News-Record.com

The headline for your Associated Press article Feb. 22 gave the wrong information. North Carolina Presbyterians have not voted to ordain gays. Presbyterian Church U.S.A. churches in Greensboro belong to Salem Presbytery, and we do not vote on this amendment until April.

It is true that three of the five presbyteries in North Carolina have voted to approve Amendme
nt B. If a majority of our 173 presbyteries vote to approve this amendment, our ordination standard will take a radical shift from our clearly stated standard and will become a shallow statement filled with loopholes for the ordination of unrepentant homosexuals living in a partnered relationship and single individuals living in a partnered relationship outside of marriage.

Marriage is between one man and one woman. Any lifestyle that the Bible calls sin must be repented of and, with God’s help, we seek to no longer live that lifestyle. I am deeply saddened by the theological direction my beloved denomination is taking. This is the fifth vote on this issue since 1996-97. Every past vote has been in favor of keeping our ordination standards. This time may be different. My fear is that we have “left our first love.”

Jesse W. Bledsoe
Greensboro

The writer is pastor of Buffalo Presbyterian Church.

It’s not OK to shoot grizzlies, cougars, giraffes, elephants and zebras for sport. It’s not OK to take down a living creature for the sheer thrill of it. And, it’s certainly not OK for the Natural Science Center to celebrate this behavior by allowing someone’s game collection to occupy space in a building that should appreciate the value of life (“Big game trophies donated to Natural Science Center,” N&R, Feb. 22). Children who visit this public space don’t need the extra affirmation of weapons and senseless killing. Just say no.

Teresa Dail
Greensboro

In your editorial “Campus crime fight must be a joint effort” (Feb. 6), you express concern for college security policies. Since college police are not permitted to monitor activities in student residences not on school property, there is no way to prevent unnecessary crime from happening. I believe there should be an agreement between campus officers and even city police to keep watch on off-campus housing.

Although this concept has been discussed by officers at A&T and the Greensboro police, so far there is no confirmation of such a plan. Some managers of student housing have hired private security officers for their apartments, and some have police keep a close eye on the premises. However, city police have a large area to patrol and cannot always remain close to a specific building in order to respond to an incident.

Uniform protection for all colleges and universities within the city will also undoubtedly reduce and prevent crime. In most cases, the sight of a patrol car is enough to discourage potential criminal situations. By providing sufficient, uniform protection, schools can be assured they are getting the security they need, on and off campus by city and university police.

Grace Egan
Greensboro

The writer is a student at Grimsley High School.

To Kay Hagan:

You have let the people of North Carolina down by voting for an increase of 61 cents per pack on cigarettes. If not for tobacco, North Carolina would not be half what it is today. Tobacco has helped people on farms more than any other crop. Also, the supply and equipment dealers would not have been kept in business if not for tobacco. It also helped farmers grow other crops that people need that did not make as much money. Tobacco has helped build hospitals and research buildings in North Carolina.

The paper says that the tax will cost 3,000 jobs and up to $36 million in revenue shortfalls for North Carolina. Also, 65,000 people in North Carolina have jobs connected to the tobacco industry.

We don’t need anyone in Washington who will hurt North Carolina that much. Yes, you are way out of line for voting for tobacco taxes. If you don’t know North Carolina better than that, it is time for you to come back home. We need someone who will represent North Carolina. A lot of people I know feel the same way.

Alfred Kernodle
Browns Summit

If we do not have responsibility from our leaders and they are not brought to account, we will continue to have leadership that tampers with our Constitution and civil liberties. A precedent has been set by the Bush administration and, without challenge, it will be acknowledged as legal and acceptable for future administrations to act in the same way to curtail our democracy. Proper legal steps should be taken immediately, before the statute of limitations precludes even any investigation of the Bush/Cheney era.

K.K. Mersereau
Greensboro

I am writing in response to recent negative comments regarding coverage of the Greensboro Police Department in the Cardinal area.

Up until July 1, 2008, the Cardinal was located within the jurisdiction of the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office. Then the Greensboro Police Department assumed responsibility for providing law-enforcement services to our area. Both have provided a consistent, clear and highly visible presence in the Cardinal. This presence has provided a deterrent to potential perpetrators and an expeditious response time when incidents have occurred.

Our family has resided in the Cardinal area since 2002. We feel safe in our home as a result of the tremendous efforts of these two great organizations and the heroes who represent them!
We would like to thank both the Sheriff’s Office and the Greensboro Police Department for a job well done. Further, we wanted to state that negative comments from various individuals do not necessarily reflect the feelings and attitudes of the majority. Thanks, and keep up the good work!

David Smith
Greensboro

In response to your story highlighting John Ahmuty’s job search (TriadCareers, Feb. 8), I’d like to speak out on behalf of recruiters.

I’ll admit that many candidates do not have complimentary things to say about recruiters or, as in John’s story, try to work around recruiters. I promise recruiters who will take time to understand your skill, build rapport and update you on opportunities do exist. The trick is to identify a good recruiter and make yourself available to them. The best way to find a top-notch recruiter is to network. Ask everyone for a referral. If a recruiter does not spend time to understand the person behind your resume, including your skills and ambitions, keep looking. How can they match you to the right job opportunity by resume alone?

It’s frustrating that recruiters serve as middlemen. But remember, clients solicit and retain recruiters to weed through candidate resumes, presenting only the best, saving clients’ time and frustration. Do you want to be part of the frustration or one of the best? If you make one phone call, which is more productive: one call to one recruiter representing multiple clients, or to one client?

Tiffany Crenshaw
Greensboro

The writer is the president and CEO of Intellect Resources.

The Feb. 22 article, “Area’s ranking on 'emptiest’ list may not be right,” misses the point. It is not that Greensboro is fourth, 14th or 24th in the Forbes rankings of emptiest cities. It is that Greensboro has turned into a city serving those who favor growth at all costs, not planned growth.

Our leaders have had an insatiable appetite to grow. During the past several years, they have consistently ignored the master city plan to serve their own interests and their own connections to the local real-estate industry. Areas that were planned for 20 single homes now have 85 condominiums.

As citizens drive through their city, they can see it is plagued with empty apartments and homes. The result is further depressed housing prices and a supply glut not seen in recent memory. Until our leaders see that growth must be planned and well thought out, Greensboro can only move higher on the Forbes list.

David Lassiter
Greensboro

Imagine a competent young lady is hired by a company to create a brand-new job, essential to a new department. She does, and the new department is a big success.

She goes to her supervisors when she is faced with a situation that arouses her suspicion. They order her to follow procedures far outside the limits of her job, but she follows orders.

Later, when her supervisors and the company get into trouble because of the things she has done, they throw her to the wolves. She loses her job, her reputation is smeared and now her previous employers point fingers at her to save their own necks.

Impossible, you say? Not if the “company” is the Greensboro Police Department and the competent young lady is Cathleen Vance. I worked with Cathy while she was coordinator with the Violence Task Force. She did an outstanding job, much better than other coordinators I knew.

Cathy had no way of knowing she was in innocent party in the middle of a rising political explosion between the police department and the city manager. Neither side had any concern over who was hurt. Power was the goal. And they still refuse to undo the damage.

Chet Hodgin
Jamestown

Here’s an idea to clean up the littered appearance of our streets and roadways. Since many parents don’t teach their children not to litter (since many of the parents litter profusely and set the example), and since the public schools don’t stress it enough, state lawmakers should enact legislation that requires all fast-food restaurants, consumer products retailers and beverage makers that operate within the state to package their food and beverages in green wrappers, bags, containers or boxes. Cardboard sandwich containers, paper or plastic cups, soda cans, plastic soda bottles, beer cans, beer bottles, cardboard carrying cases — all green. Carry-out bags, drinking straws and lids — green. Cigarette pack wrapping or boxes — green.
The only exception should be cigarettes. They should be made gray to blend in with the concrete or blacktop surfaces commonly found at intersections. Chicken bones seem to blend in, so they’ll be OK, no change required.

This will not solve the problem of littering, but it won’t look as obvious and disgusting as we drive along our streets, highways and neighborhoods.

Edward Rosko
Jamestown

Regarding “A Hobby for the birds” (Feb. 21):

I cannot believe that a Superior Court judge would be allowed to have a hawk in the courtroom while he is conducting court. Superior Court is where really bad cases are tried. Where judges demand respect and decorum while court is in session. What a slap in the face to victims present and all victims! How do you think they feel while a farce is made of their attempt to get justice? Would the prosecutor be allowed to bring his cocker spaniel to court during trial? How about the defense attorney bringing his pet cat? The jury and their pets, or how about the defendant and his pit bull?

From what I’ve heard, Judge Craig is often sympathetic to the defendants and rude to victims’ families, almost to the point of insulting them.

I can only assume that the hawk was a victim or sympathetic to the victims. After all, “He used the bathroom on the judge’s bench.” I’d like to think this was a protest on behalf of all victims.

Taunya Warren
Greensboro

I went to a concert recently, and I cried! My wife, Carolyn, and I had decided to take my 85-year-old mother to see the Glen Miller Orchestra at the Carolina Theatre. When the orchestra began to play, that’s when it happened. I looked at my mother and tears were running down her face. I heard others in the audience also getting emotional.

My wife asked me why many were crying, and it came to me suddenly. It’s about the memories! The memories of an era when the United States was just that, united!
When words like God, family, patriotism and sacrifice meant something.

When music was pure and beautiful and, yes, meaningful.

A time when a truly great generation of Americans, together, led our country through some very difficult times.

A time when the only thing that mattered was doing the right and honorable thing, together, for the good of all!

I went to a concert, and I cried right along with a great generation of Americans!

Bill Koontz
Summerfield

The editorial, “Driving while texting law will be difficult to enforce” (Feb. 11), says the state already has specific laws in place banning talking on your cell phone while driving, but now they are trying to put a law in place that specifically prohibits texting behind the wheel.

Texting behind the wheel is a great hazard because it takes both your eyes and hands off of the task at hand — driving. Not only is it a hazard to text, but enforcing a law like this would be extremely difficult.

This law is a necessity, but it will take a lot of perseverance to enforce. It is extremely hard to catch someone in the act of texting, so is it really worth our time to create this law?

I say yes. This law is worth that one life that would otherwise have been lost due to an accident caused because someone was texting behind the wheel.

Kaelyn Zynda
Greensboro

The writer is a student at Grimsley High School.

In response to “Circus and Gun Expo made poor combination” (Frances Wilcox letter, Feb. 22), I have two questions for Ms. Wilcox: First, was she threatened by any of the men carrying those awful guns and swords? Second, was she, or her grandkids, physically harmed by any of them?

An irrational fear of firearms is called hoplophobia and is treatable. It’s an irrational fear since merely seeing these items apparently caused great pain to Ms. Wilcox and her grandkids.

She may want to seek treatment, as there are many things of which she should be truly frightened: bad people, not objects.

In actuality, the only harm families who attended the gun show suffered occurred when their toes were inadvertently stepped on by other folks in attendance. It was indeed a family event and atmosphere to those who wanted it to be.

I would venture to say Ms. Wilcox and her grandchildren were safer in the Greensboro Coliseum parking lot that day than on any other day of the year. Many of the gun show attendees carrying those “guns and swords” would have disregarded their own personal safety to protect her family from bad people intent on causing her harm.

