lost his hat only (but saved his shoes and clothes).

So I was left with some uncertainty as to how longleaf pines are only found -- did somebody steal them? Upon reflection, I decided the writer meant to say that longleaf pines are found only in North America.

Can you send a message back to the newsroom that friends don't let friends use poor grammar? Thanks.

Pete Petrea
Greensboro

I feel the need to ask out loud the questions that every one of us asks privately of ourselves but no one vocalizes for fear of being politically incorrect.

Why are we so quick to forsake the needs of the many for the preferences of the few? One student has a problem with the Pledge of Allegiance and a whole school system has to stop its daily recitation. Can we not make a stand, tell one person "no," and keep our dignity? It is inevitable that in making decisions some feelings will get hurt. People need to grow up.

Why is it so wrong to be a Christian or to celebrate Christmas? Society applauds the mention of Dewali or Ramadan but shuns those who dare utter the word "Christmas." Instead, a sacred event is labeled generically as "the holidays." Christians, can we stand up and say something about this?

I challenge readers to action where we have all been sitting still. The choice is ours. Will we stand idly by or defend our beliefs? I leave you with these proud words: Merry Christmas, and God bless you all!

Eli Oklesh
Greensboro

Let me get this straight: M. Reza Salami was stopped at a sobriety checkpoint and, presumably because something was amiss, had to be placed in the back of a patrol car while his car was being searched. (Bet most people who get stopped don't have to sit in a patrol car or have their car searched.)

And then Salami was offended by reading "Jesus is your savior" between the front and back seats of the patrol car, so he wants the deputy to apologize for offending him.

I think the better response would be for this inconvenienced pillar of our society to apologize for allegedly breaking the law and endangering all of us by consuming alcohol while driving.

Susan Baron
Greensboro

I enjoyed reading "Bowled over" (Dec. 1) concerning turned wood. Wood-turning is a craft and art practiced by many excellent turners in North Carolina.

The Piedmont Triad Woodturners Association, official chapter of the American Association of Woodturners, has about 80 members. A number of them have works in prominent galleries around the country. Anyone may attend our meetings. We are especially interested in having young persons become acquainted with wood-turning. Our meetings usually include demonstrations of wood-turning types, styles and techniques. At every meeting is an "Instant Gallery" of members' current works. The meeting on Jan. 9 will feature demonstrator Gary Gardner turning natural-edge bowls. See http://www.ptwoodturners.org.

The PTWA is a member of the N.C. Woodturning Symposium Inc., which conducted an excellent symposium October at the Greensboro Coliseum with 63 demonstration periods featuring nationally prominent turners and excellent regional and local turners.

The next symposium will be held in 2009 at the coliseum. It will feature an auction providing an excellent opportunity for collectors to obtain superb turnings produced by international, regional and local turners. See http://northcarolinawoodturning.com.

Bob Muir
Greensboro

As an experienced registered nurse and former nurse educator, I support the decision of the N.C. Board of Nursing to require that all nursing instructors be prepared at the master's degree level.

Nursing practice has become very complex as the result of the aging of a large group of the population, better technology and managed health care. Today's nurse must possess strong critical-thinking skills. Teaching critical thinking is not an intuitive process and is a significant component of master's degree programs preparing nurse educators.

The major issue with nursing education is the low compensation offered by both community colleges and higher institutions. Nurses with master's degrees have many other career options, which offer better compensation and working conditions. I truly enjoyed my role as a nurse educator but found it increasingly difficult to justify the low salary in conjunction with a heavy teaching load. Therefore, I am pursuing an advanced practice role, which will provide better job satisfaction in conjunction with appropriate compensation.

Nursing is a wonderful profession, and the education of the next generation of nurses is extremely important. However, we cannot sacrifice the quality of preparation to address the current shortage. The focus needs to be one of making nursing education a more attractive career option, which will encourage more master's-prepared nurses to accept the challenge.

Margaret Hancock, RN MSN
Jamestown

I have received a huge stack of sale flyers in my newspaper and mailbox. Almost all mention a holiday. Several refer to "gifts," yet not one mentions any purpose for the gifts and only one identifies a "holiday" (Hanukkah). It seems to me that any "holiday" that creates so much retail activity should at least be named.

I and millions of others around the world celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. He was born miraculously to a virgin woman more than 2,000 years ago. He fulfilled ancient prophecies and was revealed to be God incarnate. He lived a perfect life and performed miracles of healing and salvation. Through his sacrificial death and his resurrection, he provided mankind with the possibility of redemption from sin, reconciliation with God and eternal life with him in heaven. His birth is certainly worth celebrating!

If stores advertising "holiday sales" are ashamed of their holiday, I invite them to join in celebrating mine. It is not necessary for them to join in the worship portion unless they really believe, but if they wish to profit from Christmas and solicit my hard-earned money, I expect them to acknowledge what they are doing!

Charles E. Baker
Trinity

In your front-page article, "Meet your new city council," (Dec. 4), you list the strengths and weaknesses of each council member. For Mike Barber, you list his weakness as "bluntness about wasteful spending can make city employees bristle."

Since when is this a weakness?

Ashley Overton
Greensboro

I must insist that N.C. A&T not force M. Reza Salami to take the Christmas holiday. Please allow him to maybe take All Saints Day instead (Oct. 31). It is imperative that you not force our Christian religion on him by taking the day off for the most sacred of the Christian holidays, the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. I am sure he has informed you it would offend him to celebrate our Savior's birthday. And unless he is a man who does not stand by his beliefs, which I am sure he is by his recent actions, I think he will file a lawsuit against you next. So I must implore you to not waste money on a frivolous lawsuit. I expect him at his desk for work on Dec. 25.

Thank you, and may everybody else, except Mr. Salami, have a very Merry Christmas.

Sheriff Barnes, maybe you should investigate whether Salami actually practices his religion, or are his actions a "sour grapes" reaction to his recent alleged illegal activity, which a judge may incarcerate him for to protect our society?

Donald McDowell
Whitsett

I was watching a story on the History Channel on the protest of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, 1968. My thought was, as crazy and as violent the demonstration was, the folks involved were at least exercising their right to voice displeasure in the way things were.

I also thought about the birth of America and how great a part protest played in it. Then I thought of a "National Day Of Not Buying Gas" as a way of letting our employees (elected officials) know we are tired of not being able to enjoy the spoils of the wars they start at our expense (our money, sons, daughters, etc.). Call it a modern Boston Tea Party, only our "tea" will start with "gas."

We don't buy these nice cars to just look at; we want to drive them. But we can and will walk if we have to. Or are we too sheepish to stand up?

I want to be patriotic, but these guys are killing me with this terrorism bogeyman and laughing-at-me-all-the-way-to-the-bank mentality. And I can't be the only one!

Fred Darby
Greensboro

Whew, what a relief! Our intelligence community has supposedly confirmed that Iran discontinued manufacturing weapons of mass destruction in 2003. Isn't it amazing that it took us, with all of our top-notch technology, four years to figure this out? I do hope that Mr. Bush and Mr. Cheney also get this information. I would hate for them to send another 150,000 troops into Iran. Of course Mr. Bush is a stubborn man. Maybe he could confer with Gen. Half-track and Beetle Bailey. We might have to start drafting 60-year-olds.

C.R. Hendrix
Colfax

The perceptive article by Ivan Saul Cutler, "For spiritual Christmas, remember the mitzvah" (Dec. 1), is appreciated. His statements are valid and to the point.

When we learn to practice mitzvah -- God's commandments -- we will have a different and better world in which to live. His affirmation, "take that money and give it to worthy charities that help and empower people," is always appropriate.

Joseph Hudgins
Greensboro

In response to the letter, "Frivolous use of 'God' offends people of faith" (Nov. 23): Using God's name in vain, the frequent use of profanity, the adultery, fornication and other sex practices on TV programs are offensive and sinful and expose children to the idea that everything is acceptable. Choices are limited for clean, decent entertainment.

Also, how can one parent object to reading the Bible and have that removed from a school system? Why have the Christian parents not taken a stand? Any child who reads the Bible and prays should have the right to practice their faith. Wake up, America!

Maxine Mills
Liberty

I write to respond to the letter (Dec. 3) by Blair Flowers attacking District Court Chief Judge Joe Turner for setting a $150,000 secured bond for Treymayne Jackson, who is accused of attempted first-degree murder of a police officer.

Judge Turner referred to the 18th Judicial District Bond Policy, which suggests a bond for a class B1 felony in the range of $15,000 minimum to $100,000 maximum. Realizing that the crime charged was more serious because the victim was a law-enforcement officer, Judge Turner set the bond at the $100,000 maximum plus 50 percent, for a total of $150,000. The Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits "excessive bail." Thus, under North Carolina law, a defendant not charged with capital murder is entitled to pretrial release under a reasonable bond. The bond is not a form of punishment but a means of assuring the defendant's presence in court and protection of the community. Punishment comes only after conviction.

Judge Turner's job is to apply the law and the constitution, and that is exactly what he did. Judge Turner is an outstanding jurist of whom Guilford County is justifiably proud.

Janet Ward Black
Greensboro

The writer is president, North Carolina Bar Association.

If I were Jeff Foxworthy, I think I'd find a comic angle in this flap over the open alcohol container and the Jesus sign in a government-owned police vehicle.

But I'm no Foxworthy, and it pains me to think that the intolerant will gain political traction by crying that it is good for sheriffs and officers to ride around with religious signs in their vehicles. (Would they be so approving were they to encounter Buddhas and prayer rugs in their next ride to the pokey?)

So Jesus wants police officers to brandish their religious views and proselytize wherever they go? Then I suppose the architects of the Constitution, men of faith and profound intellect, got it all wrong when they insisted on separation of church and state? And Jesus must have also been confused in urging people of faith to enter into a closet to pray?

Then Sheriff Barnes and his Jesus force must have gotten it right. They've outsmarted both Jesus and the Constitution!

Cynthia Adams
Greensboro

Recently, our family was blessed with a healthy, 8-pound, 8-ounce granddaughter. Already I think of her future.

The United States is in debt today to the tune of $35,000 per person. The state of North Carolina has an unfunded debt for employee and retiree health insurance that equals $11,000 per North Carolinian. Meanwhile, politicians talk of lowering taxes for individuals and corporations. Something is wrong with this approach.

America and North Carolina must get their fiscal houses in order. We must understand that politicians tell us what they think will get them elected, fact-based or not. They talk of lower taxes, less government oversight on health and safety standards, pensions and health care. Then they inform us that corporations will police themselves.

Let us remember the savings and loan scandal, Enron, the current subprime lending crisis, Iraq's weapons of mass destruction and countless laws they choose not to enforce, including immigration laws already on the books.

In my prayers tonight I will seek help for changes in leadership that will give America back to its people, not the elite and corporations. This America will allow my granddaughter to be healthy, safe, well-educated and prosperous. It is possible, but changes are needed now.

Carolyn Asher
Summerfield

Given the latest news about Iran's nuclear program, or lack of one, some questions need to be asked.

What did the administration know, and when did it know it? What is more important, not being truthful about an extramarital affair, or not being truthful about a potential adversary's nuclear program, or lack of one? Or should we revert to the old Karl Rove standby of demonizing people whose "values" might not agree with ours?

Jim Galler
Stokesdale

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Vicki Latham

I am a certified nurse-midwife (CNM) in Greensboro, practicing since 1996. I appreciated the recent article about the home birth movement, but the description was limited to midwives attending home births without national certification or any process for physician support. CNMs around the country have established home birth practices and birth centers, with excellent outcomes and support from their local medical communities.

However, I also believe strongly that a birth within a hospital setting can be just as positive, while also providing resources for intervention as needed.

