News-Record.com

It’s not unusual for people to get Susan Burch and me mixed up. We get addressed in court by the other’s name; we receive each other’s mail; attorneys sometimes prepare one of our orders for the other to sign. All this is understandable. We have similar names; we both went to Wake Forest; and we are the short, white female judges in District Court.

I can’t speak for Judge Burch, but it certainly doesn’t bother me. What’s not to like about being confused with Courtwatch’s 2006 Child Support Enforcement Judge of the Year? Or the trilingual judge who has followed the late great E. Raymond Alexander Jr. in presiding over drug-treatment court, making a difference in the lives of nonviolent substance abusers who seek rehabilitation and re-entry into society? Or the resident pro at analyzing complex financial records and distributing marital property fairly in divorce cases? Call me Judge Burch anytime.

Judge Burch has earned the respect of people with whom she works — law-enforcement officials, attorneys, probation officers, victim advocates and court personnel. She is well-liked, friendly and approachable. We are a better District Court because of Judge Susan Burch. Please join me in voting to re-elect her.

Susan E. Bray
Greensboro

The writer is a District Court judge.

With my own failing hearing, in the past few days I have heard two elegant young women, whose political positions please me, join the murderers of the pronouns.

On a TV program, Cindy McCain clearly said, “for John and I.” Hours later on public radio, Tony Blair’s Cherie said, “between Laura and I.”

Both are too immaculately top-drawer for my usual indictment that such slaughter always betrays an attempt of climbers to sound knowing and refined.

Combined with my failure to get the weather people to say “short-lyved,” there is no choice but to give up. Our world really is as bad off as those depressing reports keep saying.

Maxine Garner
Liberty

Sebastian Mallaby’s column (Ideas, Oct. 12), which said that blaming the financial crisis on deregulation was nonsense, was inspiring.

This mess originated with the Community Reinvestment Act of 1979. Its purpose was to encourage banks to provide mortgages in low-income neighborhoods consistent with sound lending practices.

This act and related regulations were revised six times since then, each time putting the screws to banks to lend more — or face sanctions. Oversight of the banks was under the Federal Reserve, FDIC, OCC, OTS and even former Attorney General Janet Reno. They all disregarded the “sound operating practices” part of the act.

As recently as last spring, Democrats Christopher Dodd and Barney Frank pushed for lower capital requirements for Freddie and Fannie in the name of helping out the less fortunate — obviously in return for their votes. Then those government-sponsored agencies collapsed and others followed. And here we are.

The mortgage market has always been highly regulated and remains so. Despite warnings from Alan Greenspan and the Bush administration that Freddie and Fannie were unsound, Democrats (who control Congress) refused to act. Yet the media blame George Bush, “deregulation” and Republicans when the root cause is Democrat-driven social engineering.

Walter Sperko
Greensboro

We’re fast approaching the most critical presidential election in decades and, believe it or not, many Americans will actually vote against themselves! Please, take time to be an informed voter. Read newspapers and listen to the candidates on network and cable news, especially the nonpartisan, no-commercial C-SPAN channels. Check the candidates’ Web sites for their stands on issues that concern you. Learn the facts!

Think about everything you’ve read and heard. God gave you a brain — use it! Republicans have had the presidency for eight years. Are you better off now than you were eight years ago? They bamboozled us into a war in Iraq, neglected our injured vets, and their policies cost our economy 750,000 jobs this year alone, plus trillions of dollars in Wall Street greed and irresponsibility.

They tell us tax cuts for the super-wealthy create jobs. Well, where are they, in China? Fellow seniors, where would we be now if Social Security privatization had been approved? Ideology and blind party loyalty won’t create jobs, pay for health care or put food on the table. This time, vote for yourself and your children — vote Democratic!

Joan Sova
Jamestown

Rep. Alma Adams is running as an incumbent for House District 58. Through the years, she has worked diligently for the citizens of North Carolina and her district. She has made a significant difference in our lives because she is committed and she cares.

Alma has addressed issues like creating jobs and strengthening our economy. She values work and believes that if people work hard every day, they should be able to earn a decent living and take care of their families. Alma led the 10-year fight in the General Assembly for working poor people in North Carolina. She was successful in getting the state’s hourly minimum wage increased from $5.15 to $6.15 an hour.

Alma believes in quality jobs, a strong work force, small business growth and development, investments in job-skills training and the creation of quality new jobs for our state. These are the reasons that she supported the William Lee Act and Job Development Investment Grants Programs, which created more than 130,00 new jobs for North Carolina. She also supported legislation providing $1.7 million for retooling for displaced homemakers.

Alma works for the people. Let’s keep her in office.

Eresterine Guidry
Jamestown

“Spreading the wealth” is based on the premise of fairness. We should all seek to be fair. But “legislated” fairness contrasts the premise on which the nation was founded, that all men are free to pursue their dreams (even selfishly).

If the nation had been founded on the premise of “legislated” fairness, then Henry Ford’s selfish dream would have been hindered. The capital needed to start such a venture would have been redistributed in the name of fairness. We would be closer economically but probably walking.
And what of medical entrepreneurs? If the forefathers’ goal had been fairness instead of protecting personal freedom to achieve, then present-day quality of life could look very different.

Legislating fairness through tax codes steps too far off the path of protecting personal freedom. Our forefathers intended us to walk this “freedom path” hoping we would achieve our individual dreams while reaching out to those struggling to survive in this land of the free.

Fairness is needed. But sharing must come from the heart, not the legislature.

The government’s job is to protect the freedom to express what is in our hearts, whether selfishness, giving, entrepreneurial dreams or a mixture of them all.

Joey Preston
Greensboro

For the numerous writers to this column blaming the Bush administration for deregulating the banking industry, you should learn that the last major banking regulation change was signed into law in 1999 by Bill Clinton and approved in the Senate by Chuck Schumer, John Kerry, Chris Dodd and Joe Biden with a vote of 90-8. The change permitted commercial banks like Bank of America to enter into investment banking actions and, ironically, it is that diversification that has helped them to be strong enough to get through this crisis.

The investment banks that have all faltered could have made the same mistakes prior to 1999, as the new rules did not apply to them. No new deregulation has occurred since. In fact, the Bush administration repeatedly called for more oversight of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, only to be told none was needed by Democrats Dodd and Schumer, and this is where the questioning should begin.

David Harcus
Jamestown

Have you wondered why 5- and 6-year-olds have to wake up at 5:30 to catch a 6:15 bus while 16-year-olds don’t wake until 7:45 to start school at 8:25? I’ve thought about it since I’ve driven my kindergartner to school and I pass the scores of Guilford County tots standing on the corner waiting for their bus. Most times, it’s dark and the little ones haven’t quite awakened.

It seems simple, although a bit revolutionary, that we need to consider a change in school times. Although there are transportation issues that would need coordination, there are considerable benefits to changing elementary schools to start when high school begins and high school to start at the current elementary school time. I can only think about one historic reason that our schedule is like this: High school students formerly drove bus routes.

If the little ones started school later, there are financial, workplace and schedule benefits for families. If the older ones started earlier (getting out earlier), there are also employment, extracurricular and educational benefits for them and their families. It appears the only losers would be after-school programs (financial) and tradition.

Christopher J. Harris
Greensboro

In a decadent society, which we live in today, gone is the will to believe, resist, contend, fight and struggle. There is the desire to conform, drift, follow, yield and give up. The same condition prevailed in Rome before she fell. Her standards were abandoned, the family disintegrated, divorce prevailed, immorality was rampant, and faith was very low.

Today there is much talk of religion, but we should not only talk of religion, we should also practice it. In other words, walk the talk.

Nick Nicholson
McLeansville

We attended the Lyle Lovett/John Hiatt concert recently at the coliseum. We count the entertainment as an evening well spent.

However, the two drunken young men sitting behind us in the balcony were classic boors. They spent the evening entertaining themselves, much to their great amusement, and making beer and bathroom trips.

We feel if alcohol is sold at the coliseum, provisions should be made to ensure the sanctity of the concert.

Joe and Elizabeth Terry
Asheboro

Your article on income disparity made me so angry, I got up without finishing my lunch to write this letter. The graph on “gauging poverty” says “only Mexico and Turkey had poverty rates higher than the U.S.” How utterly ridiculous when the measure of poverty is not real income but those “making less than 50 percent of the population’s median income.” The average U.S. income is roughly 10 times higher than that of most of the world’s population. Also, the survey is of 30 westernized nations.

Having lived in several developing nations, I have seen real poverty, where the majority of the population struggles to get two meals a day. Yes, there is some poverty here, but very, very little compared to 90 percent of the world. Yes, our economic times are hard. I’ve taken losses like everyone else. But we are so, so blessed compared to most. Let’s keep it in perspective.

Marcia Woodward
Greensboro

I had a pleasant experience voting and want to thank the election officials who assisted me. I have several family members who cannot wait in a traditional line. I went to the early voting site at Bur-Mil Park a day early. The election staff who were setting up answered all my questions about absentee ballots and curbside voting.

When I brought my mother-in-law, who has a broken leg, to Bur-Mil, there were lines. We were able to vote curbside and were very pleasantly assisted by Tony McGrady and Conrad Cates, who knew what to do and did it with a great attitude. Other curbside voters arrived while we waited, and we all felt we were a part of the voting experience. Mr. Cates put the voting tablet in our car so that my mother-in-law could vote without getting out. This was very helpful.

Thank you, Mr. McGrady and Mr. Cates, for helping Americans cast their ballots!

Laura Kilmartin
Greensboro

As many of us sit and have our morning coffee while reading this, I ask that each of you take a moment to reflect on this date: Oct. 23, 1983.

Those of us having coffee that morning 25 years ago watched as U.S. Marines dug through the rubble of what had been their headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon, valiantly searching for survivors.
A suicide truck bomb, the type we are all familiar with these days, packed with about 12,000 pounds of explosives, was driven right into the barracks before being detonated. This attack resulted in the largest loss of American military lives, in a single action, since World War II.

Many of us who served in Beirut consider it to be an early, if not the first, battle in the war on terror.

Between 1982 and 1984, 267 American servicemen lost their lives in that theater, when we were only under orders to try to keep the peace and help the victims of the war.
My fellow veterans, survivors and families recently gathered at the Beirut Memorial in Jacksonville (Camp LeJeune).

I ask those reading this to take a moment to remember. It is the first duty. More information is available at www.beirutveterans.org.

Bob Wrenn
Greensboro

We all know the state of affairs of our great country and world in general. We know the promises our presidential hopefuls have made. What we don’t know is that we have an urgent crisis now that can’t wait on the next president.

I am talking about the food crisis. We don’t need Washington to tell us we need to reach out to our neighbor and community with food donations. When you offer food to a person in need, you give him more than food. You give him a sense of being part of a community that cares. You give him hope that the nature of man is still good. You have taken off one of the many worries that kill a person’s sense of worth. You give him hope for another day.

The Servant Center Pantry, The Hive and Grace Community Church are all serving our community daily with food and hope.

While some are waiting on Washington to solve our problems, I believe residents of Greensboro can fix this one problem on our own. We can rally together.

Share what we have, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it’s the only thing to do.

Katherine Shelton
Greensboro

Boo yah, Jim Cramer, Mr. Mad Money. Are you mad?

You recently told everyone to take their money out of the market. People literally took your advice. You have ruined the portfolios of many people in the Triad. Did you ask them what their financial goals were, when they would need this money, whether it was properly diversified into cash, bonds, stocks, mutual funds, international assets? How about the importance of asset allocation? No.

No doubt there will be sharp increases in stocks in the near future. If you’re out of the market, you will miss those gains forever. Jim Cramer advised you to sell low after the drop.
Investing is not buying when it feels good and selling when you feel scared. It’s a lifelong, disciplined plan.

As a financial adviser, I take my profession more seriously than you do, Mr. Cramer. It’s not just entertainment on CNBC but real people, real lives, real goals and real money. I caught your “Mad Money” show again recently; there you were again saying, “Buy, buy, buy.” Hershey stock was your new pick of the day. I thought the advice was, “Sell, sell, sell.”

Boo, boo, boo!

Mike Stipanov
Greensboro

Regarding David Sims’ letter (Oct. 19) on outlawing cigarette sales and manufacturing in this state:

I think he fails to realize the importance of tobacco in the North Carolina economy. Many of the tobacco farmers in this state are following in a tradition, meaning that their fathers, grandfathers, great-grandfathers, etc., all grew tobacco. Tobacco is allowing these farmers to pay their mortgages, put food on the table and clothes on the backs of their families — not to mention all of the jobs that would be lost at the plants if cigarettes were outlawed.

I hope that, if North Carolina did decide to follow Sims’ suggestion, he would be willing to pay the mortgages, and feed and clothe the families that would be affected.

Oh, and while we’re at it, how about we outlaw alcohol and return to Prohibition? Let’s put as many people out of work that we can! Great idea.

Erika Walas
Greensboro

I understand that there are several interesting simulation games out there. One game has the person make an amusement park; another makes a planet complete with animals and trees. I have been told these games are highly addictive.

Perhaps it is time for Microsoft or some other software maker to come up with a game called “The 2009 U.S. Budget.”

This game would allow people at home to begin to tackle the ins and outs of our budgeting process without political considerations. The developer could monitor the online players, and our country could use its greatest resource, its people, to solve problems that Congress cannot. This could become a model for future problem solving.

Consider these possible games: “Greensboro City Council” or “School Board.”

Richard Palumbo
Asheboro

I just moved to Greensboro slightly more than a month ago. I wanted to share some first impressions.

Customer service is great, and the people you meet on the streets are friendly.

Then comes the traffic. I just moved from the D.C. metro area, and motorists there seemed polite compared to here. Speeding and ignoring red lights and stop signs are reasons there are so many wrecks every morning.

And the Greensboro Police Department doesn’t seem to care. I contacted them through their Web site about an area where I have had two close calls in a week from people blowing off stop signs and I haven’t heard word one. Hey, GPD! Traffic deaths outnumber violent crime deaths by a margin of 2.5 to 1. A “broken glass” policy on vehicle crimes will translate into improved violent crime stats.

I am a bicycle commuter. I haven’t seen one Greensboro area cyclist who honors the stop signs, sometimes even if there is other traffic in the intersection! Motorists flouting the law is no reason to copy their behavior. Otherwise, you give lawmakers the ammunition to legislate you off the road entirely regardless of constitutional protections.

Same roads, same rules, same rights.

Michael Plakus
Greensboro

Several letters have been sent in recently, one a few months ago praising the virtues of Ted Kennedy who was undergoing surgery at Duke, and the more recent letter about Joe the Plumber, Joe the President, Joe the Fed Chairman, etc. This letter was sent in and signed by David Stump.

I would like all my friends and associates to know that this is not the David L. Stump formerly from Tennessee and formerly with Burlington Industries.

Some of my friends were shocked I was a Ted fan, and nothing could be further from the truth.

David L. Stump
Stokesdale

I want to thank Nancy McLaughlin for the article, “What if he is? Muslims used to slights in 2008 Campaign” (Oct. 25). Many Americans judge the Muslim faith without knowing anything about it or even knowing a Muslim. The Quran, Bible, Torah all start with the Old Testament. The Ten Commandments can be found in the Quran, except with more detail in the lessons. Essentially, their God (Allah) is the same God that Christians and Jews worship. The main differences between these religions are in the stories of the New Testament.

The Muslims I have known are kind yet generally upset with Americans’ judgment of them.

Would this not be the same as judging that all Christians have the same thoughts as Jim Jones or other societies who have taken the Christian religion and distorted it to control people?

Jesus was not involved in politics. He certainly would have an issue with the personal attacks on one of our presidential candidates or anyone else because he or she is different from the majority. Luke 6:37 says, “Judge not, and you shall not be judged: condemn not and you shall not be condemned; forgive, and you shall be forgiven.”

Alicia Heringhaus
Greensboro

Citizens of Guilford County, be warned. Your friendly local military park will be more than happy to slap you with a substantial fine for parking improperly. When we went out for what was supposed to be a pleasant afternoon walk, we got back to find a National Park Service vehicle with blue lights flashing parked beside our car. The officer informed us that we parked “right beside the cone with the no parking symbol on it” as if we purposely set out to break the law even though the parking restriction that the cone was referring to was by no means clear. We parked at that particular spot because of an uncertain car battery. It was a downhill slope and we could have popped the clutch on the gentle incline if we needed to.

We were not blocking anything or anyone. Instead of a warning, which we would have certainly respected, we were given a $75 ticket. We are both natives of Greensboro and have always loved and supported Battleground Park, but it will not be the same. What we formerly viewed as a sanctuary will never feel that way again.

Pam Blackwood
Greensboro

Thanksgiving and Christmas have come early for me this year, compliments of the Greensboro Police Department. On Oct. 22, a man took our company truck and trailer containing everything we use to make a living: two mowers, blowers, weed trimmers and a toolbox full of other equipment. My husband saw the perpetrator, jumped on the trailer (yes, he is my Superman) and dialed 911 on his cell phone.

With the combined efforts of me, my husband and the dispatchers at 911, within 10 minutes the department was on a high-speed chase that ended in a foot chase and apprehension of the perpetrator.

Although this was a distressing event, my husband is safe, alive and well, and our business is intact. We extend a sincere, heartfelt thanks to all the officers involved, including Officers Alexander, Tuck and Smith of the city; the sheriff’s deputies who responded; and the calm, focused, dispatchers at 911. We are proud to be served by such efficient and caring individuals who know how to work as a team. Keep up the good work!