Tom Cheek
Greensboro

How could all of this happen?

The financial debacle: There do not have to be real assets and wealth. People just have to think there are.

The books look real good, thanks to creative accounting — the Madoff, Stanford, Enron and MBA effect.

The manufacturing base is no more.

There is no need to create, design and manufacture things. We can simply promote and sell them. It’s all done with “globalization,” “virtual factories” (this means outsourced to another land) and world-class marketing (organized lying).

Public education is a mess. America lags in the industrialized world. However, our kindergartners understand and use Power Point.

Readin’, writin’ and ’rithmetic are passé.

“Diversity,” “self-esteem” and Newsweek’s “best” lists are what count. Remember, “Those who cannot do teach.”

Actually, I think those who cannot do direct the teachers. Everything is presentation and appearance.

If you really want to understand what has happened, read “On Bull----” by philosopher and Princeton professor Harry Frankfurt. It’s a real book, a best-seller, in fact. It’s a short read that says it all. Give it a look, and see if you don’t agree.

David Colin
Greensboro

I found the pictures and story in your Feb. 22 Life section, titled “Wild Things,” simply repulsive.

Did anyone on your staff suggest that some of your readers might find images of slaughtered animals disturbing? I’m only happy that I didn’t pay a visit to the Natural Science Center to be greeted with this travesty face-to-face.

These poor creatures were referred to as “trophies.”

Trophies are typically awarded for accomplishments. So how laudable an accomplishment is lying in wait to slaughter an innocent, unknowing animal? The family who “donated” this display is doing nothing more than perpetuating a barbaric, heartless tradition of bloodshed and violence in the name of sport.

Those of us who are humane know this display is not evidence of an accomplishment, but an atrocity.

“Trophies” indeed.

Jennifer Scott
Graham

All of the health issues addressed in the article by Drs. Bell and Goff, “Smoke-free debate is about disease, not commerce” (Ideas, Feb. 22), are correct.

Worry in the hospitality industry that going smoke-free will hurt business has proved incorrect. Legislation will almost not be needed because restaurants have found that going smoke-free increases their customer base!

When it’s good business to go smoke-free, it doesn’t take long for it to happen. It’s OK if the legislature finally gets around to making it a law, too.

John Dykers Jr., M.D.
Siler City

The definition of irony: more than 2,000 clean-energy activists converge on a Washington coal-fired power plant March 2 to protest global warming amidst the city’s worst snowstorm of the year.

Of course, that didn’t matter, according to Glenn Hurowitz, spokesman for Green Peace.
“The fact that so many people are willing to come out and keep winter cold shows how much passion and dedication people have on this issue,” Hurowitz said.

Granted, climate and weather are not the same. However, from a PR standpoint, these activists should consider scheduling their protests during July and August. Hopefully, those who booked hotel rooms had heat and warm water.

Tom Imbus
Browns Summit

The editorial, “A driving while texting law would be difficult to enforce” (Feb. 11) notes that even though texting behind the wheel is extremely dangerous, it would be difficult for police to catch every violator.

Still, we should try to pass and enforce such a law. People who speed don’t always get caught, but having the law makes it safer for other drivers. Plus, I’ve had a first-hand experience on the effects of texting while driving and how the driver can react. When my sister texts while driving it makes me really nervous because she is unaware of what’s going on. I’ve had to tell her to brake before rear-ending a car because she’s texting.

Outlawing this distraction is a good idea. The $100 fine also is good.
Although there are other distractions, texting is the most dangerous. When someone answers a phone call it only occupies one hand and both eyes are on the road. Texting requires two hands and no eyes on the road, leading to accidents. For the safety of drivers, a no-texting law should be enforced.

Sophie Gray
Greensboro

I read about the plan that our school superintendent has proposed that would split the school system into five separate systems to provide better service to parents in different parts of the county.

I’m 75 years old and know my memory is fading, but it seems only a short time ago that our local leaders, in their infinite wisdom, decided that we needed to consolidate the three school systems in Guilford County.

You know the old saying, “Bigger is better.” However, it seems that it has gotten so big that the tail is now wagging the dog. I had my doubts about Mo Green in the beginning, but I think he has hit upon something.

We need to go one step further and return to the original three-school system operation — Greensboro, High Point and Guilford County— in order to make them more manageable and responsive to parents and taxpayers.

William Tidwell
Browns Summit

The editorial, “Long sentences mean crowded state prisons” (Feb. 18) contends that the high recidivism rate causes criminals with prior convictions to return to prison while more first-time inmates are coming in.

This leads to overcrowding of prisons and contributes to a dangerous environment for both prisoners and prison personnel.

The author suggests new programs to keep juvenile offenders out of adult prisons. This is a good idea since the current track is expected to lead to an estimated prison population of 50,000 in the next 10 years.

Another proposal would keep ex-offenders from going back to jail by encouraging employers to hire them. While this may seem dangerous to a potential employer, it’s necessary because an ex-offender almost certainly will return to a life of crime without a decent job.

Legislators are taking part in an effort to free prison space. A Chapel Hill Democrat, Sen. Ellie Kinnaird, has proposed sentencing commission revamps that could free space for up to 4,600 inmates. I think it’s necessary so we do not end up like California, where 58,000 potentially dangerous prisoners were released.

Aaron Rosen
Greensboro

A few points to consider after reading Pastor Bledsoe’s letter to the editor on Feb. 28.
We all have a genetic makeup at birth. We have curly hair, straight hair, or no hair at all. We have blue eyes or brown eyes and many other shades. We have white, brown, or black skin and many shades and hues in-between.

Sexuality is predetermined before birth. It exists as a continuum from totally heterosexual to totally homosexual with bisexuality in the middle.

It seems that Pastor Jesse Bledsoe would endorse the ordination of a single homosexual, but not one who is married or living in a partnered relationship.

He seems to forget that homosexuality is genetic and cannot be changed any more than can the color of one’s skin.

I have a question for him: Since we are all sinners, is it right to single out anyone because he is different?

Oh, by the way, I am a Presbyterian too.

William T. Linton
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint.

Giant steps indeed. I wonder how long it will take for “middle-of-the-road” voters whose 12 percent put Obama in the White House to realize they (and the U.S.A.) have been had.
Candidate Obama pledged to sign no bills with earmarks.

As president, he lied and insulted us when he looked into the camera and said there was “no pork in the stimulus bill.”

The most egregious example is the $8 billion Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) inserted for a rail line between Las Vegas and Disneyland after the compromise had been reached with three Republican senators.

President Obama will undoubtedly sign the $410 billion regular appropriation bill, which contains 8,500-plus earmarks worth $7.7 billion.

I suppose that’s OK since Sen. Schumer assures “Americans don’t mind a little pork.”
Candidate Obama sternly pledged “no lobbyists” and “full transparency.” Not true or even close. Lobbyists who are “indispensable” are given waivers. Tax cheats, once exposed, are still supported. Even the Liberal Left is outraged over the lack of openness.

Candidate Obama promised bipartisanship, which, I suppose, is why Speaker Pelosi banned Republican participation in crafting the package. The only bipartisanship in the House was among the dozen Democrats who joined all House Republicans opposing the bill.
Obama’s only attempt at bipartisanship was to ply Republicans with food and drinks at the White House.

Taking hypocrisy to a new level, two days after signing the largest spending bill, clumsily disguised as economic stimulus, Obama convened a summit on fiscal responsibility. It lasted a few hours, then everyone went home.

This demonstrates he is still in full campaign mode. This charade was calculated to show “leadership and bold action.” In reality, it was pure photo-op/propaganda.
He is taking giant steps, but beware. We are being conned by a president who says one thing and does another.

To make matters worse, he has minimal executive experience. That is compounded by the fact his world view is pure socialist.

Given the economic and security situation, this country doesn’t need to be subjected to economic, social and foreign policy experiments performed by an inexperienced and dishonest administration.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

Who promised a 13,000-point stock market? From 1932 to 1982, the stock market rose only 1,000 points; however, from 1982 to 2002, the market rose 12,000 points.

This rise is from bankers and businesses cooking their books, from unscrupulous brokers who “pumped and dumped” stocks to create false wealth. If everyone had done their homework and not listened to a bunch of “snake oil” salesmen, they would have seen this bubble and put their hard-earned money in a safe place. Having a sheet of paper that shows some number is now accepted and demanded as net worth? Wrong. If you were foolish enough to invest with idiots, shame on you. It is not the taxpayer’s problem, nor is it a government problem.

It is your problem. Now, many are screaming for justice, for what? Being stupid.

John Brown
Liberty

How incredibly refreshing to read the article in the Guilford Record about Bright Plastics (Feb. 22).

The story of these local businessmen focusing on ways to return lost sales to their company, and meeting with success, gives me more hope for the future than anything I’ve read in the news. If more companies would concentrate their efforts in this area, we could soon put our citizens back to work and begin rebuilding our economy. Thanks, John McGinnis, for your uplifting article.

Judy Keyes
Greensboro

I believe that Congressman John Boehner of Ohio did the right thing when he threw the 1,100-page Stimulus Bill onto the House floor. He showed his outrage at not being permitted enough time to read this massive proposed legislation. Americans, too, should be outraged!

Are they aware that a bill of this magnitude was approved without the Congress reading it? We should demand responsible stewardship in Washington, D.C.! Why was the process rushed?

The president promised “transparency” and “change.” He stated that he would make proposed legislation available online for 48 hours for all to read. This was not done.

We are now finding out that the bill is filled with a lot of unnecessary targeted pet projects, i.e., Harry Reid will get a rail system from Los Angeles to Las Vegas and a Mafia Museum (in his home state of Nevada), and Nancy Pelosi’s district will get money for the ecosystem to protect a species of mice.

Do the voters know that we are “begging” China to finance this stimulus? The bill is an abomination that our grandchildren will pay for dearly!

And, most importantly, I ask how many jobs will actually be created?

Kathleen Hommel
Stokesdale

Shame on the five City Council members who voted to fire City Manager Mitchell Johnson. He is an honorable, capable public servant doing a good job under stressful circumstances. As one council member who voted against him stated, the council is dysfunctional. How true. How else can you explain dismissing an experienced city manager during a devastating recession, when the city’s revenues are falling, and when, among other challenges, Greensboro police officers are courageously doing battle with violent criminals?

Recently, some council members seriously proposed having the Greensboro police chief report directly to them, rather than the manager. What folly. This petty scenario recalls the Emperor Nero fiddling while Rome burned.

To see where this new council majority is headed, look no further than the Guilford County Board of Commissioners, where another vocal minority fired a competent county manager, triggered an exodus of experienced staff, and has surely traumatized those left behind.

The citizens of Greensboro and Guilford County need to wake up and protest before it is too late. Our local governments, once a source of pride, are being hijacked by a few shortsighted individuals for whom power, control and vendetta seem to be the only motivators.

John Alexander
Summerfield

Jim Schlosser’s column on depression (“Speaking out to help others keep 'black dog’ of depression at bay,” March 2) highlighted tragedies of our mental health system. The first tragedy is that Mike Weaver has suffered with depression for 20 years.

I want to personally apologize to Mr. Weaver and the thousands of other psychiatric consumers who had one of my colleagues snuff all hope for recovery by forecasting a lifetime of depression. We, as mental health providers, are supposed to be purveyors of hope, not despondency.