Our practice provides prenatal and gynecological care and attends births at The Women's Hospital of Greensboro. We care for women regardless of their plans for birth -- from the woman who seeks an unmedicated birth to those electing to utilize pain medication during labor. We are joined in the community by CNMs in other practices, bringing more opportunity for women to enjoy a unique relationship with their obstetrical care provider.

I seek to help a woman achieve the birth experience she envisions. My work may also involve helping her address issues that are different from her anticipated outcomes.

I am fortunate to have the support of the physicians in my practice and the Moses Cone Health System in this endeavor.

My colleagues and I provide a unique experience for clients seeking care during their pregnancy and birth, while offering the resources of an excellent hospital system.

Our challenge is to identify how those resources are most appropriately used to ensure the safety of our clients and their babies.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

I read Taft Wireback's article about transit projects (Nov. 30) and wondered why he didn't mention freight railroads. If N.C. Secretary of Transportation Lyndo Tippett is correct that we'll see fewer roads that are not toll roads, then we must look toward more economically feasible transportation options.

When it comes to moving goods, rail is the clear answer. Freight rail is important to the Triad and we need more of it. The development of our airport and the new FedEx hub are great opportunities, but there's more to transportation in this region. Increased freight rail service would encourage economic development, support local industries and also alleviate congestion on I-85.

Regrettably, there is a bill in Congress that will place heavy regulations on rail. These regulations, which failed this country in the 1970s, spell disaster for the Triad's transportation network. Congressman Howard Coble sits on the important House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. I hope he and our state's other elected officials will oppose the effort to increase federal control of rail. To keep "transit projects speeding ahead," we must support the continued development and use of freight rail service because it is integral to our collective success.

Tim Smith
Pleasant Garden

What's up with Greensboro's water department? I have vacant rental property and just received a bill for $18.30. It shows "Consumption -- 0," yet I'm required to pay:

Water Bill and Availability Charge -- Service $6.30.
Sewer Billing and Availability Charge -- Service $6.30.
Quarterly Household Hazardous Waste -- 5/8" $1.20.
Stormwater Charges, Tier A -- $4.50.

Total $18.30 for zero water usage, no sewer usage, and no garbage nor recycle cans for pickup. Could someone explain this to me to make all charges seem reasonable?

Brenda J. Honeycutt
Randleman

Professor M. Reza Salami protested the Jesus sign in a sheriff patrolman's car, in which he sat after being pulled over for driving with open alcohol containers. There have been many responses to his reaction and subsequent protestations against being subjected to this Christian message.

My puzzlement since I read the article (Dec. 1) has centered upon the fact that an apparently devout, practicing Muslim was driving with an open alcoholic beverage in his vehicle. Doesn't Islamic law forbid consumption of alcohol?

Marge Cromer
Greensboro

Editor's note: M. Reza Salami says he is "a practicing Christian."

It didn't take long for Robbie Perkins' name to surface related to rezoning among the wonderfully huge oaks along Lawndale. When he first ran for City Council several years ago, I voiced concern over losing a stand of trees at the end of Willoughby Road to support development of high- end condos on Pisgah Church Road. The trees are gone; the condos are still being built and are joined by a large community of single-family houses and yet another, and larger, condo community; and traffic has increased considerably.

During that conversation, I also voiced concern for the stately old oaks along Lawndale. Councilman Perkins' response included the inevitability of the oaks' demise and additional development along that area of Lawndale because most of the houses are "rental property and will be bought up by developers."

His considerable influence and interest in development is currently at play in the controversial proposal to rezone the corner of Cornwallis and Lawndale, as his earlier prediction for the area begins to take form. "Paving over paradise and putting up a parking lot" comes to mind. Beware. Your neighborhood could be next.

Sandy Bundgaard
Greensboro

Voters and could-be voters may be confused about the qualifications to become president of the United States. Money and the media provide a forum for those who can pay to present their qualifications as doctrine or the true litmus test for the job.

Some say history frowns upon electing a president who has not had on-the-job experience. Those same advocates would have you believe that history forbids electing a president who is not a white American male. There is, in fact, no history that addresses either of those positions.
Article II, section 1, paragraph 5 of the U.S. Constitution contains the qualifications of the person who is to be president: "No person except a natural born citizen ... shall be eligible to the office of president. (Such person shall) have attained ... the age of 35 years, and have been fourteen years a resident of the United States." Article II, sections 2, 3, and 4 of the Constitution provide a detailed job description of the office of president. May voters and could-be voters be guided accordingly.

James W. Swindell
High Point

The following is a Counterpoint column:

By Linda Daves

Regarding the controversy surrounding the policy change allowing illegal immigrants admission into North Carolina community colleges: I am proud to say that all three of the Republican candidates for governor have come out in opposition to the policy change.

According to a Nov. 7 memorandum sent to North Carolina community college presidents and other officers, in order to maintain an "open-door admission policy," community colleges cannot "impose nonacademic requirements on admissions to its programs."

Under such a rule, community colleges could not consider even the criminal background of a potential applicant for fear it would be considered a nonacademic requirement. Lest we forget, that is what illegal immigrants are doing: breaking the law.

Taking admissions spots from North Carolina citizens and giving them to illegal immigrants to maintain an open-door admission policy is based on faulty logic and makes for even worse policy. The open-door admission policy was created in part to guard against ethnic and racial discrimination in admissions. However, this is not a question of race but instead a question of law.

We should not and cannot allow taxpayer dollars to go to financing an educational system that is encouraging people to break the laws of our state and nation. If the Democratic candidates for governor also disagree with this new policy as they claim, then they must pressure Gov. Mike Easley and other Democrat leaders to reverse this decision.

Republicans are ready to do our part to ensure that the laws are followed.

The writer is chairwoman, N.C. Republican Party.

Your recent editorial, "Slay the incentives elephant" (Dec. 6), ignores the economic reality that North Carolina is in an international competition for economic investments and jobs.

As the N.C. Economic Developers Association (NCEDA) president, I represent a group of more than 550 economic developers and allies. Each of our members, working on the front lines of economic development, will tell you that incentives are a basic requirement of doing business, not just in the United States, but around the world.

The national and international competition for bringing businesses to North Carolina is fierce. When we compete, we are not only competing with our neighboring states, but also with Mexico, China and others.

Unless the United Nations plans to ban economic incentives on a global scale, North Carolina has no choice but to use all of the tools at our disposal to keep our state economically successful.

NCEDA feels strongly that to keep jobs coming to North Carolina our state must continue to utilize economic development tools, such as incentives -- and the public agrees. In a recent NCEDA poll commissioned, we found that 82 percent of North Carolina voters agree that, as long as other states and countries offer economic incentives, North Carolina must do so to remain competitive.

Gary Hicks
Belmont

The Triad will flourish in the global economy. It has good private and public tertiary education to develop talent. Resources are used judiciously, not out-competing each other but collaborating and complementing each another's effort. After all, the best competition is against oneself.

Similarly, emerging research parks will work together for mutual benefit. The diversity of our institutions and community is strength and provides needed competitive advantage to succeed in the new economy.

Also, the Triad has a sound, diverse industry base with impressive new arrivals including Dell, FedEx, Honda and Skybus, among others. Let's celebrate success as it happens.
As for blaming globalization for the migration of textile and tobacco jobs, folks, it does not help. No one moves forward when glued on the rear-view mirror. Rather, let's work to retain what we can of the furniture market from gravitating westward.

Our diversity enables us to view globalization as good, bad or not mattering. We need to be more receptive to novel ideas to address new economic challenges.

How about working for the Triad to succeed in the inevitable 21st century global economy?

Charles T. Kadzere
Greensboro

The writer works for PDT Global Institute Inc., a consulting firm in agribusiness, science and technology, education and related areas.

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Connie Porter

Testing in the public schools was discussed recently (editorial, Dec. 4, "Test craze flunks out"), and I wish to weigh in on that topic.

Sam Houston, the chairman of a state commission on testing, thinks we are testing and not getting results. I wonder if Houston has bothered to find out all the specifics about the testing. I am sure that the public does not know, even the parents of the students involved.

I taught for more than 30 years. I taught 10th grade when the writing test was literature-based. Our school was on the four-hour block schedule. The students tested near the end of the semester and the test counted as their exam grade. In most cases, the student had to pass the test to pass English.

In the three years I taught the test, only one student failed the test. The reason was clear. The majority had to pass in order to pass 10th-grade English. The setup is different now.

Those on block schedule may not test until three or four months after the class. They are not as sharp in their writing skills at that point as they would be directly after getting the instruction. More importantly, they do not have to pass the state writing test. Only the school and the teachers are penalized if the student does poorly. Does anyone think that students will really try if they do not have anything to gain or lose?

Before anyone judges the results of state tests that person must know beforehand if the test is part of the student's grade. If it is not, then why be surprised when the scores are so low? Our teachers, our schools and the abilities of our students are being falsely judged. The students can perform if they are properly motivated.

The motivation in some cases is the sense of accomplishment when they pass a difficult test, but it is mostly the fear of failing the class.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

Regarding your editorial, "A patrol car is not a church ... or a mosque," (Dec. 7):

The First Amendment says, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech."

However, the editorial argues, "A better idea [than allowing religious signs anywhere in a patrol car] would be to ban religious signs, symbols and books throughout patrol cars, though not from an officer's person. A hidden St. Christopher's medal harms no one. But a ‘Jesus is your savior' sign in a patrol car can be intimidating to non-Christians and appears to violate the First Amendment."

Which statement is most congruous with the freedoms and unalienable rights we have as Americans?

How easy it is to make prejudicial statements when you are ignorant of the law.

Jerry Liles
Greensboro

UNC system President Erskine Bowles' plan to consider in-state tuition to illegal immigrants is a product of the ivory tower community in which he lives and works.

Millions of North Carolinians struggle to make ends meet and cannot afford to send children to college. The UNC system repeatedly has raised tuition at rates far higher than inflation.

Yet the UNC system can find the money to give in-state tuition to non-citizens.

Immigrants here legally should be granted in-state tuition. The United States should make it easier for immigrants to obtain legal status.

In the meantime, I cannot afford to pay for my own children's college education, much less those of people who are not legal residents of North Carolina.

I urge all citizens to fight this plan. Contact your General Assembly members, the governor's office and Bowles' office and demand a halt to this big-money giveaway.

Contact: Erskine Bowles, UNC General Administration, 910 Raleigh Road, P. O. Box 2688, Chapel Hill, NC 27515-2688; phone: (919) 962-1000; fax: (919) 843-9695.

Tony Rabun
Greensboro

Ever wonder how neighborhoods are destroyed in Greensboro? Ever wonder how atrocities like Wendover Avenue get created? Just watch the Greensboro Zoning Commission in action. It will roll over and play dead for just about any developer.

The Zoning Commission recently had a tie vote (one member actually recused himself) on whether to rezone a residential block in the Kirkwood neighborhood to allow the building of a Walgreens on the corner of Cornwallis and Lawndale, and it now has to go to the City Council. If you have ever driven through this intersection, you know what a bad idea a Walgreens on that corner would be.

The Zoning Commission's lack of respect for neighborhood integrity is mind-boggling. Your neighborhood might be next. Please come out to the City Council meeting on Dec. 18 and help the Kirkwood neighbors show their opposition to this destructive proposal.

Kent Boyles
Greensboro

Since fixing Social Security is too hot to handle politically, let's do the next best thing: End it.
This program, started in 1935, has had a good run, but, surprise, it's now no longer a good fit for our demographics. Imagine -- things change. Let's do something else.