Shaunalee Williams
Greensboro

Recently on the morning TV shows, a couple were interviewed on the subject of cell phones. Their young son had been killed by a driver who had run a red light because she was texting on her cell phone. The father of the boy has invented a mechanism that can be applied to cell phones with an automatic message that the receiver is driving and the call is being sent to an answer phone. What a great idea!

I have been very concerned by the overuse of cell phones, which, no doubt, has caused many accidents.

How did we communicate before their invention? I even see people walking through supermarkets, talking to someone about their groceries.

I still use a shopping list. How old-fashioned is that?

In some cases the gabby person is downright rude, such as someone in a restaurant who can’t stop talking and puts others in the unwanted position of overhearing intimate details.

It’s time parents put on the brakes with their teenagers about their cell phones. Please don’t wait until your precious child or grandchild is in a tragic accident because someone was gabbing away on his cell phone.

Vivian Robinson
Jamestown

I support the idea that cancer patients should be given transportation to the doctor’s office, as suggested in Cathy Weaver’s article, “Cancer is a hard road to travel without aid.” I’m a grandson of a cancer survivor. My grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1999.

She was fortunate to have family members help her to and from the doctor, but many are not so lucky.

I support volunteering to fill this need. Lots of people don’t have transportation to their doctor’s appointments.

This is a good way to help the community. Also, a driver can deduct volunteer miles when filing an income tax return. Just imagine if someone in your family was a cancer patient. You would want someone to help him or her.

That’s why you should treat others as you would want others to treat you.

Lance Abritton
Greensboro

Regarding recent articles about animal hoarding:

I am an animal advocate, but I feel that there must be a mental problem among those who want to “collect” numerous animals and keep them in their homes, then not tend to them properly. Anyone housing multiple animals, especially cats, should be required by law to have an inspection of their residence every six months to ensure proper care. If they are found to not be sanitary, the authorities should take the animals to the Humane Society for adoption.

Animal hoarding is a compulsion that needs to be addressed. Let’s stop the spread of fleas, disease and unsanitary conditions by inspecting the residences of owners of multiple animals.

Sarah Ayers
Kernersville

I want to thank the West Market Street Methodist Church leadership group for its support of the war troops of World War II (“Church sent support to war zones.”).

I am a student at Greensboro College who has engaged in conversations with former troops who have been in wars. When we discussed tours of duty, their main concerns were, “How is my family?” “Will I go to hell?” and “Do people care that we are putting their lives on the line so that they may be free?”

I wonder if we care as much now as they did in 1942. The idea of people of the church bringing comfort to those who have had children and husbands overseas may seem small to some, but talking to veterans I’ve met, I realize these are the most important things. I wish that not only churches, but more leadership groups would take more pride in supporting overseas troops as well as their families.

I don’t do my fair share of things to support troops overseas, but this article let me know I can start somewhere.

Antoine Brown
Greensboro

The following is a counterpoint piece.
By Lisa Talley

There’s a lot of talk these days about our progressive individual income tax rate structure and how it relates to the redistribution of wealth. Let’s get some facts straight.

First of all, the idea that federal income tax rates go up as your income increases have been present since inception. Our current highest margin rate of 35 percent is one of lowest we’re ever had. Marginal rates have been as high as 90 percent during World War II and were 70 percent back in the 1980s. Marginal rate means that only your income above a certain level is taxed at the higher rate. Each taxpayer gets the benefit of lower rates at each bracket of income.

The income tax is higher for people with more income to partially offset the regressive nature of many other taxes, such as payroll taxes, sales and gas taxes, state and local income taxes and many hidden excise taxes. Our federal government currently uses payroll taxes paid on gross wages to cover general government spending. Therefore, discussing the progressive nature of income taxes in isolation from the complete tax burden as a socialist redistribution of wealth is inaccurate.

The federal government offers both direct spending on segments of society and tax relief through tax expenditures to other segments. Whether you receive government assistance or enjoy tax breaks on your income, you are participating in our system of social rewards and punishments.

According to the 2006 report by the Joint Committee on Taxation, our current federal income tax system offers breaks that favor those who can afford the following expenditures (in order of cost to our government): contributions to retirement plans; tax-free health care benefits; mortgage-interest deductions on two residences; lower rates on capital gains; charitable contributions; children under 17; earned-income credit; tax-free proceeds of life insurance and tax-free build-up of investment income inside insurance contracts; state and local income and property taxes; tax-free proceeds of gain on home sales; and many more.

So if you are experiencing the tax benefit of any of these tax shelters, you are getting the benefit of redistribution of wealth from someone whose wages are taxed in full without the benefit of an offset for these items. If we are going to discuss socialism, let’s be sure everyone affected by our social policies is included in the discussion.

The writer is a Certified Public Accountant who lives in Greensboro.

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Jessica Simmons

Regarding Jennifer Fernandez’s story of the shortage of shelter beds projected for this season (“Shelter,” Oct. 27):

I was initially saddened at one more suggestion of the current economic downturn’s impact on families. But then I read the story of Keisha Smith.

Immediately, my sympathy was erased. Of all of the meaningful subjects that undoubtedly are affected by the hard times in our nation, the journalist elected to spin the tale of this woman who has certainly created her own reality.

Rather than stopping at one or two children that she could not afford, Miss Smith had SIX. Six children, and no way to provide for them. Six children, and yet, somehow, she managed to take her subsidized housing situation for granted and allow them to be evicted. Housing that she and her children received due to my own tax dollars, as well as those of many of your readers.

There are many individuals who could have shed light on the unfortunate scenario of homelessness besides this unwed mother who has not only landed herself in a terribly blighted situation, but also repeatedly bore children into poverty.

This woman is nothing more than a demonstration of why the current welfare system does not work: Rather than take the aid and use it to better herself and her situation, she chose to create more children, and then stand by while her own children perpetuated the cycle of creating babies that they could not afford.

I’m sorry Miss Smith, you will get no sympathy from me.

And I hope Miss Fernandez will shine light on individuals more deserving of something other than a shake of the head in the future.

There are so many with a story to tell that doesn’t leave the blame solely on their own shoulders.

The writer lives in Graham.

By the time this is published the election will be over. One will be a political winner, both will be losers in my opinion and that of many voters who are simply sick of smear and fear ads such as last week’s by Dole implying that Hagan is an atheist. Shame on both of them.

Dole: For appealing to the lowest common denominator in our society through fear and stretching the truth to the point of lying.

Hagan: For filing a lawsuit instead of just appearing in front of your church with your pastor who could vouch for your participation in your church over many years. I suppose filing a lawsuit, whether it is because your child did not receive the grade in school you thought should have been awarded or you think your political opponent has “defamed” you, is now an American birthright.

For goodness sakes, use your time to discuss the serious issues that confront this country.

Jerry S. Weston
Greensboro

Your Sept. 19th article on the sex offender registry addresses an important issue concerning community safety. I agree that sex offenders should list the address they actually live at, rather than an incorrect address, because their presence is dangerous.

This issue should be strictly enforced. As an 18-year-old man, I fear for my children in the future, especially since there are at least 600 registered offenders in Guilford County.

According to law, sex offenders must register addresses with sheriffs so neighbors and police know their whereabouts. But there’s a problem with some registering one address while living at another.

This is a serious matter. Everybody in the community should know where sex offenders live at all times. These dangerous sex offenders should have a tracker on them at all times, that way the police know if they’re doing something that should not be tolerated.

If 600 sex offenders isn’t serious enough, how about all the sex offenders who are not registered?

Hopefully a law can be passed so we can work together to protect our communities and our future.

Avery Lawrence
Greensboro

Christmas must be coming, at least that’s what merchants and retailers are promoting daily. We wonder what the season will produce in terms of sales due to the country’s economic problems. Merchants and retailers will acknowledge that the largest percentage of their business comes in this holiday/holy day season, so promotion is important. However, in their promotions, will there be mention of the reason for Christmas –- Christ’s birthday?

In the past few years retailers have been reluctant to acknowledge the reason for this shopping season. Also, there appears to be a concerted effort by retailers and others to prevent their employees from saying “Merry Christmas.”

Why shouldn’t that employee say or hear the words “Merry Christmas?” It would be common courtesy. Or is that forbidden?

The politically correct don’t want Christ or God mentioned in promotions in or outside their stores. But they forget that upwards of 95 percent of the country claims to be Christian and the majority celebrate Christmas. Would the retailers comment, please.

Don Mulligan
High Point

Mr. Glenn (letter, Oct. 23) reminded us that the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union, the Constitution of the United States of America and the Bill of Rights were all radically liberal instruments from a dangerously anarchist group of individuals, who only agreed on one thing: Independence for all Americans.

The “instigators” were considered criminals by the British Crown, who believed in government by the privileged few and economically advantaged.

Not all were liberals. Many were conservatives, and shortly after the revolution and even before George Washington’s death many of our Founding Fathers were not even speaking to each other.

It truly is distressing to observe how hysterically we now rationalize our own distortions and mischaracterizations to defend our own fears and frustrations with “the other side.” Whatever happened to the concept of E pluribus unum: “Out of Many, One.”

Thank God for founding fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters with differing views on politics and religion — way back then — whose necks were willingly risked for fighting for the freedoms we all share now. Their blood is in the soul of our nation. “Liberal” and “conservative” are honorable terms for Americans. Always were.

Lonnie Groendes
Greensboro

To those who usually live beyond their means and borrowed irresponsibly and expect to be bailed out with our tax dollars, I have two words for them: Drop Dead.

Helio Salvador
Greensboro

I am disgusted.

Now we are forgiving credit card debt. (“Banks would let debts go unpaid,” Oct. 31). I am a law abiding tax-paying U.S. citizen. Not to mention a veteran. I understand why banks are doing this, but it doesn’t make it right. I’m sure many people feel the way I do.

Forgiving debt incurred by card holders will not teach them about “living within your means.” They will do it again.

When I was in the USMC, every Marine below the rank of lance corporal (E-3) was required to take a personal finance class. I would suggest this for every credit card user in the United States. Force people to read the fine print. We have to learn through our errors to truly be taught a lesson.

If the rules are bent solely on the profit and loss of financial institutions, tell me what we should be teaching our kids? Maybe it’s better to run with the pack, max out my credit card, buy a new car and a home I can’t afford.

Carl Peltzer
Colfax

I am glad that the election has finally ended and we will not have to be bombarded with political phone calls and venomous commercials from both sides. My real disappointment is the votes that were cast for bond issues.

We vote to build a $12 million swim complex but turn down a vote to repair the War Memorial Auditorium that is more than 50 years old and hasn’t had any major repairs since it was built.

In addition, I as a homeowner was not happy with the vote on the 1/4-cent sales-tax increase. All that will do is add more expense to our property taxes.

This city can be as great as Raleigh and Charlotte, but we will have to make some drastic changes to accomplish that end.

Don Edwards
Greensboro

The America we knew and loved changed forever Nov. 4, and not for the better.

We have always had the good sense to reject extremely liberal candidates (McGovern, Mondale, Dukakis, Gore and Kerry), but thanks in large part to a corrupt, dishonest, partisan media, we elected someone further left than any candidate in modern history, and someone we know little about, thanks to his media protectors.

No white candidate, who began his political career in the home of an abortion clinic bomber who never said he’s sorry, or served on a board with an “esteemed” college professor who espoused white nationalism in public schools, or spent 20 years in a white supremacist church where hatred for blacks, Jews and his own country was preached, would be tolerated as a candidate!

When asked about his preacher, he says he had no knowledge of any of it. When asked how this was possible, he replied, “What can I tell you?”

Would this media that obsessed for a week over Palin’s wardrobe, and tried to destroy Joe the plumber for merely asking their “Chosen One” a question, gloss over this candidate’s past associations, saying they’re not significant? Never! Are “re-education” camps next!

Tony Moschetti
High Point

Congratulations, lefties, you got what you asked for. In four years, when you have lost your jobs because of tax burdens placed on businesses, and when your income is eroded by further tax increases to pay for social programs we can’t afford, and money starts pouring out of the markets because of the anti-business agenda of your socialist president, be sure to stop by and thank your neighbor for supporting him and other Democrats.

We have now formalized our entry into the third world of other socialist states. Great job by all.

By the way, News & Record, really loved your election cover. Have to wonder what it would have looked like if McCain had won.

Steve Gorden
Kernersville

The recent letter, “Muslims misjudged and misunderstood” (Nov. 3) contains a monstrous misconception that has mightily misguided many.

A common error that was stated in the letter, “Essentially, their God (Allah) is the same God that Christians and Jews worship” is a deception that easily deceives those who do not know who Jesus is and what He did. The Quran proclaims that Allah does not have a son, and that Jesus did not die on the cross. However, the Bible states that Jesus is God’s only son and “the image of the invisible God.” Being God in human flesh qualified Jesus to be a substitute to receive God’s wrath for man’s sin. He did this on the cross and is why He said “no man cometh to the Father but by me.”

No other religion or good works will qualify; only belief in God’s Son, Jesus Christ, and His shed blood for one’s sin will qualify one for heaven. “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him” (John 3:36).

Gary Marschall
Greensboro

Well, now that we have our first black president, let us hope that his first “changes” will be the correcting of the blind eye the government had been taking to the racist and discriminatory organizations that have populated the landscape since the late-1970’s.

First to go should be the Congressional Black Caucus, a blight on the Constitution since its inception. Then, every other organization that exists solely for the benefit of African American members.

Somewhere in there should be the dismantling of affirmative action and federal support to historically black colleges and universities.

Obama’s call for change was supported by a rainbow populace. He should be proud. Jesse Jackson should be proud. We should all be proud.

He can show us he deserves the support we gave him by being the president of all American citizens — and by removing these vestiges of racial preference.

If electing Obama our president doesn’t show that we have moved beyond these special interests, then we have not moved very far at all. And if he does nothing to dismantle these discriminatory organizations, then we have supported a man who has only just begun the failures of his historic presidency.

Len Docimo
High Point

The following is a Counterpoint piece:

By Steve Peet

It’s pretty clear that America, still the white-hot center of aggressive consumerism, bought new: the shiniest, brightest, most elegant new we could find, maybe that’s ever been.

After bombardment by billions in advertising lashed to billions more worth of television, radio and Web programming, we were force-fed campaign insight on a molecular scale. So, not an impulse buy. This was a considered purchase.

We weighed our options and each’s ability to tackle the stinking pile of stool accumulated in a flamboyant swirl on the current occupant’s to-do list — the kneecapped economy, corruption, war lies, brooding and confrontational far right (kind of like the far left in 2001), incendiary Middle East, juggling two wars, bailout, unemployment, health care — plus the stuff we don’t know about yet.

We looked at this as we considered choices, one predictable but fidgety, uncomplicated but rigid, bull-strong but apt to turn rank and dangerous quite regularly, and we said, eh, we’ll take That One. The other one. The cool, new, nimble one. Republicans are pleased, no?

“Go shopping” has, after all, been the Republicans’ go-to solution from 9/11 onward. So we did as we were conditioned.

We shopped. For almost two years we shopped, and when we were fairly certain and unanimous in our purchase, Republicans, oddly, tried to snap us out of the shopping spirit with a barrage of disclaimers. Few things can crack conditioning. Fear can, or could.

Too bad for McCain that the outgoing administration rode that horse into the loam. A good lesson for marketers: Don’t go to the well too often. America doesn’t like it.

We apparently also don’t like crazy, and that McCain would take his strongest advantage over Obama’s “experience” and squander it by choosing Palin screams wacky. There was more, but that was all it took. We bought new.

Like our last new purchase, this does not come with a warranty. Unlike our last purchase, however, this one isn’t “as is.” This model comes equipped with adaptive auto correct that adjusts and learns from mistakes and will even seek out and consider differing commands than its own, a feature that will confuse and frustrate the neocons but is seen by the rest of the world as a precious upgrade that alone trumps all second thoughts and concerns for buyer’s remorse.

So, thank you, Republican Party, for your ceaseless drumbeat for consumerism. It’s made us into smart shoppers.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

Since opening Scott’s Tractor in Reidsville in 2004, we have been a vendor at the Reidsville Downtown Fall Festival, showcasing our John Deere items. Though we don’t sell tractors there, we find that people, especially in a rural county like ours, like to admire them, just as they also enjoy seeing new cars brought by local dealers and the restored antique cars that fill several blocks. During the festival, we have also loaned equipment to the city for trash collection.

This year, we participated in RiverFest in Eden, Madison Heritage Festival, Stoneville Festival and Pork Jam Festival in Pelham. We regret that we were not at the Reidsville Downtown Fall Festival. Weeks before the festival, we were informed that a commercial vendor rate had been established, raising our fee from $120 to $1,000. Although we want to support local events, we felt the fee was too costly and out of line with what other festivals charge. We understand that many of the vendors at the Reidsville Festival were not considered “commercial” and were charged a more reasonable fee.

We apologize to our customers who have expressed their disappointment that we weren’t there. We welcome you at our business and hope to continue to see you at the county’s more affordable festivals.

Scott and Angela Cook
Reidsville

In response to tobacco comments by Erika Walas (letter, Nov. 3):

Alternative crop choices for farmers who “put food on the table and clothes on the backs of their families” with tobacco are available, and many are much more profitable than tobacco. Forward-thinking farmers should consider future crops for biofuels, etc.

Also, loss of jobs in an industry that is a known killer is a small price to pay in order to save lives. Not only should these farmers not raise tobacco, they should refuse to raise tobacco! This is the only socially responsible action that they should take to end the loss of countless lives.

