News-Record.com

I really enjoyed the article published a few weeks ago on the Civil War and Greensboro. It reminded me of a walking tour I completed last year at UNCG through its master's program in history.

I thought many of the readers of the News & Record might be interested in using our walking tour because it deals with almost every aspect mentioned in this article. The tour is online available through free download either as an MP3 or through iTunes. In addition to the audio, a site map can be downloaded and printed as well as a supplemented tour of other sites in Greensboro that relate to our Civil War past.

There are other tours related to Greensboro's history on the site, and we would love it if the community was aware of our research efforts in light of this year's bicentennial celebration!

Visit http://library.uncg.edu/dp/walkingtours/

Ashley Black
Oak Ridge

I don't understand the new math. Oil goes up from $99 a barrel to $100 a barrel (a 1 percent increase), and the price at the pump immediately goes up 20 cents (a 7 percent increase).

I guess that's what I get for using a calculator not made by Exxon/Mobil.

Dan Flak
Greensboro

We were disturbed to hear that Michael Berkowitz would no longer conduct the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra Pops program. His ability to conduct, play the drums and, most importantly, his vast experience in the Pops world outside of North Carolina has led him to select superior talent for our Pops program. The programs have greatly improved under his leadership, and we felt he energized the orchestra.

We looked forward to his last program and were not disappointed. Liz Callaway and the Pops orchestra were terrific!

We wish we could say the same for the Pops administrative organization. We anticipated that Mr. Berkowitz's contribution and abilities would be recognized and appreciated.

There were no flowers, no token of thanks or remembrance, no opportunity for a deserved standing ovation -- not even a "thank you." If the Greensboro arts community wants to attract superior talent in or out of state, a lot more class has to be shown than was exhibited that night.

Jack McCorron
Greensboro

"We're losing our religion, survey says," it's reported in the News & Record (Feb. 26), and I'm wondering if there's any relation between this loss and the 87 percent of all white U.S. evangelical Christians who reportedly supported President Bush's decision to go to war against Iraq (for no readily apparent reason) in 2003 and those on your editorial page even today who support the torture of unindicted prisoners not long ago presumed to be innocent until found guilty by a jury of their peers.

Religion lost, indeed. And what kind of personal faith in what kind of mysterious deity or higher power has ensued?

The Rev. Charles M. Hawes
Greensboro

Sometimes I will watch ballgames on TV from the very beginning. You know ... when they play the national anthem. Most of the time the players are doing anything but paying attention to the moment. The same could be said of a few of the fans ... maybe even me sometimes.

On a recent evening at the Koury Center, it was a different story. Part of the N.C. A&T marching band played the national anthem. Not only did they sound great, but their faces just seemed to be beaming with pride. It sent chills up my spine.

I cannot imagine how I'll feel when they play America the Beautiful. Now there's a national anthem.

I thank those young men and women for reinvigorating a part of me.

Warren Romaine
Greensboro

How refreshing it was to read positive information about one of our schools on the front page of newspaper (Feb. 19). The gospel singers of Ben L. Smith High School deserve a huge congratulations for receiving top honors at the Gospel Choir Olympics and representing Greensboro so well.

Jennifer Long
Oak Ridge

While reading "Closed animal clinic a vital resource" (Feb. 18), I became sad and frightened.

This is the second time a veterinarian has left that site on West Wendover Avenue. Dr. Jeff Corville relocated the Piedmont Communities Spay/Neuter Clinic & Wellness Clinic to 1910 N. Church St. This clinic provides low-cost spay/neuter services.

One unaltered cat and her offspring can produce 420,000 cats in seven years. A female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 dogs in six years.

The leading cause of death for dogs and cats in the U.S. is euthanasia. Roughly 10 million to 12 million animals are euthanized each year. This does not include animals scraped off the streets or found in the woods.

Spaying and neutering are necessary. Rabies shots are necessary. Routine care is necessary. Costs can get high quickly. Pets aren't cheap, and there is no such thing as a free dog.

A woman in the article said low-cost spay or neutering could swing her decision. Most Triad rescue groups spay or neuter. Breeders do not.

Be smart. There's a reason why an adoption fee is not $15. The adoption fees include spay/neuter, microchips, shots, deworming, exams and flea/heartworm prevention.

Emily Harris
High Point

Barack Hussein Obama is always preaching change, change, change.

If he is allowed to implement all of his socialist programs, that is exactly what we taxpayers will have.

Just a little change left in our pockets.

Hank Powell
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Joan Garner

The situation involving the Great Pyrenees who was "orphaned" by the tragic loss of his master (Lorraine Ahearn column, Jan. 16) should point out some very salient needs for changes in the Guilford County animal care system.

The most obvious question is why the shelter has a policy to hold a dog in Raleigh's situation in its care at all if there was an owner's family member or rescue group that could do a more thorough and humane job when the shelter is overcrowded and the staff so overloaded?

A recent letter to the editor seemed to imply that the "sensibilities of the larger public" were secondary to the realistic limitations of the shelter. I, for one, would like to see the sensibilities of Guilford County residents come to the forefront and demand changes.