Another tragedy is Schlosser’s propagation of the chemical imbalance theory. No biological tests exist to measure brain chemicals for diagnostic purposes to know if imbalances exist. (Unless verifiable proof is given, don’t accept these falsehoods.)

Moreover, evidence suggests that psychiatric medications cause withdrawal syndromes and increase the potential for relapse.

Research confirms the third tragedy. Psychiatry’s disease model has increased stigma toward the suffering. The disease model results in the general public believing that psychiatric consumers, with a brain disease, are dangerous and unpredictable.

Finally, I’m sorry that the general public and mental health consumers are flooded with misinformation and misnomers by media and my professional colleagues. It’s time that we tell the truth, validate the suffering of others, listen empathetically, and restore hope of recovery in our fellow humans.

Dr. Thomas L. Murray Jr.
Greensboro

The writer is director of counseling and disability services at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.

It would be interesting to know who the pundits were who panned Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal’s response to President Obama’s address to Congress. Are we surprised that they called it insane, childish, a disaster? I’m not.

We could say in the reverse that the spending that the current administration is proposing is insane, childish and certain to be a disaster.

Would the pundits agree with that? I don’t think so.

Unless conservatives hop up and down like Nancy Pelosi did in support of the president’s monumental spending proposals, they will get the same kind of response that Jindal got from the media.

Jindal called Obama’s plan to revive the economy “irresponsible.” To saddle future generations with this monumental debt truly is irresponsible.

Pat Warnicke
Jamestown

Bully for Pricey Harrison!

And bully for Maggie Jeffus and Laura Wiley, too.

It takes a lot of pluck to lead the charge for repealing the provision giving in-state tuition at our state universities to out-of-state athletes.

For the current academic year, that’s a difference of $11,494 for students at UNCG and $15,206.24 for students on the UNC-Chapel Hill campus.

In this case, it’s the money and the principle of the thing.

Trudy Atkins
Greensboro

My widowed mother, who lives in Morehead City, was contacted by her boss (over the phone) last week informing her she was no longer employed. Due to lower volume, he told her, they had to let three people go.

This was a surprise, since my mother had been employed there for more than 15 years with no infractions attributed to her in many years. She will be 69 in December and had planned to retire then on her Social Security.

When inquiring at the local employment office about unemployment benefits, she was told her employer paid nothing in since they were a nonprofit church group. In the past few months, other, much younger people had been hired, with little or no experience.

I understand times are hard and tough choices have to be made, but from a business sense please someone tell me the justification of this situation. We as a society need to watch out for our elderly and not discriminate against them solely because of age.

All employers should be required to pay unemployment insurance. What ever happened to fairness and doing the right thing? Have we reached a point in our country where those things don’t mean anything?

I should pray not.

Daniel Edwards
Cary

Regarding Larry Surber’s letter (Feb. 28): Mr. Surber is “stunned” by the killing of a deer in the backyard. He must not know that deer are among the most dangerous animals in the United States. They kill about 150 motorists annually and cause 129,000 human injuries and more than $1 billion in insurance claims.

Deer carry Lyme disease ticks to 13,000 people each year. They damage agriculture and landscaping to the tune of $1.2 billion. Mr. Surber has compassion for these “beautiful creatures,” but what about the human suffering deer cause when they come through a windshield? Hunting is more humane than being hit by a car, and hunting saves lives. Human lives. Bambi may grow up to kill.

Wayne Lowman
Eden

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Brad Austin

Many recent articles on President Obama’s economic recovery plan have eventually led to discussing the bailout of the Big 3 automakers and scrutinizing wages of union workers.

There are people who actually believe that someone making decent wages is leading these companies to bankruptcy
.
The first to complain about union wages are the upper executives of the Big 3. These “experts,” if you remember correctly, were criticized on their first trip to Washington for traveling on separate, private jets. And their initial plea for bailout money fell flat because they spoke only of their companies’ current financial condition and had no plans to present for making their vehicles better suited to survive in today’s marketplace and increasing future sales.

Basically, no thought had been given to actually making positive changes for their companies. GM executives did, however, say they would reduce their fleet of leased private jets from seven to three, and instead of spending an unnamed amount on a media party would donate $5,000 to a charity.

Without researching the exact salaries, bonuses, stock-option plans, company-paid retirement contributions, free insurance packages, expense accounts and other compensation benefits each of these individuals receives yearly, we must remember that before the UAW there was no middle class. There were only rich owners and the poor, working-class people. Cutting these union families’ income from roughly $60,000 to $30,000 a year seems to be the answer that Big 3 executives, politicians and portions of the public claim would save the automakers.

Right!

My question is: Who is going to be able to afford to buy their cars then? If they think I make too much money as a UAW worker, then I’m willing to switch jobs with any of them. After all, how much worse could I do?

The writer lives in Kernersville and is a member of UAW Local 5287, High Point.

After the last few days of monsoon rains and heavy snow, I find myself waiting on bated breath for this year’s official to-date rainfall. If we’re not ahead by now, it’s very likely the raccoons have been drinking from the rain gauges at the airport again.

Jeff Curley
Greensboro

Why not have the government issue a $25,000 debit card to every family in America? Stipulations are you must spend it within six months and it can’t be on food or alcohol.

How many families do you think couldn’t spend that amount? How much money would that actually put back into the economy?

Caesar Wyssbrod III
Greensboro

What is the prevailing theme from Washington these days? Hope, change and transparency, or pork, earmarks and pet projects?

The first TARP bill was voted down in the House of Representatives last fall, but sweeteners were added to bolster support. It passed on the second try, and the press conference that followed was an orgy of self-congratulation where House and Senate leadership on both sides of the aisle said their bravery and wisdom had saved our economy in the nick of time.

Great job, guys. You earned your automatic pay raise this year. Let us know when you figure out how all that TARP money was spent.

Before taking office, our president pledged to end congressional pork-barrel spending. His first budget contains 9,000 earmarks. We can only hope that President Obama is using his experience as a smoker and is simply “tapering off.”

The country has witnessed a furious flurry of federal spending since former Treasury Secretary Paulson held a gun to the nation’s head last September. Now that we’ve paid the ransom with the future incomes of our children and grandchildren, there is one legislative initiative from the 1994 “Contract with America” that I hope may yet still have some life. Term limits.

Doug Elliott
Trinity

Recently, a reader from Randolph County wrote a letter complaining about property tax revaluation there.

Typically, the writer’s complaints targeted the Randolph County Tax Department as somehow arbitrarily reassigning higher property values during a period of falling property values.

Surprisingly, a whopping majority of North Carolina property owners don’t seem to realize that revaluation of real property values, on which their taxes are based, is mandated by the state Machinery Act, and county tax departments must comply “at least once every eight years.”

And therein lies the misunderstanding.

Since revaluations are only required once every eight years, when the time comes to comply, property values have risen. In Guilford County, the next revaluation will be in 2012.

And, although the country’s real-estate markets have taken quite a beating in the last couple of years, by 2012 you can be sure that property values will be higher, if not significantly, than they were in 2004.

Do the math. Pressure county government to require more frequent revaluations than every eight years (allowable under the Machinery Act) so the “new” real property values aren’t such a shock.

Lonnie Groendes
Greensboro

The letters to the editor March 1 and 3 about the Feb. 22 N&R article (“Big game trophies donated to the Natural Science Center”) speak eloquently of my objections to this “donation.”

The center shouldn’t have accepted these for many reasons. Among them, many of the animals in this collection are on endangered species lists. How do we explain to children, who are the target audience, why these dead, stuffed animals are there and educate them to respect the lives of all God’s creatures? Tusks are ivory, and international trade of ivory has been illegal since 1989.

I would suggest parents take children to the N.C. Zoo to see and interact with giraffes, lions, elephants, antelope, etc. And tell Science Center administrators that we don’t want stuffed animals in a place that teaches about living beings. They don’t fit in with the excellent live collection the center is developing.

Etta Mullikin
Greensboro

The war on drugs this country has been waging for years is a colossal failure.

It has done nothing to decrease the availability of drugs, and it has provided a very lucrative business opportunity for organized crime.

It has also corrupted our law enforcement and criminal-justice system. Drug cartels have so much money and power that they can easily afford to bribe or kill law-enforcement officials. Our jails are full of people whose only crime was to seek intoxication.

Prohibition has never worked. Many human beings have always sought the pleasures of intoxication, and many always will. Prohibition made Al Capone and his buddies rich, and it is now making drug cartels richer and more powerful than governments.

The drug business, like all business, is governed by the laws of supply and demand. If the supply of a desirable commodity is restricted, the profits go up. Prohibition cannot solve our drug problems. Drug abuse, including tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, etc., is a public health problem.

We cannot stop people from using these substances, but we can reduce the damage they cause with accurate information and access to good treatment.

Ken Knight
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint:

By Larry Van Horn

Isn’t it fortunate that we had so many really intelligent, farsighted thinkers when this country was founded?

Our forefathers, who put their property, reputation and lives on the line to sign the Declaration of Independence and to draft the Constitution and Bill of Rights, must all be turning in their graves with what is going on today in Washington.

We all need to be reminded of the words of Thomas Jefferson:

l “The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not.”

l “I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.”

l “It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. A principle which, if acted on, would save one-half the wars of the world.”

l “My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government.”

l “A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have.”

And lastly, he said in 1802: “Banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around the banks will deprive the people of all property until their children wake up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered.”

Does any of this sound familiar?

The writer lives in Greensboro.

Wow, it’s only taken President Obama a few short weeks to make me long for the good old days of the Bush administration.

The destruction of our way of life by Obama and his ilk runs the gambit — from a nakedly political payoff program called a “stimulus package” to the promise of quadrupling the deficit, all the while insisting it will be halved in four years.

As a bonus, we get abortion on demand (including partial birth) and new rules that will allow unions to intimidate workers.

Oh, and thanks for all the new taxes on small business and the productive class. Let’s slap on some trade tariffs to really put a stop to free enterprise.

Don’t stop there. Let’s nationalize the health care system so the feds can run it as efficiently as the Postal Service and Social Security. Meanwhile, the man who was to bring us hope seems like he’s surprised that times are tough, and is leading like a deer in the headlights.

This country voted for change, but unfortunately, it’s not going to be change for the better.

Mike Kendro
Greensboro

Several writers of recent letters invoke the specter of socialism to describe the agenda of the Obama administration. I find this disingenuous and smacking of extreme partisan views.

Any government program that provides a service to the general public can be described as socialist in nature; i.e., Medicare and Social Security. By and large, the American people expect these programs and many more from our federal and state governments.

To date there has been no policy guidance from the Obama administration suggesting a departure from laissez-faire capitalism. Nor should one expect or tolerate such a proposition.
While capitalism exhibits both positive and negative aspects, history has shown it to be a superior system to socialism.

We decry socialism but have come to expect and even demand some degree of it from our federal and state governments. Even though it is distasteful, we should not then disparage the taxes or government oversight necessary to provide these programs.

There ain’t no free lunch.

Let’s give President Obama more than five weeks in office before outright condemnation of his administration by trying to paint him and his agenda as socialist.

Richard Myers
Randleman

Friends, like you, when I got in my car between noon and 3 p.m., I always used to punch 600 on the AM dial and listen to “The Rush Limbaugh Show.” What I heard was always slanted far right, often disgusting and rarely convincing, but it certainly was entertaining. Besides, what else was on the radio at that time of day?