Nicotine is a drug. This is added to tobacco to keep people addicted and is legal to sell. In this age of information, how do legalized drug sales exist?

Possibly Erica Walas should visit the grave of my 75-year-old mother, whom I lost due to
smoking-related illness in August. Maybe she should think about the people like my mother who did not have the willpower or believed that it would never kill them. Possibly Ms. Walas, with her strong beliefs about the benefits of tobacco for North Carolina, could contribute to the funeral expenses for my mother and others who needlessly die with smoking-related illnesses.

Is someone’s life worth a farmer’s choice to raise tobacco and a manufacturer’s right to sell these products?

Gary Rhymer
Jamestown

A brilliant 21st century campaign built on old-fashioned grass-roots organization and new-age technology has changed American history, culminating in victory for President-elect Obama. Being able to harness the enthusiasm of young and old new voters and staying on message proved to be a winning formula for this relatively inexperienced candidate who fell into a perfect storm of anti-Bush sentiment and a faltering economy to win with a clear mandate for change.

The poster child for media adoration, from Oprah to The New York Times, must now show who he really is. The president-elect chose not to hear 20 years of hate-filled sermons. He chose to vote present 130 times rather than for or against legislation while in the Illinois Senate. He has sponsored no legislation of substantive importance while in the U.S. Senate and has spent most of his time there campaigning to no longer be there.

Who is this magnetic personality with virtually no resume of real achievement other than winning elections?

I hope for the sake of this nation and for our children that the president-elect not only floats like a butterfly but can sting like a bee, when necessary; that the emperor does have clothes; and that the wizard, now in front of the curtain, is not all smoke and mirrors.

Kenneth Trager
Greensboro

I would like to respond to Joe Scott’s write-up on “Bell Book and Candle” showing at Triad Stage. I am truly sorry Scott goes to the theater looking for hidden agendas, literary merit and/or artistic value as opposed to simply good, wholesome entertainment. He really missed a lot.

Granted, if anyone looks to come out with a higher level of understanding of a play that is “an apt metaphor for the gay community circa 1950,” they may be disappointed. I never even realized there was anything “metaphorical” about the play. I guess I am just an average person looking for an evening of entertainment.

I was definitely not disappointed. I did not have to “work” at being entertained. I did not have to “think” about what the playwright was trying to tell me. And apparently the people in the lobby at intermission or at the end of the play, are average, too, because I heard nothing but praise.

The play was extremely well- written and cast with excellent actors. I can only suggest Scott should leave his books at home and go back to any play at Triad Stage and have an evening of pure enjoyment.

Kathryn Sherrill
Greensboro

Be careful of the change you ask for; you just might get it. Don’t forget to hang on to your wallet; you are going to need what’s in it for the next four years. What you have worked for all your life now belongs to someone else. The wealth will be spread.

Michael “Scott” Blanchard
High Point

The following is a Counterpoint piece:

By Steele Smith

I am deeply offended by the following editorial statement that appeared in the Nov. 6 Our Opinion column: “Voters who can’t make informed choices ought to leave the decisions to others.” This statement concerned the election results in the judicial races.

I have been the mayor of a small town in North Carolina and a candidate for state Senate. I believe I’m qualified to claim that I am a concerned, committed and educated voter. To me, the single most frustrating thing about voting is the inability to find any real information about the judicial candidates. When I have expressed this frustration directly to judicial candidates and asked them why there is such a paucity of information about them generally available to voters, they have invariably said something like, “Each case is decided on its merits and, therefore, you can’t provide information on what judges have done on the bench because it is irrelevant and presumes upon future decisions.”

The editorial piece stated that one judicial winner was a lawyer who is barred from representing indigent clients in criminal cases. How were voters supposed to know that? In another case, reference was made to a man winning a judicial race who had never practiced law. Maybe judicial eligibility rules should be changed to include some actual experience.

Nature abhors a vacuum, and so into the vacuum of judicial candidate information in this election came cards being handed out at my polling place by both Democratic and Republican party operatives that contained the list of judicial candidates being supported by that party. This puts the judicial races right where we don’t want them, in the partisan political arena.

Rather than chastising voters, who I believe are doing the best they can with the information currently available, I strongly encourage you to put the considerable weight of your opinion behind devising a way to present better information on judicial candidates to the voters.

The writer lives in Jamestown.

Regarding the Oct. 30 article, “Farmers join against warming,” I, too, am concerned about the impact that global warming will have as it relates to our most basic necessities in life — food and water. With the drought our area has experienced, many farmers have experienced crop failure. We have also seen the battle over water in many of the drought-ridden areas. Crop loss and water shortages will continue to intensify with global warming.

As a mother of two children, this is not the kind of world I want to leave to them. It is time our representatives take progressive action to support clean energy.

I commend Rep. Brad Miller, who recently called on Congress to act with urgency.

Jory Froggatt
Greensboro

Fall is here and area hunters are hauling apples, hoisting their stands, and applying strange make-up. They’re preparing for the ancient ritual of bringing home the kill. The N.C. Wildlife Commission is commended for its part in bringing back the turkey and deer. This has provided a boon to our economy, a thrill for hunters, and an abundant source of natural food.

How strange that we manage the deer population with care and concern while ignoring the demographics of the human population. As boomers shift into retirement, our work force dwindles. Immigrants move in to replace our missing youth, straining our economy. Just as we have turkey season and deer season to limit the excessive taking of life, perhaps we should consider limits on the current 24/7 “baby season.” What a strange time this is when more attention is paid to the animal population than to people. If current thinking persists, we will continue on this reckless path of “open season” on our unborn. Our political leanings are not just matters of economic interest, but, for the unborn, a matter of life itself, precious life, and the opportunity to contribute. It is unfortunate that the least among us have no vote.

Rebecca Sullivan
Reidsville

Regarding Raymiene Hobbs’ letter, “Who are true Christians?” (Oct. 30), I agree with her regarding Luke 10:27. She says “pro-choice” doesn’t mean “pro-abortion.”

What’s the difference? Was she saying that if the child won’t be loved and cared for, the child should be aborted? How does she know which children would be loved? What about adoptive couples?

I had a co-worker whose wife couldn’t conceive. He badly wanted to be a father. He spoiled his nieces and nephews. Every day he asked about my daughters and a co-worker’s son. He and his wife were on a waiting list to adopt. But the child they would have adopted was aborted. After many years, with no child to adopt, they were dropped from the list (age).

Some people say African children would not be adopted. A Caucasian couple at our church adopted two African infants. Our family has a couple trying to adopt overseas because of the abortion-created shortage in the United States. It’s true that people want infants, so many children do languish in foster care. Not all foster children are adoptable, either because parents have not given up rights or parents are in rehab. But nothing she said excuses abortions.

Patricia Shumard
Greensboro

The Republican Women’s Club ran an ad on page B8 on Election Day that was despicable in its intent. The facts were presented in an effort to blow a smokescreen over the realities that Bush has been in the White House for eight years and the Republicans had congressional majorities from 1995 to 2006.

There is certainly no single reason that the economy tanked, gasoline prices soared, the equity markets suffered huge losses, and the housing bubble burst. To blame congressional Democrats, who had a slim majority from 2006 to 2008, is absurd and dishonest.

The election is over. I wrote this letter before the results were known. Regardless of who won, the United States has huge problems both at home and abroad. The new leadership deserves our full support as it begins to address the challenges it will inherit.

Lawrence Brenowitz
Greensboro

The Triad Careers section of the Nov. 2 paper had an interesting and informative article concerning the succession of care in the event of an emergency. The article involved all avenues of care from the dispatcher, the paramedic, the EMT at the hospital, the registered nurse and the emergency room doctor. All of these professions were covered with good information.

However, the first line of care on the scene of an emergency was overlooked. This would be the fine men and women of your local fire protection agency, whether it be a city or county department. The majority of these individuals are also trained as NC-EMTs and most are paid, but some volunteer their services to their community.

When the 911 call arrives, these people are probably the first emergency workers you will see, and they respond in conjunction with Guilford County paramedics. Their work is no less important and has been valued among citizens for more than 30 years. Firefighters are sometimes still overlooked as medical responders, although more than 80 percent of their calls today are of the medical variety.

Thanks to all the men and women who serve in any capacity of our medical response system. You truly are heroes.

Randy Brande
Browns Summit

I thought the remarks of WFMY (Channel 2) anchor Sandra Hughes about the election were somewhat inappropriate, so I exercised the off button on the remote control.

She stated (not verbatim) how she was seeing something she never thought she would see; how happy she was and how glad she was for her children to be a part of this; that we should embrace this time, etc. Her remarks pointed to the fact that her elation came because a black man had been elected president. Stupid me! I thought we would be glad someone was elected because of his qualifications and not because of his race. But, then, I suppose one could hardly say Obama was elected because of his qualifications.

He 'preached’ change and, apparently, that’s what the majority of America wanted. I pray, too, for change — change in Obama through the Lord Jesus Christ. I pray he will change his stand on abortion and other things in opposition to God’s Word. I pray he will lead this country in the way we should go and that he will make wise decisions. Much is at stake. I ask you to please join me in praying for Obama and our nation.

Bobbie Hege
Greensboro

Regarding David Brooks’ column, “Young liberals have a date with scarcity” (Nov. 5): I say “welcome” to the smart, liberal young ones and a new era where we buy only what we need, build what we can afford, help in our community, and enjoy a simple life!

Also, Mr. Brooks, one scarcity that is welcome this Nov. 5 is re-elected Republican politicians!

Bill Burnett
Greensboro

The League of Women Voters Piedmont Triad wishes to extend its thanks to George Gilbert and the staff of the Guilford County Board of Elections for their extraordinary efforts in the administration of this year’s election.

This election presented many challenges due to dramatic increases in voter registration and turnout. Careful training of poll workers contributed to a public perception of fair and meaningful elections. From the first hour of early, one-stop voting and registration, through the processing of absentee mail-in ballots, to the closing hours of the polls on Nov. 4, our county elections office handled their responsibilities with professionalism and expertise.

We extend to the entire staff, the volunteer poll workers and all others involved in the administration of this election our gratitude for their efforts to ensure that every voter was treated with respect and that every vote counted.

Rebecca Tatman Klase
Greensboro

The writer is the Voter Education Chairperson for the League of Women Voters Piedmont Triad.

With this historic election season winding down, please allow me one more opportunity to discuss politics. I want to thank the citizens of the 6th District, those who voted for me and those who did not, for participating in an election that will be discussed for many years.

I am humbled to have received such a large margin of support in a year that, quite frankly, was not a good one for our party. I need to thank all of those who put my sign in their yard, put my bumper sticker on their car, or contributed to my campaign. Your support was both tangible and heart-warming.

You cannot be elected to 13 terms without the strong support of an outstanding staff, both in North Carolina and Washington. I know my victory is a direct result of the hard work that they do in serving the 6th District. All of us pledge to continue to offer our assistance to all of our constituents.

Some people think 13 is an unlucky number. As someone who was elected to his 13th term to serve the great people of the 6th District, I feel as if I am the luckiest man alive.

Howard Coble
Greensboro

While your two-word front page headline on Nov. 5 was certainly accurate (“Obama Triumphs”), I can’t help thinking it would have been even more so with one change: “America Triumphs.”

Rick Brown
Jamestown

Now the election is over and Barack Obama is our new president-elect. The House and Senate also will see strong Democratic majorities. Congratulations to the winners. You campaign well.

It remains to be seen if you can govern.

We conservatives will continue to make our voices heard. When the party in power legalizes coercion in union elections, we will object. When they punish successful businesses in order to send checks to people who did nothing to earn them, we will object. When our rights and freedoms are stripped away in the name of fairness and equality, we will object.

When reporters and private citizens are targeted for retribution for daring to question your actions, we will object strenuously!

This does not mean we are hateful. It does not mean we don’t want to help people. It most assuredly does not mean we are racist. It means we believe that personal freedom and self-determination have served this nation well for 232 years and we believe that they would continue to serve us well today.

Enjoy your newfound power. The loyal opposition will be watching to see what you do with it.

Tim Tessier
Greensboro

Thanks to Doug Clark for his column (Nov. 5) on the election, written before results were in. I personally wanted Tina Fey in the White House, but she, like all the candidates I voted for, didn’t make it. However, we should all rejoice that we live in a country that licks its wounds and continues to tolerate the loyal opposition.

Right now we are floundering in an economic mess that will take unknown months to clean up. That will occupy our new leaders for some time.

So let’s “accept the results and move on,” as Mr. Clark suggests. Our new president, Congress, and government at every level have an opportunity to throw out the bad and build a new level of competence. The Republic will survive.

Bill Beerman
Greensboro

Now that the election is over, I would like to give a heartfelt thanks to your staff for all the resources they provided about the election. In my social work classes at UNCG, I repeatedly used the information printed about how and when to vote to inform my students. I also linked them to “Decision 2008” on your Web site.

My students were excited about voting and all the election coverage was valuable in making informed decisions. Thank you for all your effort!

Elisabeth P. Hurd
Greensboro

Congratulations to Kay Hagan for her victory over Elizabeth Dole in what has to have been the meanest and ugliest campaign waged since the Jesse Helms days. Dole’s “Godless” TV ad implying that Hagan did not believe in God was the most despicable act I have ever seen in political challenges. In my experience, Christians do not behave in such a manner toward one another.

I hope that Hagan will continue to pursue her lawsuit for defamation of character against Dole. Americans do not want to take this anymore, and her lawsuit will reinforce that. I also hope Dole will take a look in her mirror and consider who the real Godless American was in this campaign.

Laura Myers
Winston-Salem

Regarding the letter by Alicia Heringhaus (“Muslims misjudged and misunderstood,” Nov. 4):

She is sadly and badly mistaken if she believes that the God of the Muslim faith is the same as the Jewish God and the Christian God. The Christian God is none other than the God-Man Jesus Christ, thus the name Christian. I believe that the Jews are still awaiting their Messiah, whereas we Christians believe and know that Jesus Christ is the long-awaited Messiah.

My belief has nothing to do with the mistreatment of some Muslims. Let us hope all Christians treat all persons with love and respect.

Let us not be fooled, however, in believing that all Muslims are interested in our nation’s safety.
Remember 9/11. The men who were steering the hijacked airliners used as weapons on that day were of this faith.

Hazel Latham
Burlington

What act of Congress might be fairly easy to pass and might produce revenue for bridge and road repair while ensuring that energy innovation would be encouraged? How about pegging the price of gasoline nationwide at a level that accomplishes the above while retaining the relief that consumers now enjoy? Such a level might be in the $2.30-$2.50 range.

If pump prices drop, the federal gas tax would be adjusted upward so that the pump price continues to stay in the present range. The amount of this surtax would be reviewed and adjusted quarterly. If the pump price went back up, the surtax would not be applied.

Some conservatives will shout “tax and spend,” but it will be hard for them to argue against a policy that retains relief at the pump, that adds funding and jobs for infrastructure and that ensures a price level that will encourage energy innovation and reduce dependence on foreign oil.

It will be wonderful if pump prices continue to decrease. But if they go much below $2, we Americans will go right back to our old habits, those that helped lead to our present situation. Also, innovators need to know that a floor exists under gas prices. Otherwise, they may stop innovating.

Don Hallock
Greensboro

As the owner of the Randleman Road Ace Hardware, I would like to distance myself and all other Ace Hardware stores from the vile, unpatriotic actions taken upon our nation’s flag at the Ace Hardware on Market Street. Not only does it display disrespect for our flag, but it also shames our democracy.

Every four years we celebrate the election of a president, and this year deserves the same recognition. The reversal of our flag negatively portrays the ideals of our nation as a democratic system.

I would like to apologize to anyone who took offense at the actions on Market Street. Please be assured this is in no way a reflection of Randleman Road Ace Hardware. Together, despite differences in opinion, this is a time to congratulate President-elect Barack Obama and together, as a nation, look to the future with open minds.

Ed O’Keeffe
Greensboro

This is about the voting on Nov. 4. When we came to school the next day, our school grounds were covered with rusty old metal signposts left in the rain. We had to pick up the 50 signposts left outside.

There are 484 kids who go to this school, and we were worried about someone getting hurt on the signposts or getting tetanus from the rust. We are mad because we are told to clean up after ourselves, but the adults who used our school did not do that.

Hayley Sylvester
Greensboro

My wife and I viewed the historic election results with friends from different walks of life. We watched the rebirth of America and saw an America that has crossed a huge barrier, an America that gives an equal chance to everyone who was born under its flag, regardless of name or ethnic background or creed.

At that defining moment in history, when the major networks announced the election of a half-black African American as president of this great country, tears ran from my wife’s eyes as well as from mine. True tears of happiness, which was shared by most of those present. I felt pride in the country that I have chosen to live in. I felt hope for the future of my children and grandchildren.

As a naturalized citizen, I held my head high, as did all my friends who were there.

Happy rebirth day, America. And congratulations on a great choice of leader who will, by God’s will, guide our country to prosperity and peace and regain for it the respect and leadership it once held.

May God bless you and bless this great nation.

Awni Sammakia
Elkin

Your lead editorial on Nov. 6 presumes to offer advice to Beverly Perdue about how to run the state, now that she has been elected governor despite your opposition to her in both the primary and the general elections.

Your newspaper did a very bad job covering her campaign.

Early on, there was an important rally at the Depot, only about 200 yards from the News & Record building; no reporter covered it, and I do not recall any reference to it in your paper. No reporter came to the celebration in Raleigh when she won the primary. (I was at both events.) Most coverage of her campaign used AP stories.