The euthanasia numbers, overcrowding and lack of cooperation between the shelter and rescue groups need to be addressed. The county commissioners seem to focus all of their time and our resources on corporate incentives, school funding needs, and jail overcrowding with bond issues and other remedies. Having contracted out the management of our shelter, they now look the other way.

I would suggest that a new shelter be constructed, more like ones in neighboring counties, which should have an area for rescue groups to be involved in the placement of pedigreed dogs. Lack of interest in non-pedigreed dogs was a stated reason for the refusal of Guilford County's shelter director to release pedigreed dogs to be cared for by rescue groups because she believes the pedigreed dogs are needed in the shelter as a drawing card.

We need a shelter advisory board and action by the county commissioners to elevate our animal care facility to true "shelter" status, and not remain a county pound. I am proud to say that I am the kind of person whose "sensibilities" are offended by what the conditions are every day in what we call our animal shelter.

The writer lives in High Point.

Council representative Goldie Wells was quoted as saying, "People are feeling very badly about not knowing whether they're going to have their jobs or not," referring to city employees and the call for a work-force reduction. Welcome to the real world.

Wells' comments show just how out of touch government officials and employees are with the realty of today's economic situation. How does she think the textile and furniture people have felt for years? Government employees seem to think they're recession-proof and their job is some type of entitlement. Unfortunately, the elected officials treat them as such.

Government employees need to understand that they have a stake in this economy like the rest of the folks and are subject to the same harsh realities of a declining economy.

David A. Hudgins
Greensboro

Religious clubs should be allowed to meet at schools just like all the other clubs. Our children need more positive role models among their peers.

We all must do our part to shield and protect our children from every harm and danger. Studying the Bible is the best way to save lives. It is the source of all our needs. Why? Because where there is prayer and studying of the word, God is present. Where confusion is, God is not there.

Yes, there are others who don't feel that way, but that's their prerogative. But I know everyone can agree that peace in the school will solve lots of problems.

Bible study gives us access to unlimited knowledge that saves lives as well as souls.

Cheryl E. Chavis
Greensboro

In response to the letter, "Parents should pay cost of their kids' health care" (Feb. 15), my thought is that those of us who see ourselves as pulling ourselves up by our own bootstraps must have forgotten the fact that very few individuals make it alone. There's help along the way, whether we are fully aware of it or not.

I see no compassion, no love, in this letter. I wonder what it would be like to have the writer as a next-door neighbor or down-the-street neighbor. When will we learn that we're all in this together?

What a harsh judgment: "... I do not see why taxpayers should pay for health care of illegal aliens and the children of other irresponsible parents.”

Nell Hedrick
Greensboro

I'm amazed by the daily barrage of "entitlement"letters recently published, particularly from UNCG students. It seems everyone wants something from government, from free tuition for a single mom to city bus transportation in Burlington.

The Feb. 22 letter from Emily Lawing, "Birth-control prices must be affordable,"however, won grand prize. Lawing complains that birth-control costs are too high and asks readers to contact their representatives about this travesty in the name of "reproductive rights."Since when does government have the "right"to use our tax money to subsidize the sexual activities of Lawing and others?

If this mentality is indicative of the next generation that will run our country, we may as well adopt European-style socialism now.

Tom Imbus
Browns Summit

During a recent television presentation, one of the current aspirants for the office of president emphasized that the United States of America is the greatest country in the world. Then the candidate continued to declare that, "A vote for me is a vote for change.”

Still there are those who say that there is no such thing as an honest politician. How dare they!

John Sparks
Greensboro

In reference to the numerous blogs and editorials regarding the outbreak of fights at Grimsley High School, I think that even though the situation was severe and totally out of line, the students who were involved should be punished but not subject to expulsion.

Even though what they did was wrong and inexcusable, they still need to get a nourishing education that they wouldn't be able to get if they were out of school.

With that being said, there are plenty of other schools that they could attend in Guilford County besides Grimsley.

Joseph Johnson
Greensboro

The naysayers are out in full force. Bill Burnett's letter (Feb. 22) is another one from the group denying there were ever problems in Greensboro, and blaming it all on former county commissioners ("the clowns"). How dare they try to bring these problems out in the open in order to fix them!

Obviously, these naysayers aren't listening to the voters and many business owners in Greensboro, but instead want to stick their heads in the sand hoping that nobody notices the problems with the police, fire, parks and recreation departments and the manager's office, to name a few. What are they trying to hide?

It took three former county commissioners to admit that all is not rosy in Greensboro city government and attempt to clean it up. I suggest that the clowns are people like Bill Burnett who want to cover up problems by letters to the editor disparaging those who are doing what they were elected to do -- serve the citizens of Greensboro, not those with agendas that benefit only themselves.

How ironic that Burnett's letter was on the same page as the editorial opinion, "Fire department issues require attention now" and not in John Hammer's paper. Perhaps his next letter will disparage the News & Record for also printing the truth.

Phyllis P. Gibbs
Greensboro
The writer is a former county commissioner and co-owner of a business in Greensboro.

If ever there was an abuse of power, Fire Chief Teeters has shown it to us. His use of his own men to work at his houses is an absolute misuse of his power and position. What he has been doing is tantamount to stealing. It doesn't matter if he paid them or not. The man needs to be fired immediately. Not only should he be fired, I think he needs to be jailed. Or better yet, let him go work on his employees' houses.