Here's how: Legislate an end to it. Pass a bill stating that no one born after 2021 can participate in the system. And those who can't participate don't pay into it when they start earning. Those who don't pay can do something else with their money. Allowing pre-2020s to opt out and freeze their future benefits will speed things along.

Yes, in time fewer people will be paying into it. Without changes, we'll have the same problem, but with no end in sight. If Congress can finally stop spending the surplus Social Security taxes every year, the crunch can be delayed. At some point, those IOUs will come due.

Around 2100, the last checks will go out to retirees. Trillions of dollars formerly going to Washington will be in people's pockets and the market will have created exciting new retirement plans.

William Rorrer
Eden

We are pleased and happy to endorse Kay Hagan as our next senator from North Carolina. She not only lives in North Carolina, but we know she is most qualified in every way as she has served us in North Carolina and will continue to (even more so) in Washington.

You will be doing yourself and North Carolina a tremendous favor to vote for Kay.

Sybil and Spencer Sullivan
Greensboro

The president of the UNC system said it is considering letting illegals in our state into the UNC system at in-state rates because we do not want to "create another permanent underclass."

I hope he doesn't really believe there is a "permanent underclass." If that's the case, we need to take care of our own first.

If we are going to admit illegals into the UNC system at in-state tuition, then maybe we should let our poor citizens in free or at greatly reduced tuition if they meet entrance standards.

By offering in-state tuition, we will encourage illegals from other states to come and burden our already-stretched system.

My parents, brother, sister, daughter and I all graduated from the UNC system. My brother moved to Virginia. When his daughter was accepted at UNC-CH, she wasn't offered in-state tuition. She chose to go to the University of Virginia instead. She could have used my address and been admitted as an "illegal North Carolinian" -- but wouldn't that have been wrong?

Tennie Skladanowski
Greensboro

What has happened to our country's moral standards?

There was a time, maybe 40 to 45 years ago, when those who openly advocated such monstrous evils as abortion on demand, special rights and privileges for homosexuals, government subsidies for fornicators (condom distribution programs), and government subsidies for pornographic and obscene art, wouldn't dare run for public office.

Now they (including Sen. Clinton) run with impunity for all offices, including president.

How can we be "one nation under God" and continue to elect such people to public office?

Al Shumard
Greensboro

Article VI of the U.S. Constitution states that all individuals in a legislative, judicial and executive position be bound by oath or affirmation to support the Constitution. It also states that "no religious test shall ever be required as qualification to any office."

Unfortunately, many voters seem to believe that elected officials should place their hands on the Constitution and pledge to support the Bible, rather than place their hands on the Bible and pledge to uphold the Constitution.

And the rumbling sound we hear is our nation's Founding Fathers painfully twisting and turning in their coffins.

Bill Burnett
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Craven Williams

Over the last several days, there has been an amazing outpouring of support from people throughout the Greensboro area who want to help re-establish the nativity scene on the front campus of Greensboro College, following the senseless vandalism of the scene.

Responses have come from students, faculty, Christian and non-Christian groups around the city. Greensboro College is overwhelmed by the many expressions of support. It is startling to see how much good has sprung from this unconscionable act.

It has become clear that the nativity scene presented to Greensboro College by Jefferson-Pilot Life Insurance Co. in 1989 is far more than a Greensboro College treasure. After all, it had first appeared on the Sedgefield campus of Jefferson-Pilot more than 70 years ago. Generations grew up with this nativity scene as a part of their celebration of the season.

Greensboro College will prepare a new nativity scene that will be a grand display of the sentiments of the season.

While we surely cannot replace the historical value of the original, we will honor its memory by constructing a scene on our front campus for all to enjoy, beginning with Christmas 2008.

The new nativity scene will again demonstrate that a greater good can come from the actions of those who intended harm. A new fund called "The New Nativity Fund" will enable us to accomplish that. If anyone would like, they can contribute by contacting Dr. Donald Lassiter at 272-7102.

This year, please visit the simple expression of the season we have temporarily placed on the front campus of Greensboro College.

The writer is president of Greensboro College.

Thanks for the article and pictures (Dec. 5) about "John Ratzenberger's Made in America" Travel Channel show visiting several area manufacturers. I used to watch his show on a regular basis and enjoyed it very much.

Like John, I am concerned about the loss of manufacturing jobs in our community and nationwide. It would be great to see the local manufacturers highlighted on the Travel Channel and the future show about the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and Biltmore Estate in Asheville.

Unfortunately, I won't be one of the viewers tuning in on the Travel Channel show. Several weeks ago, my cable provider arbitrarily jerked the Travel Channel from my cable service and placed it in the more expensive "tier" that requires the use of a converter box. Of course, this isn't the first time they have done this. I have also lost Multiplex and ESPN Classic, among others. All without so much as a note included in my bill.

One day you go to the Travel Channel and boom, it's gone ... just like so many of the manufacturing jobs.

So good luck, John Ratzenberger. My thoughts will be with you and your show. Unfortunately, my eyes and ears won't.

Richard Thompson
Asheboro

Regarding the deadly police chase ("Crash cuts promising lives short," Dec. 4):

The high-speed chase, lenient treatment by courts and acceptance by citizens were factors in the tragedy.

An 18-year-old UNCG honor student, her 9-year-old sister, and the driver of the pursued car were killed. The sister of the deceased sisters called the tragedy senseless, blaming the police department more than the pursued driver.

Even though this tragedy happened in Franklinton, the chase policy seems similar to that of other cities, including in the Triad.

The policy of chasing law breakers seems to be "if we do not chase, then everyone will run."

Also, officers are allowed to make "split" decisions on a chase. Police have communication and other means to capture offenders, some of whom might be planning suicide.

The offending driver in Franklinton had a 20-year criminal record, including more than a half-dozen DWIs. He may not have had incentive to stop.

Accidents add to insurance rates and property taxes.

The public should not be subject to tragedy, and police officers should not run extra risks in performing duties.

The state of North Carolina needs to set a safer policy.

Lewis H. Webb
Greensboro

Once again we see that the "progressive" News & Record editors come out against the First Amendment ("A patrol car is not a church ... or a mosque," editorial, Dec. 7).

Freedom is not comfortable all of the time. In order to have freedom, we must not curtail free speech. Yet, the way of the secularist is the silencing and controlling of the thoughts and actions of people of faith.

Unlike those who view the Constitution as a means to inflict their views on others in the name of "feeling good," religious freedom means just exactly that. Our founders never, ever meant to limit Christianity. Their intent was to prevent a government-sponsored church, such as the Church of England, the Lutheran Church in the Scandinavian countries or the Catholic Church in others. I absolutely defy anyone to show me where the Constitution mentions separation of church and state.

As usual, the liberal argument is made upon false information and has been interpreted to suit their need of secularization. I guess this just shows the poor job our schools have done in teaching our Constitution.

Marcus Kindley
Gibsonville

I feel that I must agree with Wesley Fogleman's letter, "Majority supports public school prayer" (Dec. 7), in that the majority always wins!

The University of Chicago released a study that showed that Protestants are now a minority in the United States. Since 2004, their numbers have dropped below 50 percent in the United States.

Protestant prayers would hardly be in the majority, particularly if you consider the various denominations and sects rife within Protestantism, subdividing them even more. If anything, Catholicism (about 25 percent) and atheism/secularism (14 percent) are the dominant "religions" in the United States. Therefore, public school prayers, ad populum, would be fallacy, right?

After all, the majority always wins.

William Lyle
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint:

By James D. Lockley

Syndicated columnist Thomas Sowell threw some random thoughts at us on Dec. 5. One was, "The next time somebody in the news media denies that there is media bias, ask how they explain the fact that there are at least a hundred stories about the shrinking arctic ice cap for every one about the expanding antarctic ice cap, which has now grown to record size." That sounded amazing and incredible to me, so I did a little research. Sorry, Thomas, that is not only not "a fact," it is an out and out untruth.

The Larsen B ice shelf collapsed in 2002. This is the largest of seven collapses since 1974. Climatologists attribute this to annual warming in the area of a half-degree Celsius. Between 1997 and 2002, Larsen B shrunk by 40 percent. This ice shelf had existed since the last glaciation 12,000 years ago. The West Antarctic Ice Sheet is melting. The British Antarctic Survey of 2006 estimates that if it goes into the sea, sea levels will rise by at least 5 meters. (That is about 16 feet.) Other climatologists criticize the BAS estimate as far too conservative, placing the sea rise as high as 15 meters. If they are right, purchase your next beach house near Fayetteville. And just to make matters worse, the melting of the glacial sheet on Greenland raises the sea level at the opposite end of the world, thus speeding the melting in Antarctica.

The only media bias I am aware of is the card stacking done by the those who are afraid to consider the possibility that they might, once in a while, actually be wrong. I finished that stage in my life long ago.

I have lived in the Triad area for the last 20 years. The first year I subscribed to your paper and another daily. But I noticed that the other paper rarely presented both sides of an argument on its op-ed pages. I dropped that subscription. I am not so egotistical that I only want to hear from people who agree with me. I appreciate the diversity of thought presented on your pages. The writers make me think and sometimes (dare I admit it?) actually reconsider my positions.

The writer lives in Alamance.

Each year at Christmas since 1990, the Cooke family has ridden slowly and quietly down West Market Street in front of my alma mater, Greensboro College, to view the historical, meaningful nativity scene.

We, along, with so many others from Greensboro, Guilford County and other areas, will no longer view this glorious sight because of actions of one or more individuals who destroyed the valuable figures that were part of the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

What makes someone do such a terrible thing that will deny spiritual pleasure for so many who have made this an annual event as part of their Christmas celebration? I am saddened that there are such mean-spirited people in this world.

These figures, given to Greensboro College by Jefferson Pilot, are not salvageable, but maybe this community will come together to have reproductions made that will be enjoyed by many more of us throughout the coming years.

As for now, the spotlights on the front campus of Greensboro College no longer light up the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. How tragic that such an act of disrespect and vandalism has robbed so many of such a precious, inspirational sight.

Kris B. Cooke
Greensboro

What if all people on welfare were required to pass a drug test before receiving assistance and then were randomly tested periodically? Why should it be any different for them than it is for many of us who are employed? Since the taxes of working people pay for the benefits of those who aren't working and earning a paycheck, I believe this is not only a good idea but should be loudly proclaimed to those who will look for our votes in 2008.

Kim Case
Greensboro

Does this sound familiar? Many City Council members have strong ties to the real estate industry! We get angry when those "representatives" vote for unwanted development that mainly serves the representatives' interests.

The Dec. 6 News & Record reports that Walgreens wants to put a "big-box" store near the corner of Cornwallis and Lawndale drives. Pushing this development is NAI Piedmont Triad on behalf of the developer. The president of NAI Piedmont is recently elected City Councilman Robbie Perkins. Is it coincidence that one of the council's very first matters for consideration is a pet project of one of its members? Above all else, Perkins is in the real estate development business — good or bad!

Frequently, it appears his development projects make no difference to him or his company so long as they "make the sale" and, thus, benefit themselves, not the community. This Walgreens project is unneeded. Our city's Planning Department is against it. My hope is that this City Council, whose members campaigned for "change," will support the Planning Department and vote against the project.

At the very least, I hope Perkins will abstain from voting on it because, clearly, there is a conflict of interest.

George Owen
Greensboro

The letter by Donald McDowell (Dec. 10) reminded me how prejudiced we are as a nation. McDowell assumed that Dr. Salami was not a Christian just by his name. From my understanding, Salami is a Catholic, which in my book is a Christian. Salami was only complaining that a county-owned vehicle had a religious statement that may be offensive to some people.