The most astonishing thing in the editorial is your advice to her to make use of Richard Moore, whose abusive treatment of Perdue was rebuked by former N.C. Gov. Jim Hunt and was used by the Republicans in their own advertising. You repeat Moore’s own praises of himself, when you should be asking whether he may not have mismanaged Harlan Boyles’ legacy. You should be inquiring why the state Treasurer’s office has recently failed to provide its legally required reports of the state pension fund; you will probably be quite surprised to see what has happened to it when they finally appear.

Tom Kirby-Smith
Greensboro

I would like to thank the 2,838 voters in the Ward 6 High Point City Council race for your support in the Nov. 4 election. While we did not come out on top, your outpouring of support was sincerely, gratefully and humbly appreciated.

Jim Corey
High Point

The following is a Counterpoint piece:

By Lonnie H. Wymer Jr.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men ... are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights.”
— Declaration of Independence

There have been many pundits in virtually every media format who have been declaring our recent election “the end of conservatism.” May I counter that conservatism is no more dead than patriotism or rheumatism!

As a conservative, I congratulate all the candidates of all parties who ran good races, whether they won or not. As an American, I celebrate the victory of democracy as the people turned out in record numbers. I give my wholehearted support by promising to pray for all elected officials, and I further promise as a citizen to hold them accountable to their oath of office, the law of the land and their promises.

Many of those pundits declaring the end of conservatism did so with great passion and conviction as though they were expounding a great absolute. Odd for those who don’t believe in absolutes to be so certain of anything, yes, even in the News & Record!

In an Internet article (Nov. 5), Tony Blankley said, “It (conservatism) is the heir ... to the accumulated wisdom, morality and faith of the people.”

The framers of the U.S. Constitution were not writing as deists or secular humanists, and they were not supporting situational ethics. Truths to them were absolute to the extent that they spoke for themselves.

Truth is truth whether or not it is believed, and a lie is a lie no matter who believes it!

I sincerely pray that as Barack Obama takes his oath of office to “support and defend the Constitution,” that he will take it to heart and not be too hasty to reinvent it or save it from what he calls its “blind spots.”

Obama ran a marvelous campaign against very lackluster opposition, spurred on by journalists of all media who cast objectivity to the wind in exchange for their infatuation with his charisma, mystique and liberal agenda.

Be careful how high a pedestal you place him upon; like all carbon life forms, he, too, has feet of clay.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

This is our moment to show the world how America can come together despite our differences and unite. We may disagree on the issues; we may disagree on the solutions. But we all agree America is still the shining city upon a hill and that can never change.

I did not cast my ballot for Barack Obama, but he will be my president. I hope that he will govern with an open mind, listen to all sides and respect those who disagree.

As a Republican, I expect my party to be a partner, not an obstacle, in building tomorrow’s America. I call on our party leaders and elected officials to come to the table and work together to develop real solutions for a promising future for our country.

Despite anyone’s political beliefs and convictions, the election of an African American to the highest office in the land is a historic moment for our country and should be celebrated as a tremendous accomplishment. Now all Americans must come together to tackle the challenging issues of today. America is always stronger as a united nation, when all people are working together to make the United States a more secure and prosperous nation.

Michael Garrett
Greensboro

Regarding your editorial, “Random selection for judges” (Nov. 6): It’s unbelievable to learn that many voters, knowing little or nothing about the judicial races, may have chosen candidates solely because they had female names.

Voters, if you know little about a race, leave the slot blank or read the News & Record’s endorsements. If there is truly an inferior candidate out there, the paper will know it and will not endorse him or her.

The paper republishes a short list of its endorsements a day or two before the election; take it into the voting booth with you and use it. This is one thing that your local paper is good for.

George Will wrote Nov. 6 that a large voter turnout doesn’t necessarily indicate a healthy civic life; this news about the judicial races makes me inclined to agree.

Kelli Rush
Greensboro

Regarding the story “County approves incentives packages” (Nov. 7):

We are in a recession. Tax revenues are down. Costs, particularly for energy-related products, are up; $600 million in bonds has been passed in the last few years that has to be paid for by our taxes.

Taxes are certain to increase, again, this coming year. And yet the county can find $446,000 to give away to entice yet more people to come here for whom it cannot provide without increasing taxes again.

Where does it stop? When does the tax base grow, as we have been repeatedly promised, instead of just growth of our taxes?

W.H. White
Greensboro

An Obama presidency is monumental, but this man is inheriting a difficult job. Our economy is struggling, our energy system unstable and our Earth is warming. Where will he start?

The situation demands bold leadership and innovation. Our best ray of hope is a rapid transition to a green economy. Investment in clean energy will create millions of new jobs across America and tens of thousands in North Carolina.

Repowering America with renewable energy such as wind and solar; refueling America with massive energy-efficiency improvements for our vehicles and buildings; and rebuilding America with investments in clean-energy infrastructure and worker training must be top priorities for the first 100 days of the new administration. Leadership at that level will put America on track to rebuild its economic future.

Carl Samuelson
Raleigh

The writer is an organizer with Environment North Carolina.

If you are one of the citizens of Guilford County who assisted with our record-breaking voter turnout during this election — either as a member of our elections board, a candidate, a poll worker, a campaign volunteer or simply a voter — I hope you are filled with pride today.

I was especially proud to hear a story on NPR about the efforts of the students at N.C. A&T who volunteered for the Obama campaign. They worked tirelessly to register their fellow students and others in their community.

Despite cynical attitudes and apathy, they have proven that many of today’s youth are engaged and concerned. Whether Nov. 4’s election went your way or not, we can all be proud of the participation our community.

Now the real work begins. I believe we are up to the task.

Liane Crowe Davenport
Greensboro

There is no joy in Mudville. Casey has struck out. He was the better man, outmaneuvered by someone who totally destroyed the process by which we elect our presidents. Those who put him there will have to explain to their grandchildren the error of their ways. For that I pity them.

Bob Guertin
Jamestown

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Boyd M. Holliday

After reading some of the bitter, vitriolic letters from conservatives bemoaning the loss of the election, some ideas occurred to me for how the Republicans can recover and start preparing for victories in the future.

One, fire the hatemongers and fearmongers. Give the Rush Limbaughs their pink slips. The American public is too mature to keep falling for predictions of national collapse every four years. Besides, they really make conservatives look bad. Focus on issues, not prophecies of gloom and doom. That goes for the countless petty hatemongers whose letters appear daily in newspapers.

Two, purge the Religious Right from the Republican Party. You will be doing them a favor, because (as Cal Thomas so eloquently points out) the Gospel is never advanced through political means. It will force them to go back to more effective means, like evangelism.

Three, stop assuming the public is ignorant. The vast majority of TV ads for your candidates this year were just plain insulting, and, especially in Liddy Dole’s case, counterproductive.

Four, stop worshiping at the altar of Saint Ronald of California. When he said, “Government is the enemy,” it was at a time when government regulations had gotten out of hand. Some deregulation was bound to boost the economy.

But now we have swung too far the other way, with Wall Street tycoons feeling free to gamble with our future. It’s time for Republicans to rediscover the tradition of Teddy Roosevelt, who knew the role of good governance in fostering a thriving economy.

And finally, while we are talking about rediscovering their own traditions, it’s time to stop acting as if conservatism and conservation are incompatible. Until the current crop came onto the scene, Republicans were always defenders of the land, the air, the water and all other natural resources. Today they should be championing the creation of millions of green-collar jobs and safe, renewable energy.

Consider these words of Barry Goldwater: “While I am a great believer in the free enterprise system and all it entails, I am an even stronger believer in the right of our people to live in a clean, pollution-free environment.”

Don’t believe me? Check out the true history of conservatism and conservation at Republicans for Environmental Protection: www.rep.org.

The writer lives in High Point.

Now that the election is over, let’s all come together and get on with the business of taking care of America. There are obviously many who are unhappy about the outcome of the presidential election.

For those of you who are unhappy, ask yourselves if you were really willing to take a chance on at least four more years of the same stuff. Common sense says, if you want change, you must do something different.

Give President-elect Obama a chance. Dare I say, when things begin to turn around for the better (not just for African Americans, but for all Americans), I will be the first to ask the naysayers what two vegetables they would like served with their crow.

Donna Kimber
Greensboro

I noted with amusement the headline, “A country united” (Nov. 9). This coming two days after President-elect Obama made it abundantly clear that unity and bipartisanship ended with the election when he chose to denigrate the 87-year-old widow of President Reagan. It was clear from the election rhetoric that Obama takes his Marxism seriously — apparently choosing to take classless to the office of the president-elect.

Les Nixon
Greensboro

Congress and the president-elect are calling for more bailout money to the auto industry. The new Democratic majority is playing to its voter base in the upper Midwest by proposing a new set of auto industry bailouts. Time and again the Big Three have caved in to excessive union demands for high pay and unreasonable benefits, in return getting sloppy work.

Any money sent to the automakers should be in the form of an interest-bearing loan, with a fixed repayment date.

Detroit has made the same mistake many times of producing cars that do not sell. Japanese automakers have no problem making quality cars that are in demand in the United States.

If the Big Three must fall into bankruptcy, so be it. There is no evidence a government bailout will stimulate the industry to build a new car that will have mass appeal and energize lagging sales.

Detroit needs to build good cars, but they should do it on their own dime and do whatever it takes to dig out of the hole they created.

Democrats in Congress need to focus on what America needs instead of payback for voter support.

Bill Knight
Greensboro

Let’s have a reality check. Now that the elections are over and all of the promises have been made by those who were elected, should we not keep a record of how they are keeping their promises?

I think the News & Record should publish a list of all the promises made by Obama, Perdue and Hagan and every time one of them completes a promise, then publish that.

We the people, for whom they work, can evaluate their performance prior to the next election.

This is not to say that those who have come before them have done a very good job of keeping promises, but we could have a method to check on the newly elected office holders.

Clarence Hilliard
Browns Summit

There are many compelling reasons why a Purple Heart medal should be awarded to our military members and combat veterans suffering from Post Combat Stress Disorder (PCSD).

I have asked Congresswoman Virginia Foxx to introduce and sponsor a bill authoring the medal to be awarded for PCSD. I have also contacted Sen. John McCain, making him aware of this request.

I have also sent this article to the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

I feel this action is vital to the welfare of our troops and combat veterans. We all need to do our part to end the terrible consequences of this life-ruining and life-ending combat wound.

Please help stop the epidemic of suicides plaguing these brave and dedicated defenders of our people and nation. We must end the stigma of PCSD to solve the enigma. Please see www.grifslair.com

Peter S. Griffin
Madison

Throughout his campaign, Barack Obama painted John McCain’s policies as an extension of the failed Bush policies of the past eight years. Now that Obama has been elected, will we finally see change? Let’s see.

McCain voted to give $750 billion in taxpayer funds to fat cats on Wall Street. So did Obama.

McCain believes the United States should intervene militarily in Pakistan and Iran. So does Obama.

McCain voted to extend the Patriot Act, which gives the president the power to wiretap, read your e-mails and throw anybody in jail as an enemy combatant. But Obama voted for it, too.

McCain’s spending and tax-cut proposals would add hundreds of billions to the federal deficit, according to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. So would Obama’s.

McCain supports governmental limits on carbon emissions by private companies via a cap-and-trade system. So does Obama.

This is “change we can believe in”? Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.

Michael Powers
Charlotte

The following is a Counterpoint piece:

By Dave Derence

I thought the Counterpoint (Nov. 7) by Steve Peet was hilarious until I realized that he was serious.

Peet claims that we shopped for two years and finally picked “That One.” I don’t know where he shopped because all the stores (the major media and the low-class News & Record) had only one product on their shelves: That One, aka the Messiah.

In the history of the United States, Barack Obama was the most unqualified and inexperienced candidate to ever to run for president.

Not only was Sen. John McCain ignored by the major media, but they tried to destroy Gov. Sarah Palin who had more executive experience than both Obama and Joe Biden.

Worse yet, people like Peet helped get him elected. Ninety-eight percent of the Obama worshipers don’t know who this guy really is. Had they bothered to check, his background gives a clue to the real Obama, who stabbed his friend in the back to win her state Senate seat by trickery and run unopposed.

Once seated, the majority of the votes he cast were “present” because he lacked the courage to vote yes or no.

That One was a close friend of Bill Ayers (the unrepentant terrorist bomber), who sponsored Obama’s political career by holding a party in his (Ayers’) living room. Obama lied about this close relationship as well as others like convicted felon Tony Rezco, who helped Obama buy a house for $300,000 less than the asking price.

Making bad choices seems to be normal for my fellow North Carolinians. They have voted to let the Democrats run our state for more than 100 years in return for higher taxes and legislative corruption. Why they take this masochistic attitude is beyond me.

Common sense indicates that if you are bitten more than once by the same dog, you either get rid of it or stay away from it. This last election proves they have not learned anything.

I would wager that it won’t take long after Jan. 20 before the mistake they made will prove out.
Past experience shows that even if the citizens of this state are bankrupted by the Democrats in power, they will re-elect them next time.

Go figure.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

The Nov. 7 News & Record provides two opposing articles:

“Governor orders more budget cutting,” followed by “N.C. will exempt state and local sales taxes on some items during the first Energy Star sales tax holiday.”

Why would Gov. Mike Easley reduce revenue when he has a budget shortfall? And why provide this tax break to a relatively small portion of the population?

My wife and I purchased more than $5,000 of new Energy Star appliances last June. Will the governor give us a rebate for our taxes paid?

David Keeney
Stokesdale

I am one of a large crowd of veterans who were entertained on Veterans Day at Caldwell Academy. We were seated and served a full breakfast.

Girl students acted as wait staff and all of the students entertained us by singing. We were recognized for our service and applauded. Later, we were invited to visit the classrooms and
talk with the students.

Caldwell Academy has been honoring veterans this way for several years. They deserve a public thank you.

John H. Ford
Greensboro

The writer is a member of the VFW Honor Guard.

After witnessing the Oct. 21 City Council meeting, the citizens of Greensboro should be rushing to demand the immediate public removal of council members Mike Barber, Mary Rakestraw and Trudy Wade. These three individuals are determined to drag the City Council down to its lowest denominator in terms of respect and civility for each other, let alone the city manager. They are attempting to redirect the governmental processes of this city.

The maneuvers performed by the trio at the Oct. 21 meeting, between the late hours of 10:30 p.m. and midnight, were completely in opposition to an open, fair, democratic process where a nonpartisan council works to successfully lead and guide a municipality through its challenges and maintenance. Transparency in government does not mean airing arguments and purposefully, publicly working to degrade the leadership of both the council and the manager for personal power gains. Questions regarding the employment of new personnel and the performance reviews for personnel are not fair game for public topics.

I encourage everyone in Greensboro to let our council know that we won’t tolerate this behavior.

Angelo N. Crump
Greensboro

By claiming the parks and recreation bond “passed because few voters even knew it contained the swim center,” are you also saying few voters read the News & Record? (I read it and encourage everyone to.)

Your editorial page was against it and said so often. The news department wrote multiple articles about it. There were many letters to the editor about the pool’s inclusion in the bond. One letter was from Dara Torres, one of the world’s most famous swimmers.

In July, the City Council debated the bond and voted 8-0 to support it. There was a Web site about the bond that prominently featured an aquatics center.

WFDD ran a news segment about the bond and swimming. WFMY ran a story. Pool advocates sent hundreds of handwritten cards to friends asking for their support. Several thousand mailers were sent to households. Yard signs were visible all over Greensboro.

Yes, being in the parks and recreation “wrapper” made the difference. After seeing the bond win such a convincing majority, maybe the real question should be: Why wasn’t the aquatic center put on the ballot as a parks and recreation item before? Voters have clearly said we need this pool and it belongs with parks and recreation.

Ted M. Oliver
Greensboro

First, I think early voting is a very good thing. I did it myself. But it disturbs me greatly that all I had to do was walk up, give a name, an address and a birth date and bam, I voted. No proving who I am. Nobody asked for any ID whatsoever.

Having been a politician, I know that all I have to do to get a voter list from the county is pay for it. Anyone with guts could easily vote numerous times, and nobody would find out. So what happens if you arrive at the polls on Election Day and the precinct chairman says, “I’m sorry, you have already voted”? They may still take your vote, but they can’t undo whoever has illegally voted using your name.

So I am in favor of early voting, but all voting should require a picture ID, just like buying a pack of cigarettes does.

Donald McDowell
Whitsett

In Monday’s paper, Jason Goodman of WKZL is quoted as saying that having a contest that offers contestants $500 for collecting the most campaign signs from public spaces is “like telling people in a bar, 'Here’s a drink, but don’t go and drunk drive,’ and they do.”

But that’s not quite what it’s like. It’s more like having a contest in a bar and offering $500 to the person who can drink the most and still drive home. Is that also the sort of contest the radio station would sponsor? I hope not!

Heather Gert
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint piece:

By Benjamin Harris

Last week, I experienced more than history; I saw the manifestation of a divine moment in the long-existing narrative of America’s conscience.

As a black man, I came to believe and understand the history of America through a lens coated in the blood of my forefathers. I believed the psychology of our white brothers and sisters will never change. Living in Mombasa, Kenya, for this month and witnessing the struggles of Africans, I have come to appreciate my country. Never in my life would I think I could say with jubilee, excitement and pride that I am proud to be American.

The U.S. election results have in some way healed the pain of my ancestors, and their restless spirits can finally go home.

Optimism, joy and happiness have filled my heart. Watching television for the first time in a month and seeing Barack Obama and his family on the stage celebrating the victory, I was profoundly moved.