Good luck. Pigs will fly before the chief does something for one of them.

Does anyone think that when the chief asks one of his men to work at the chief's house, that the employee is going to say, "Sorry, chief, I have my own life to live"? The employee doesn't dare refuse, knowing he will likely be overlooked for promotion.

Dusty Leigh
Stoney Creek

I assume Helio Salvador (letter, "Race makes a difference in presidential election," Feb. 25) meant to make a point to a particular audience in his ramblings.

Where did he obtain his data when he can say, "every one of them had a rotten excuse for not voting -- too hot, too cold, too windy ..."?

But thanks, Mr. Salvador, for solidifying my choice with your next assessment of the political arena: "This time, because blacks see there are chances for one of them to be nominated, they are voting with such an enthusiasm, risking to nominate a black person who, by virtue of his race, is not yet electable in this country ..."

Gail Stroud
Greensboro

Regarding Alexis Paskalides' letter (Feb. 21) concerning the ballooning number of children in foster care in North Carolina, there is a program that would help reduce that number significantly. It is the One Church-One Child Program currently in place in 32 states.

This program was introduced in Rowan County through the Rowan County Department of Social Services by its placement support manager, Jon V. Hunter, in November 2006. Since then, many of Rowan County's churches have come on board. Together, the local DSS office and these churches have made a tremendous difference in the lives of children in foster care as well as in the lives of the children's biological parents in that county.

If the state agencies and public agencies in North Carolina would partner with this program, the lives of countless children in foster care would be forever changed for the better.

M.E. Sneed-Ellington
High Point

The article, "Closed animal clinic 'vital' resource" (Feb. 18), brought to my concern all those faced with spaying/neutering their pets at a high cost and the impact that the closing of the low-cost spaying/neutering clinic had made. This is a vital part of having a pet, and in my experience volunteering with the Guilford County Animal Shelter, many new cats and dogs come in because of their owners' inability to spay or neuter (or ignorance). The costs of this clinic were a help to many families looking to get a pet to complete their family.

I hope that the Humane Society looks for a new vet and would consider establishing more clinics of this kind all over the Piedmont Triad to place animals into loving families. This investment would protect the average citizen from all the strays that wander the street causing disruptions and prevent the animal shelters from reaching overcapacity and having to kill animals. It would truly be an investment well worth the community's donations and support.

Isabel Chasse
Greensboro

Amen to Doug Clark ("Kearns: soft heart, tough skin," Feb. 27)!

Thirty-four years of public service -- wow!

You can disagree with her methods and oppose her votes, but nobody has more concern, or has worked harder, for our children, their education and their future than Dot Kearns.

Harriet Mattes
High Point

As a 25-year, veteran teacher, I have to say that I am baffled by the concept of education reform. "Raise the bar," they tell us, "teach with rigor," yet hours of our instructional time are gobbled up with "practice" tests, our every move is tightly scripted, our methods controlled to assure we are teaching to the "test."

The arts (vital for training the right side of the brain where creativity is learned) are restricted or eliminated, PE and "recess" (which help the student focus during study times) reduced in favor of more "academic" pursuits.

Children (and parents) are stressed to the point that "learning" is becoming painful.

Guidance counselors and curriculum coordinators cannot do the jobs they're trained for because they are overwhelmed with prepping for, evaluating and giving those legions of practice and end-of-grade tests.

Administrators fear for their jobs, and the weaker ones put terrible pressure on their teachers, staff and students, effectively turning everyone against one another in a struggle for "survival."

Education reform? Children first? Whom are we kidding? Educrats, politicians and selfish business interests, back off! Give us back our classrooms and give children back their childhood!

William Toth
Greensboro

I was delighted to read the article in the Guilford Record (Feb. 24) reporting the success of the presentation of Gilbert and Sullivan's "The Mikado" by UNCG students for Guilford County fifth-graders recently at the Carolina Theater.

I regret to say, however, that you neglected to mention that the Greensboro Opera Company, in collaboration with Guilford County Schools, sponsored this event, as they have annually for many years, for the benefit of Guilford County fifth-graders.

It has been, and continues to be, one of the Greensboro Opera Company's Educational Outreach missions to bring opera to the children of Guilford County. I hope you will take the opportunity to acknowledge the Greensboro Opera Company for making this annual event possible.

Barbara A. Peters
Greensboro

The writer is president-elect, Greensboro Opera Company.

Well, here we go again.

Every time the Democrats get caught with their hand in the cookie jar, the News & Record trots out and calls for a nonpartisan election.

I speak of the editorial (Feb. 26) calling for a nonpartisan election for state auditor.

Before Leslie Merritt, our state finances were the playpen of the likes of Jim Black and his cronies. Why this sudden call? Could it be that Merritt is doing his job?

When Republicans began to be elected as judges -- because most voters see them as being more law-and-order than their counterparts -- here comes the News & Record to call for nonpartisan elections.

After running this state for more than 130 years, the Democrats just can't give up their corrupt power and sense of entitlement.