Also, what better way to relieve stress than my screaming at my dashboard when yet another one of Rush’s obsequious listeners called in to fawn? Rush, you were sent by God to speak up for the common man. Please!

Then, right after Rush accused Michael J. Fox of faking his Parkinson’s tremors, I thought to myself, I can’t do this anymore. There must be something better.

So I searched for an alternative and almost immediately found what I was looking for right there near 790 on the dial: “The Jim Rome Sports Talk Show.” Since Jim is on during the same three hours as the Limbaugh broadcast, there was no need to listen to Rush at all. What a treat.
I had seen Rome on TV and thought he was good, but on radio he is the best — intelligent, clever, brave, a tell-it-like-it-is guy and very entertaining. Although his main interest is sports, all types, his comments and interviews are so well done that even those with a minor interest in sports will enjoy his show immensely.

Besides, if you are like me, you will find something very cleansing in saying goodbye forever to El Rushmo.

Richard C. Forman
Greensboro

Two headlines really elevated my blood pressure in a recent News & Record.

First: “State stimulus money allocated to road projects.” It reports that the state will build 70 highway and bridge projects with the first federal stimulus package money slated for North Carolina — $838 million for transportation projects, leaving $372 million to distribute in the later round of projects.

Second: “Mentally ill children housed in cold, dilapidated barracks.” Children being treated for mental illness at a state hospital in Butner battle not only their diseases, but also cold bedrooms, insects, clogged toilets and sinks.

It seems that the new Central Regional Hospital is too small for the state’s needs, so these 40 children are to be left in the squalid living conditions while the state relishes spending millions to upgrade our highways.

Apparently, someone has forgotten these children, and it is a disgrace. I’m a mother of a mentally handicapped son, and I pray every day that I will never have to place my son in a state institution.

Dorothy Schoolfield
Greensboro

Is anyone surprised that Lorraine Ahearn would write her spiteful little column (Feb. 22) disparaging police officer Scott Sanders’ reputation after he was found not guilty in court?

The incident surrounding Peggy Barker had nothing to do with the computer trial and there are evidently two sides to this story. Why bring up this old news that can only cause more distrust of our police?

Shame on Ahearn for writing such a petty exaggeration. But why am I not surprised?

Nancy Cornelius
Greensboro

In Betsy Corbett’s letter of Feb. 27, she made the point of being careful how we label children. I couldn’t agree more.

Children accept the labels that the adults in their lives confer on them. My experience of this labeling was when, many years ago, my son was chosen for the “Gifted & Talented Development Program” in a Charlotte elementary school. Certainly as a mother this made me proud, but I began to wonder how the children who were not picked for this program saw themselves. Did they conclude that they had no gifts or talent? Or maybe that they had no talent worth developing? I brought this to the attention of the principal and the administration but nothing was changed.

I recently discovered that after 30 years, this program is still in place in the Mecklenburg school system. I am not proposing that we do away with enrichment programs for students who need extra challenges, or remedial programs for children who need extra help, but let’s be careful what we call them.

Gloria McClanahan
Asheboro

Brava! Teresa Dail for your “Just say no to trophies” letter March 1. The “Big game trophies donated to Science Center” article with pictures on the front page of the Feb. 22 edition was shocking.

What was more shocking was that the Natural Science Center accepted these trophies and is proudly displaying the giraffe at the front entrance with the remainder to be unveiled in May. By displaying these animals that were hunted, killed, stuffed and mounted, the Natural Science Center condones the sport killing of animals.

The message sent to visitors is clearly the wrong message, especially for elementary students who are the future conservationists and preservationists. Big-game hunting is still very active. The Web is filled with pictures of big-game hunters, each showing off his hunting prowess perched on top of his trophy moose, bear, lion or some other animal. According to the rationale provided by the Natural Science Center staff, this is animal conservation and preservation. I just don’t get it that sport hunting is a way to conserve and preserve wild animals. I invite others to join Dail and me and appeal to the Natural Science Center to just say no to the stuffed trophies.

William Coleman
Greensboro

I was honored to be a part of the News & Record article, “Life stories” (Feb. 21). I would be remiss, however, if I did not give credit to the Shepherd’s Center of Greensboro, which made this writing class possible through its Adventures in Learning program offered three times a year every Thursday for six weeks with a choice of 18 to 20 subjects for Triad residents 60 and older. This is only one program made possible by this nonprofit interfaith volunteer organization, which uses its experiences and skills to also provide SeniorNet, Shepherd’s Wheels, Tax Counselors and Home Handyman services, to name only a few. By giving many hours and much energy, it is truly a group of older adults helping older adults in the best of ways.

Thanks also are due to the local churches and their support with funding and space, the News & Record for publishing information calendars, and Jeri Rowe for his special-interest articles.

Renie Jefferson
Greensboro

Your Feb. 13 editorial, “Baseball must act decisively,” addresses performance-enhancing drugs in sports. It says that if governing authorities don’t act harshly enough against the people who are caught using these drugs, they will continue to use them and sports will no longer have honest talent.

I completely agree that sports won’t be based on honest talent anymore but on who performs the best while using performance-enhancing drugs.

Rather than waiting to catch the athletes using drugs, there should be more tests to crack down on athletes using drugs.

Courtney Littlefield
Greensboro

I would like to thank the police department and two great detectives for the great job they did in protecting our apartment during a break-in. I pray they will be safe. They have a hard job. Their lives are on the line many times. They work long hours, with not much sleep and rest.

I shall never forget how they helped us in our time of trouble. They deserve good treatment from others.

Nancy L. Smith
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint.

By Joe Benson

As a frequent patron of the Benjamin Branch Public Library, I attended an overview session regarding the current status of a $1.1 million renovation and venue projections for its reopening, circa Labor Day 2009, with monies made available by the 2006 bond referendum.

I am not a trained business person, but I am as concerned as anyone else about our current economic climate. Hence, my observations are from a layman’s perspective, and I have some very good news for Greensboro’s library patrons. Under the stewardship of Director Sandy Neerman, the project will be finished on time, meeting budget parameters, and presents to the public a transparency, which accounts for the budget dollars, the rationale and step-by-step accumulation of the best professional architects and planners.

After Ms. Neerman’s opening statements, she turned the presentation over to Patrick Deaton of J.H. Hammond Associates Inc., an expert on library space programming. The interim designer, Nancy Borum of ID Collaborative, and the children’s space design team, Susan Wilson and Kathryn Sennati, both of Sublime Inc., presented design models right down to the fabric and paint colors. Many items presented will surprise and delight patrons of the renovated Benjamin Branch.

Attendees were presented with copies of the project description and justification, clearly stated projected status, and projected dates. A renovation and new addition fact sheet was made available, from the history of the project to the current highlights of the project.

Everyone involved in the renovation of the Benjamin Branch deserves recognition for a willingness to work together, compromise and innovate. The result is a state-of-the-art facility. It is so refreshing to see professionals enthusiastically dedicated to every facet of the project and so willing to share their expertise. Bond money more than well spent, the new Benjamin Branch brings a unique aesthetic to library patrons and a renewed respect for governmental interaction for nothing more than the best product for the monies available. The bar has been raised. Thanks for the hard work, planning and implementation.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

The least significant parts of a large spending bill are often the only parts that are comprehensible. Our politicians’ discussion of earmarks demonstrates this.

One account says that $5.5 billion out of the pending $410 billion appropriations bill is earmarked spending. That’s the 1.5 cents on the dollar everyone thinks he can understand.
Sen. McCain failed to remove $32 billion from the bill. That’s the 8 cents on the dollar that he thinks he understands. Most Republicans delighted in putting earmarked spending into Republican budgets but now complain about earmarks in Democratic budgets, as most Democrats did when roles were reversed.

Neither party invokes party discipline to keep members from adding earmarks. And for good reason. Most earmarks are legitimate expenditures that benefit local, limited constituencies. The jobs earmarks create are the grease that gets appropriations bills passed.

The discussion is more wasteful, more politically inspired foolishness than the spending.

Christopher Tew
Greensboro

Our economic slump is no accident. It was perpetrated by people driven by greed just to gather more and more wealth. Their reprehensible actions border on criminal.

It began with unscrupulous mortgage brokers using sleazy tactics to lure naive buyers into unaffordable contracts. Banks and Wall Street investors were co-conspirators.

These practices cross a moral and ethical line. All must be held accountable.

The punishment should fit the deed. White-collar crime affects more people than violent crime and in some ways is worse. These nonviolent crimes are seldom prosecuted. These people, while fully aware of their actions, are oblivious to the consequences. They are uncaring cowards. Lock them up.

You cannot deter a hungry man or a crazed addict from crime. However, the threat of real hard jail time would cause a potential white-collar criminal to pause.

No amount of monetary fine would act as the same deterrent. Incarcerating those responsible for all the suffering and long-term effects of losing a home, job or savings and retirement funds would go a long way toward easing the victim’s pain.

Ironically, the ones who inflicted the pain retain their positions, retain their ill-gotten wealth and receive bailout money.

Max Roseman
High Point

I would like to extend public thanks and recognition to the city of Greensboro, particularly those workers who responded in our family’s hour of need recently.

Our third-grade son had decided to use his glasses as a character in an adventure on the playground at his elementary school, and he did this by having them trapped in the top of a small opening on a sealed manhole cover on the playground. Unfortunately, the hole wasn’t quite small enough, and the adventure became a disaster when the expensive prescription glasses fell through.

Though it was most likely Indiana Jones or Spider-Man on our son’s mind, no one could have been more heroic or helpful than the city workers who responded when I called about our situation that morning. With heavy rain threatening for the afternoon, they made sure they were there that morning, and no one could have done more to try to locate and rescue the lost glasses.

Though, unfortunately, the glasses themselves were no longer in sight or in reach, we were nonetheless encouraged by the truly caring, quick and competent response city workers gave to our request.

Rick Brown
Jamestown

There are numerous repercussions for lying. Relationships are destroyed, lawyers are disbarred and others lose their licences. Take one step up, lie under oath, and this is called perjury, for which public officials may be removed from office.

Many candidates and elected officials seem to lie with impunity, until convicted of perjury. From the courthouse to the White House, our policy should change. I propose the following:

That our laws be changed to provide that whenever any candidate or public official makes any statement, written or verbal, it shall be considered under oath. If necessary, amend the Constitution.

We could start this policy in Greensboro, at the city and county level, and see if our model may spread worldwide.

Gerald C. Parker
Greensboro

I appreciate High Point University’s eagerness to promote values like God and country even when it is not always popular to do so.

During World War II, I was a pilot. I flew 53 combat missions over southern Europe. For that service I was awarded the Air Medal five times and the Distinguished Flying Cross once.

When I began every one of those missions, I had to ask myself the question: Am I willing to die for my country? The answer was yes. Why? Because I loved freedom and was willing to put my life on the line for it.

Now you know the reason why I, and all other combat veterans like me, take pride in seeing American flags prominently displayed at High Point University.