The collective images of African Americans throughout history have been ever-evolving and beautiful. I have always believed in a better day and the need for true warriors of change. Africa has taught me to be hopeful and creative, to be humble and understanding and, above all, to have pride. I am so grateful for the American spirit. I am thankful for the good and bad, the ugly and beautiful, and most of all for the relentless spirit to press forward.

In Kenya, there is a debate about amnesty for those who orchestrated violence after its presidential election. Women were raped, homes were set on fire, and people were killed.

I watched the U.S. election results from a beautiful Kenyan Luo woman’s house (Luos are the tribe to which Obama is related). In contrast, I witnessed the U.S. citizenry peacefully voting. I observed people quietly gathering to celebrate. I viewed people of all races, ages and ethnicities celebrating Obama’s victory. I could feel the collective cry of the ghosts of times past. I, too, now see the monumental shift in the world. And may God allow hope and a true sense of inspiration to sweep the world over, so that equality and justice will be the new precepts that govern society.

The writer is a Greensboro resident.

A glance out my window on a recent morning held me in thought for a long time in appreciation.

Everything was so beautiful. The colors of the leaves this fall are spectacular. On the background of a Carolina blue sky, the flaming red maple was made ever more brilliant backed by forest green cypress, bordered by golden pear.

In further contemplation, I know that Mother Nature always leads the way.

One strength is brought forth by another, one beauty set off by the glorious look of the other, one color made more radiant by other colors surrounding it.

Mother Nature, in all her wisdom, reminds us once again how rich we are in our diversity.

Gay Cheney
Browns Summit

The United States spends hundreds of millions of dollars training our future military leaders at our service academies and millions more at intermediate and senior service schools.

Once these highly trained men and women with more than 30 years of experience achieve the rank of general or admiral, our politicians still question their ability to lead the Air Force, the Army, the Navy or the Coast Guard before confirmation.

Yet, they never doubt the ability of even a rookie politician to be commander-in-chief of all the services unless he or she happens to be a member of another party.

Had the framers of our Constitution been able to foresee the complex world we live in today, surely they would have placed more qualifications upon the president’s position other than being a natural-born citizen and having reached 35 years of age.

John Woody
Eden

Your post-election coverage that essentially asked, “Can Obama deliver?” missed the point of his victory. His campaign slogan was “Yes, we can,” not “Yes, I can.”

Barack Obama won because he inspired millions to become actively involved in the political process. Under his leadership, a highly diverse group of people banded together to make change happen.

Similarly, as president, Obama alone will not be able to fix the economy, make us less dependent on foreign oil, or preserve the environment.

The power of his victory lies in the message that all of us have a role to play in making change happen.

Certainly we should hold him accountable for leadership, which entails setting direction, establishing priorities and inspiring followers.

But we need to hold ourselves accountable, too. If we fold our arms and wait to see what happens during an Obama presidency, not much will. And that failure would be on all of us, not just the president-elect.

Gary Bradt
Summerfield

Someday, will we bulldoze concrete to plant corn?

Someday, will China trade a computer for a box of cornflakes?

Will Saudi Arabia trade oil for water? In other parts of the world, clean water is the difference between life and death.

Our land-use and transportation plans must address environmental issues at this time of increasing population pressures on a declining natural resource base, widespread ecological destruction, increasing pollution, and climate change.

The long-term survival of the planet as a vehicle for sustained human occupation in anything other than a degraded lifestyle is in some doubt.

Warnings to stay indoors on “code orange and code red” poor air-quality days paint a pretty clear picture of our future if transportation planning continues as it has for the past 50 years.

North Carolina agriculture produces $68 billion annually. Fields feed us, and combined with woodlands they are a visual pleasure, providing recreation opportunities and contributing to clean air and water.

Heart of the Triad planners stated, “Farms are not an option.” How foolish.

Enlightened land-use and transportation planning includes protection of environmentally sensitive areas, farmland, wildlife habitat and open spaces while encouraging infill redevelopment. North Carolina planners are responsible for getting it right!

Cathy Poole
Kernersville

Voter approval of the $20 million parks and recreation bond should not be a surprise in that many citizens are touched by their activities. However, I believe if $12 million for a “pool” had been standing alone, it might have failed. Anyway, I am pleased we will have a swim center and unhappy that we are not getting the much-needed renovation for our War Memorial Auditorium.

Why did the auditorium bond fail? The boosters did a good job, and without a doubt, Greensboro must keep this facility usable and fitting. The reason the bond failed was the numbers: $50 million. The citizens could not see $50 million to renovate an existing building that seats 2,400 people. That’s more than $20,000 per seat. Even though the structure is sound, we’d start almost from scratch with acoustic, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and many interior changes. There is no grading to be done, no foundations, no three walls, etc. Costly renovations await us, but not $50 million.

Is it possible to join various contractors and subcontractors, architects, business and civic organizations and citizens? Greensboro must get our War Memorial Auditorium working again.

Greensboro can do it. I will help. Will you?

W. Fred Williams
Greensboro

I’m proud of many of my fellow North Carolinians for coming together and stepping outside of our own shadow.

I am an independent, but personal political affiliations vary for different reasons. Despite affiliations, race was a factor for many in the presidential race. It saddens me that racism still exists. Some are loud and proud, others are hush-hush with their prejudices. I guess that means some know better and others simply don’t care. Either way, there is no justification.

I welcome our first African American president. I have a small child, and I strive to raise my son to accept individuals for who they are with no regard to skin color, to be respectful of others and embrace diversity, not fear it or stereotype it. Barack Obama earned my vote because, of the candidates, he was the best choice for my son and me for several reasons. One reason is my wish that he will break the barriers of racial ignorance.

Sure, this sounds a bit cliche, but all Americans need to unite, embracing our similarities and differences. It is my hope that President Obama and all newly elected public servants will guide Americans to this common ground.

Terri Cummings Walton
Kernersville

Now that the gleam is beginning to dim on the gloat of the election results (for many), Americans are ready to see some action rather than just soaring rhetoric. The action we seek is not throwing more money at problems. No more stimulus packages and no bailout for large corporations. How about loans with stringent requirements for repayment? We cannot spend our way out of debt!

Consider WPA-type programs that worked during the FDR administration that gave us some of our lovely parks. Those with signs that proclaim “will work for money” could sweep streets or help rebuild our crumbling infrastructure. Round up gang members and let them seek their identity rebuilding America. Be part of the solution rather than the problem.

Finally, let’s see some good-faith action on the part of Congress and the president. This could come in the form of those millionaires/billionaires in Congress voluntarily forgoing their salaries for a year (or more) and returning it to the U.S. Treasury, or donating it to some worthwhile charity. Even Barack Obama has not set a good example with sharing his wealth with members of his own family. Remember the welfare aunt and his Kenya family connections?

Phyllis Lambeth
Greensboro

I really wish the merchants in our city would take a stand against all of this early Christmas/holiday decorating and marketing.

Along about Halloween, or even before, we see Christmas decorations in various stores as well as aisles of gifts, lights and other holiday-specific items. I love the holiday time, but I love each one by itself. Can’t we wait until Halloween is over to begin to market Thanksgiving?

In our increasingly fast-paced world, it seems to me that enjoying each season by itself would ease the stress and help us slow down and appreciate the beauty of our world. Do we really need to buy Christmas balls in October? I support our local merchants and want their businesses to do well — especially in these hard economic times — but I would love to see them unite and change the current trend of earlier and earlier holiday promotions and decorations.

Debbie Blackwood
Greensboro

Mohammed “Mike” Ali was murdered on Nov. 9, a Sunday morning, while Elm Street was lined with cars as parishioners went to church services. I have called in two eyewitness reports regarding this incident as I live on South Park Drive, very near the scene. I am terrified.

What is to stop these armed characters from arriving at my doorstep? The police officer who attempted to take my information did not understand the layout of the area that I gave him nor did he have the time to take the information that I attempted to give him.

“Red Mike” was one of the nicest and most hardworking people I have met in the Greensboro area. Why did he have to meet his downfall in such a hick town?

Janette Laurel
Greensboro

Regarding Leonard Pitts’ Nov. 12 column about African American voters supporting California’s initiative to ban same-sex marriages:

This vote should be a wake-up call to Republicans. Most middle-aged African American voters believe in the same moral and religious views as Republicans. However, the GOP tends to ignore this fact.

John McCain and other GOP candidates should have been at African American churches emphasizing with sincerity their true beliefs and values. Drive by any large or small African American church and you will see some kind of activity seven days week, not just on Sundays and Wednesdays.

African American voters are very devoted to their churches and beliefs, but they feel as if Republicans alienate themselves from them.

Wake up, Republicans. All it takes is a little sincerity and inclusiveness to bring in this strong Christian group of voters.

Brian Suttles
Greensboro

This is a response to an inappropriate and insensitive remark from a co-worker. The comment was, “I am so glad McCain got beat so bad! He must have felt like a POW again.”

Let me remind everyone that POW stands for prisoner of war. It often means that a soldier is locked in a cage, tortured, forgotten by most and left for dead. The First Amendment is an American right, but we all have a responsibility to respect each other, our beliefs and values.

Can we please try to think about others who may have served in the armed forces or those of us who have empathy for humans who endure this kind of suffering?

To the person who made the comment: On Veterans Day, I hope you and your family were warm, safe and happy, thanks to our soldiers, some of whom were taken prisoner. You may not think about them, but many of us have not forgotten them. I would appreciate some form of discretion and respect for veteran POWs like John McCain and brave men like Barack Obama.

Jarrod Kanady
Julian

Whine, whine, whimper! The GOP waged the dirtiest smear campaign imaginable on behalf of Princess Dole and now they blame their losses on a biased media. Sen.-elect Kay Hagan should have continued her libel suit and put an end to these sickening Rovian tactics once and for all.

This country must heal itself by not creating deeper wounds. These self-serving critics would do well to give the new regime a chance to prove itself. Obama needs support, not childish racist criticism.

As a lifetime registered independent, I compliment the News & Record for reporting a well-balanced political platform — especially for a Southern newspaper. I have always read and listened to both parties and voted accordingly. No more. Bush’s henchmen have totally destroyed the GOP’s credibility.

This election was a breath of fresh air and hope for America for the first time in eight destructive years. Once again, we can sing “America the Beautiful.” Let’s not blow it with ignorant partisanship. We’re supposed to be the United States.

Joan A. Hunt
Greensboro

Gov.-elect Beverly Perdue’s promises to extend health care coverage to all uncovered children, and to provide free tuition for all high school graduates to attend our community colleges are absurd.

Nothing in this world is free. Someone pays for everything.

Her statement that she would “not be stymied by a budget shortfall” is even worse. She is no longer a schoolteacher or a legislator. She is now an executive and as such must make hard and, at times, unpleasant decisions. With a projected budget shortfall of between $1.2 billion and $1.6 billion, she needs to take out her carving knife and cut out all fat and some lean meat from existing government programs.

Her first obligation is to the taxpayers and to the many people and institutions holding state debt instruments. She can pursue her feel-good campaign pablum in much better economic times, if she still believes these things are “free.”

Samuel L. Howe
Greensboro

The process of the dedication of the wooded tract of land located at the corner of Green Valley Road and West Friendly Avenue for passive park use in honor of Blanche Sternberger Benjamin is now complete with the recording of a deed to the city of Greensboro Parks and Recreation Foundation. This tract would have been the cornerstone of a series of multistory office buildings stretching from Green Valley Road to Avondale Drive if not for the generosity of the Benjamin family.

This donation by the Benjamin family to the city of Greensboro comes as our Parks and Recreation Department celebrates its 75th year. Greensboro is well known for its parks; they contribute a great deal to our quality of life and add exceptional beauty to Greensboro.

I thank the Benjamin family on behalf of the Starmount Forest neighborhood for its most recent contribution to this city, the Blanche Sternberger Benjamin Park. We are very thankful for their contributions in making our community a great one in which to live and raise our families.
I recently sent to the Friends of Greensboro Parks and Recreation Foundation, on behalf of Starmount Forest neighborhood, the contributions remaining in our committee’s account of $917.92.

Valerie Stern
Greensboro

The writer is committee chairwoman, Save Our Neighborhood-Starmount Forest.

Barack Obama’s reported unwillingness to turn over all data regarding campaign donations leaves America questioning his honesty.

I ask Mr. Obama to follow the rules regarding campaign financing as all candidates are required to do. The recent investigation of U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens and his illegal campaign practices shows how important these issues are taken. Resignation is being asked of Stevens because of the matters that came to light.

Obama should be required to adhere to the same set of rules and cooperate. America deserves the truth about all candidates and paramountly so when speaking of the next president of our country.

Martha Long
Ruffin

This administration, led by George W. Bush and Dick Cheney, is guilty of the most heinous abuses of power in the history of the United States. This list is very long, but immoral and internationally banned torture, defiance of congressional subpoenas, illegal spying on citizens, misleading the nation and the world into the invasion and occupation of a sovereign nation and grossly and unconstitutionally expanding the powers of the executive branch while diminishing the balance of power that made this country great — these top the list of reasons why these two men should be impeached.

Impeachment proceedings must start now or we will be demonstrating that our country’s leaders can get away with anything. That’s a dangerous precedent to set and a shameful face to show the world.

Why has Congress not already acted on this? That in itself is shameful but it’s not too late. Act now!

Lyn McCoy
Greensboro

Thank you for the splendid coverage which the News & Record gave to the recent election.
I noticed that U.S. Sen. Lindsay Graham of South Carolina said both in Fayetteville and on CBS’s “Face the Nation” that “I will beat Michael Phelps in swimming before Barack Obama wins North Carolina.” He later added, “I’m standing by that. I know North Carolina. John McCain will win North Carolina.”

I may have missed it, but I haven’t seen Sen. Graham putting on a swimming suit or apologizing to North Carolina. I don’t think it would be much of a race, but at least Sen. Graham knows how to run his mouth.

Wilkes Macaulay
Colfax

AT&T and Junior Achievement have partnered to reach 10,000 students nationwide by the end of December in a job shadow initiative.

Recently, I had the pleasure of escorting 40 students from Ben L. Smith High School to the AT&T offices on Pisgah Church Road. These students were introduced to financial budgeting, resume writing and many other life skills that are not addressed in the current school curriculum.

I have to say that these students were some of the best-mannered, respectful and appropriately dressed classes I have ever seen! Each of the male students wore a nice shirt and tie and the female students were dressed as well in business attire.

Junior Achievement also has volunteers in the classroom at Ben L. Smith, and the same politeness and respect apply when the students are in their own classrooms.
Kudos to the teachers and staff at Ben L. Smith for a job well done.

Cyndy Hayworth
Greensboro

The writer is president, Junior Achievement.

Please stop and think a minute. Instead of pointing fingers at others and judging them for whatever reason you may have, let’s search our own hearts and minds and unite and uphold our new leaders of the United States of America, the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.

Ada Nelson
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint.

By the Rev. M. Gray Clark

Registration and voting should not be difficult. It is time that we ended this antiquated voting system that was born in the midst of suspicion, corruption and racism. It’s a system that is intended to exclude those who are different from the majority, and it is un-American in its tactics and methodology.

A case in point: I talked with a woman who is a single mother of two. In her job, she often works eight-plus hour days, sometimes six days a week. She is paid by the hour and is thankful to have a job in this economy. After work she picks up her two children, makes sure they are fed and do their homework, then does the usual household chores.

I asked her if she had voted. She told me that the last time she tried to vote someone questioned her because she had just moved. She added that she could probably go to vote, but she would have to change her registration and wouldn’t get paid for the hours she missed voting.

I am sure there are those out there who would say that if she really wanted to vote she would find the time. But it’s time we made registration and voting easy and accessible to all.

1. First, we need some kind of universal registration. Surely, if we have a Social Security number or driver’s license, then we should be able to accomplish this.

2. Lines to wait to vote are not acceptable! When I voted early a couple of weeks ago, I was told that the long line was because they didn’t have enough machines. I don’t believe that. On Election Day, there are machines all over the county. And the times that early voting is available cater to those who are retired or have flexible job situations.

3. I pay all my bills and do all my banking online. If we can do that, then why not integrate this technology into the electoral system?

4. Why can’t everyone who votes get a receipt showing exactly how their vote was recorded? With as much suspicion as we have with government, we need proof that our vote was recorded accurately.

5. Because voting is such an important aspect of U.S. citizenship it should be tied to other things, such as Social Security benefits and even citizenship. If people don’t vote or have a good excuse for not voting, then they should lose these privileges.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

It is time to engage in civil discourse as we search for comprehensive solutions to our nation’s problems. An integral part of finding these solutions is to seriously consider T. Boone Pickens’ plan to install a wind energy electric generation system (http://www.pickensplan.com).

His plan provides a transition from fossil fuels to more sustainable energy sources. All citizens and elected leaders at all levels should expend the necessary efforts to think very seriously, including outside-of-the-box ways to build on or incorporate The Pickens Plan.

Please work with all political ideologies and segments of our population to achieve the greatest feasible degree of energy independence from foreign nations (see also reports of the American Wind Energy Association, http://www.awea.org and the report of 20 percent Wind Energy by 2030 http://www.20percentwind.org).

We built a nearly 800-mile-long Trans-Alaska Pipeline through a very harsh environment. The necessary infrastructure can be developed and installed to deliver wind-generated electric power to the national grid and to make compressed natural gas a convenient vehicle fuel.

Reasonable and economical ways are possible to make the transition from gasoline-powered to compressed natural gas-powered and/or flexible-fueled vehicles, and then electrically powered vehicles. Many jobs!