Don't fool yourself. There are no nonpartisan elections. The former state Democratic chairman has bragged about pumping money into mayoral races to get Democrats elected in nonpartisan races. (As an example, the mayoral race in High Point.)

Come on, News & Record, can't you be honest at least for once?

Marcus Kindley
Greensboro

The minimum wage was first implemented in 1938 at 25 cents per hour. If businesses paid a fair and decent wage on their own, the government would not have had to intervene.

In Greensboro, certain City Council members act as though they were elected into office by the business community. Our constitution says the government is by the people, for the people and of the people. If that is the case, why have Mary (Rakestraw), Mike (Barber) and Trudy (Wade) then chosen to violate the constitution?

When is the last time Mary, Mike, Trudy or Sandra (Anderson Groat) had to decide whether to buy their medicine, pay the rent, buy milk, gas or see a doctor?

In a city with as much wealth as Greensboro, it is immoral to have 20,000 people living below the poverty level. Does it not enrage you?

How would these City Council members fare if they had to live for one month with their families on $6.15 per hour? Could they survive living in substandard rat- and roach-infested housing, having no medical benefits, feeling helpless and hopeless, standing in lines at the soup kitchens?

The citizens of Greensboro have spoken and made it clear that they want a chance to vote on this referendum.

Deborah Compton-Holt
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Betty Lomax

Regarding UNCG economist Christopher Ruhm (Short Stack, Feb. 18), who discovered that our economic downturn actually has an upside: The obesity rate should drop? Ha! Fat chance.

Don't try proving that fact to those of us who are living off the "dollar menu" at McDonald's. Those buck-apiece double cheeseburgers settle into our stomachs like lead balloons. They fill our arteries with cholesterol and fat even quicker.

Due to that lack of affordable health insurance, we will be a drain on health care services during what would have been our golden years. As for our kids and the McNuggets they gulp, they'll be left to fend for themselves until they, too, can look forward to more of the benefits of the failing economy.

According to Ruhm, fewer people drink or smoke during an economic downturn. He may be right ... but we also eat Excedrin like candy when we can afford them. And what about all those out-of-work bartenders?

Deaths connected to traffic accidents decline? Why? Well, yes, I guess there would be fewer cars on the road once we can no longer afford to pump gas into those old heaps. But what about an increase in the death rate of poor pedestrians who just simply need to walk to the nearest McDonald's? What about the risk of assault or worse? Even if we could afford a trip to the Dollar Store, it really isn't incentive enough to brave the dark, desolate streets you tread on to get there.

Ruhm neglected to calculate the risk of death for those of us who couldn't keep up with utility bills and have no service so we seek to heat our cold houses with barbecue grills. How many people die each year just trying to stay warm? Try finding the silver lining to that cloud.

From my position here at the very bottom of the economic totem pole, it is very hard to understand Christopher Ruhm's cheerful outlook. He must be getting paid a handsome salary to dig up stuff like this to make us feel better about our sad situation.

Man, I wish I could find a job like that!

The writer lives in Greensboro.

It was with a sense of shame and regret that I read about mental health reform in North Carolina and how it had gone to such waste. We cannot out-source people who have real problems.
Whether former Secretary of the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services Carmen Hooker Odom was, or was not, responsible for the mandates bringing questionable concerns, the buck stops in the governor’s office. Gov. Mike Easley is responsible for signing off on programs that require spending money.

I represented the developmental disabilities populations for 17 years on the Guilford County Mental Health Board, and I know concern for this population is going wayside, yet they, like others, are living longer than imagined.

I am appalled that the state not only wasted such an amount of money, but that the money was to have gone toward helping those who depend on the mental health system. This system includes assistance for mental health, developmental disabilities and substance abuse.
For shame. For shame. I hope those responsible can live with themselves.

Ann Gibbs
Greensboro

Great article in your Feb. 20 newspaper about Aycock Middle School’s mentor program and teacher Luke Neal. I am impressed by his efforts to guide young boys from rough neighborhoods and his positive influence on them.

Daily your front page has faces of wanted criminals and news of robberies, stabbings, assaults and other illegal activities. We also read that prison costs keep climbing, and new jails must soon be built to house more lawbreakers. It seems to me we all should applaud this courageous teacher; more importantly, he needs our help.

There must be churches, Sunday schools classes or civic groups all over this city looking for a way to fulfill their "missions." Well, get involved in some preventive medicine!
Mr. Neal says funds are so short he may not be able to help rising sixth-graders the next school year. Reach out, make a donation, pray for his mission. Even better, start a group at your child’s middle school.

This man is doing God’s work. A story like this should be on your front page any time, but especially during Black History Month. This hero is single-handedly keeping jail cells empty by helping young boys become upstanding citizens. I salute you, Luke Neal. My check is in the mail.

Anita Beard
Greensboro

In the United States, between 12 percent and 15 percent of the population is considered to be impoverished. As an intern social worker, I see these people every day. I know them and I want to help them.

But I am sick of hearing about how bad the United States is. I used to think we had it rough, then I spent 21 days in the township of Mabopane, South Africa.

South Africa is one of the wealthiest countries in Africa, but living standards there make the sub-par trailer parks stateside seem like the Garden of Eden. I was appalled at the garbage flooding the roadside and children who were unable to afford public schools rummaging through it. We are poor?