G. Howard Allred
High Point
The writer if pastor emeritus, First United Methodist Church in High Point.

I’ve never been a hunter of large game. Though shooting Bambi has never appealed to me, I leave it to others to make their own decisions. But I do find it most interesting that the legal killing of a few virtually defenseless deer raises the “concern” of so many, yet the legal sacrifice of millions of totally defenseless, unborn babies at the altar of “reproductive rights” is accepted, defended and often promoted by some of these same “concerned” citizens.

Clyde L. Hunt Jr.
Greensboro

Mitch Johnson is a good, decent person, family man, friend and neighbor. He loved his tenure with the city of Greensboro, notwithstanding an environment recently that would be considered “hostile” by any measure. He lived and breathed city causes. He talked often about the professionalism of our city employees. He, too, is a professional.

We would hope that we could all follow his lead in how we respond to the news of his departure. It is unlikely you will hear Mitch respond negatively to the negative things being said about his tenure. He made what he thought were right calls.

You can disagree with his calls, but not his intent. He made many contributions to the city and for that we should show our gratitude. We are sorry to see him leave his post, and we hope he will hold his head high.

Ashley L. Burnham
Margaret Shea Burnham
Greensboro

I am tired of the ridiculous news coverage of the woman with 14 children who will be supported by hardworking taxpayers. A local TV news program interviewed a woman living with five children — no mention of a husband — whose low-income project is scheduled to receive funds from the new stimulus package. She said some of the money should go to upgrading the project’s playground. What?

Where are the fathers of these children, and are they working and paying to support them? Is it not irresponsible and negligent to continue having babies?

I was raised in a low-income housing project and know the problems that come with it. My parents had five children, and both worked two jobs. When old enough, we kids were expected to get jobs. My parents had too much pride to accept food stamps and money from the government. They believed in the old saying about not accepting a “handout.”

We need to quit rewarding deviant behavior. These people need to stop looking for, or even demanding, something for free, get off their rear ends and make it happen.

Charles Taylor
Greensboro

Former City Manager Mitch Johnson’s first mistake was relieving Police Chief David Wray of his duties. Payback is hard, isn’t it? The real truth has been proven in court.

The best way for us to take action is on Election Day. Do your homework and vote for the honest, hardworking people in your city, county, state and country.

Ada Nelson
Greensboro

Regarding Shirley Wright’s letter (“College reaches out to J.C. Price neighbors,” Feb. 27): I am an 80-year-old resident of the Warnersville community. I have resided directly across from J.C. Price School for almost 40 years. I love my community and my neighbors.

She is wrong when she states that property owners can do whatever they want with their property as long as they abide by city codes. Moral and Christian values also should be involved when any property owner wants to develop in any community. Greensboro College’s plans for a sports park will destroy my community.

President Craven Williams and Greensboro College have found a few young black people who support them, most not living in the Warnersville community. The larger Warnersville community has not been involved in their planning. More than 90 percent of our residents oppose this sports park.

As a resident, my prayer is to live the remainder of my life in the peace and quiet of my home. We invite citizens to view our Web site (www.warnersvillecommunity.org) and view this immoral development by Greensboro College.

Margaret Pinnix
Greensboro

Under the transparent administration, Vice President Biden slipped into Miami Beach where he had a meeting with the heads of the AFL-CIO. No cameras allowed. Let’s guess: They discussed how to ram the card-check policy down the throats of us and Congress.
The struggling union leaders, who hear daily from the administration how the big corporations are having expensive parties, had one of their own. But they didn’t use taxpayer money to live the good life, they used union members’ dues. Now enter card check, where the secret ballot is no longer part of the democracy. They will force unions on small businesses, but to their peril will also force many of those businesses out of business. Thus, they will cut off their nose to spite their face. Would that be poetic justice?
John Trovato
Greensboro

Since September, I’ve been hearing the bad news: “The economy has tanked!” “We’re in a depression!” “It’s awful!” And people crying that we need to get back to better times.
But I wonder: What was better about those times? We recklessly spent beyond our means, bought houses we couldn’t afford, and our credit card debt was in the tens of thousands. True, that money paid for people’s jobs. But the problem was that it was not, in reality, money, only credit. When it was finally recognized for what it was, the jobs it paid for disappeared. In order to regain those jobs, some say we will have to return to foolishly spending “money” that we don’t have.
A better idea might be: Recognize the economic situation for what it is, a correction. We didn’t behave correctly, there were consequences, and now we must behave correctly. The economy, which had been fooled by the guise of easy, plastic “money,” realized its mistake and reality set in. The “invisible hand” was slapping its misusers. Given this scenario, a solution would not be to continue the misuse, but to learn the lesson the slap imparts.
Will Suttles
Trinity

When we are losing our jobs and are asked to cut back our spending during these dire economic times, why doesn’t our president make and announce decisions at the White House instead of flying all over the country on our dollar?
Along the same lines, why did union leaders meet at a posh $400 per night Miami hotel to make their decisions and meet with Vice President Biden when CEOs of major corporations get raked over the coals for doing the same? Where is the logic and accountability?
Beth Bramhall
Greensboro

I read with interest the article March 1 on the concerns about lottery proceeds. While I am for the lottery and supported it while I was in the Senate, a lesson should be learned about protecting the revenue.
As one of the authors of the Highway Trust Fund bill, I can only warn that protecting trust funds and dedicated funds is not a foregone conclusion. The attorney general’s department helped me write the protection for the highway trust money. They told me the Constitution was very precise and clear on dedicated funds. Article V, Section 5: “Every act of the General Assembly levying a tax shall state the special object to which it is to be applied, and it shall be applied to no other purpose.”
Money has been taken out of the Highway Trust Fund by executive order and by the General Assembly. We entered a lawsuit to try to prevent this and three judges have ruled against us, but none has mentioned the Constitution. It must be concluded, then, that we have become a society of men, not a society protected by laws.
Bill Goldston
Eden
The writer is a former state senator.

Back in January, a news story broke about a woman who gave birth to eight in-vitro babies, who all survived. A true miracle, everyone thought, until we learned that the “Octomom” already had six children at home between ages of 2 and 7, one of whom is autistic. We wondered what kind of doctor would perform such an atrocity and what kind of a woman would bring all those children into the world.
ABC News has now reported that last October Nadya Suleman called 911 in a frantic state because she could not find one of her children. She told the dispatcher that she was “going crazy” and that she was going to kill herself. She now blames pregnancy hormones for her behavior. The boy returned unharmed, but we are left to wonder how this woman will possibly be able to handle so many children at once and how she will be able to afford them, despite the support from welfare.
I am outraged that this woman has the audacity to create such a large family that she cannot possibly take care of. She was obviously thinking only of her own desire to have more children.
Angela McDaniel
Burlington

The following is a Counterpoint
By Sally S. Cone
Kudos to Dawn Kane for her reminder on March 1 that this is Women’s History Month with a stimulating quiz of prominent women through the centuries who have influenced North Carolina. Readers, how many of you got 100 percent?
I would like to add to her list with a modern update. We just elected the first female governor, Beverly Perdue. The Council of State is predominately made up of women, one of whom, Janet Cowell, is the first female treasurer. North Carolina just elected its second female U.S. senator, Kay Hagan, and Linda Carlisle was recently appointed secretary of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources. It may be that the judiciary is composed mainly of women.
That was just the political arena. Pat Sullivan, recently retired chancellor of UNCG and the first female in that position, raised the institution to such high levels that at her retirement the new science building was named after her; funds for an excellence professorship and scholarship have already been raised. She also successfully worked toward creating a joint venture project with N.C. A&T and took on leadership positions in the community. Her successor, Linda Brady, is already building on these successes, and brings to the university experience outside academia. Her impact on our state has just begun.
Julianne Malveaux, president of Bennett College For Women, is a nationally known economist, who wrote a weekly column for USA Today. Recently departed Johnnetta Cole brought Bennett back to life as its president and is still connected to the college.
And last, we cannot ignore the large numbers of women, mostly unsung, who worked untiringly to elect these North Carolina women to office and give talent and treasure wherever they see a need. This list is far from complete. Each of you could add to it. That is why, although March is Women’s History Month, one month for women’s history is not enough.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

Counterpoint:

By Teresa Jenkins McGraw

I have intently followed coverage of the saga relating to former Police Chief David Wray. I have known Wray and his family for many years. He is married to one of my closest childhood friends. I have known him to be upstanding, moral and a dedicated and hardworking officer.

Like many who have known him over the years, my heart broke as I watched the drama unfold publicly.

I don’t know Mitch Johnson.

Following news of his termination as city manager, in your editorial, March 5, you made a comparison between the terminations of Wray and Johnson. You stated, “Johnson lost confidence in Wray, in whose hiring he played a major role. Now the City Council has lost confidence in Johnson.”

I will not debate whether such loss of confidence in either case was justified. However, I will point out the unjust differences in the two situations.

When Johnson lost confidence in Wray, he locked him out of his office. When Wray was allowed into his office to pack his personal belongings, he was accompanied by “watch guards” and not allowed privacy in what must have been humiliating circumstances. He was escorted out of the building.

Photos of Wray tendering his resignation show him looking wan and physically ill.

When council lost confidence in Johnson, a “deal” was made in closed session that allows him to continue as a city employee in a job yet to be defined at his current salary of $179,000.

He is to be paid a severance and allowed to use his accrued leave to enable him to receive full retirement benefits, to the tune of $90,000 per year. He was allowed to pack belongings and move into another office in the same building, where he will remain on the payroll. The photos of Johnson leaving the council chambers showed him smiling.

I might smile, too, if I’d been fired but would continue to draw my salary to do nothing.

Why didn’t the council lock his office and have him escorted from the building? That’s how he believes it should be done. As a taxpayer, I am outraged.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

Regarding 6,000 small victories for the counties of Mecklenburg and Gaston (“Deportation program is netting minor offenders, report says,” March 6): I would like to thank law enforcement there for a job well begun. They are doing exactly what they are supposed to do with the federal dollars they received, but they are among the very few.

Were the breaching of our borders not already illegal, it still would be proper for law enforcement to stop and/or arrest perpetrators for DWI or speeding. If, subsequently, they are found already in violation of immigration laws, turning them over to ICE is right and proper and protects those these officers have sworn to protect. Remember, 433 of those arrested had outstanding warrants.

I hope the fair people of these counties are resting a little easier tonight because these officers choose to “protect and serve” as good and faithful stewards of the law.

Sharon Nystrom
Greensboro

The March 7 letter, “Longing for Bush,” is hardly worthy of a response. However, after only five weeks of a new administration that inherited eight years of an administration that squandered this nation’s wealth and our good will around the world, got us into an unnecessary war in Iraq, condoned torture as a policy, ran up a trillion dollars in deficits, instituted illegal wire taps and oversaw the demise of our banking system, I am compelled to respond.

Since it took eight years to get us into this demise, we certainly can’t get out of it in five weeks. Apparently, this writer and a majority of the Republicans support a “policy” of just saying “no” to attempts to change any course of action. The policies of the last eight years certainly helped land us in this recession, so why not give this administration a chance to get us out? Long for the “good old days of the Bush administration”? Sounds like Rush Limbaugh!

Ed Travis
Greensboro

All of us in greater High Point owe an enormous debt of gratitude to the several hundred volunteers who donated both time and money to make this year’s United Way campaign a success. These volunteers made this year’s drive a winner.