Bob Muir
Greensboro

After reading the letter (Nov. 11) from Hazel Latham of Burlington, I had no choice but to respond.

She wrote: “Remember 9/11. The men ... were of that faith.” She is referring to the fact that the hijackers on 9/11 claimed to be Muslim.

Ms. Latham, I am a Muslim and it is comments like yours that perpetuate an atmosphere of hate in this country. I don’t view the hijackers as Muslim just as I am sure that you don’t view David Koresh of Waco or Jeffrey Dahmer as Christian. Do you view men in the pulpit who prey on young boys as Christian? I mean really, get a grip.

Why not focus on our similarities rather than highlight our differences? It is dwelling on the differences and pointing out that the men who flew those planes on that fateful day claimed to be Muslim that led us into one of the most unjustified wars in American history.

Shereef R. Juma
Summerfield

I was surprised by Hazel Latham’s letter (Nov. 11). There are several of her points that I would like to correct.

First of all, the Muslim God is the same as both the Christian and the Jewish God. Christians call Him God, Jews call Him Yahweh, and Muslims call Him Allah, but He is one and the same. Christians believe that Jesus was the son of God. Jews accept that he was a prophet, but don’t believe that he was the Messiah. Muslims agree that Jesus was a prophet, but they do not believe that he was the Messiah. They believe that God revealed His will to Muhammad and that Muhammad was the final prophet.

Secondly, simply because some people who did very terrible things to our country were of the Muslim faith does not have anything to do with any other people who are also Muslim. There are Christians, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, and people of every faith who are not interested in our country’s security, but it has nothing to do with the fact that they are of a particular faith.

There are people of every faith, including Islam, who love our country. Being Muslim has nothing to do with it.

Anna Berger
Oak Ridge

The writer is a student at Northwest Guilford High School.

I believe the War Memorial Auditorium bond failed to pass because of distrust: distrust in the competence of the Greensboro Coliseum director; distrust in the motives of certain members of the City Council as to the future of property sales nearby.

Of course, War Memorial Auditorium should be brought up to standards to competitively host entertainment. Because it was built as a memorial to our veterans, we should demand its repair. A former city manager stated that the auditorium is a draw in attracting new business.

Why, then, is the City Council not contacting the business community to help with the financing of the auditorium? Why does the City Council continually look to property owners to solely finance this establishment?

Where is the leadership from the council that would propose creative financing for the auditorium? Where is the leadership from the coliseum director to gain corporate financing?

I believe that, if the City Council could develop a plan that included a partnership between local business and city funding for renovation, the citizens would approve such a plan.

Currently, we have a mayor, a City Council and a coliseum director who lack creative thinking in such areas.

David R. Benson
Greensboro

This year’s election campaign demonstrates the need for TV campaign ad limitations.

First, it would reduce the need for excessive money to campaign. Second, it would lessen the number of political pathological liars.

Fox News estimates that the combined expenditure for all federal candidates exceeded $5.5 billion. Just think of the positive impact this amount of money would have on the Red Cross or any other cause.

My approach for the past few years to requests for campaign contributions has been a note returned in the postage-paid envelope saying: “When you have enacted legislation limiting all campaign ads to 30 days prior to an election, I will contribute.” Enough said.

Thomas E. Morris
Whitsett

Regarding the Nov. 7 letter, “Obama now must end any racial preferences”: I would agree with most of the writer’s basic conceptual contentions and would make additions with which most Americans of African descent are intimately familiar, as well as those at the low end of the economic spectrum.

Virlen R. Jessup
Greensboro

I just need to state how disappointed I have found myself in Christian people in regard to the recent election. I do not see how a Christian person could have voted for a candidate whose voting record supports abortion, and who agrees with same-sex civil unions. No one can convince me that they voted for him based on their Christian principles and values.

Becky Burcham
Greensboro

Regarding the comments of Tim Tessier (“Congratulations, Dems, but we’ll be watching,” letter, Nov. 11):

I am perplexed that Tessier comments that the Democrats campaign well, but then questions whether our newly elected president and the Democratic House and Senate will be able to govern. Tessier says he will be watching to see if they are.

I wonder which part of the last eight years of Bush and GOP governance Tessier feels most proud? Is it the pointless, trumped-up war that has taken the lives of more than 4,000 of our sons, daughters, husbands and wives?

Is it the deficit that has grown from the Clinton administration’s $127 billion surplus at Bush’s inauguration to nearly $1 trillion today?

Is it the economic meltdown?

I commend Tessier for his plans to “watch” what our new leadership is going to do with its power, as every responsible citizen should. I do recommend, however, that Tessier examine the reasons he, as a presumably responsible citizen, has neglected to watch for the last eight years.

John Sealy
Stokesdale

The citizens of Greensboro really do like taxes. Since the federal and state governments obviously don’t take enough of our hard-earned money, we find it necessary to tax ourselves by passing more than $800 million in bonds within a six-month period. I guess the economy isn’t so bad after all.

Josh Burnette
Greensboro

So California voters have approved a constitutional amendment outlawing same-sex marriage that overturns the state Supreme Court decision that gave gay couples the right to wed just months ago?

How can this be? How can this be legal and constitutional? I am no historian, nor am I a student of law. But was there a vote to determine if blacks could be freed from slavery? Was there a vote allowing women the right to vote? Was there a vote to allow interracial couples?

I am so confused and utterly shocked. All of the above measures were passed because, as a society, we realized that discrimination of any kind is wrong. However, we continue to discriminate against loving couples who want nothing more than equality under the law.

As a civilization, we claim to be enlightened. Regardless of one’s personal or religious beliefs on gay marriage, this is a matter of equality.

How can we continue to discriminate against a portion of our society? LGBT people are not dregs of humanity. Most are hardworking, productive citizens who want nothing more than equality.

They are like you and me. Do they not deserve the same freedoms?

Tony Hummel
Reidsville

In reference to Jason Hardin’s, “A Country United,” in the Nov. 9 edition: He asked, “Can Obama win over his harshest critics, or is the talk radio echo chamber so toxic that some people will never listen?”

Killing babies in their mother’s womb, which Obama supports, wasn’t mentioned. Yet talk radio is toxic. Hardin should reassess his own values before speculating on how others may think or act.

Carl Eanes
Greensboro

I was disappointed to see Sen. Hagan withdraw her complaint against Sen. Dole.

We have spent the last year inundated with negative political advertisements, which can, at times, provide valuable facts to the electorate in a creative medium. However, Dole’s “Godless” commercial was far from a fact-based attack.

It was an outright lie. For a sitting senator to accuse a Sunday school teacher of being an atheist is beyond reproach, and, I believe, actionable.

Freedom of speech is integral, particularly in the political arena; however, freedom of speech does not grant one license to knowingly lie. The claim of defamation exists to protect against the malicious broadcasting of lies about another with the intent to hurt.

I had hoped Sen. Hagan’s lawsuit would more clearly define the contours of political advertisements in our state, particularly those accusations that are patently false.

I certainly understand Sen. Hagan’s desire to move the state forward and focus on the future, but this was a matter that needed to be addressed, not to reprimand Dole, but to ensure the integrity of our state’s political discourse.

Jeremy Falcone
Durham

I’m writing in regard to “A different way to live” (Nov. 12, News & Record). You might want to check out the Greensboro Campground. There are a number of full-time RVers living here.

There are men and women here who work at a variety of jobs in the area. There are people serving as contract nurses and working on the FedEx project. This summer, there was a team of men from Louisiana who worked on a pipeline project.

As for me, I’m working a seven-month contract as interim Good News Jail & Prison Ministry chaplain at the Guilford Correctional Center in McLeansville. I came after the death in May of Chaplain Robert L. Scruggs, who served as chaplain for more than 10 years.

H. Elton Glenn
Greensboro

Ordinarily, I would present my opposing view to someone’s opinion by saying, “With all due respect.” However, in the case of Charles Davenport’s column of Nov. 16, he is due no respect.

When he states that a minority group has no rights if the majority objects, I would remind him that it was little more than 40 years ago that African Americans were denied the right to vote. Furthermore, it wasn’t even 100 years ago that women were not allowed to vote.

It is time for Mr. Davenport, and all mean-spirited, narrow-minded people like him, to realize that this is the United States of America where all citizens hold the inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

It is no one’s right to deny those freedoms to any citizen of this country, and if a homosexual couple wishes to commit their lives to one another, it in no way diminishes my marriage or that of anyone else.

Carol G. Williams
Greensboro

Sniff. What’s that smell? Could it be sour grapes? Let’s see. Republicans have held the presidency for eight years, and the Congress until two years ago.

And in that time, they managed to bungle every single aspect of leadership available to them, from tax policy to the environment, from the war to domestic energy policy, from the economy to civil rights, from education to the health care system.

The list goes on. And now the letters roll in, bemoaning the fact that the Republicans were spanked in the recent election.

Now the Democrats are going to ruin our country? I’m afraid you’ve already taken care of that. I say cry me a river.

At least that might wash away that smell.

Christopher N. Poulos
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Deborah Gregson

Ken Conrad of Libby Hill Seafood has been giving coupons for free and discounted dinners at his restaurants during the Christmas season for more than 30 years as his way of thanking emergency services personnel for their dedication to the community.

It’s time to thank him. I read in the News & Record about this year’s Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro Thanksgiving Fund that will be used to buy food for Thanksgiving dinner for more than “4,000 of the city’s homeless, homebound and elderly poor.”

Here’s the problem. According to the article, the “Thanksgiving Fund needs about $12,000 to prepare all those meals ... and so far has raised $2,300 for this year’s feast.” Seems they are a bit short.

“Ken Conrad, owner of Libby Hill Seafood, is the lead organizer this year,” it continues. I say let’s thank him! As a volunteer firefighter and “the fire lady” at Guilford County Emergency Services eons ago, I was the recipient of many free dinners graciously given by Mr. Conrad.

Every time I went to Libby Hill on U.S. 220 North, the person who took my order made sure I got the absolute largest order possible, including the huge jug of sweet tea. Mr. Conrad was later kind enough to get around gift issues by giving out “buy one, get one free” certificates.

He’s been a quiet supporter of all emergency services workers in this area for a very long time.

So, I’m sending a donation to the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro marked to the Thanksgiving Fund in thanks for all those free meals that Mr. Conrad shared with me. I want to encourage and challenge you to do the same. As current and former emergency service workers, let’s take this opportunity to show Mr. Conrad and Libby Hill how thankful we are.

Send a donation and help Mr. Conrad give out 4,000 free meals on Thanksgiving in thanks for the one he gave you.

Per the article, make checks payable to Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro and send to:

Thanksgiving Fund
Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro
P.O. Box 20444
Greensboro, NC 27420

The writer lives in Greensboro.

I am Drew Gardner’s grandmother. I want to thank so many wonderful people for the outpouring of love and support we have received since the horrible accident Nov. 11.

First, thanks to Taylor and Jerry Cartwright for keeping Drew alive until help arrived! Thank you to the EMTs and paramedics who got him to the hospital. Thanks to the fantastic staff at Cone Hospital. Thanks to the transport team who took him to Brenner Children’s Hospital. Thanks to the absolutely wonderful people at Brenner. Thanks to Megan’s co-workers at Women’s Hospital and my co-workers at Guilford Elementary School for making it easier for us to be with Drew right now. Thanks to our church family at Guilford Park Presbyterian for the help, prayers, comfort and warmth.

Thanks to the community for the many messages and prayers that keep us all lifted up. We have received messages from France, China, Mexico and Honduras! Thanks to the kids, teachers and administrators at Kiser Middle School for your support of Drew and Ashley.

Thanks, especially, to God for looking after our precious Drew. My faith is stronger than ever.

Hallie Brannon Smith
Greensboro

One has to wonder which of the four words is confusing.

When we’re told about the city collecting our leaves this time of year, the instructions read thus: “Rake leaves to the edge of your yard behind the curb, not into the street.”

Try it: “not into the street.” See there? Four simple words, plainly organized.

However, if you drive through our neighborhood, and many others, you’ll encounter places where only one car at a time can squeeze through all of the leaves piled into the street. Not behind the curbs, no. Into the street.

Toss in a curve or some sight-obstructing hedges, and you have the makings of a bad accident.

C’mon, kids, say them with me: Not. Into. The. Street.

Mike Clark
Greensboro

I have a question: Whom did companies think would be able to buy their products once they sent all our jobs to other countries? Obviously, if you lose your job you don’t have spare money to buy luxury products like you used to.

Free trade has killed our economy. We have to bring our jobs back. We need to take action now, not sometime in the future. If big business isn’t going to bring our jobs back, then we need to use our imagination and make our own jobs. Learn a trade or a skill with which to create a small business; produce on a smaller scale; get back to mom-and-pop operations.

We all need to learn to do without. We have lived a spoiled-brat lifestyle long enough. The party is over, get to work. This is a survival issue. We can live without all the big business if we put some effort into it.

Geralyn Cox
Greensboro

In response to Bob Guertin’s letter (Nov. 13), “Best man didn’t win,” it is painfully obvious that Guertin has never read the 1888 poem, “Casey at the Bat,” by Ernest Thayer, mandatory reading before you depart eighth grade.

Mudville’s “Casey” was the star baseball player and came up last to bat with two outs in the final inning. Casey was so confident of his strong abilities that he didn’t swing on the first two pitches, gaining him two strikes. On the last pitch, the overconfident Casey struck out, leaving Mudville very unhappy. The best man won — the opposing pitcher who let Casey be arrogant enough to lose the game.

As for John McCain, an honorable man who has served his country well, I would suggest that he outmaneuvered himself, just as Casey did. During a period of economic and international turmoil, McCain’s poor selection of an uninformed running mate, his flip-flopping on important issues of economy and defense, and his obvious discomfort in public forums were apparent to both our American public and the world.

Whether you’re Republican or Democrat (I’m an independent), the best man did rightfully win this time; it just wasn’t Casey.

Meredith Millard
Greensboro

I was just thinking about the election and how the pastors and evangelists would not speak truth about voting. They hide in their churches and won’t speak against abortion. They won’t try to get prayer back in schools and won’t speak up against those trying to remove God from our country.

They are afraid because of the money. They are afraid to speak truth because it might cost them their tax-exempt status. They might lose people in their churches if they disagree with them.

They forget God is the judge. He will ask when they stand before Him, what did you do?

When good men do nothing, the wicked rule.

Toby Mabe
Sophia

To Edward Cone, repeat after me: There will be a tax increase. It may not be a modest, fair, equitable and painless 25-cent tax on a $100 purchase, to be shared by all, but there will be a tax.

Voters who approved $134 million in bonds and rejected a 1/4-cent sales tax are shortsighted and unthinking. The taxpaying property owners, as is the usual case, will now bear the burden of a much larger increase.

T.R. Bowden
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Ruth L. Van Lehn

Your editorial, “Random selection for judges” (Nov. 6), hit a long-term problem. There is no way the ordinary voter has enough information about our courts and judges to make a considered selection. The 1997 report by the Commission for the Future of Justice and the Courts in North Carolina, which was titled, “Without Favor, Denial or Delay,” prompted the League of Women Voters of Moore County to study the situation.

This grew to involve many of the N.C. State League of Women Voters chapters and most levels of the court system. The sitting judges, the Administrative Office of the Courts and the Future Commission were all cooperative, even including two retired Supreme Court justices. The legislation eventually drafted for the selection of judges called for nominating committees in the appropriate area of each court consisting of community leaders, educators, etc., but no more than one-third could be lawyers.

They would submit the names of three attorneys to the governor, who would appoint one.

If the governor could not accept any of those nominated, an additional three names could be requested, but the governor must appoint from those six nominees.

After serving the court for a period of time, the judge would be up for an affirmative vote. Yes or no only. If the sitting judge was not affirmed, or left the seat for any reason, the appointment procedure would begin again.

In 1999-2000, the legislation passed in the N.C. House. The Senate committee changed the bill to the degree that it was no more than the governor being able to appoint any attorney. It failed, and I agreed that this variation was asking for “political” courts. Some who worked on this project felt that just getting appointments was a plus, trusting that an elected official would choose the best person available. Later improvements could be made to insure courts would not be political.

I hope you and many others will continue working to approve a way of selecting quality judges so that everyone can believe our courts really dispense justice to all. An uninformed public vote is surely not the best way.

The writer lives in Colfax.

Recently there were many celebrations to honor the veterans in our area. We all know these veterans we honored, and many before them have made many sacrifices. The veterans paid a price for every day we enjoy life in the United States, to allow all of us to have the freedoms and wonderful country we are privileged to live in.

Some of the sacrifices they have made include losing arms and legs, and head injuries that leave them in the hospital for months or longer.

This year and every year, when doing your Christmas cards, take one card and send it to this address. If we pass this on and everyone sends one card, think of how many cards these wonderful, special people who have sacrificed so much would get.

When you are making out your Christmas card list this year, please include the following: A Recovering American Soldier c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center, 6900 Georgia Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20307-5001. Thank you for supporting our troops.

Sheila S. Beck
Jamestown

Over the past weeks and months, and even recently, I’ve been reading how Gov. Sarah Palin doesn’t know court decisions, foreign affairs and such. Some interviewers even tried to embarrass her.

She may not be wise in the ways of Washington, but look where our educated, wise politicians have gotten us. Maybe it’s time for someone with less wisdom and more common sense to be elected — less “politically correct” and more for the silent majority. This country is headed in the wrong direction, and a liberal government will just lead us further down that road.