"Relative poverty" means we should judge our socioeconomic well-being based on those in proximity to us, as opposed to all people. America seems to be the breeding ground for self-absorbed narcissism. We choose to overlook the rest of the world when determining our financial status. Otherwise, we might step back and see a larger picture. We might see how "poor" we truly aren’t.

I am no flag-waving patriot. I believe our country has problems, but let’s stop embellishing and exaggerating them with "relative" measures.

Ben Parker
Greensboro

The News & Record has done a great job in the past few weeks clearly spelling out the large cost of the proposed bonds to taxpayers.

If the voters of Guilford County are dumb enough to pass themselves a tax increase of this size in these tough economic times, they cannot say they were uninformed.

All of these bonds should be paid for through the Guilford County budget process. If my household costs go up, I make cuts in my budget to afford it. The county should do the same.

Jeff Lehmann
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint column.

By George D. Martin Jr.
If absentee votes are admissible, allow me to cast one for trolleys in the Triad, as proposed by Al Mankoff, "Why not here?" (Ideas, Jan. 20). I am a native son whose career took him in a different direction, but I have never lost interest in Greensboro. My brother there keeps me informed, particularly on rail and transit matters. I have been interested in electric traction ever since the day in 1934, when I saw one of Greensboro’s new trackless trolleys on its delivery run, being towed from High Point at highway speed by a power company truck. Since the coach had top speed of about 35 mph in service, it may never again have moved that fast!

Much has been written and said about traffic congestion and soaring gas prices, but most of the suggested solutions, such as more lanes or ethanol fuel, are only symptomatic; what is really needed is a fundamental change of direction. I have reviewed Mankoff’s proposal in detail and endorse it as an excellent plan for returning electric transportation to the Triad. My credentials include electrical engineering (N.C. State, 1951); several years as a subject cataloger in the Library of Congress, handling engineering and railroad works from the entire Western world; and 20 years as an electrical engineer with the Army. During my Army years, I enjoyed frequent access to Germany, allowing me to see and ride its modern and well-integrated transportation system.

Despite the merits of electric transportation, the public is not likely to demand it spontaneously. Mankoff wisely starts at the beginning, with a multi-faceted program to build community awareness. Skipping some of the intermediate steps, that awareness will finally translate into the political will necessary to commit money and build.

Transit planners in the Triad would be well advised to consider, and maybe emulate, the experience in San Diego, where the modern trolley renaissance got its start. To their credit, the people of San Diego chose not to involve federal money and the intrusive "strings" that come with it. Instead, they built what they could afford with local funds, making use of existing railroads in places, and track in the street where it made sense. The system, known as the "San Diego Trolley," is very successful and has been extended several times.

Given the independence, resourcefulness and love of excellence that are natural for Tar Heels, I am optimistic that the Triad will likewise have a system exactly suited to its special needs.

The writer lives in Springfield, Va.

The following is a Counterpoint::

By Ruth Mary Weston

Refusing to understand another's point of view is not the same as refuting it, Charles (Davenport column, Feb. 17).

Since you write, "We don’t know what economic justice is," here's a clue from the Encarta Dictionary online:

* economic: "relating to or affecting material goods and financial resources."

* justice: "fairness or reasonableness, especially in the way people are treated or decisions are made."

It's a social contract, Charles, with rules that apply equally to everyone. It entails compensation commensurate with the physical, mental and monetary investment required to do one's job right.

Here's our disagreement: You want Darwinist rules; I want the Golden Rule.

If it were true that one's income depends on "education, skills and experience," "qualifications and work ethic," then a 95-year-old with a Ph.D. in engineering who works daily from dawn to dusk digging ditches by hand would make six figures. The 18-year-old dropout bodybuilder who's late to work, but digs thrice the ditch in half the hours would make minimum wage. Oh, wait! He does!

Each job has an established pay range, minimum (and, in the real world, maximum) qualifications and a list of duties.

Pay scales for jobs reflect social attitudes and the relative power of employer/employee to shape the rule book.

Somehow, it's legal for U.S. businesses to open P.O. boxes overseas, send their U.S. revenues there and avoid U.S. income taxes. Anybody working at Deere-Hitachi wanna tell us how you're exempt from withholding on the Japanese part of your pay?

CEOs can receive unlimited income in the form of stock options and defer all income tax on their value. Of course, if I dig you a ditch in exchange for accounting advice, we both owe income tax, now, on the value of our barter.

Moneyed interests use their assets to buy favoritism in the law, and we all know it. When employees try to leverage the availability of their labor to raise compensation (unions, folks), they're demonized and legislated against.

Holler "Socialism!" all day long if you want to. I'm past being scared of that bogeyman.

But it sure is interesting how much economic justice seems to scare you.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

Historically, raising minimum wages has never been effective in reducing the gap between rich and poor. A 52 percent increase ($6.15 to $9.36), as some proposed in Greensboro, would do nothing but promote greater inflation and put hard-working people out of jobs they really need.

We would be less than honest with ourselves if we feel companies are going to reduce their profits to pay additional wages; they are going to increase prices to maintain already strained profit margins, which will lessen the buying power of the employees -- those whose wages have been increased as well as those not affected by the increase.