Since we live in a multicultural society, we must respect all people, whether we have the same belief or not. To turn the tables, if the deputy had been a practicing Zoroastrian and had the statement, "Ahura Mazda who is supreme," would Sheriff Barnes have said "it is the deputy's office and he can post his beliefs where he wants to"? Also, would he have said that the patron "should get over it"? I do not think so. He probably would not have let the deputy have that type of poster in his car.

We as a pluralistic society need to be more tolerant with each other and not be too quick to judge.

Floyd Royal
Greensboro

I am astonished at the trend of the letters about the Christian sign in the police car. Please print this from an American who believes in American rights and supports the Constitution.
I am grateful to our founders because I live in a country where nobody acting for the government can push his religion on me. And, yes, I will stand up for American freedom even when that puts me in a minority, as it seems to do here.

Samuel B. Johnson
Greensboro

Thank you, Maureen Parker (letter, Dec. 8), for explaining once again that, since most of the citizens of Guilford County support the Haw River State Park, that is what we should force to be there. I certainly am for the park. It is a wonderful and rare opportunity to secure this type of facility and recreational area for our county.

Here is the problem with all the noise about this project. If this land was ''previously earmarked for the Haw River State Park,'' why was it not bought or optioned by the state? The extension as I understood it was to put the property owners on the same playing field (time-wise) as the state.

I suspect if the same amount of energy, money and pressure were applied to the state as to county officials and Bluegreen, this would have concluded to everyone's satisfaction. A compromise and win-win settlement is probably in the works already.

That said, here is the reason Parker upset me: ''perhaps Bluegreen will return to Florida and leave the Haw River property in the hands of North Carolina and the citizens of Guilford County.''

I believe the property should be left in the hands of the people who own it.

Andy Nelson
Greensboro

Lorraine Ahearn's article on ''Stars come out on Lee Street'' (Dec. 9) was an example of how ''The Ten Year Task Force Plan to End Homelessness'' can step by step become a reality. Some may think that everyone in Guilford County having their own home is a utopian or pipe dream. It isn't if we focus on what we can do rather than emphasize what we can't.

Mitch McGee, Buffy Casto and the Housing Support Team at Family Services of the Piedmont are part of the solution. Thank you for talking about hope and individuals recovering their lives. It will take the resolve of individual nonprofit organizations, the Homeless Prevention Coalition of Guilford County, the governmental bodies and the citizens of Guilford County to give those without homes an opportunity to upgrade their lives.

I urge the new city councils and the county board of commissioners to support the Ten Year Plan with their rhetoric and budget priorities. I believe it will benefit all of us, emotionally, spiritually and financially as a community and individuals.

Mike Weaver
Greensboro

I am a retired state bureaucrat. I am really surprised the News & Record would let Brian Balfour write, ''The N.C. Benefits Time Bomb'' (Dec. 2). This article was full of things that Balfour knew nothing about.

Our retirement system is the second-best in the whole United States. We paid our dues. They took it, made money with it and it was successful. It was so successful that the state borrowed from it.

Sounds to me that Balfour is a bit unhappy with his retirement plan. Maybe he should apply for a state job.

I was a law-enforcement officer for the state for 30 years; my wife worked nearly that long for the school system. We are proud to say that we are retired state employees.

Balfour has things all crossed up. He should check his article a little better, and the News & Record should check a little closer on what it prints.

Maybe this Christmas season will change the way some people think about others. Each of us is put here on this earth for a reason. Mine was law enforcement, and I am proud to have spent it with the good Old North State.

By the way, I have been retired for 20 years.

Robert B. Jenkins
Thomasville

'Once again, the "War on Christmas" crowd is out in full force. Eli Oklesh (letter, Dec. 9) is just one ''trooper'' in the so-called war. Well, let's apply the neocon perspective to this "war."

First, we all know it's a big, fat lie perpetuated by those who want to restrict our freedom to greet people as we please. How do I know it's a lie? Because "Uncle Billy" O'Reilly put on his Web site ''holiday ornaments,'' so his hypocrisy discredits the whole movement, as neocons are quick to point out when they expose Al Gore's hypocrisy and use it to discredit the global warming crowd. After all, we want to be ''fair and balanced,'' right?

And second, this is just ''political correctness.'' They are demanding that we say ''Merry Christmas.'' I ask them, simply, if your rights to free religion are threatened, I demand to know what rights you personally have lost. I'm waiting. No? Didn't think so. More evidence this ''war'' is bull.

Anyway, Merry Christmas.

Brent White
Statesville

I am an armored service technician. I service ATMs. This letter is to let ATM customers know that I am not there to cause problems for them; I am just doing my job.

Some customers will get out of their cars and approach the ATM while we're servicing it. These are the ones I would like to address.

In October, there was an incident in Pennsylvania where a person parked his car behind the armored truck, got out and approached the technicians who were servicing the ATM and shot both of them. Both died at the scene.

It is our mission and intent to do our job as quickly and safely as possible. Hopefully, we can get your deposits safely into the bank and credited to your account. We must keep the ATM supplied so you can make that withdrawal you so desperately need.

We make every effort to be nice, but our main concern is safety. When someone makes moves like the man in Pennsylvania, we must be firm or risk getting killed.

My life is more important to me than letting you get to the ATM quickly. You can do it later.

Jack York
McLeansville

If last Tuesday's meeting of the Greensboro City Council was a peek at what's to come, I say, "Bring it on!"

I've attended and watched many council meetings, but the meeting Tuesday was something new. Energy, focus, concern, a willingness to move and a willingness to work together were all on display.

Most of the council members demonstrated not only clear knowledge of the issues at hand but a strong determination to address them. That's leadership.

We've heard a lot about a "police crisis," and if one exists someone needs to tell Chief Tim Bellamy and his staff. It was more than obvious that, despite the incessant sniping at the department, those in charge have not taken their eyes off the ball.

Their presentations were short, sweet and right on point. It's obvious that the Police Department's leadership is very clear on what's going on in our community, and it's equally clear they are determined to do their part to address it.

All in all, I was excited by what I witnessed at this meeting and hope to see more of the same in the future. Bring it on!

J. Michael Sanders
Greensboro

The same-day appearance of Marge Cromer's admonishment that an "apparently devout, practicing Muslim" shouldn't drink (letter, "Doesn't Islam prohibit the drinking of alcohol?" Dec. 12) and M. Reza Salami's assertion that he is a "practicing Christian" bring to light the dangerousness of making judgments without having all the facts.

Ms. Cromer and I were guilty of the same assumption. Furthermore, Mr. Salami's claim that the empties in his car were destined for the recycling center, true or not, underscores the fact that there are always two sides to every story.

Editorial comment on this incident has been decidedly against Mr. Salami, with many letters condemning his alleged lawbreaking. The discussion of constitutional rights in this case could be extended to include the concept that Mr. Salami is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Tom Swanton
Greensboro

Regarding Cynthia Adams' letter (Dec. 11), I am sick of hearing misguided liberals distort the Constitution to justify removing religion from every aspect of public life. The Constitution says, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." The highlighted part is usually ignored by secular progressives like Adams.

That line about "a wall of separation" was addressed by Thomas Jefferson in 1802 in a letter to the Danbury Baptist Association long after the First Amendment was ratified in 1791. Support for the idea was given by James Madison, but neither sought to include the line in the Bill of Rights. The idea of a "wall of separation" was intended to protect the church from the federal government, not vice versa.

Having a cross or other religious symbol in a police patrol vehicle is no more a government endorsement of religion than placing a cross or a Star of David in Arlington Cemetery.
As a licensed private investigator and armed security officer, I've been shot at before, and when that happens a reminder of a higher power is a welcome sight, no matter where it's posted.

John Callicutt
Greensboro

Recently, a young man walked into a shopping mall, pulled a gun and killed eight people before turning the gun on himself.

The same thing happened at Virginia Tech, Columbine High School and an Amish school in Pennsylvania.

At what point do we identify these people for what they are? Cowardly terrorists. Are they any different than any suicide bomber in Iraq? All share the goal of killing innocent people before killing themselves.

The last line of the Nebraska mall shooter's suicide note said, "but I'm going to be famous now." Famous? No. Cowardly terrorist? Yes.

Jim Sartwell
Liberty

I am writing to state my strong objection to the proposed Walgreens to be located at the corner of Lawndale and Cornwallis drives.

As a resident of the Kirkwood neighborhood, my strongest objection is the additional traffic that this business would generate. The Cornwallis-Lawndale-Battleground intersection is one of the most confusing and busiest in the city.

The additional traffic would only serve to further clog this intersection, causing additional delays, accidents and, most importantly, increase safety issues for the many children who attend Irving Park Elementary School one block away.

Five drugstores within a one-mile radius is enough! We need to preserve our neighborhood's character and keep it safe for its residents, pedestrians and motorists.

I hope the City Council recognizes the strong, united opposition to this proposed rezoning and votes to deny the application.

Bob Riedlinger
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint:

By J.R. Fleagle

Jerry Clark is a good UNC football fan (Counterpoint, Dec. 6), but his light-blue-tinted glasses have caused him to lose perspective in the relationship between performance and rewards.

I won't compare football coaches to professors, only football coaches to football coaches. It is a fact that the University of Miami never won a national championship while Davis was the head coach (1995-2000). In his third year, when half of the team was his recruits, his record was 5-6.

Surely a first-year record at UNC of 4-8 is not good. But it does take time to recruit and establish your system. However, had a field goal attempt by hapless Duke as the fourth quarter expired been made. Davis' record would be the same 3-9 as his predecessor's 3-9 in 2006. Some even were calling for Davis to be fired before that overtime victory.

Coach Jerry Moore of Appalachian State has a total annual salary of about $100,000. He has won three national championships in the past three years. In 18 years, he's never had a losing season at ASU. They would have to triple Moore's salary just to match Davis' raise.

Coach Joe Paterno of Penn State has more wins than all but one Division 1-A coach. He has two national championships, more bowl wins than any other coach and five undefeated seasons. He was just inducted into the College Hall of Fame. After 42 years, his annual salary is only $527,000. They would have to quadruple his salary just to match the salary of Butch Davis.

A reward of a $291,000 raise to a $2.1 million salary after one dismal 4-8 season is not rational unless, of course, you are a Fortune 500 CEO.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Jennifer Krawiec

All of my great-grandparents were immigrants. Under varying circumstances, they legally entered the United States through Ellis Island only to endure disease, poverty and other hardships. But they were pull-yourself-up-by-the-bootstraps type people. They insisted their children learn the language of this country. They did what it took to make a life here — a life of which I reap the benefits generations later.

Fast-forward to 2007. No one can deny we have a problem in our country with illegal immigration (although the phrase now used is "undocumented immigrants," as if someone lost the paperwork to make them citizens). Someone please explain to me how a person who is acting illegally can be repeatedly rewarded with rights afforded to law-abiding citizens.
Take, for instance, UNC President Erskine Bowles' suggestion of bestowing in-state tuition rights to illegal immigrants. Whether or not in-state tuition for illegals is approved in the UNC system, the idea of it is a slap in the face to me.

When I was a student at UNCG, I had to fight for in-state tuition. It was an arduous process in which had to prove I was financially responsible for myself without the aid of my out-of-state parents. It required documentation of proof of employment, at least 12 months of permanent in-state residency and a legal North Carolina driver's license. Yankee jokes aside, it felt to me as if the school was trying to protect itself from a Jersey girl taking advantage of the (relatively speaking) cheap tuition.

I worked hard for my college education. I waited tables and worked retail because they were jobs that allowed for flexibility to attend daytime classes. It took me eight years to earn my "four-year degree" because I was a part-time student who needed a job in order to afford tuition. That was more than 15 years ago.

It is undeniable that the demographics of our state have changed since then and should be addressed. In reality, the number of illegal immigrants who will take advantage of an affordable college education may be low. They will, however, likely drive up the tuition costs for both in- and out-of-state students.