Joe Daye
Thomasville

I fully agree with Angelo Crump’s letter (Nov. 15) stating that three City Council members should be removed. I just don’t agree with him as to which three. Let’s start with Dianne Bellamy-Small, Goldie Wells and Robbie Perkins, then move on from there.

Mike Barber, Mary Rakestraw and Dr. Trudy Wade were elected by the people of Greensboro to look into the mess that has been going on at City Hall for at least the past two to three years. They are doing an excellent job and could accomplish more if they could depend on support from Sandra Anderson Groat and Zack Matheny. I don’t look for them to get that support because council members Groat and Matheny have their own agendas and self-interests to consider.

Crump is living in a dream world if he thinks members of the City Council operate in a nonpartisan manner. This will not happen as long as some are taking orders from Mitch Johnson, Joe Williams, Skip Alston, the Simkins PAC, plus any developer or Realtor who needs a favor. They are operating in a Democratic Party manner, though.

Charles W. Hodges
Greensboro

As the election finally ended, there appeared to be a renewed optimism sweeping the nation. As historic changes unfold before our eyes, we can see a new day dawning full of hope for everyone willing to follow his or her dreams.

People with disabilities should to take this opportunity to demonstrate to the able-bodied that we can contribute meaningfully to society if we have equal accessibility. Within the disabled community there is enormous untapped talent that could be used to improve the quality of life for all. However, before this can be achieved, people with disabilities must be seen as equal participants in society.

The election has given millions of Americans new pride and purpose in our nation, and this exuberant feeling should be embraced by each segment of the population, including persons with disabilities.

Old negative attitudes toward persons with disabilities must be replaced with a fresh approach toward inclusion. There was discussion during the campaign about funding for children with special needs, but in reality special needs just means equal accessibility for people with disabilities.

Dennis Burgess
Greensboro

I enjoyed Allen Johnson’s column (Nov. 9) about President-elect Obama’s life. It was very informative.

Carolyn Corbett
Climax

If our elected representatives truly want to build our economy from the bottom up, then now is the time to adopt the Fair Tax Plan, HR25, S1025.

It will benefit the poor through the tax rebate portion of the plan, eliminate tax loopholes for special interests, make the United States more competitive in the world economy, eliminate tax fraud and cut collection costs for the federal government.

The wealthy will pay the larger portion of taxes into federal revenues. It will encourage the migration of capital back to the U.S. from foreign tax sanctuaries. Every consumer will become a taxpayer, including foreign visitors, illegal immigrants and the underground economy.

The Fair Tax will not increase the price of goods. Businesses do not pay taxes. Businesses pass their tax costs to the consumer. The Fair Tax will have the net effect of replacing embedded taxes you are already paying on your purchases.

You will not pay any federal taxes on your income. You make the decision to pay federal taxes when you purchase goods or services. If and how much you pay will be up to you.

Theodore Alan Bachmann
Greensboro

With all due respect, my observation will never see the light of day in the heavily left-leaning and biased News & Record.

President-elect Barack Obama is not the first “African American” president. He is biracial. As much white as black. His mom is a Caucasian woman from Kansas. Simple truth.

Does anyone else remember that fact?

T.L. Cassell
Greensboro

What little respect I had for columnist Thomas Friedman evaporated with his column, “Economic crisis must be attacked with overwhelming force” (Nov. 18).

On the one hand he acknowledges that rampant credit abuse and excessive U.S. consumerism have put us in our current sorry state, but on the other hand he screams that the solution is to do more of the same: to “go shopping,” basically with bailout money. Is this man nuts or stupid or both?

Apparently he’s no more insane than our government, which believes that the way to put out a fire is to throw gasoline on it. When future generations of historians study this period, I have no doubt they’ll conclude that the primary cause of our debacle was the government, both in persuading the banks to lower their standards and in willfully turning a blind eye to the effects of over-leveraging.

If we are to avoid a real disaster, we all need to spend less, not more. To do otherwise is to court hyper-inflation.

Richard Manning
Greensboro

I would like to thank you for publishing the article, “No little people,” in the business section Nov. 11.

It was so uplifting to read about a banker (in Lake Wales, Fla.) who cares about people more than money. Mr. Littleton, as the writer noted, is truly “an antidote to the vanity and greed that combined for such catastrophic effect on Wall Street.” I’ll venture to say that if all bankers were like Mr. Littleton, our country would not be in the economic mess it is in today.

However, I am not surprised that Mr. Littleton is cut from the cloth of humility and compassion. You see, I was Greg’s fifth-grade teacher more than 30 years ago in Florida. I was delighted to learn of my former student’s success. Greg was a caring, compassionate and intelligent boy who has grown into such a fine man. I do not know if I had any singular effect on Greg as his teacher, but it is because of students like Greg that I am still teaching today, hoping to impact the future.

Kim V. Halden
High Point

Congratulations to the Democrats for electing the most far left, unaccomplished, inexperienced president in U.S. history.

I look forward to giving him the same level of cooperation and respect that you have given President Bush these last eight years.

Whenever he makes a mistake, I will try to exaggerate it. I will miss no opportunity to call him a liar even if I know he is not.

I will pretend he is an idiot when he makes a verbal gaffe.

I will hope all of his policies are embarrassing failures even though they may be good for the country. (That doesn’t matter as long as he looks bad.)

I will oppose any military action he undertakes no matter how justified because war is always bad.

I will always question his intentions even if I think he has the country’s best interest at heart.

Every chance I get, I will petition my representative in Congress to impeach him even if he has done nothing impeachable.

Hope you enjoy!

Tim Tribbett
Greensboro

On July 19, 1992, you published a story by Tatiana M. With (“When teens marry, young love grows up; sometimes it gets old”) about my husband and me and a few other couples.

We were 18 at the time and newly married with a baby on the way. The story was an interview of a few couples who married young and why they thought they would make it. I just thought you might be interested to know that 16-plus years later we are still together and now have a 15-year-old daughter and 13-year-old son.

Charmin DeMoss
Greensboro

I would like to thank drivers in the Greensboro area for being so careful when they pass me as I commute by bicycle.

Now that days are shorter, one part of my commute (either my ride into work or my way home) occurs in the dark. It seems as if the drivers go out of their way to give me more space on the road when it is dark and I (and other cyclists) really appreciate that.

I would like to encourage the city to expedite leaf collection along roadsides, as they have proven to be quite an obstacle on my commute, causing me to weave into and out of traffic to avoid the piles.

Mary Crowe
Greensboro

Rhetorical rot followed the first black president of the United States. The albatross of divided devotions based on skin color stuck its nauseating “two cents” into the equation of equality and refused to fade into history. Be advised: The new president is part of a group once considered less than human; now he will lead this nation.

My sentiments to the entrenched racists who long for the good “ole” days financed by a blank check of suffering issued to non-white Americans: An opportunity of racial harmony that will make American ideals a reality has become a reality. America is finally becoming what it only claimed to be in the past: a great nation.

Let us move on. We old guys need to step aside and let the younger generation — black, white, red, yellow and otherwise — do what we failed to do. Our day is past.
Let the youngsters make this a better world without the stupid memories of old men.

Andrea L. Jackson
High Point

When do I get to vote on your marriage? California’s Proposition 8 sets a dangerous precedent by allowing a simple majority to take away the constitutional right of civil marriage granted to same-gender couples by the court. This discriminatory marriage amendment not only throws out the constitutional guarantee of “equal protection under the law” but also strips the judicial branch of the power to protect “the least of these”— the minority, the vulnerable, the different, the marginalized — in short, any group the majority says does not belong.

The Declaration of Independence holds “that all (people) are created equal” and we pledge allegiance with the words, “one nation, indivisible, with liberty, and justice for all.” Perhaps we need to remind ourselves more often of these principles we once claimed to uphold.

Otherwise, someone might get the bright idea of asking for a popular vote on whether Catholics, or Mormons, or African Americans — or anyone else — should be excluded from equal protection of the laws.

If a simple majority has the power to take away a constitutional right granted by the court, no one’s rights are safe. Proposition 8 must not stand!

Cris F. Elkins
Greensboro

1. Gas prices: Where are the news stories, editorials and letters praising big oil’s altruism for halving gasoline prices?

2. College costs: Where are the news stories, editorials and letters of outrage that college costs continue to outstrip inflation year after year, making college unaffordable? Freeze college prices and demand lower salaries for professors who teach fewer than 20 hours a week.

3. Swim center: Sadly, our city officials resorted to bundling/masking the $12 million swim center to trick voters into approving it. What happened to old-fashioned open, forthright government?

4. War Memorial Auditorium: My house was built eight years after the auditorium. My bathrooms work, and the idea has never occurred to me that I should tear it down in the near future because of lack of maintaining it. Yet, that is what some suggested after the bond’s defeat. The city should be a better steward of its (our) property.

Based on past attendance and a 20-year, 5 percent interest bond, the interest alone would have resulted in a ticket subsidy of $25 per attendee over the next 20 years — a total cost of about $400 per Greensboro resident. Why would they ask us to do that for others’ entertainment?

Bruce Raynor
Greensboro

People, most notably voters, seem to have lost their understanding of and appreciation for the “War Memorial” in the names for our auditorium and stadium.

In 1926 War Memorial Stadium was dedicated as a memorial to Greensboro citizens who lost their lives in World War One.

In 1959 War Memorial Auditorium was dedicated to the memory of men and women from Guilford County who lost their lives in World War Two and the Korean War. As the facility was developed, “War Memorial” was applied to the entire complex.

What a travesty that we don’t feel an obligation to preserve these symbols of sacrifice on our behalf. The stadium seems to be a lost cause as a facility.

As suggested in the last few days, maybe we have individual citizens and groups who can find a way to save the auditorium. Perhaps some of the local events on Memorial Day, July 4 and Veterans Day can be relocated to the front of or inside the auditorium as a reminder of the purpose of this facility other than as a valuable entertainment facility.

I imagine that Coliseum Director Matt Brown and his folks would be happy to cooperate to make such events happen.

Bailey Hobgood
Greensboro

The writer was advertising and public relations manager of the Greensboro War Memorial Coliseum Complex from 1982-92.

After watching the Oct. 21 City Council meeting, I believe the citizens of Greensboro should be very proud of three council members who stood up for the taxpayers in this city and fought to hold the line on unnecessary spending in tough economic times. The three were Mike Barber, Mary Rakestraw and Dr. Trudy Wade.

They realize the importance of fiscal responsibility in municipal government. They continually strive to bring these conservative values to the daily operations of our progressive city and to be good stewards of the tax dollars entrusted to them.

It was obvious they had done their homework. They came prepared to discuss issues at hand and gain as much information as possible before casting their votes for funding these proposals. The information they had to work with seemed to be incomplete.

They strived to get additional input from the mayor and city manager before voting on the issue. They represented the taxpayers of this city in a favorable light.

I am thankful to have them watching my back in regards to how my hard-earned tax dollars are spent.

I encourage everyone in Greensboro to let them know how much they are appreciated.

Bill McMahan
Greensboro

Kudos to those who planned and executed the repaving of O. Henry Boulevard!

I travel Highway 29 twice a day Monday through Friday and never experienced delays due to lane closures or road work.

Thanks for a smooth ride and a job well-done.

Laura Farrell
Greensboro

The auto industry is not deserving of its federal bailout request. Ours (the United States’) is a market economy. If you manufacture a product or provide a service that the people want, at a price they can afford, then you will be successful.

This has ceased to be the case with the auto industry.

Crippled by the excessive demands of the United Auto Workers for outrageous wages and benefits and management’s insistence on manufacturing too many gas guzzlers, they now find themselves with a shrinking customer base.

When local businesses lose their customers for whatever reason, they close their business or change their practices to regain a customer base. Why reward failed practices of the auto executives?

Let them experience the same fate as failed small business owners. The same goes for the union leaders and their members who have demanded more and more money and benefits.

Where will it end?

Who is next? The airline industry? The construction industry? Real estate companies? The movie/entertainment industry?

How about a struggling restaurant owner?

Our textile and furniture industries received no bailouts.

Wayne N. Scott
Greensboro

I do not believe the government has a right to discriminate against gay couples’ civil rights. I do, however, believe that a church has the right to deny them marriage.

We need civil laws that give all couples married under a civil service the same legal rights as marriage grants, gay or straight. Who cares what it is called?

Call it a civil union, but call it the same for everyone married that way, not just gay couples.

Your church can choose who it will allow the sacrament of marriage to, and you can then choose whether or not to belong to that church. If, however, your church chooses to allow the marriage sacrament to gay couples, that church should have the right to do so.

Diane Manzi
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Marilyn Wolf

In reading Charles Davenport’s column, “Voters reject Hollywood, gay marriage” (Nov. 16), a few questions come to mind:

1. Why mock celebrities who put their wealth and status behind issues they believe in by calling them “scholars”? Was Charlton Heston trying to be a “scholar” when he made commercials in support of gun rights?

2. Should only liberals be criticized for using their TV shows to promote their opinions? How is Ellen DeGeneres any different from Bill O’Reilly?

3. Is it really a fair argument to ask DeGeneres if she “loves Sarah Palin for who she is” because she used a personal statement to ask Palin to reconsider her position on same-sex marriage? Palin was running for an office that could allow her to influence policy and law which DeGeneres believed could hurt her. DeGeneres was not running for office.

4. Since when did state and federal supreme courts not have the responsibility to support or overthrow legislative or popular-vote decisions? If the California judges had supported the ban on gay marriage, would they have been exercising “tyrannical abuse of power”?

5. Is the “collective wisdom of millennia” really the best measure for judging the merits of social change? It used to be legal for people to own slaves, for women to be banned from voting and, going further back, for people to be persecuted for practicing the religion of their choice or simply speaking their minds. Don’t the rights of people change and evolve as societies change and evolve?

6. Why mock the hubris of “same-sex marriage enthusiasts” by calling it “incomprehensible”? Is it because it represents a minority position? Is their hubris really any different in nature from that of the majority who voted against same-sex marriage in California, Arizona and Florida? Hubris is hubris.

7. Should members of any group that feels discriminated against settle for simply being allowed to do what they want “in the privacy of their own homes” instead of using their democratic rights to at least try to bring about change? If so, then maybe people ought to be allowed to own slaves as long as they do it privately or beat their children as long as it is behind closed doors.

Mr. Davenport, before criticizing those who view the ban on Proposition 8 as “mean-spirited” and before suggesting their arguments are shallow, let me suggest you take a hard look in the nearest mirror before writing your next column on this subject.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

I am writing as a concerned expectant mother. It disturbs me that Duke Energy plans to build a $2.4 billion addition to its Cliffside steam station when studies show coal-fired power plants are the largest emitter of global-warming pollution in our country, responsible for 40 percent of pollution in the atmosphere. The coal industry tries to give the impression it uses clean coal, but coal will never be clean.

Expectant mothers are warned by our doctors to limit our intake of fish because of the levels of mercury we could introduce to our unborn children. Duke churns out hundreds of pounds of mercury.

Tons of small airborne particles, such as nitrogen oxide, can cause chronic bronchitis and cause one in 15 babies to be born with asthma. Nitrogen oxide inflames the lungs, burning through lung tissue, making our babies’ delicate lungs susceptible to respiratory illness.

When our babies are born, we want to give them the world. Is this the world we want to give to our innocent children?

Amiga Bidgel
Raleigh

I have noticed the word “Godless” coming up in letters to the editor. I would like to define the word “Godless” with some examples.

There is the biggest sin in this country: abortion. The Bible says, “He who sheds innocent blood, his blood shall be shed.” It also says, “Anyone who harms these little ones, it is better that a millstone be around their neck.”

Since Roe v. Wade, there have been more than 40 million innocent babies slaughtered in this country. The most dangerous place today for children is in the mother’s womb. People who take part in this practice or laws making it legal should be tried just like someone who murders someone on the street.

There is a big difference in people who call themselves Christians and people who truly are born-again Christians. Any church that advocates abortion is not a church but a social club or gathering place. The Sixth Commandment says, “Thou shalt not kill.” I guess some people do not include innocent babies in this.

I am glad my daughter didn’t choose to slaughter my grandchildren before they were born. It is ironic so many people today want to turn loose convicted murderers and kill innocent children. We say the world is getting better. This is sometimes hard to believe.

Kenneth Williams
Eden

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Robert Hudson

Your editorial, “Voting early and easy” (Nov. 8), perpetuated some popular misconceptions. The notion that everyone should vote is nonsense. Clearly, there are many eligible voters who should not vote.

Take, for instance, the Harlem residents who were interviewed by Howard Stern and whose comments were posted on YouTube. When asked what was more important, Obama’s determination to stay in Iraq until the war was won, or his anti-abortion stance, they replied that both were important.

Was Palin a good choice as Obama’s running mate? Of course she was.

Other questions, attributing McCain’s positions to Obama, were asked, with similar results.

In short, they knew nothing about Obama beyond his skin pigmentation. Nothing else mattered. They did not trouble themselves to learn anything else about him.

Those people shouldn’t have been allowed within a block of the polls on Election Day. And those who refused to vote for Obama because of pigmentation are no more deserving.

Peggy the Moocher is another fine example. Peggy, also found on YouTube, is the bouncing Obama supporter gushing that she wouldn’t have to worry about putting gas in her car or paying the mortgage. Barack would take care of her.

I got the impression that she almost expected him to hand-deliver a check every month. Well, I can understand how she expects that; he did sort of promise that.

Voting is serious business. It is the responsibility of everyone who votes to know just why he or she is voting for a candidate.

We just elected the least-experienced candidate in history, at perhaps the most critical time, largely on the basis of skin color. God help us.