If the goal is to provide real, long-term, tangible help to lower-income families, then work on economic development through attracting new businesses to the area that pay greater wages. Provide retraining to the work force and find ways to better prepare students for the workforce. Implement entrepreneurship programs to create opportunities for energetic, innovative people to go into business. Be responsible in your efforts to help the underprivileged, by providing long-term, real assistance.

Edwin Lewis
Greensboro

We have lost a very great man. In a world where everyone has a shot at 15 minutes of fame, no matter how rude, vulgar or ill-mannered he or she might be, William F. Buckley Jr. was famous for more than half a century because of his intellect, vocabulary, wit and, above all, class.

Buckley used to write that "we stand on the shoulders of giants." He was, of course, referring to others, but no truer words could be written about him.

The world was better because he was in it and is worse off because he has departed.

Paul Daniels
Greensboro

Now that the county commissioners have approved placing the five bonds ($671 million) on the May ballot, what does that mean to retirees?

If all five items are approved, a home valued at $200,000 will see a tax increase of $75.90 the first year, increasing to $246.68 the fifth year, for a total of $958.96 over five years. And you can add to that burden the proposed 1/4 percent increase in the sales tax.

As retirees on a fixed income, we considered the Homestead Property Tax Exemption but learned that an income limit ($20,500 in 2006) determines whether you are eligible. This limit includes all income, even Social Security and investment income.

Why is it not structured on a graduated scale, where one would receive the full benefit up to the $20,500 income level and a reduced benefit at each additional increment of income?

Also, food and clothing should be excluded from the sales tax. This would benefit seniors, since they are less likely to purchase other, more expensive items.

Without some relief from the ever-increasing tax burden, many fixed-income retirees will be left with no other choice than to leave Guilford County and possibly North Carolina altogether.

Walter Noetzel
Greensboro

I am a new resident to Greensboro and I have heard and read a lot of slams to our police department. I, for one, would like to give a hearty well-done to our police. A recent burglary resulted in no loss of property and one arrest. Way to go! What a great job!

Larry Painter
Greensboro

I have read, with more than casual interest, the recent spate of comments about current events in southeast Guilford County. I'm glad everyone seems to finally recognize that the Forest Oaks community supported the local PGA Tour event and helped ensure its survival until it once again became fashionable for regional businesses and the local newspaper to publicly recognize its existence.

As conversation and debate spring up about the increasing pace of residential and commercial development in our pleasant area of the county, please remember that, while the Forest Oaks community has been good neighbors of ours for quite a while, they are only one neighborhood and do not necessarily provide the identity for all of us who choose to live and work in the area.

Daniel Donovan
Greensboro

Serious mental-health disorders affect many people. It is frustrating that lawmakers are unable to come to a consensus on this issue.

The new mental-health initiative is not addressing all of the problems that mentally ill patients face, and many of them are falling through the cracks.

Some people with serious mental-health problems are homeless and unable to obtain adequate care due to their lack of ability to advocate for themselves. Many of these people could use the professional care that would be provided at a state facility but instead are given a quick fix for a short amount of time.

Lawmakers should not be so concerned with saving money but with providing mental-health patients with the professional care they deserve and need.

Jekeitha Cummings
Gibsonville

Not too long ago, a story about mistreatment of cows was aired on the evening news. After watching the clips that were collected undercover of cows being dragged by their feet, pushed over by forklifts, beaten constantly, and poked with various objects at Hallmark Meat Co. Slaughterhouse in Chino, Calif., I was devastated.

In the article, "Recalled beef wasn't served to students," Morgan Josey Glover describes that the beef from those abused cows was for many North Carolina school districts, including Guilford County.

Fortunately, the beef was recalled, but what can we do to make sure that this wouldn't happen again? How long was this corrupt activity going on before authorities were notified?

Guilford County students could have been exposed to a variety of diseases. It's important that the government watches these slaughterhouses to make sure that nothing this terrible happens again, for the sake of the children.

Nortina Simmons
Greensboro

At a recent spirited debate, Sen. Clinton criticized Sen. Obama for his "17-year association with an indicted slumlord." What incredible chutzpah.

What do Jim and Susan McDougal, Jim Guy Tucker, David Hale, Webster Hubbell, Dan Lasater, Johnny Chung and (commodities broker) Robert "Red" Bone have in common? They are close associates of the Clintons and are all convicted felons who have done prison time.

So, please, no more of this double talk. No more Travelgate, Filegate or Gravegate. No more Hillary!
Al Shumard
Greensboro

Regarding the letter of March 1 by the Rev. Charles M. Hawes, who writes that people might be leaving their religions because of an unjust war: God only knows, but I think it is deeper than this.

We seek bliss, inner peace and happiness and look for the spiritual realities that provide them. Just as we can never control what others feel or think, we can control what we think. Jesus teaches us to give and forgive. Can there be a higher spiritual truth within ourselves?

Mystics view all religions with one "language" and think all will someday unite as one. I think it is soul-seeking that's going on.