We are also incredibly blessed by the great support we receive from local media. We wouldn’t know about community needs or how well we meet them without the help of media, including the News & Record. The coverage of United Way’s efforts helps our community understand more about United Way and how donations are being effectively used.

We’ve learned that when the campaign is a winner, each of us who lives here wins. Everyone who helped make this campaign a success with a contribution of time or money can be proud of this year’s results. Helping our fellow man in need, especially in these difficult times, is more important than ever. We can be proud of the good work we accomplish together through United Way. Thank you very much.

Eugene H. Bohi
High Point

Kudos to state Sen. Katie Dorsett for the bill she filed last month instructing the legislative service office on the use of proper disability etiquette verbiage. Everyone needs enlightening on how best to communicate sensitively and properly. Old words that may not have been wrong before, i.e., “crippled,” “retard,” “confined to a wheelchair,” etc., are passe and dehumanizing.

The disabled community is the last bastion of society where discrimination and indignities still run rampant. It is past time for this to end. As Americans, we all need to avail ourselves of any opportunities that will allow us to cease discrimination against a community that has family, jobs, hopes, dreams and aspirations for the future — a community that is just like everyone else.

Jeannie Russell
Asheboro

Greensboro citizens and museum visitors have responded positively to the News & Record article regarding a family donation of preserved animals to the Natural Science Center. About a dozen people have expressed concern.

Five wrote letters to the editor. Like the Smithsonian, most natural history museums recycle and exhibit preserved animals. Recycling these animals for educational purposes is both the right and “green” thing to do.

The future diorama will teach species diversity, adaptations and conservation. Contrary to implications in the letters, we will not be discussing hunting, pro or con. Our goal is to preserve these rare and valuable bio-facts. The fact that people are either excited or upset is positive and means that passions are stirred. Inspiration and passion are the keys to learning and scientific discovery
.
Also, the Science Center has exhibited preserved animals since its founding in 1957. This is nothing new. In fact, our most valuable and extensive taxidermy collection was collected and preserved by T. Gilbert Pearson, co-founder of the Audubon Society, one of our nation’s premier conservation organizations.

Glenn Dobrogosz
Greensboro

The writer is executive director, the Natural Science Center of Greensboro.

Regarding the story, “Money crunch forces N.C. to delay release of tax refund checks” (March 6):
Isn’t that nice? Raleigh is pretty unforgiving when you are late with your taxes or had taxes under-withheld. Penalties and interest are due for sure. I will be adjusting my W2 to make sure neither state nor federal owes me any money.
Sadly, you cannot trust your government anymore to keep its household in order.
Peter Zurcher
Greensboro

“A Saudi Arabian court has sentenced a 75-year-old Syrian woman to 40 lashes, four months imprisonment and deportation from the kingdom for having two unrelated men in her house, according to local media reports.”
Saudi Arabia signed the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). Does the United States really want to belong to the same club that would have a country that whips 75-year-old women for “having unrelated men” in her house?
Those who are trying to jam CEDAW down America’s throat need to get facts straight. And the two “men” in this case were bringing her bread.
Mark Kelcourse
Greensboro

We are very fortunate to have Alan Duncan as the chairman of the school board. Although his motion was defeated, he wanted to have the snow makeup days prior to graduation and exams. He always supports what is in the best interest of educating our students. He gives priority to giving our students what they need rather than what their parents consider convenient or popular. We would all be better off if the superintendent, other board members and the citizens of Guilford County paid more attention to what he said. He is the best chairman the consolidated district has ever had.
Joe Stafford
Greensboro

I read with interest the article pertaining to the firing of Mitchell Johnson. It appears that this was handled in a very professional way by Mayor Johnson and the City Council by having a closed-door meeting with Mr. Johnson present and terminating his employment after a majority vote to do so. They could have just had his office door lock changed overnight. He is fortunate that he didn’t have to defend himself for endless hours against unsubstantiated charges, many of which were proven to be false. He didn’t even have to fight for his pension or have his name and reputation dragged through the mud.
One has to wonder how much of this is backlash from the lawsuit filed recently by former Chief David Wray. I guess this gives real meaning to “what goes around comes around.”
David Osborn
Randleman

Congratulations to the Guilford County school board. What a wonderful example you are making to your students, staff and the community at large. We don’t like the state rules; therefore, we will ignore them. The date of June 10 for the last day of school was set in state law by the Legislature. Saying the law does not apply to us is like telling the highway patrolman, “Sure I was doing 80 in a 65, but so were others; therefore, it’s OK.”
Shame, shame, shame.
Richard Schroer
Oak Ridge

Leonard Pitts’ article, “Joe? Janice?” (Feb. 16), again attacks Christian integrity with charges of “mean-spirited” bigotry. This time he rants: “America is increasingly becoming mean-spirited, with politicians and 'alleged’ religious leaders inviting hatred for gays.”
We Bible-believing Christians, the only ones accepted by the Bible itself, love and accept gays like all other sinners, for “we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Their sin, however, is rejected by God in His word, as is all other sin, and must be repented for. Pitts needs to search his own heart for obvious contempt and hate he holds for those believing God’s word. He calls them “alleged” believers, when in reality “alleged” believers are those who reject the oracles of God’s divine sovereignty in preference to their own mundane, humanistic secularism. They reject the fact that thousands of years of history, religion and ethical mores of civilized man are against their self-proclaimed ideology that is in contradiction to the natural order.
I pray Pitts will come to understand the true grace of God, found only in submission to Jesus Christ and believing God’s word.
Allen Bullard
Randleman

The following is a Counterpoint
By Garth Hebert
As a parent and school board member, I am aware of a sad fact about our university admissions system. North Carolina is among a minority of states that mandates a seven-point grading scale for grades four through 12. Most systems and the vast majority of colleges and universities use a 10-point scale. Boring fact, I agree, and some would say we are better because we have higher standards. We need better schools but, alas, this method might shoot ourselves in the foot nationally and, worse, may be a significant barrier to our children’s success in life.
Two situations, though vastly different, illustrate the seriousness of the problem. First, the dropout rate and high school diplomas. To fail a course in California, a score of 59 or lower is required. Here, 71 or lower. In most schools, what we call failing they call a C. If a poor student, working nights to help support a family and trying to finish high school, fails a couple of classes, he drops out. We make earning the high school diploma more difficult and say this is good, but is it fair to those applying for a job that needs the diploma, trying to enter the military or gain admittance to a community college? It would be fair if the rest of the nation used the same standard, and this might be why many more districts are changing to the 10-point scale.
On the other end of the spectrum lies our best and brightest, the coveted 4.0 student for whom almost all colleges lay down the red carpet. Compare the student applying to Harvard from Los Angeles who has averaged 92 on all grades and the student from Guilford County who has a 92 average, both with identical SAT scores and both in the top 50 of their class. Because school transcripts show A, B, C, D or F, our Guilford County graduate would probably never apply with a 3.0 GPA, while the Los Angeles student shows a perfect 4.0 and is hailed as among the best.
It is worse if the same students applied to Chapel Hill. Our student, in-state, whose parents have paid taxes to keep our universities running, can’t compete against the out-of-state student who will no doubt be admitted, plus qualify for scholarships based on grades.
Sound fair? It appears our state legislators believe so. Maybe our kids need a little help from the taxpayers in setting our legislators straight.

The writer is a Guilford County school board member from High Point.

Your recent article about layoffs within Guilford County was very informative and clearly demonstrates to all readers how Guilford County is managed by the commissioners. I totally agree with their budget actions to curb property tax increases but am very disappointed with the lack of communication and transparency with the county residents and with each other. The comment that “residents don’t need to know about the pending layoffs” is absurd.

Publicly, the commissioners continue their attacks with each other and some continue to promote their own agenda. I think the time for “change” is long overdue for these commissioners and hope the voting public takes action very soon.

John Horm
Greensboro

As a weekly chore for my family, I take the trash cans down to the street every Sunday evening. With the system of picking up recycling cans every other week, it is tough for my family to recycle as much as possible, and I am sure that this is the case for many other families, too.

Also, families who might not take the time to keep up with the recycling schedule may be less inclined to recycle altogether. Therefore, I think that we should go back to the original schedule of picking up recycled trash each week.

William R. Johnson
Greensboro

The writer is a member of Boy Scout Troop 216 in Greensboro.

I am a 69-year-old widow whose employer did not pay unemployment insurance.

I worked for a convenience store for more than a year. During this time I was told what a good job I was doing and how valuable I was to my employer and that he trusted me completely.

I was lied to. He wrote me three bad checks, which the court is collecting. He never sent me checks for the last four weeks I worked for him. I applied for unemployment benefits. He never reported or paid any unemployment insurance for me. I was denied any benefits.

I wonder what has happened in our country and our state. There should be emergency funds to help people in our situation and to go after the person who caused us to be denied. It’s not right!

All employers should be held responsible and accountable for this. If I had broken the law, I would have to pay.

I never received a W2 form and, from what I have been able to find out, he never reported or paid any of my withholding.

I guess he will be able to get by with this also.

Linda Coleman
Madison

Counterpoint:

By Mike Weaver

Regarding Dr. Thomas L. Murray Jr.’s letter about philanthropist Mike Weaver’s (no relation) admission of experiencing depression (“Those with depression deserve hopeful outlook,” March 5):

I believe it was Mr. Weaver’s intent to reduce the stigma that goes with any kind of mental distress. We can argue long about nurture versus nature. It does not take any leap of faith to see that if one visits a mental hospital, genetic predisposition to a disorder or disease does exist in some situations but that environments contribute greatly.

The disease model does produce the danger of viewing a client as a victim, lacking power, and that is a disservice.

Clients need to assume accountability for their lives. It is the duty of every health care provider, minister, teacher, police officer, judge or citizen to remain hopeful toward any individual going through challenging situations.

Medications are not the only tool for treating symptoms, and there well may be long-term effects, but clients can use them to get back on track. Other tools, such as cognitive work, finding meaning and purpose, support, fun, exercise, nutrition, spirituality and others are equally important.

Whether we call it mental illness, brain disorder or an issue, courage and empowerment are needed. I am fortunate to have learned how to live successfully with a very difficult challenge — bipolar disorder — thanks to wonderful friends and professionals.

Wellness or recovery from bipolar disorder does not mean an absence of symptoms but a reduction over time and an ability to experience resiliency or the “bounce-back factor” when they become acute.

I do know clearly that my brain functions differently than most. Nevertheless, I am a whole person who is filled with a sense of hope, courage, joy, power and peace.

The brain is a complex organ, and we sometimes expect a single phone call to solve the myriad issues related to symptoms. Nevertheless, there is help and it starts with reaching out.

It is incumbent on the helper to encourage the unlocking of the power and creativity of the individual. Rescuing people helps them learn that they can be rescued.

Goethe said, “Treat people as if they were what they ought to be, and help them become what they are capable of being.”

The writer lives in Greensboro and is president, National Alliance on Mental Illness-Guilford County, and director, Youth Haven Services Day Treatment.

Over the weekend, Rush Limbaugh mouthed his way back into the national spotlight, finally getting attention for what he does best rather than his drug addiction.

Without question, Mr. Limbaugh has the gift of gab. Unfortunately, he chooses to use it to exploit the divisiveness in this country for personal gain. He has become one of the wealthiest radio personalities in the country, but unlike the late Paul Harvey, he seldom has anything positive to say. I think a phrase coined by a once-prominent, then fallen Republican, describes him to a tee. He is a “nattering nabob of negativism.”