And just how difficult is voting, anyway? It took me 20 minutes, including travel. If you don’t want to risk having to stand in line, you can request and cast an absentee ballot in your pajamas. It doesn’t get any easier than that.

As your editorial pointed out, all you have to do is ask. It’s not as if you have to fight through a pack of rabid pit bulls.

All you have to do is ask.

If you can’t trouble yourself to learn a little something about a candidate, and then go to the polls on Election Day or cast an absentee ballot, the country would be better served without your vote.

The writer lives in Pelham.

Regarding Lyn McCoy’s letter (“Impeach Bush, Cheney before it’s too late,” Nov. 19):

I would like to commend her for her thoughts on the impeachment of President Bush and Vice President Cheney. I agree that it is vitally important that these leaders be officially censured for the deceptive and destructive practices of their corrupt administration.

Their record is eight years of immoral and shameful activities. We, the people, have been taken for a horrendous and ignominious ride! Impeachment proceedings for Bush and Cheney? Oh yes!

K.K. Mersereau
Greensboro

Dear Congress: I want you to exempt SUVs from federal fuel-efficiency guidelines.

Dear Congress: I want tax money because I can’t sell my SUVs.

U.S. Automakers

Dan Flak
Greensboro

I agree with Joan Hunt (letter, Nov. 18) that U.S. Sen.-elect Kay Hagan should have proceeded with her lawsuit. Then we would have found out the truth. She received contributions as a result of attending the meeting in Boston (News & Record) and she knew who was giving the party.

She tried to hide from the camera but was caught anyway. Her Christian belief did not cost much unless she was there to try to convert people (which I doubt). She screams that she believes in God. Well, so does Satan. Does she believe in Jesus? Yes, I do wish it had gone to trial.

Hagan is a tax-raising, money-spending liberal, and to think a lot of people voted for her just because she was born in Shelby. Just wait and see what she does for you and get back to me.

George Smith
Greensboro

The views expressed by Becky Burcham (letter, Nov. 20) show why the Republican Party lost the 2008 election. In catering to this shrinking, narrow-minded group of self-inclusive, self-righteous Christians, they shut themselves off from the mainstream.

The values and principles of love and acceptance of all your fellow men are the tenets of Jesus Christ. True Christians know this and maybe in this election year asked themselves, “What would Jesus do?” and voted their answer.

Debbie Cook
High Point

The vituperative tirade from Tim Tribbett, “Citizen will give Obama same respect given to Bush” (letter, Nov. 24), was really amusing. It sounds like an elementary school playground rant. I’ll bet Tribbett also yells at the television and blames the officials when his favorite sports team loses!

Iris Kirkman
Greensboro

School Superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green has just made two leadership changes: chief of staff and chief administrative officer.

The following requirements are from the school system’s job descriptions:

* For both chief of staff and chief administrative officer: “Experience as a Principal and Central Office Administrator required.”

* For principal: “Master’s degree in Education Administration, 3 to 5 years of experience as a classroom teacher. .... Must possess a teaching certificate from the State of North Carolina.”

Neither Nora Carr nor Eric Beacoats has ever been a principal. Even worse, the requirements to be a principal require teaching experience. Neither has been in a classroom as a teacher. In fact, Carr has no education credentials (English and communications). However, she has plenty of public relations background.

Now think about this. The positions were filled without posting. And the system was not even competent enough to make the job descriptions fit the already-selected applicants.

From the Independent Study Commissioned by GCS (2007), “Review of Human Resource Operations in the Guilford County Schools”: “Job descriptions, required for all positions, are seldom linked to job announcements and appear to be underutilized.”

As an old FDR ultra-liberal, I think I finally see the light: school vouchers.

David Colin
Greensboro

A few months ago, the New & Record published a report about how the city government was working on updating traffic light patterns throughout Greensboro. I haven’t read or seen any changes yet, and I was wondering if the money originally allocated for this program is a victim of the conditions of the current economy.

Recently, I’ve waited what seems like hours at red lights that don’t change to green, even though there are no cars to be seen in any direction. Stopping at red lights unnecessarily is a waste of gas and, of course, money.

I know it’s simplistic to assume that these corrections could be just a few computer keystrokes to fix the problem, but I’m wondering when we’ll see any progress on this issue.

Paul Manzi
Greensboro

Editor’s note: Some work on signals has been postponed because of budget constraints.

Do you ever wonder who is teaching our college students? I feel like I know UNCG professor Ulrich Reitzug a little better after discovering that he agrees with unrepentant domestic terrorist William Ayers. Reitzug, who is a professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Cultural Foundations, joined 4,000 other professors and academics publicly endorsing a statement in support of Bill Ayers (www.supportbillayers.org; Reitzug is No. 655).

These academics conveniently dilute Ayers’ terrorist past by saying he “participated passionately in the civil rights and antiwar movements of the 1960s.”

The statement that Reitzug signed omits that Ayers’ passion included bombing the Pentagon in 1972. Many of these Ayers-supporting academics claim that his “activity 40 years ago is history” and that Ayers has redeemed himself because of his recent contributions to society. Writing books and teaching college classes apparently negates his 2001 quote, “I don’t regret setting bombs; I feel we didn’t do enough.”

While Ayers has not literally detonated bombs for the last 36 years, he and his fellow travelers have been relentlessly “bombing” students’ minds in classrooms across the country ever since. Would you want Ayers’ colleague, professor Reitzug, teaching your children? I wouldn’t.

Jason Barbour
Greensboro

Misters Bush and Cheney and the most of the administration have committed any number of crimes and should be held accountable for their collective misdeeds: unlawful war resulting in hundreds of thousands dead, maimed and turned into refugees in Iraq; misuse of the military; the no-bid contract theft of billions of dollars from the Treasury; spectacular failure during
Hurricane Katrina; the deregulation that has led to this economic disaster on their watch; and the politicization of the Department of Justice. All are reprehensible.

No pardons. Only trials or impeachment, then convictions, will clean up this cancer so that our country can heal.

Robert W. Peer Jr.
Yanceyville

Since joining the Guilford County commissioners in 2004, Kay Cashion has been a beacon of calm, common sense and civility. A long-time small-business owner active in community affairs, she represents the voice of realism as she works hard at building bridges.

Beholden to no one, accessible to all, with a keen ear attuned to our ever-evolving needs and challenges, the choice for county commissioner chairwoman is clear: Kay Cashion, tried and true.

Stephanie Benson
Summerfield

The following is a Counterpoint.

By Charles Becton

The frustrations expressed by Steele Smith (Counterpoint, Nov. 8) regarding voters’ lack of information about candidates for judicial election is shared by the leadership of the N.C. Bar Association. That frustration has been part of the impetus behind the Bar Association’s pilot testing of a judicial performance evaluation system, the goal of which is providing to the public meaningful information concerning judicial incumbents seeking election to office.

To date, the Bar Association has conducted a test electronic survey of its members regarding District and Superior Court judges statewide and is further testing an expanded version of this survey in Cabarrus and Guilford counties to include not only lawyers appearing before the judges, but court personnel and jurors, as well.

These surveys are done anonymously so that the respondents can be totally frank in their responses, and the process is under the direction of the person acknowledged to be the national expert in the judicial performance evaluation process.

We are happy to say that the initial electronic survey produced results showing that the vast majority of our sitting trial court judges are doing the jobs they were elected to do quite well.
Once the pilot testing is completed, the Bar Association’s Judicial Performance Evaluation Committee, chaired by former N.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice Rhoda Billings and including an even mix of retired judges, retired lawyers and public members, will determine the future course of implementing an ongoing process of judicial evaluation. The goals of that process are, first, to assist judges with self-improvement and, second, to make available to the public prior to elections the results of these evaluations along with the committee’s assessment of whether the evaluated judges are “well qualified,” “qualified” or “not qualified” for the judicial offices they seek.

Looking further ahead, the Bar Association is examining a process for a similar type of evaluation of incumbent appellate court judges, as well as candidates for judicial elections who are not currently sitting judges, with a view to making similar assessments of such candidates’ qualification for the judicial offices they seek.

The Bar Association believes that so long as judges in North Carolina are elected, rather than appointed (as is the case in a majority of states), implementation of a nonpartisan evaluation process to provide pertinent information on judicial candidates’ qualifications is the best way to assist voters to make reasoned choices and fill the “vacuum” noted by Mr. Smith.

The writer is president of the N.C. Bar Association.

More than 25 years ago, reports began to emerge of a disease affecting a few men in Los Angeles. Today, 33 million people worldwide are living with that disease, HIV. At least 1,615 of them reside in Guilford County.

Monday marks the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day. In the last few decades, strides have been made toward addressing the global HIV/AIDS epidemic. Medications have enhanced and extended the lives of individuals with HIV. Increased awareness of the suffering wrought by the epidemic has boosted funding. Still, despite these advances, we have a long way to go. Access to life-prolonging treatments has been slow. Stigma threatens both preventative measures and supportive services for many individuals at risk for HIV. And the recent financial crisis threatens to reduce funding and increase poverty.

The Guilford County Department of Public Health is committed to working with communities to address the HIV epidemic. We encourage residents to know their status, and we strive to provide an environment in which residents can make healthy choices. On this World AIDS Day, please remember those affected by HIV, know your status and protect yourself.

Liz Sedgwick
Greensboro

The writer is health educator, Guilford County Department Public Health.

The situation at N.C. State’s Freedom Tunnel is disturbing in two ways. First is the ignorant remarks made by the four students. Second is the reaction by the university and the NAACP.
Hopefully, our freedom of speech is not limited to exclude remarks that one group or another considers hateful or offensive. When such remarks are made, people will recognize them for what they are.

If you have a tunnel where students are encouraged to express themselves and asked to refrain from offensive and hateful messages, you may get remarks that one group or another will not like. But limiting what can be expressed is not free speech.

Howie Claeson
High Point

There has been much talk about the Dole-Hagan “godless” affair. But there is one opinion that is sorely lacking: that of we godless Americans ourselves.

It is incredibly disturbing to us that we are considered insult-worthy, that being called an atheist is tantamount to libel. Atheists are human, have human morals and do good things for other humans. I am in an Elon University program that is helping to refurbish schools in Sri Lanka, as well as in other such programs doing similar things locally.

Just being an atheist does not prohibit you from being good, just as being Catholic doesn’t make you a pedophile or Protestant a killer of homosexuals. Yes, there are atheists in foxholes, and, yes, we take pride in our country. Can you start to treat us as such?

William Lyle
Elon

Rosemary Roberts (column, Nov. 21) says Barack Obama cannot do it, but Obama has said throughout the campaign that he could do it. She said that Obama did not ask to be depicted as Superman. Yes, he did. In his victory speech he said the war will be over in 2009. He said that he would immediately start talking directly, in a nonthreatening manner, to North Korea and Iran and solve those problems. His direct quote was, “I will fix the economy.”

He said that one of his first actions in office will be to totally reform health care. Another Obama quote was, “I will unite Americans for change.”

Obama clearly set the expectations, and the media reinforced them. It worries me that Roberts, Obama’s own staff, the media and the Democrats are trying to undermine the very foundation of Obama’s hope and change. Suddenly all of his supporters are trying to say all those promises made to us by Obama were not true.

It is worrisome to me that this is being said now, before he takes the oath of office. Are Roberts and Obama’s staff intentionally trying to deceive us, or is Obama? Whom am I to believe?

Ed Pring
Greensboro

I was sorely disappointed in the election. But Barack Obama will be our next president and, as Americans, we must do what we can to support him. In spite of his inexperience, Obama ran a brilliant campaign. His rhetoric beguiled many naive people of every description. I even know some alleged Christians, including my former pastor, who supported him in spite of his stance on partial-birth abortion.

Let us hope and pray that Obama gets some practical-minded advisers who get him to temper his Marxist views. Let us also hope that the stock market trend is not indicative of the change we will get. He could become a great president with the right guidance.

Hank Powell
Greensboro

It was a sad day when the U.S. government supplied NASA with a $154 million device for turning astronauts’ urine and sweat into drinking water aboard the International Space Station and it shut down. Engineers scrambled to figure out what went wrong.

It is time for the government to get its head out of the stars and its feet back on earth. What has the U.S. space station cost us, the taxpayers?

Robert E. Barrett
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Charles A. Jones

The Nov. 17 article, “Christmas comes early for gun dealers after Obama’s win,” shows an anti-gun movement spewing its tired old lies about firearms and readying to enact oppressive gun control.

The story concerned people buying firearms who now fear that Barack Obama and Congress will enact the same old useless gun control we have now and had previously (the horrid “semiautomatic assault weapons” ban that went away, thank goodness).

I purchased firearms I wanted when Hillary Clinton, the queen who thought she was entitled to the presidency, started campaigning, since I feared her anti-gun stance.

What I found disturbing were the article’s quotations from Doug Pennington of the Brady “anti-gun society,” saying that Obama will not take away anyone’s guns or ammunition. I would add, “unless he can somehow do so,” since he is one of our most anti-gun politicians.

Pennington favors stronger gun control. Obama supports and wants to resurrect “some sort of ban on assault weapons.”

The ignorance of the anti-gun movement continues. A true assault weapon is by definition capable of fully automatic fire; federal law already governs ownership of any weapon capable of fully automatic fire. Saying “semiautomatic assault rifle” is like saying “dry rain.”

Pennington also dislikes 30-round magazines, noting that the problem is the number of rounds that can be fired and that we have “no real need for any person to need to fire 30 rounds of these body-armor-piercing rounds within five seconds like you can with a semiautomatic AK-47.”

First: If a criminal kills with a pistol firing six or 10 shots or a rifle firing five or 30 shots, the number of rounds the weapon holds is irrelevant.

Second: Average shooters do not use “body-armor-piercing rounds.”

Third: I challenge anyone to empty a 30-round magazine in semiautomatic mode in five seconds.

And a “gun show loophole” does not exist. One citizen can sell a firearm to another citizen, just as he could a car, anywhere (whether or not at a gun show) without a background check.

The writer is a Greensboro native. He lives in Norfolk, Va.

Media reports about a driver hitting a child raised questions about why the alleged perpetrator was not already in jail or at least out on bond. The drag racing in High Point does the same thing. No reports on bail were given.

A television news story stated there were 10,000 papers (mostly failure to appear) waiting to be served in Guilford County. When people are charged with a crime, they are most likely arrested then and taken before a magistrate. But some magistrates and later on some judges let defendants go on their own recognizance or on low bonds, even on felonies and serious misdemeanors. Some judges and even the sheriff have called for more and higher bonds because of the rising FTAs.

Low bonds and nonsecured bonds encourage defendants to miss court. Media reports say that jail overcrowding is not to blame for so many being released with little or no bonds. But why do crimes committed today seldom require the same bond amount that they did five to 10 years ago? If defendants fail to appear, then justice is not served for victims.

Reasonable bonds will greatly reduce failure to appear and crimes committed while the suspect is out on bond awaiting trial.

M.H. “Skip” Dalton
Greensboro

Now, tell me again why the regional hospitals find it necessary to advertise. Are they in competition with one another?

I can understand lawyers, dentists and doctors placing TV and radio ads, but hospitals? If they are having “blue light” specials on vasectomies for 25 percent off, or tummy tucks with a coupon, then tell it on the tube.

I’ve got a better idea for those ad dollars:

1. Teach all personnel to wash hands following surgery or a visit to the bathroom.
2. Use copious amounts of bleach to eliminate staph and clostridium difficile germs from wall to wall.

Be proud of your sanitation rather than your name.

Jim Cochran
Greensboro

Thank you so much for the very nice article about me in Go Triad Nov. 20. It gave a very nice history of my work. However, I would like to stress that my history is only one facet of my career.

My current position is where I have my passion and my vocation, and that also needs to be emphasized. I am the youth theater director for the City Arts Drama Center, which is a program of the Parks and Recreation Department for the city of Greensboro. In that capacity, I am the artistic director for the Greensboro Children’s Theatre, and I direct one show per season for the Livestock Players. (It is not my personal group.) The Livestock Players is only one of the five performing arts groups under the umbrella of the City Arts Drama Center. The groups are the Greensboro Children’s Theatre, Greensboro Playwright’s Forum, 3rd Stage Theatre Co., Greene Pictures and the Livestock Players.

Greensboro is a very arts-oriented city, and I enjoy working with the young people in this area very much.

Rosina Whitfield
Greensboro

I felt compelled to respond to the person who criticized WFMY anchor Sandra Hughes for the comments she made after Barack Obama was declared the winner in the presidential race. I think Sandra was only echoing what many African Americans were feeling. At last we felt validated!

Our journey started unwillingly in the bottom of ships, on auction blocks and on plantations. We were subjected to no schools, to inferior schools, separate but unequal facilities.

We had so much to overcome but we couldn’t, no, we didn’t, come this far without the help of others. Believe me, we haven’t forgotten those who marched beside us in protest of how blacks were being treated. Some actually gave their lives for our cause.

It took blacks, whites, Hispanics, Asians, etc., to put Barack Obama in the White House. Please try to understand what this moment in history means to African Americans.

To all of you who voted for Obama, thanks for making Martin Luther King’s dream come true. I don’t need that 40 acres or that mule. I have a piece of America, and I owe it to all to you.
What about “less of me and more of we”? He’s not just our president, he’s America’s president.

Shirley J. Wright
Greensboro

All right, you elected Democrats, let the three big automakers file Chapter 11. Put the $350 billion back into Social Security, where both parties borrowed it from in the first place.

Larry McCloskey
Greensboro