Christians might want to look into the excluded "Gospel of Thomas" for what might unite them with others. Scientists can split atoms, but the soul is like an acorn with an oak as its final destiny -- like bubbles returning to their original ocean.

Ray Hylton
Greensboro

Unless I'm mistaken, and I love history, when Iraq invaded its neighbor, we put Iraq in its place. I would assume that means that, at that time, we destroyed any chance of Iraq developing weapons of mass destruction within the near future.

I served in the military at that time and I knew, with no doubt, we were doing the right thing. We took a stand against a bully and prevented the persecution of an entire people and the occupation of a wonderful country (remember Kuwait?).

When Bush decided to attack Iraq and dispose Saddam, I was confused. We had not been attacked by and faced no threat from Iraq, yet there we went.

The fog of my confusion was cleared with the first report of profits from the oil industry. Our actions have made the entire world suffer, excluding those who own stock in Exxon and BP (no, I'm not targeting Exxon or BP, but those are the gas stations I'm buying gas at right now).

I think this country should have used its resources in Afghanistan, not Iraq. Just my opinion.

Jim Stallings
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Marche Clarke

I am disappointed, but not surprised, with the article, "Huge fight erupts at Greensboro restaurant" (Feb. 25). My first observation was that your headline called Gabriel's a restaurant, but by the end of the article it was lumped into the category of a "club."

To set the record straight, Gabriel's is an upscale, well-maintained, beautifully renovated banquet hall and events center that provides a service that is professional, upstanding and attractive. I have attended several events there. Each one has been such a good experience that it influenced my decision to return.

Your obviously biased depiction of the facility, the altercation (though unfortunate and an exception to everything I know about this facility) is a misrepresentation and an attempt to incite a negative opinion about Gabriel's. When African Americans gather for a protest march and the numbers swell to the thousands, the numbers are downplayed by the media. However, when 500 to 700 African Americans gather for a party or entertainment event and there is the slightest altercation, the crowd becomes "overwhelming," "out of control," "overcrowded."

There are so many holes in this story. I hope the proprietor demands a retraction. I don't understand how you send two officers to cover an event for crowd control of more than 500 when your policy is one officer per 100. It seems that the application/intake process the Sheriff's Office's off-duty deputy section uses would allow making the decision about the number of officers to assign.

There is a lack of accountability that does not rest with Kim Lovelace (a professional and beautiful young woman) but should rest on the shoulders of those who dropped the ball.

As a postscript to the implication that Gabriel's is a "club," I don't do clubs. I do attend events at Gabriel's and will continue to do so.

Greensboro, wake up. This is not the way to encourage small business development and is a misrepresentation of a minority-owned business that has hosted many events without incident.

To the News & Record, be fair in your reporting and remember, "Just the facts, ma'am."

The writer lives in Greensboro.

Your recent article reported that the N.C. Bar Association planned to have lawyers throughout the state evaluate their local trial judges. However, there was no mention of the work done in this area by two Greensboro organizations.

For the last 15 years, Court Watch of North Carolina Inc. and UNCG have been pioneers in judge evaluations. Four times UNCG professors and Court Watch volunteer attorneys conducted judge evaluations and shared the results with the public.

Their first evaluation in 1992 covered only Guilford County judges. Then, from 1994 to 2007, they conducted three multicounty evaluations, which covered 228 Superior and District Court judges in 68 counties. Court Watch is proud of having taken a leading role in this important work. We are pleased that now the N.C. Bar Association is committed to continuing this valuable service.

Stanley Sprague
Greensboro

The writer is a Court Watch board member.

Two letters in News & Record (Feb. 23) caught my attention. One letter referred to prizes to encourage students, and the other was an appeal to help North Carolina schools.

I am a retired high school principal visiting family in Greensboro. I have experience with a process that can help Greensboro's students. Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a process that is used in schools on a national basis. The school where I was principal was a traditional high school. In five years, office referrals were reduced by 35 percent. Test scores improved. The number of violent incidents was reduced by one-half. Using PBIS, we created a school environment that was conducive to teaching and learning.

PBIS is a K-12 program and has a track record of improving student behaviors, allowing teachers more time to teach and, as a result, increasing learning opportunities, which results in improved test scores. The cost is minimal. It is a change in culture that is specific to the school in which it is developed.

If someone has questions, they can contact me (dmerrick12953@earthlink.net) or just go to the Internet and check it out. If you are looking for ways to better serve children, socially and academically, this is the direction to go in.

Don Merrick
Malone, N.Y.

As federal funding for cancer research continues to decline, philanthropic support of research becomes even more crucial. Triad Golfers Against Cancer (GAC) recently awarded a total of $270,000 to a number of local organizations including the Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Through the support of the GAC, Duke Oncologist David Hsu, M.D., Ph.D., can continue his work to explore genomic strategies so that physicians can more precisely identify which treatments will be most beneficial to colorectal cancer patients based on the genetic make-up of their tumor. Duke researcher Robert Wechsler-Reya, Ph.D., will also benefit from GAC support as he continues to investigate new and improved treatments for medulloblastomas, one of the most deadly forms of brain tumors.

On behalf of the Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center and our more than 375 members, I would like to thank the GAC for its support and ongoing commitment to supporting research that will lead to new and improved treatments for patients with all types of cancer. We are partners in this battle, and we feel fortunate to have GAC on our team.