Approving a plan to allow illegals to attend the UNC system may seem like a great plan to some, but to those who look at college education as a privilege, instead of a right, that plan is certainly flawed.

The writer lives in High Point.

Thank you, Mayor Yvonne Johnson and our new City Council, for your measured and wise response to police Chief Tim Bellamy's request for financial assistance. When law enforcement and the government work together to address crime in the community, positive results will follow. When seven people are killed by violence in about a week, all the government and elected officials need to respond.

But where was the third prong of the system in the fight against crime, the elected district attorney of Guilford County, the voice of the people of North Carolina in a criminal case? When asked to utilize all the resources available to him, such as nuisance-abatement lawsuits, which were used successfully by the last district attorney in an effort to minimize criminal activity, his response was that his office is not set up to handle these cases. What happened to this office in two years under his direction?

Voters, you brought a fresh face to the city by electing a wonderful mayor and a new perspective to the City Council. Do the same in the next election for DA. In the meantime, require him to do his job.

Julia Wolf Hejazi
Greensboro

The writer is a former candidate for Guilford County district attorney.

Regarding Reza Salami's op-ed piece (Dec. 12), Shakespeare's line. "The lady doth protest too much, methinks," comes to mind.

The U.S. Constitution states that Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. By no stretch of reasoning could a sign in a patrol car saying "Jesus is your savior" be construed as the government establishing a religion or interfering with the freedom to practice religion. If the sign had stated one must believe or die, then perhaps Salami would have a point, but it didn't. Salami could be construed as infringing on the officer's freedom to practice his religion, but that is a different matter.

The most troubling part of Salami's piece is not that he seemed to be insulted that he, a college professor, was stopped at a sobriety checkpoint, but that a practicing Christian was offended by a sign saying something positive about the person he professes to believe in as his savior. One day he'll have to explain to Jesus why he had a problem with a sign saying "Jesus is your savior." I hope his explanation then is better than his explanation for his actions now.

Derek Knight
Greensboro

My family recently attended a concert at Kernodle Middle School. We paused at the portrait of John Kernodle and, with sadness and gratitude, remembered him as a friend and a champion of children. Little did we know that the next morning we would learn of the death of another friend and champion of our children: Vic Sapp.

Vic was a leader to the Greensboro Gaters AAU Basketball -- one of the best, if not the best --league in North Carolina. His leadership and friendship positively influenced many young people across North Carolina. He will be missed by many people, but especially by the many Gater boys he coached.

These two men were examples for all of us to give back to our children, to serve our community, to sow seeds of kindness. John and Vic were giants among men and the world is better because of them.

Julie Chapman
Greensboro

I have two questions for Reza Salami. If he is a practicing Christian, what denomination is he practicing with that feels the name of Jesus should not be seen in public?

Also, what legal tender did he use to buy his alcohol and everything else he has purchased for the 35 years he's been here? He surely didn't use U.S. dollars which says, "In God We Trust."

Martha Carrigan
Jamestown

Over the past year, I have read several articles about the gang problem in Greensboro. In my opinion, most of those articles are inflated. Every time a crime is committed, I see, "It may be gang-related."

However, the police are quick to say that they have not completed their investigation. Nevertheless, the article leaves you with the impression that gangs are responsible.

In addition, I have yet to see a complete report to see if the allegations of all these crimes were by gangs.

Yes, there is a rise in crime in Greensboro, but I would like to see mention of the economy, low numbers of jobs, lack of education, dropout rate and poverty as factors.

Having grown up in and frequented places like Morningside Homes, I remember as youth we tended to stick in our comfort zones. Thus, as long as there are low-income communities there will be "gangs" in the eyes of many.

The fact is, that as adults, we are failing these children and the fear we have of them only empowers them to join gangs. Police are here to uphold the law, but parents and community need to take the lead.

Terrace McKinnon
Greensboro

After Reza Salami challenged the posting of a Christian message in the back seat of a patrol car, several letters have blamed him for being an irresponsible foreigner who did not have the right to question an officer’s religious beliefs. In Salami's eye-opening article, he wrote that he is a longtime American, a practicing Christian and had empty bottles to take to a recycling center when he was stopped at a sobriety checkpoint. What a powerful lesson in not passing judgment until both sides of a story are heard.

Even if all this were not the case, many Guilford County citizens would share Salami's concern over having the words"Jesus is your savior" displayed in any public, governmental space. Believers of other faiths, like myself, and those who may not follow any religion, may feel especially excluded. It would be disconcerting to find such a message in a space that is paid for with my taxes, which I have to enter in order to carry out my business as a citizen.

I would feel much more confident that my rights were being respected if I knew that my constitutional rights to church/state separation were recognized first.

Annette Z. Green
Greensboro

Greensboro College has transported our community from a lowly manger to a higher plane.
The "Peace on Earth" sign embodies the teaching from the Sermon on the Mount to turn the other cheek.

Thank you, Greensboro College.

Anne Vaughan
Greensboro

Healing Greensboro:

Solution 1: Proposed Civil Rights Museum. I would encourage the donation of the Woolworth building to the city of Greensboro as part of our historical museum system. The historical importance of what happened on Feb. 1, 1960, warrants recognition that is inclusive for all of Greensboro.

The creation of an entirely new museum veers away from the historical event that took place at the lunch counter and siphons off much-needed money to bring this building up to current code.

While I support applying for grant money with the National Trust Community Investment Corp. and other private sources, I have to respect the voters’ position in the last bond referendum and not allocate additional city revenues for this project.

I do not believe that the museum as proposed will be self-supporting and in the future the citizens of Greensboro will be asked on an annual basis for money to sustain this project.

Solution 2: Former Chief David Wray and City Council. It is time for this to be decided in a court of law and allow our system of justice to work. It should not be decided by politicians or the media.

Sidney C. Gray
Greensboro

Commendation to Reza Salami and Allen Johnson for the article in the Dec. 16 paper regarding the very essential summary of the important issue of the separation of church and state.

Salami's ordeal in this situation brings out to view the ignorance and judgmentalism of the so-called Christians in our midst. I am tired of people ignoring the principles in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew), supposedly the Christian's great tour de force, and making judgments completely contrary to these tenets.

Christians of all stamp: Take a little time and read the Beatitudes (the preamble to the Sermon on the Mount) and see what we Christians could seriously consider replacing the Ten Commandments with as our basic tenets.

Bravo, Reza Salami!

Sister Gretchen Reintjes
Greensboro

The writer is a Sister of St. Joseph.

Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanza are here. They mark the Winter Solstice, Dec. 21. A time of gift-giving, family gatherings and feasting. We feel really happy to be alive and loved.

Staring in from the outside are the street people. Despair reaches its peak. Suicide, abuse of drugs, and deaths from DWI soar. How many empty places of worship could shelter homeless? Will those less fortunate be invited to our parties? Will true personal relationships be made?

Remember these? "Go take what you have, and give it to the poor." "That which you do for the least of these, my brothers, you do unto me!" "Love thy neighbor as thyself." Let's try for a Christmas miracle. Swamp children with quality gifts. Get to know them and look for ways to help. I guarantee that memory will live longer than the latest consumer "must-have" or gifts given to impress each other. All these are material and fade. Knowing you created a citywide, nobody excluded, feast and celebration, will be with you to the day you die.

Edward Philpott
Greensboro

I hope this will be read by Kevin Feeley and anyone assisting in destroying the Greensboro College Nativity scene. If you're in college, it's around 6:30 in the morning, still fairly dark outside; what is going through your painfully small mind(s)? "This is fun?" "This will alleviate some of the anger/frustration/growing pains I've been feeling"? These aren't rhetorical questions. I want to know what drives such mean-spirited behavior by people who should know better.
Are you an orphan, and it never occurred to wonder what your mother or grandmother would think of this stupid escapade?

As the News & Record saw fit to cover this attack on its front page, I hope it gets answers to these questions. I am baffled by it all.

Sheila Duell
Greensboro

I am running as an independent for president. Here is a glimpse of my platform.

I propose total campaign finance reform. Public funding only. This will stop the root cause of corruption of government officials. Just as a cop on the beat is forbidden to accept a free lunch, it would be illegal for congressmen. No one, including lobbyists or corporations, would be permitted to provide gifts or services to government officials.

Only express consent from Congress would enable the president to send our youth to war.
Eliminate earmarks. Pork projects would have to be transparent.

The next two platform planks may generate enough funds to save Social Security and Medicare.
All off-shore tax havens will be illegal. U.S. corporations should pay U.S. taxes. A salaried worker should not have a higher tax rate than a fat cat with stock market profits. They should be taxed as ordinary income. My administration will be staffed by competent qualified people.

No campaign donors. No favor owed.

Just call me. Mr. President.

Hey. You never know. Strange things happen.

Peace.

Max Roseman
High Point

The following is a Counterpoint.

By Joe Franks

The behavioral crisis in public schools is not limited to Guilford County. Talk to educators across the state, region or country and you hear similar stories. Disrespect, foul language, fighting — we have all heard these stories and seen numerous letters to the editor. The real question is, what will the leaders of the school system do to address and try to correct the ills that are in our schools?

Community forums and diversity training for teachers and staff are common reactions that have been used with generally poor results. As a teacher of more than 20 years, it is my opinion that the only way school leaders can truly understand the magnitude of what we deal with on a daily basis is for them to be in the schools.

I am not talking about the standard visit of walking the halls for an hour with the principal or visiting a selected class for one period. I am suggesting that our superintendent, his upper administrative staff and members of the school board be a substitute teacher for a day, once a month, in a middle school or high school. Go through substitute training, be in the classroom all day and assume the teacher's duties — whether it be hall duty, lunch duty or bus duty.
In this way leaders of our school system can truly understand conditions in our schools. They will see a collage of great students, struggling students, those with character and those who need help.

Our public schools are the last great hope that our community and our society have for teaching norms, values, civility and character.

As teachers, we are told that all students can learn, and that is true. All children can learn to behave with respect for others, to comply with the direction of authority, to be good citizens and to give a good effort in school.

For those who cannot adapt to the regular school environment, our school system should create alternative schools that have lower class sizes, an emphasis on behavioral modification and personalized mentoring. This type of customized educational environment will meet them where they are and result in a greater likelihood of their being successful in school and in life.
School leaders, it's up to you. I hope to see you in the classroom.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

Regarding the Counterpoint, "Sowell should examine his own bias" (Dec. 15), by James D. Lockley:

Lockley is wrong when he wrote that Dr. Sowell told "…an out and out untruth."

Sowell wrote "…the expanding Antarctic ice cap, which has grown to record size…," and Sowell is correct.

The Antarctic sea ice measured about 16 million square kilometers in October 2007, which is the largest in recorded history. It is currently summer in Antarctica and there is about 2 million square kilometers more sea ice than the same date last year. Recorded history is based on satellite data from 1979 to present.

Don't believe me. Don't believe Lockley. Don't believe Sowell. Look it up for yourself at http://arctic.atmos.uiuc.edu/cryosphere.

The Arctic sea ice is currently about 1 million square kilometers below the 1979-2000 average for this date. The record (from 1979) "melting" of Arctic sea ice this past summer was not due to high temperatures. It was due to wind that blew ice out of the Arctic Circle, and then the ice melted.

Robert Burns
Greensboro

Residents of the Triad need not be concerned there will be a surge of federal prisoners convicted for crack cocaine being released ("Officers wary of crack releases," Dec. 15). Although the U.S. Sentencing Commission shortened the guideline sentences for crack cocaine and made the changes retroactive, the lengthy mandatory minimum sentences for these crimes, enacted by Congress, have not changed.