I want my president to succeed, for I have no doubt his heart is in the right place, unlike his predecessor.

Larry G. Mabry
Troy

That was a nice, subtle attempt by Richard C. Forman
to aid the Left in its drive to demonize Rush Limbaugh (letter, “It’s time at last to say so long to 'El Rushmo’,” March 7).

But I doubt that he, like most Rush-bashers, listened to Rush very often. If he did, he would have known that Rush did not accuse Michael J. Fox of faking his Parkinson’s tremors. (Or that he is called “el Rushbo,” not el Rushmo.)

Michael J. Fox appeared on a Democrat-sponsored TV ad to counter President Bush’s stance against embryonic stem-cell research. Bush opposed this, as any true Christian should, on grounds that it would encourage abortions.

Rush said that Fox was exhibiting tremors very badly but that he had appeared totally normal in an appearance a week earlier. What Rush said was that Fox probably had gone off medication so the audience would see the effects of the disease.

The Left saw this as another opportunity to bash Rush. So it went into the attack mode and the news spin that evening had Rush mocking Fox.

The next round of Rush-bashing will probably be that he wants Obama to fail. In actuality, he said he hopes Obama’s socialistic wealth redistribution fails before he ruins the country.

Hank Powell
Greensboro

I am writing in reply to Mr. Forman’s letter, “It’s time at last to say so long to El Rushmo.”
I listen religiously to Rush Limbaugh. However, that is not the point of my letter.

How many times has a sitting president singled out an individual for scorn and criticism in the way President Obama has singled out Limbaugh? In the eight years of President Bush’s term, did he ever single out a reporter or commentator and use him or her as an object of scorn?

After the years of withering criticism that Bush endured, did he ever attack a reporter by name?

I don’t believe that President Obama sees Rush as a threat (unless he is an incredibly thin- skinned individual).

He and the Democratic Party are singling out Rush to focus attention away from his ridiculous bungling of the economy. The Dow Jones has lost 20 percent of its value during Obama’s short tenure. George W. Bush cannot be blamed for all the nation’s problems any longer. Now, the Democrats need a new enemy, Rush Limbaugh.

Sherry Mayer
Greensboro

Marty Ryall may or may not be right that Elizabeth Dole’s “Godless” ad didn’t cost her the election, but I can assure him it cost her my vote.

Fred Stanley
Browns Summit

When I read about the poor living conditions for children with mental illness at John Umstead Hospital in Butner, I could not believe that our state government would condone this complacency.

Your article described problems with ants and roaches, unpredictable heating and air conditioning, clogged toilets and sinks and that the gym has been shut down because of mold.

Our worst prisoners are housed in better conditions. Are children with mental illness treated so badly because they can’t raise their voices in protest? If this is so, people need to call Gov. Perdue and the person in charge to get these conditions changed.

Move these children to the new Central Regional Hospital where it was intended that they live. These children may be difficult but have feelings and wants like all children, and we must meet their basic needs.

Norma Shepard
Julian

Shame on whoever threw a rock and shattered the window of our son’s vehicle as he was driving on Bryan Boulevard between the Westridge Road and New Garden Road exits.

You know you could have caused a terrible accident and serious personal injury or worse. It was probably just a Friday evening joke to you. We hope you will think of what life-changing consequences might have resulted from what you probably thought was just a prank.

Bob and Liz Thomas
Greensboro

I want to take this opportunity to thank all who have been involved in restoring the right to protest petitions for the citizens of Greensboro and to praise our state legislators who moved this bill through the process smoothly.

To witness the special-interest group called TREBIC try to deny this state right for the citizens of Greensboro should be a wake-up call as to how far they will try to get their way.

This exemption should have never happened in the first place. It came about because of back-door politics, with no citizen input. This exemption from state law made no sense.

It was time to reverse this exemption, and for anyone who wanted to call out my motives because I live in High Point and started a blog on this total injustice, think again. My motives were for the citizens of Greensboro to have the same rights I have as a resident of High Point, and the same rights as residents of every other city in this state.

Thanks to all who were involved and especially to all my friends in the local blogging community where “protest petitions for Greensboro” blogspot came to fruition and made a great difference.

Keith Brown
High Point

When there is so much that is negative in the world, it’s very refreshing to look around and see something good. The Greensboro Police Department certainly meets this criterion. Not only do officers daily put their lives on the line for our citizens, but recently the care and compassion of a group of sworn and non-sworn personnel within the department were evident. They purchased and planted a holly tree in memory of a beautiful 18-year-old girl who lost her battle with leukemia last May. The tree was placed at the substation on South Elm/Eugene Street.

Many in the department knew Holly and were very supportive of her and her family during a very difficult time. What a wonderful tribute by an exceptional group of people!

Bonnie Crutchfield
Kernersville

I have read and heard a great deal about the unruly circumstances of the city government. I remember as an employee how considerate and thoughtful people were.

Politics has always been in government, so when one council person says things are not going in his or her direction it is political. That is what government is!

I commend David Wray for his view as stated in the March 9 paper through his attorney: “Getting fired from your job is rough. I hope the city treats Mitch better than they treated me.”

Wray’s integrity and outstanding performance as police chief really should tell us something about him. He took office when things were unsettled and was trying to bring them back to normalcy.

I ask City Council members not to sleep on the job and to stop being so critical of each other, and do the job they were elected to do. We have read and heard Mitchell Johnson was not doing his job. There is not any joy in seeing someone lose his job. If one’s ego steps into one’s path, we sometimes fail.

Agnes Joyner
Greensboro

I applaud the school board’s decision to stand up to the Department of Public Instruction regarding the proposed makeup days in June. However, a couple of things in the March 11 article bother me.

School board members “argued that if having makeup days is truly about making up lost education, then the makeup days should occur before end-of-course exams.” From this, can I assume that any school days beyond the end-of-grade testing are of no educational value? It would seem so. (Or is that yes, it really is all about the tests?) Second, dear school board, please do not seek to start earlier in the year. Since when are the days of June any more sacred that the sweltering days of August?

Denise B. Young
Browns Summit

Your article, “Vote defies state on snow days” (March 11), fails to point out the unintended message sent to schoolchildren throughout the county: Guilford County Schools can pick and choose which law to follow.

Schoolchildren aren’t necessarily going to understand Jill Wilson’s argument that the state law is too vague. I do not believe the law is vague. I was part of the grass-roots “Save Our Summers” movement to contain the impact of the school calendar on family life. It is a shame there has to be a law to give families and children time to live free of the rat race of school. It is a crime to not follow that law. If Guilford County Schools does not have consequences, children will be taught that following a law is not really important. Education is about actions as much as it is about words.

Libby Thompson
Greensboro

It’s shocking what our new governor is doing. She is trying to usurp the voters’ choice by overruling those who elected Dr. June Atkinson to another term. The same governor has decided that she can rob the lottery money that was established for the school system.
Dr. Atkinson knows more about education than Gov. Perdue and should be left to do the job. Gov. Perdue has become power-hungry, as indicated by trying to appoint someone to take over the job Dr. Atkinson was elected to do.

Charles O’Brien, Jr.
Greensboro

Your Short Stack piece regarding Guilford County commissioners cutting their travel (March 9) showed a glaring racial flaw in your otherwise excellent opinion pages. You say that three is too many to make the drivable trip to Washington, D.C., for the National Association of County Commissioners conference, but you don’t give a reason why any should go to the National Forum for Black Public Administrators, which is being held in California and is only productively reachable by airline.

Why should any of our commissioners be able to use Guilford County travel funds for a conference that is discriminatory in its name and in its function? Considering the state of our Guilford County government, it makes much more sense to send two or three to Washington and to remove racially discriminatory travel from all government options.

Your last paragraph says that “commissioners should do what they’re asking of county department heads: eliminate unnecessary spending.” This would be a great time for them to lead on two points.

Len Docimo
High Point

Editor’s note: We said it made sense to send a representative to the California forum because that organization will hold its event in Greensboro next year.

I am very fortunate. I’m working, earning money and paying my bills. I own my home. Now, as I understand it, the county commissioners are agonizing over whether to cut county programs significantly or to raise my property taxes by something on the order of $5 per month (News & Record, March 11). Five dollars is about what a dessert costs me if I go out for dinner. Five dollars is far less than a movie costs me these days.

On the other hand, in these economic times, do we want to be eliminating jobs and putting people out of work and putting further brakes on the local economy? And aren’t these county programs worthwhile, if not for me personally, then for the community in which I live?

Hello, county commissioners? I can afford $5 per month.

Samuel B. Johnson
Greensboro

Several of your recent headlines, to parody Fox News’ motto, seem to be “unfair” and “unbalanced”: “Sheriff’s offices get aerial crime fighter. The plane will be shared by four area sheriff’s offices with no cost to taxpayers.” “Law enforcement could get $3.8 million. Several Triad agencies say they likely will buy new equipment with the stimulus grant money.”

There is no free lunch, thus there is no such thing as “no cost to taxpayers” except, perhaps, when the money is from a private donor. The stimulus money is being borrowed or printed by the federal government. It will, eventually, have to be repaid plus interest. Repayment will be with federal taxpayer dollars. Collateral costs of the stimulus bill, though barely reported, include a projected loss of state tax revenues in excess of $700 million over the next two years, as a result of the tax cuts included in the stimulus bill. Additionally, many of the conditions imposed on states that accept stimulus money become unfunded mandates by the federal government once the initial allocation is exhausted.

The News & Record has an obligation to report the entire story.

Jerry Weston
Greensboro

Our government should spend more than usual during a recession to help stimulate business and marketplace spending, but it also needs to be careful that its spending is appropriate and beneficial for the long run. For example, spending on interstate roads and other infrastructure will increase jobs in the short run and provide benefits to business investment in the long run. Our government should adequately regulate business, so the playing field is level, and let the marketplace determine the winners and losers.

When the government bails out private businesses, it is no different from just printing money and hoping that it will be used wisely. If enough foreign governments ever decide to drop the dollar as their currency base, our dollar will crash in value and we may see devastating deflation. Instead of over-correcting by printing more money, we all need to accept a decade of frugality and sacrifice and give the public a chance to pay off our overindulgence and resultant debt. If we cave in to the Wall Street interests who want instant recovery, our next crash will be worse than our current one.

Michael Ford
Greensboro

John Travato’s letter (March 11) is a perfect example of the disinformation and, in some cases, downright lies that opponents of the Employee Free Choice Act are spreading. Travato asserts that the act undermines democracy by eliminating the secret ballot in union elections. This is simply not true.

In fact, the act strengthens workplace democracy; under it, workers involved in a union election can still choose to utilize the traditional secret ballot or expedite the process by signing a card that says they wish to be represented by a union. The decision-making process on how to choose a union is taken from the employer and placed in the hands of the worker.

The act’s opponents claim they are standing up for workplace democracy. Yet, I would venture that not one of them raised a voice in defense of the almost 30,000 workers in 2007, for example, whose rights were found to have been violated by employers during union elections.

Dave Coker
Greensboro

The writer is vice president, Professional Fire Fighters of Greensboro Local 947.