H. Kim Lyerly, M.D.
Durham
The writer is director, Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The Feb. 27 letter by Natalie Culnon, "Nursing homes should treat their staffs better," really stood out. I strongly agreed with this letter.

I am a nursing aide and have been doing this kind of work for about 10 years. We are definitely overworked and underpaid. We are very much burned out because nursing homes and assisted livings are not paying enough, so it is very hard to get good people to work or to get people to stay for years. Some of these jobs offer no incentives or even praise from employers. Most nursing aides I know have to work two jobs just so they can live comfortably.

I don't understand why some people can't see that we are the backbones to most of these elderly communities and that if there is no us, there is no community.

Michelle Shepherd
Greensboro

The following is a Countepoint:

By Hank McGovern

I felt joy reading "$9.36" (Jeri Rowe column, Feb. 23), as it stimulated a restoration of my faith in our government for its capacity to do the right thing.

As a pizza delivery person in 2002, I taped three articles from The Charlotte Observer to a piece of cardboard to persuade customers from all neighborhoods, including "the hood," to sign a petition for raising the minimum wage. The headlines tell the stories: "Feed the hungry; fight for just wage" (Sept. 12, 2000); "Raise the minimum wage, hike would restore workers' income to its 1968 level" (Sept. 21, 2001); and "Raise wages to help economy, current federal minimum wage ... is obsolete" (March 8, 2002).

While we have made a little progress, I want to reassert the basis for stating the raise is right. The end of the 2002 article reads, "It is also a moral issue. No Americans who work full time should live in poverty." This seems evident if we want a nation based on values such as fairness and reasonableness. Other inherent values for such a society include compassion, respect and peace. These must be applied to all people regardless of class, wealth, power and education. The larger issue pertains to the kind of society we want to create.

If we are to have compassion for the working poor, we must make it possible for them to meet their needs by the wages they earn. The current minimum wage doesn't just involve a financial insufficiency; it also conveys disrespect. As I put myself in the shoes of many robbers and thieves, I can imagine having the attitude, "Things are unfair for those who have. That's disrespect for me. I'll show them what it's like to feel dissed."

I predict that, as we have an increase to $9.36, we will have a better employment rate and a slight decrease in related crimes. Our compassion and respect will be morally correct and will have a cash value.

As we decrease the disparity between the haves and have-nots, we will be on a path of enhanced unification in our country. Sure, small business will feel an effect, but it will be worth it. In a recent article on happiness, Denmark ranked No. 1. The explanation includes less competition and greed and more cooperation.

We can choose to create a more peaceful, happier country, and we have the freedom to do so. Raising the minimum wage to $9.36 would facilitate our progress.

The writer lives in Asheboro.

The following is a Counterpoint.

Every day we see and hear messages dictating what size we should be. People punish themselves when their body types do fit into the thin ideal. Many of us hold on to a pair of "skinny jeans" in hopes they will fit someday.

Part of the shameful self-punishment includes unhealthy fad diets or even starvation to try to meet society's skinny standards. These diets promise failure and usually more weight instability.

Instead of continuing this cycle, realize that much of your body type is determined by genes passed on from your parents. Stop putting your body down because it may not mimic the thin ideal. Realize we are diverse creatures and thus we are diverse in size.

Do not regard your food choices as degrees of moral failures. Food can be enjoyable, and that is OK. Like body shapes, food should not be regarded as good and bad. Be good to your body.
Allow yourself to eat when you feel hunger. Stop when your hunger goes away. Do not judge your hunger as a dishonorable signal from your brain. Trust yourself and do not try to trick it. You are receiving it because your body needs the fuel.

Participate in movements that are fun for you. Do not feel like you have to exercise on the hamster wheel of treadmills or machines (unless you enjoy them). Instead, find activities and clubs that allow you to move your body in a way that is fun and healthy, not punishment.
It is normal to struggle with accepting your natural shape. We live in a world where it is tough to escape this pressure. Support each other by recognizing the beauty among the differences. Support yourself by donating your "skinny jeans" to a charity clothing drive. Those jeans are really not your genes. Find some jeans that fit and, therefore, demonstrate the beauty of the genes only you can call your own.

Be comfortable in your genes ... and jeans.

The writer is a dietitian and counselor. She lives in Greensboro.

Let's set a high bar for approving rezonings that could damage our neighborhoods permanently. I believe that recent rezonings in northwest Greensboro have shown that an added layer of protection for affected neighbors is needed.

For 36 years, the people of Greensboro have not had the citizen recourse of a protest petition enjoyed by the citizens of Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, Winston-Salem, Fayetteville, Wilmington and Asheville.

A protest petition allows citizens to force council members to muster a 75 percent "supermajority" for approving rezonings that are protested by a petition signed by 5 percent of the adjacent neighborhood property owners.

We lost that right when, amid a host of controversial rezonings in northwest Greensboro in 1971, the N.C. General Assembly amended the city charter to exempt Greensboro from this law. It is time to reinstate it.

If the City Council is persuaded that a contested development plan is reasonably fair to all concerned and is best for the city, it will be approved. The safeguard o