For a crime involving at least 5 grams of crack, the mandatory minimum is five years. For at least 10 grams, it is 10 years.

Moreover, offenders sentenced under the career offender and armed career offender guidelines do not benefit from the retroactivity. Nor do those serving only the five- or 10-year mandatory minimums. Other restrictions are in place, as well.

Most important, any reduction to an offender's prison time is entirely under the purview of the court that sentenced the individual. It is safe to say that the prison doors are not going to be swinging wide open. Rather, this is one small step toward individualized sentencing, placed in the hands of judges, not legislators, for which groups like Families Against Mandatory Minimums have long advocated.

Robert Stoesen
Greensboro

I would like to reinforce the many excellent points Tim Smith makes in his letter, "Federal regulations will harm freight rail service," (Dec. 12).

Greensboro, as well as much of this country, has neglected the railroads that made this city the "Gate City," particularly as regards freight transportation. There is still much rail infrastructure in place, that if some effort were made to improve it and with some ingenuity, freight rail service could again become an important element in local transportation.

Other states and areas are moving in that direction. Pennsylvania has just announced a $20 million grant to help railroads and businesses improve freight transportation. Instead of all this talk about an Aerotropolis, tearing up the area at PTI for an unnecessary third runway and destroying the road network and the environment in that area at enormous expense, and destroying the farms in the Heart of the Triad area, let's bring this "economic development and job creation" back into the heart of Greensboro with freight rail service as a key component.

Railroads are much more energy efficient and environmentally friendly than airplanes for freight transportation. Except for truly urgent, time-sensitive cargo, air freight service doesn't make much sense.

Harry P. Clapp
Greensboro

A practicing Christian would invite the sheriff to his church.

A practicing Christian would give the sheriff his phone number.

A practicing Christian would say, "Bless you, sheriff, for having God's name near you." For He watches over us "practicing Christians."

A practicing Christian is sober-minded. It says so in the Bible.

As a practicing Christian, you go by "the Book."

A practicing Christian does not judge the sheriff or Sheriff BJ Barnes. Matthew 7:1, "Judge not, that ye be not judged." Verse 2, "For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged."

A practicing Christian would go and break bread with the sheriff.

So, M. Reza Salami, stop practicing and go and do -- be a Christian.

Steven W. Hayes
Jamestown

The following is a Counterpoint:
By Francie Portnoy

I was reading the paper Dec. 10 and, as usual, had to see what my favorite columnist, Leonard Pitts Jr., had to say. In his holiday message he chose to focus on a very sad and hurtful human characteristic, which is causing unbelievable harm. He wrote about the cruelty we, as people, bestow on one another because of our mistaken belief that our faith, culture, race or ethnicity holds the one and only truth. His focus was on the Holocaust, one of the most notorious examples of institutionalized/socialized hate, but the dangers of this thinking, or lack of, are fostered in so many other ways.

A couple weeks ago, a self-described "well-meaning" acquaintance sent me an e-mail that had been circulating throughout the Internet from God-tube called A Letter from Hell. The video very vividly described how anyone who does not accept Jesus as their lord and savior would burn in hell for eternity.

This woman has known me for many years and knows that I was raised Jewish but now attend a very liberal Quaker Meeting and that, while I see Jesus as a very wise prophet, I do not define him as God. By sending me this video, she was saying that because I find my truths and values from other sources, they are not as good or true as hers. Even worse, that the source of my beliefs and values is so unacceptable that I deserve to suffer for eternity.

I have never quite understood how any religion that claims to worship and follow the teachings of a man like Jesus could embrace such mean-spirited, violent and self-serving beliefs. All the teachings of Jesus that can be honestly attributed to him talk of inclusion, love, acceptance and charity. Nowhere is he portrayed as a man of vengeance, hatred or exclusion.

Until all our faiths begin to honestly teach and follow the true values of love, acceptance, charity, forgiveness and inclusion that their leaders espoused, we will never be able to work together. We will never find the commonality needed to honestly strive for a united goal. We will never find peace.

Maybe it is time to start listening to the message more and stop hating those who hear it from a different messenger.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

As this holiday season progresses, I see commercial after commercial for the perfect gift. As I watch, I know there are people stressing over what to buy. I hope this letter will make a few people stop and think about something.

Over the past several years, we have lost members of our family who were very precious to us, and suddenly what you thought was a burden to pack up the children and hit the road wasn't a burden at all and we long for those holidays past. With another member of the family battling cancer, it is the time we can spend together this Christmas, not what we can spend for Christmas that matters.

Jimmy Self
Summerfield

Airport security has recently increased drastically. Many new laws and safety precautions have been passed to further increase our "safety." The increase in security is needed, but airport security needs to use common sense.

In a News & Record article (Dec. 13), I read about a 64-year-old man who endangered his life just to make a point. This man suffered alcohol poisoning because he quickly drank two pints of vodka. Airport security would not allow such large quantities of liquid aboard the plane. If the vodka bottles were sealed, then it would not pose a threat.

As a child, when traveling, I have been pulled over multiple times by airport security. They should focus their energy on catching the real crooks, not just stopping young boys and old men to make it seem like they are doing their job.

Patrick Fontaine
Greensboro

The writer is a ninth-grader.

The League of Women Voters of the Piedmont Triad supports the purchase of land for the expansion of the Haw River State Park for the use of all citizens and opposes the requested zoning for a gated golf community proposed by Bluegreen Corp.

This position is based on the League of Women Voters of the United States and our local league consensus statements concerning land use and clean water.

Diane Davis
Greensboro

The writer is president, League of Women Voters of the Piedmont Triad.

Max Borders (Second Opinion, Dec. 16) brings more heat than light to the issue of whether undocumented immigrants should be allowed into North Carolina's community colleges when he equates the right to attend such colleges to 'the rights and privileges of citizenship.”

In opening their doors to persons from other countries, community colleges align themselves with the long tradition of inclusion that has made this country great. When those colleges offer combined English and civics classes, as many have done at least since 2000, they perform an essential public service whose purpose is exactly the opposite of making 'citizenship and order ... curiosities of a bygone era.” 

Illegal immigrants may pose a problem for a society in which documentation is the expected norm, but they are no threat to the institution of citizenship. Specious and disingenuous arguments from the likes of Borders contribute little to addressing how best to deal with the many complexities posed by the presence of large groups of immigrants, both documented and undocumented. With their policies of inclusion and their responsive curriculum, on the other hand, North Carolina's community colleges seem to have it right.

Roch C. Smith
Greensboro

This is in response to the News & Record editorial (Dec. 7) concerning M. Reza Salami's comments regarding the posting of religious signs in government vehicles.

Salami states that he is a practicing Christian, which I think is wonderful. However, he emphasizes the point of his wife and son being Catholic yet neglects to state his denomination.
Also, normally when one carries around trash (the wine bottles in his car) to be recycled, generally he or she will place the items in a trash bag. This is a much safer practice than allowing trash to roll around the back seat of an auto.

In any event, as a Christian (Catholic) myself, I would never be offended at the sight of a religious sign posted in a patrol car, or in any other government vehicle. I would simply assume it was directed to all of the lost souls being transported by law enforcement and not toward such upright individuals as Salami and I.

Larry Stafford
Kernersville

There will be no letters to the editor Dec. 24 or Dec. 25.

There have been several, recent letters about the sign, "Jesus is your Savior" (emphasis mine.) It set me thinking about what other signs might be placed in the future. For example: "God is dead," "There is only one God and Mohammed is His Messenger," "I'm a Pagan and proud," "Obey & Be Happier," "Jewish and Proud," "Buddha Bless America," "Religions are just cults with more members," "Have you hugged a witch today?" and "Have a good Yule."

Which of these other signs would be acceptable, and which not, in a taxpayer-purchased vehicle: all or none? You may guess what I think.

Harvey Herman
Greensboro

H. Scott Hoffmann / News-Record
Lynn Garner holds her 1-year-old son, Kris, so he can blow the smoke from the barrel of her shotgun after Garner finished shooting a round at a turkey shoot in McLeansville recently.

I'm sure I'm not the first to respond to the photograph showing a toddler blowing on the barrel of his mother's shotgun. This beautiful child with his mouth practically on the gun is totally disturbing and upsetting to me.

It is no surprise that I'm not a hunter and have never shot a gun. I see the results of our gun-loving culture and yes, I'm upset. I do want better control over the ownership of guns. But, even a hunter or person raised around guns should be upset by this photograph putting an innocent child in such close proximity to a gun -- and in living color. Please.

Debbie Blackwood
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint

By Betty K. Franks

"The Leader of the Band is tired and his eyes are growing old but his blood runs through my instrument and his song is in my soul."

Those profound and appropriate words of a beautiful song came to mind as I read the obituaries of three men over two days.

One was Dan Fogelberg, the singer/songwriter who penned the words and music to this song. Another was Sheldon "Shelly" Morgenstern, who was in the same high school band as I. He went on to found the Eastern Music Festival and to become the leader of his own band.

That brings me to the third man to whom I will always be grateful for a great love of all types of music and some of the best memories of my school years in Greensboro.

Herbert Hazelman was the very fine example of a teacher who loved his subject and his pupils and who did his very best to instill an appreciation for excellence in those of us under his charge. During this time - six years of my school career - I was in awe of and definitely respectful of his teaching and stern expectation of perfection. I was also fortunate enough to be a member of the Greensboro High School Band.

In my three years at GHS (1954-57) we won consecutive superior ratings in state competition and were invited to play in Chicago at a prestigious band clinic attended by more than a thousand music directors from all over the USA to highly positive acclaim. We performed in a parade and concert in the Orange Bowl as part of the National Lions Club convention in Miami.
When I was a senior, we also performed an unprecedented solo halftime show at a Washington Redskins-Detroit Lions game, uninterrupted by commercials. We received rave reviews for the performance, which was televised in Greensboro.

Let me say how very proud I am to have been a student at Greensboro Senior High during the prime of this exceptional man.

Thanks, Mr. Hazelman. You truly were our "Mr. Holland."

The writer lives in Greensboro .

Does school board member Walter Childs have a few screws missing in his head? For him to say that poverty causes students to fight - "they fight because they don't have the same kinds of things other kids have" - is ludicrous.

Poverty does not cause fighting. Lack of self-respect, lack of self-discipline and lack of manners are causes for fighting. Don't tell me, Mr. Childs, that every poor family in Greensboro has children that fight. That is ridiculous.

My child is a former Grimsley student. I would pick her up at school and listen to the language that came out of some of the high schoolers' mouths. I would watch the pushing and the shoving that went on beyond the eyes of administration. I would listen to these "children" talking to each other, talking back to their teachers and bus drivers.

Poverty does not cause fighting, Mr. Childs. When our children are not brought up to respect themselves, to respect others and their property … that's when values break down. It starts in the home.

Good values, morals and respect are in "poor" homes too. Mr. Childs, you are painting the picture wrong.

Lisa-Ann Andrews
Greensboro

While watching for the umpteenth time Rudolph bailing out Santa on TV recently, my mind kept wandering to the wonderful Nativity tableaus my family took me to when I was young. Though the stage was always crowded with motionless depictions of Mary and Joseph, the Wise Men, adoring shepherds, a myriad of barnyard animals and a brilliant star shining above, my eyes were irresistibly drawn to the newborn Babe.

I can remember the Child in the Manger of that glorious, silent scene (although many times the baby, too young to appreciate the nuances of the presentation, wriggled winsomely on his bed of straw). I soon realized that no Christmas story, sacred or secular, could express the true significance of that one instant in world history more truly than the Nativity Creche. Time stopped at that moment and the whole future of mankind was focused in one infant, so small, so weak, and yet so full of promise for those who would heed His teachings.

Tragically, we have not always been men of peace and good will that the angels entreated that holy night. For His sake and ours, we must do better in the future.

Michael J. Scotto
Greensboro

Two cities almost 500 miles apart have all too similar headlines about the same time.

A number of decades ago, I peddled The Express-Times of Easton, Pa., for seven of my 12 school years. From time to time, I subscribe to it. This is one of those times.

Recently, in my mail box I received the Easton paper with the front-page story, "Deaths, arrests, and gang activity." The next morning I picked up my News & Record with the front-page story, "Recent killings raise concerns." What a tragic coincidence.

When we read through each news item, we learn how easy it is to get from Jersey City, N.J., probably using I-78. Greensboro feels gang members from elsewhere may be involved here.

Easton is a city of about 30,000. It, Phillipsburg, N.J., Bethlehem, Pa., and Allentown, Pa., are the cities in the Lehigh Valley, which, in a number of ways, has commonality with our Piedmont Triad.

I will be very interested to see how these stories play out in each city.

Dale Bennett
Thomasville

It never ceases to amaze me how often the News & Record publishes far-right, xenophobic columns from people who think that every Muslim is Osama and every liberal is Fidel.

The Counterpoint from Darrell Kidd ("Who speaks for the rights of Christians?," Dec. 20), who makes Bill O'Reilly look like far-left icon Noam Chomsky, is just the latest example of the perverse effort by the editorial board to provide equal space or objectivity.

"The 700 Club" would never allow commentary from Al Gore, and likewise your otherwise respectable newspaper should not publish this garbage. Surely there is at least one conservative in the Triad who can make his points without spewing venom.

As for the main topic presented by Mr. Kidd, one should simply ask him when was the last time a Christian family was arrested for having a nativity scene in their yard? Surely, it has never happened in Randolph County.

Tilly Gokbudak
Reidsville

I have a problem with Derek Knight (letter, Dec. 19) asking what would Jesus think about Reza Salami's problem with the sheriff's deputy. I agree as a Christian with Salami and want to know what gives Knight the right to even ask the question, what is Jesus going to say. That is an unknown to even the most faithful.

Christians and non-Christians have to stop bickering about the Constitution and stop trying to push their beliefs on others.

Paul Moscato
Siler City

Your Dec. 19 editorial advocating nonresistance to armed robbery is unworthy of citizens in a free society.

What is the advantage of making crime easier and why should a store owner allow himself to be victimized by a worthless hoodlum?

Yes, resistance increases the risk of violence. As Marine Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper wrote: "The optimum outcome of an armed robbery is a dead robber at the scene."

And yes, the good guy may get hurt, but isn't that his choice?

If the barbarian kills the store owner, we can put him away permanently instead of playing judicial catch and release.

Forget about rehabilitation. The goal should be to incapacitate the offender until he is too old to be a danger to anyone. Give real time for armed robbery -- life without parole for repeat offenders -- and watch the robbery rate decline.

And spare me attempts to turn the perpetrator into a victim. In many cases the criminal has been educated, medicated, housed and fed his whole life at taxpayer expense.
Don't take my money, create a criminal underclass with it and then expect more.

Jeff Pickett
Franklinville

The concerns below are for the city and state leaders regarding our shortage of water.

Because the shortage appears to be an issue that may continue for the long term, why have our leaders not placed a moratorium on the building of new apartments, condos and homes?

The more people who move into those areas of our state where the shortages are greatest, the more the drain is on what we have currently, let alone in the future.

Until water levels rise to where they were previously, or new long-term water supplies are found, this issue should be taken into consideration.

Between Greensboro and Burlington alone, I would be hesitant to count the new construction taking place on U.S. 70 alone, let alone anywhere else in this area.

Arnold Dow
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Rebecca Kabatchnick

I was disappointed to read "Billions pledged to aid Mideast" and find that it can be misleading and even misunderstood. While the Arab-Israeli conflict, or situation, remains very controversial, it is not difficult to misconstrue media coverage, and there exists evidence of bias and contradiction in this article.

A picture can speak a thousand words. The photo of the young Palestinian boy is overwhelmingly large on the front page of the newspaper. The picture without doubt captured the pathos of the condition of the boy running along a clothesline above barbed wire. But what about the victims of the violence and suicide bombings of "Palestinian militants" mentioned later in the article on page A6? Should we not feel the same compassion for them, for are they not an element in the "Uneasy Mideast"?

In the first line of the story on A6, there is mention of helping "stateless Palestinians," yet according to the quote of French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner, whose picture is displayed, "The real winner today is the Palestinian state." As well, the phrasing of "Palestinian militants" is chosen when the suicide bombers and rioters can be viewed as militants, freedom fighters, or terrorists.

The article discusses the complications that Jewish homes and Israeli roadblocks in the West Bank, but while Israel's "reluctance" to ease "physical and administrative restrictions" is mentioned, what about Abbas' reluctance to implement his commitments until Israel ceases all settlement activities "without exception"?

It is unfortunate that this article predominantly expresses a Palestinian view of the conflict in the Middle East. The battles in the Middle East are incessant, but thousands of miles away, we must fight our own battle for understanding. For many in Greensboro, the media is the only connection to the Middle East, so misunderstandings must be alleviated altogether.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

When the N.C. Wildlife Commission (if that's the agency responsible) turned the deer loose on us, did they not know the deer would multiply?

Some people have stopped driving at night due to the increased risk of deer and vehicle collisions. Such accidents have caused the loss of human lives, millions of dollars in vehicle damages and increased insurance premiums. The deer population is also responsible for destroying many crops.

Will it take a busload of schoolchildren involved in a collision with deer before the Wildlife Commission (or appropriate agency) will extend the hunting season?

Al-Qaida is not to be feared as much as deer since the deer are already here. The state could sell more lottery tickets if people weren't spending money on getting front ends put back on cars and trucks and paying higher insurance premiums.

Bob Herndon
Liberty

To understand what liberal Greensboro's obsession with "diversity" has brought us, simply follow the local news. As if we didn't have enough crime, the infusion of gangs has made this once-safe, livable city a miniature version of Detroit, or New Orleans, or any "blue" city.

Greensboro has become a place where one of the most dangerous places to send your children is to school, or to a convenience store. But, hey, we're "diverse."

Not really. We have little true diversity. What passes for diversity today is counting the number of minorities we encounter each day. We have a complete lack of true diversity in editorial departments, teachers' lounges, school boards, college faculties and elective offices where "diversity" laws have mandated that we elect a certain number of minorities.

A national magazine recently listed the 15 most dangerous cities in America. Guess what the common denominator was. Right, they were among our most "diverse" cities. They were gang-infested and had horrible (but expensive) government schools. Instead of working to fix these problems, the apologists (liberals) want to find the "root" cause. How's this? Dropping out of school, doing drugs, joining a gang, having multiple children that you can't afford!

Tony Moschetti
High Point

It is said that words last forever. Your Dec. 24 reprint of Mutt Burton's wonderful Merry Christmas/Happy New Year letter verifies the truth of that adage, Thanks for keeping Mutt Burton alive.

Rip Bernhardt
Greensboro

What am I missing? After reading several articles concerning accepting children of illegal immigrants into the UNC system, what am I missing?

I can't get past that word "illegal." As in it's against the law. It's illegal to rob a bank. It's illegal to drive drunk. Are we going to start looking the other way at these illegalities also? Are American taxpayers, who have been paying into the U.S. system all their lives yet can't afford to send their kids to college, going to be required to pick up the tab for these illegal college educations? Just another step in the selling of America.

Erskine Bowles, UNC system president, stated, "We can't stick our heads in the sand. These people are here and we have to deal with it."

Well, I say Bowles is sticking his head in the sand. He knows there's a section of the U.S. government to handle the deportation of illegal immigrants. Let's make them do their job.

If I may suggest a plan: Allow the children of illegal immigrants to enroll in the UNC system. Then use the enrollment information to track down their parents and do the right thing: Deport them.

Doug Astin
Reidsville

Even a ninth-grader knows airport security needs more sensible priorities, but do they know why? "Rights organizations" demand that all people be checked, not just the "high-risk" people." They forbid looking for the right people and checking for the right things because such targeting would be a violation of "rights."

This results in complicated and unnecessary regulations to avoid their complaints and threatened suits and thereby oppresses the wrong people, including the little old 82-year-old men who served the country during World War II.

I'm a WWII pilot (retired USAF Reserves) who has experienced such oppression.

Ralph R. Hemphill
Julian

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Holly Gershenson

Reading the Dec. 18 Associated Press article, "Billions pledged to aid Mideast," showed me just how inaccurate people's views can be on the problem in the Middle East.

The article begins with a reference to "stateless Palestinians," but the caption under the picture of the French foreign minister quotes him as saying, "The real winner today is the Palestinian state."

The article misleads readers into believing that Israel is at fault for causing the Palestinian refugee problem. Israel is trying to help Palestinian refugees and already has given huge chunks of its land to the Palestinians.

No other country, including the surrounding Arab countries, has given, or is willing to give, as much as Israel.

Of course Israel would be reluctant to remove roadblocks in the West Bank, as that would put its security at risk. Can anyone blame Israel for wanting to keep its people safe from acts of terror?

I am not saying the Palestinians shouldn't be helped, but I am saying that although Israel is doing as much as it can, the article still manages to find fault. What about the other countries that aren't helping, and what about the Palestinian Authority?

The Palestinian Authority is blackmailing Israel; giving peace only with more and more land. Does that seem like a compromise?

Israel will gain nothing by giving up more land. The fighting will continue until Israel ceases to exist, which is a Palestinian ideal.

The writer is a student at the American Hebrew Academy.

Everyone bears some responsibility on immigration: the employers who want cheap labor; the federal government, which has the constitutional responsibility to keep the borders secure; the citizens, who have the responsibility to vote out senators and congressmen who do not do their jobs; and the illegals themselves, who break the law by crossing the borders without permission.

Legislate a six-month grace period during which all illegals would register as guest workers, have criminal background checks, get a special guest worker ID card for taxes and other tracking needs, pay a small fine, continue their jobs, remain where they live, and get in the back of the line for citizenship.

Children born in the United States of illegal parents would not be citizens but could attend schools and have the same benefits as ordinary taxpayers. Employers would also pay a fine to cover the cost of this program and as a punishment for breaking the law, but work could continue.

A common language unites people. When people publicly demand to speak their own foreign language in the United States, it is like arrogant Americans demanding to have English spoken in whatever country they visit. Rude and polarizing in any case.

Chris Corry
Greensboro

My greatest wish for 2008 is for Christians, Jews, all nonmilitant Muslims and peace-loving people to find common ground to work for peace. We need to agree that suicide bombs and murdering innocent people are not the best ways to seek peace on earth. The deaths, agony and property damage are unconscionable.

There can only be one Supreme Being in the universe (God, Allah, Jehovah or some other name). It does not seem reasonable that any person who believes in a Supreme Being can believe only their version is correct and other believers are infidels.

All people must be free to worship the Supreme Being of their choice without threat of violence or death from other worshipers.

Americans need to become more aware that Osama bin Laden has declared war on Americans and those who are not Muslim.

The peaceful people in the world need to join in a pact that 1) condemns suicide bombing of innocent people, 2) entitles each person to a version of their choice of a Supreme Being, and 3) provides people freedom to worship in their own way without threat or danger from others.

Charles A. Speas Phillips
Greensboro

Congressman Howard Coble continues to be one of the greatest assets to our region, having provided residents of the 6th Congressional District with outstanding representation and unmatched constituent service for the past 23 years. Unfortunately, the sharply divided political atmosphere in which our nation finds itself has already generated unfair partisan attacks on Congressman Coble as he seeks re-election next year.

As a state legislator, I admire his willingness to reach across party lines to promote the policies that he truly believes are in the best interest of the 6th District. Moreover, his staff has consistently provided exceptional service to anyone in our area who has needed help in dealing with federal agencies.

I urge voters in the 6th Congressional District to stand behind our congressman over the course of the next year because we continue to need a proven, dedicated and capable person representing us in Washington. Howard Coble is the right person for the job.

Jerry C. Dockham
Denton

The writer is representative, N.C. House District 80.

On Dec. 18 you ran an article, "Turkey shoot draws fans, family." The accompanying photo shows a mother holding her 1-year-old son in her left arm and a shotgun in her right hand. The mother is laughing as she is holding the barrel of the shotgun up near her child's face, allowing him to blow smoke from the barrel.

I can't believe the utter stupidity of this act and the fact that she is putting her own child's life in such danger. Here is a perfect example of a person who should not be allowed within a mile of any firearm, loaded or unloaded. As anyone who has properly been trained in the handling of firearms is aware, the first rule of firearm safety is: Always assume a gun is loaded and second, never point it at anything you don't intend to shoot, period. NO EXCEPTIONS to these rules.

I would hope the people in charge of the turkey shoot would do more in the way of providing a safe environment for all who attend this event. I would hate to see a photo of next year's event showing someone lying on the ground dead after being accidentally shot.

Michael Silverman
Greensboro

A story of assumptions gone awry:

1) a long-time resident of Greensboro, who is Christian

2) and a good citizen is on his way to recycle empty, washed wine bottles, but

3) is stopped at a police checkpoint for sobriety, and

4) passes the breath test for alcohol in his system, but

5) is removed from his car to the squad car;

6) his car is searched and the empty bottles "discovered;" so

7) he is ticketed for having open wine bottles; then

8) while detained in the squad car he notices a sign promoting the Christian faith attached to the back of the front seat, so

9) he questions the legality and appropriateness of the sign, but

10) later the sheriff objects to his objections, and

11) the public reacts with verbal attacks, assuming he is Muslim, and

12) ignorance is on public display.

13) The losers: a law-abiding resident, local law enforcers, and our Constitution.

Jean Rodenbough
Greensboro

In Associated Press writer Jocelyn Noveck's curiously - perhaps ironically - uncredited entry in the current media debate over whether publicly to name or to not name mass murderers (Dec. 18), one argument in favor of full reportage (naming names, sharing the murderers' writings and videos, etc.) "goes to the nature of journalism and its duty to inform the public as completely as possible."

Does this mean we will stop averting the cameras when streakers disrupt nationally televised sporting events? Does this mean we will now publish how much money bank robbers make off with? Far less is at stake than human lives, after all.

Steve Russillo
High Point

Among the worst tragedies of the year now passing was the horrific shooting at Virginia Tech by a deranged gunman. Yet out of those ashes has emerged the most appropriate and hopeful outcome imaginable: a Center for Peace Studies and Non-Violence in the very same building where the carnage took place (N&R, Dec. 21). How better to respond to senseless violence than to initiate constructive ways to move past it?

Kudos to the victims' families for suggesting such a center, and to Virginia Tech for implementing it. At long last, a university is learning the lesson our violent past has long been trying to teach us: To prevent these unwanted outbursts, don't just hope for peace - teach it, and live it.

As I've often said, the one sure way to build a more peaceful world is to create more peaceful people. A local example is Win/Win Resolutions, which uses puppets and theater to teach conflict resolution to schoolchildren. May other institutions here and abroad join VT in this endeavor until it becomes an unstoppable force for Light.

Valerie Putney
Greensboro

Once again this year I am writing to thank the many people in this community who helped collect 607,000 food items for the Sealy/FOX 8 Holiday Concerts food drive to benefit local Salvation Army food pantries. This represents a 20 percent increase over last year.

The Triad Holiday Challenge began with Sealy, Old Dominion Freight Lines and 31 other area businesses conducting a friendly competition to see which company could donate the most food items to the concert. Thanks to the generosity of their employees, 384,644 food items were collected. I'm especially proud of the 220,000 cans Sealy employees at our Trinity headquarters collected.

The Challenge culminated on Dec. 14 through 16 with the Sealy/FOX8 Holiday Concerts in Greensboro, Winston-Salem and Elon. These concerts, for which admission is a donation of nonperishable food, have become an annual tradition for many local families. This year concert goers contributed approximately 222,350 items, also a record.

I want to thank FOX8, participating companies and the thousands of individuals who helped to stock Salvation Army's food pantries in order to help feed the hungry in our community.

Jeff Claypool
Greensboro

Police officers should not be above the law or exempt from it. If a cop is accused of a crime, then he should be treated just like any other person who is accused of the same crime. The government should not allow police officers to have special rights, unless they want us to live in a police state.

For quite some time I have said (and written) that the Greensboro City Council and Guilford County Board of Commissioners should create police review boards. Maybe one day they will.

Chuck Mann
Greensboro

I am concerned about being a single parent and saving/paying for college.

Current North Carolina tax laws allow a married couple to deduct up to $5,000 a year tax-free for college and write off the $5,000 from their income in a NC 529 account.

A single-parent home (head of household) can only save $2,500 and write off $2,500 in the same account. This is a slap in the face of hardworking single parents who have just the same need to save for college.

It is getting harder and harder with the economy as it is to save/pay for college. Please recognize that single parents (head of households) are struggling to do the right things for their children and deserve all the benefits that married couples have.

Have the law changed. Please write your state representatives and ask them to help North Carolina parents save/pay for college.

Fred Gehrke
Greensboro

Francie Portnoy wrote a heartfelt letter ("Counterpoint," Dec. 22) regarding a friend's e-mail "Letter From Hell." I'm sorry she was hurt by her friend.

She said, "While I see Jesus as a very wise prophet, I do not define him as God." She may not, but Jesus Himself said He is God. She doesn't believe that. Not believing truth doesn't make it untrue. Jesus came to pay for our sins, so we could have a relationship with God.

Many people don't believe or don't want to believe that, either, but it is truth.

Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6). Those who accept Him have their sins forgiven and will live eternally in heaven. Some say this is narrow, but Jesus offers Himself to everyone! He wants everyone to come to repentance. You can't get more inclusive than that!

Those who present Jesus' truth sometimes don't do it lovingly. Some don't receive it lovingly, either. They are threatened by truth because it could require re-examining long-held beliefs.

However, speaking the truth is often the most loving thing a person can do.

Shirley B. Hamilton
Greensboro

In reply to Marcus Kindley's letter (Dec. 15), our history as expressed by many of our Founding Fathers is one of staunch secularism. To James Madison, the "fruits" of Christianity were "superstition, bigotry and persecution." "Lighthouses are more useful than churches," said Benjamin Franklin. "This would be the best of all possible worlds, if there were no religion in it," said John Adams. "Christianity is the most perverted system that ever shone on man," said Thomas Jefferson, who also called on us to "fix reason firmly in her seat" and "question with boldness even the existence of a God."

The phrase, "building a wall of separation between church and state," was written by Thomas Jefferson in a Jan. 1, 1802, letter to the Danbury Baptist Association. The treaty with Tripoli signed by John Adams in 1797 begins: "As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion..." That is America's true history - keeping church and state safely apart so the former will never usurp the powers of the latter.

That is the kind of freedom our founders were seeking for America. After all, mankind did spend centuries trying otherwise.

Paul King
Jamestown

For the past two years, I have submitted articles asking parents to be positive role models for their children. I have given advice such as "be aware of messages that you are sending to your children when you pop the cork of the bottle of champagne"; and, "If you are going to a holiday gathering, please have a designated driver." I then asked myself "what benefit does alcohol bring?" I thought of people having a good time drinking and laughing. It happens, but not as often as we think.

Here's the reality (statistics from Department of Justice):

• one-third of offenders who commit rapes or sexual assaults of persons 12 and older have been drinking;


• alcohol was part of 40 percent of the violent victimization of a significant other;


• one in five alcohol-related incidents involved a weapon;


• 84 percent of drinking drivers in fatal accidents in 1994 were reported to have been at .08 blood alcohol concentration or higher.

This year, I am asking people of all ages to have an alcohol-free New Year. Celebrate knowing that you are protecting yourself and others by losing the booze. Be safe, be smart, and be happy! Make 2008 great!

Julie Westholder
Greensboro

The writer is a substance-abuse prevention consultant for Alcohol and Drug Services of Guilford Inc.

We have been fortunate to receive some rain recently, but the drought continues in the Piedmont and throughout the state. Gov. Easley was quoted saying he runs the shower for only 26 seconds in order to conserve water. WUNC-FM recently said that Durham has only 50 days of water remaining.

What is the status in Greensboro? It's really difficult to find out how soon we will run out of water. My question is why we're not hearing more about this in order to keep awareness high.

Water restrictions are nice, but many people would do more to conserve water usage if they knew the facts.

The News & Record should print the number of days of water remaining at the top of the first section of the newspaper each day, in the weather forecast page at the back of the local station, and on the home page of its Web site. Local TV channels should mention this during their weather forecasts. This attention would, I think, help reduce water consumption further.

Anne Hoile
Greensboro

Forget about the 3,000 members who went to the gym only to find the doors locked! Overlook the fact that they will have to drive miles out of their way to get to their newly assigned gym because no choice or communication was ever received! Forget all of that!

But don't forget the dedicated staff that worked in both locations for many years. It was approximately 48 hours before Christmas that Scrooge hit the gym and fired them all. No severance! No notice! For a gym that was open for 20 years, why would the owners be so cold and pick hours before Christmas to fire these dear, dedicated employees? Could they have waited until Jan. 31? Could they have handled this in a more professional manner? Do they have a heart? After being in business for 20 years, could they have executed a better exit strategy?

No! The heartless owners of Fitness Today all deserve the Scrooge Award from the citizens of Greensboro!

Elizabeth Blakeman
Greensboro

On Dec. 25, Christmas morning, the News & Record was delivered to our home. On that very sacred day, alongside our newspaper, came a flier asking why "white Christian children shouldn't be allowed to have racial pride" and "wishing a happy holiday season to all," with information on how to contact The Knights Party. How, on the most sacred of Christian mornings, could "white Christian children" and their families have pride when their name was used in a foul, misleading attempt by the Ku Klux Klan, a white supremacist group, to promote racial and religious intolerance under the guise of racial and religious victimization? We hope the "white Christian" community and the entire Greensboro community are appalled.

Although we live in a predominantly "white Christian" neighborhood, we are not a "white Christian" family. Neither are our African American or Jewish neighbors. We were sharing a "happy holiday season" before we were outraged by someone's attempt to bring racism to our neighborhood on this sacred morning.

The "white Christian" children, and all the children of Greensboro, should be proud — proud to live together in a racially, ethnically and religiously diverse and tolerant community that will not tolerate racism!

David and Sheryl Siar
Greensboro

Editor's note: The flier was not delivered by or with the News & Record, which agrees with the writers' sentiments.

Concerning your article, "Billions pledged to aid Mideast" (AP, Dec. 18), we believe certain aspects of the article are biased against Israel. The majority of the article did not relate to the topic at hand. Relevance first came into question when the author began to write about Palestinian movement within the Gaza Strip and West Bank.

The majority of the article was not about the money pledged to help the Palestinians but depicted Israel's lack of support for a Palestinian state when in reality Israel has been for many years attempting to make peace with and give the Palestinians their own state by offering most of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. However, Palestinians have continually rejected Israel's attempts at peace and coexistence.

Emily Cohen
Brigit Burke
Greensboro