Please help stop the “steamroller” movement of the Employees Free Choice Act bill. I’m not against labor unions, but for the secret ballot. I’m also for rationality. The modern workplace is very different from the workplace of 50 years ago when labor unions were strong.

High-technology firms need to be flexible in today’s global economy. They probably need to develop different relationships with employees than has existed with labor unions in the past and that continues. If there is a problem regarding employees voting on union membership, it cannot be the secret ballot. Instead, it must be with the process and/or the conceptualization of what a union shop is to be like today.

I ask for withdrawal or defeat of the current legislation and to reformulate new legislation, if there really is a need for reform.

Robert B. Muir
Greensboro

In 1929, at least six were killed in Marion, N.C. In 1934, at least another six were killed in Gaston County. In 1992, the Ku Klux Klan was used to openly harass and intimidate African American workers engaged in a secret ballot union election in Tar Heel, N.C. They were union members, exercising their rights under the old rules. And when we include slavery, North Carolina unfortunately has a nasty history of workplace suppression.

Time and again, even against these hideous corporate tactics equaling those of some of the most callous regimes in other parts of the world, North Carolina’s workers have continued to stand up for themselves in the workplace. Yet, we hear the same tired, old arguments by management groups about how unions will put them out of business. Nonsense.

Workers shouldn’t have to risk their lives or bodily injury in their decision to vote for a union. The Employee Free Choice Act establishes new rules and provides for a secret ballot election or card-check process and expedites subsequent contract negotiations. More importantly, when looking at North Carolina history, EFCA will save lives.

Ray Riffe
Greensboro

The writer was local union president for the Communications Workers in Greensboro, and former secretary-treasurer of the N.C. State AFL-CIO.

Why on earth has the subject of global warming become a hot political issue? We all want to breathe clean air and eliminate our dependence on foreign oil. Almost all the steps required to attain these objectives happen to be actions that will alleviate the global warming problem if, in fact, there is one.

So, why fight? Everyone knows the earth goes through warming and cooling cycles without help from humans. Those acknowledging obvious evidence that we’re in a warming cycle say it’s natural, largely independent of human activities. They are probably right.

Humans might be responsible for only a small percentage of the problem. But why take a chance and not reduce whatever percentage it is, since doing so also addresses issues on which we agree?

Let’s change the terminology from “global warming” to “responsible environmentalism” and stop the fighting.

Don Hallock
Greensboro

There’s a great need for Medicare reform. My dad, Ceaser Oakley, worked hard all his life, retired from Cone Mills, paid his taxes and fought proudly for his country in the Marines during World War II.

Now he needs his beloved country to come to his aid. He is in the final moments of his life and requires a level of care his family is unable to provide at home. Because he will not get better and is declining, care at the nursing home is considered “custodial” and not covered under his Medicare policy.

It’s wrong to deny seniors the means to provide the care to live and die with dignity and without significant financial hardship. No matter the need, their health care should be taken care of. When they work all their lives and are on fixed incomes, they need our help. Not just for my dad, but all seniors.

Thanks Guilford Healthcare, for taking care of Dad. If you’re in the neighborhood, shake his hand and thank him for service to our country. Cards are welcome. He’s in Room 101. It will brighten his day and that of other special seniors.

Shirley Oakley Gengler
LeaAnna Oakley Dawson
Whitsett

As the G-20 nations seek a solution to world economic woes, one overlooked fact remains: Power corrupts absolutely and this will be a meeting of the world’s most powerful.

The lust for power, greed for possessions and the wars that follow when those aims are thwarted must somehow be avoided. This can never happen by pitting one nation against another or at home by special interests, one against the other — CEO power/greed versus union power/greed.

It is time to look not at the separate trees, but at the forest. Politicians cannot make it happen. Statesmen can point to a better way. However, it can only come when the powerful relinquish special interests and reward those who work the hardest for improving the “forest.” We must realize that greed is not good.

Ray Hylton
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint.

By Otis Hairston Jr.

Our forefathers established thriving communities in Warnersville and East Market Street in segregated Greensboro when the city’s “urban removal” program swooped down on our communities and destroyed our history.

Prior to that time, the city cared absolutely nothing about street paving, sidewalks, housing code enforcement or beautification in our communities. In fact, it would not even share the time of day with us, as evidenced by the placement of the face of the clock on top of the Jefferson Standard Building.

Greensboro College’s reasons for now destroying the Warnersville Community are transparent. This rich institution with great endowments, powerful friends and the support of city leaders has chosen to crush a small community of African Americans because it can.

Craven Williams referred in a September Counterpoint article in this paper to “a new sports park 'near’ the historic Warnersville neighborhood.” He does not acknowledge destruction of the historic Warnersville community, where he is planning his sports park.

Williams and this wealthy Christian college see it easy to attack and destroy a community of many widows who worked hard with their husbands to buy the homes and property that will be destroyed by his actions.

It does not surprise us that Williams has been able to get a few blacks to support him in the raping of our working-class community. The tactic is to bring out blacks who claim kinship to the community and use their testimony against the wishes of residents.

James Griffin, who continues to publicly speak for our community in support of Williams and the college, does not reside in Warnersville or Greensboro. More than 90 percent of Warnersville residents are opposed to this raping of our community by Greensboro College.
We are calling on Williams and Greensboro College to repent for this sinful act of attempting to destroy the investments of the widows, widowers and working-class families of our historic African American community. Donate this land and the historic J.C. Price School to Guilford County Schools to educate the young people in our community.

Live up to the college’s founding virtue as a Christian college, founded on the principles of the great humanitarian Jesus Christ.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

Some words in response to the closed-door City Council debate on former City Manager Mitchell Johnson:

A sincere thank you to council members Rakestraw, Wade and Barber for persistently working to bring closure to the fiasco that has surrounded the office of the city manager.

A measure of gratitude to council members Anderson Groat and Matheny for finally finding the courage to do the right thing.

A measure of a reproach to council members Wells and Bellamy-Small for rudely shouting down their peers in defense of a man who has lost the confidence of the citizens he is supposed to represent.

And in response to Wells’ comment that the council will “look worse” for removing Johnson since “people are talking about 1979” and we “messed up” then: Here is a new flash. It is 2009, not 1979. The majority of Greensboro is concerned about the present, not an isolated incident in the past.

Mitchell Johnson made some bad decisions. He did not learn from these decisions but rather displayed arrogance and defiance up until the end. Despite his behavior, he will leave with a golden parachute — not a locked door and a hall of shame.

Elizabeth Olson
High Point

Regarding his March 15 column (“His crime, her punishment.”):

It seems Jeri Rowe is really digging deep for human interest stories. Monica Purvis and her continually extending family are not front-page subjects. What about the many victims of her son’s crimes? Is there no shame in a family that takes no responsibility for its never-ending cycle of out-of-wedlock, fatherless children destined to be supported, cradle to grave, by our government?

Jeri Rowe, please dig a little deeper for your next front-page story; this last one doesn’t draw sympathy at all.

Frank Grant
Greensboro

The News & Record reports that Red Oak Brewery is lobbying the General Assembly to allow it to distribute up to 30,000 31-gallon barrels without being required to go through a wholesale distributor (“Battle’s brewing over law,” March 15).

Predictably, major wholesalers, such as Greensboro’s R.H. Barringer Distributing Co., are lobbying just as hard, hoping to keep the current 25,000-barrel limit, or possibly even lower it.

The state’s favoring of one business interest (in this case, beer wholesalers) over another (breweries and consumers) has been going on for so long that many citizens may be blind to it. While restricting direct beer sales, North Carolina has simultaneously spent hundreds of millions subsidizing companies that became behemoths by selling their products and services directly to the end user, thus eliminating the middleman.

Dell pioneered direct-to-the-user personal computers, and FedEx all but eliminated the freight forwarder.

How can public policy be in conflict on such a massive scale? Until the government stops picking winners and losers among private businesses, commerce in our state will continue to suffer.

Kevin Hollander
Winston-Salem

Recent studies tell us the number of Americans claiming no religion has doubled during the past 20 years.

Might this mean fewer people are falling sway to America’s largest Christian domination, which last year paid $435 million as compensation for the sexual abuse of young people and which, since 1950, has paid more than $2.5 billion as atonement for its misconduct and misdeeds?

Might this mean fewer people are falling sway to the likes of such television hucksters as Ernest Angley, Kenneth Copeland, Jack Van Impe, Joel Osteen, Oral Roberts, Benny Hinn, Robert Schuller, Joyce Meyer, Creflo Dollar, Jim Bakker and Robert Tilden?

Might the decreasing number of those who claim no religion portend good news?

Guy Sinclair
Graham

Greensboro has been subjected to a change in how the Triad has been redefined by the federal government and the U.S. Census (Keith Debbage column, “Cuts too unkind: Greensboro needs to revive regional identity,” March 8). This change makes the city (and surrounding area) appear to be slightly behind Detroit, a near-empty town with depressed housing values and no jobs.

Wow!

To save our appearance, particularly when viewed by companies looking at Greensboro from afar, we must demand we be reunited as a region with Winston-Salem, not Rockingham and Randolph counties. This gives those companies looking to relocate accurate data about Greensboro.

Can Greensboro afford negative changes such as this one that impact our job and housing markets?

This can be fixed, but the deadline for public feedback on the changes is April 13. Quick action by the appropriate group is vital. If the deadline is missed, it’s done.

Who is that group?

Andy Clark
Greensboro

I was pleased and proud to read “In for a fight,” the front-page feature article on Philip Koritz, my father, in the March 1 edition of the News & Record. Proud, because he had taken a heroic stand as a dedicated union leader and fighter for justice, equality and empowerment for all working people. Pleased, because the article helps rescue the outstanding accomplishments of Food and Tobacco Workers Local 22 (CIO) from oblivion.

Local 22’s importance is reflected in this remarkable admission in the official corporate history of the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.: “Houston Adams, a Negro employee in Number 65, believed it was the union that made Christians out of the “Reynolds’ bosses’... an interpretation that furnishes the most likely explanation.”

The driving force for dignity, equality and civil rights for African American people in North Carolina in the 1940s was white and especially black industrial workers organized in Local 22.
Finally, the most charismatic leader of Local 22 was Robert “Chick” Black, its co-president. He spent the last 40 years of his life in Greensboro and played an important, behind-the-scenes role in the Woolworth’s sit-ins that we are memorializing with the International Civil Rights Center and Museum.

Richard Koritz
Greensboro

Alfred Kernodle’s letter (“Hagan harms the state by raising cigarette tax,” March 1), stated that Sen. Kay Hagan let the people of North Carolina down by voting for expansion of children’s health insurance, with funding from a 61-cent increase in the cigarette tax. Her vote disappointed Kernodle, who laments the decreasing importance of tobacco. This decline began in 1964 when 46 percent of Americans smoked, now reduced to 19.8 percent.

Stimulated by the 2005 tobacco farmer buyout, the number of North Carolina tobacco farms fell from 12,586 in 1997 to 2,622 in 2007. State tobacco manufacturing employment fell from 12,268 in 1997 to 8,760 in 2006. Philip Morris will close its Concord plant next year, eliminating many more jobs.

The decline in tobacco’s importance in the state coincides with the increasing concern for the health consequences of cigarettes, which kill 12,200 North Carolinians annually, increase health care costs by $2.5 billion and cause $3.3 billion in lost productivity.

Tobacco once was a major factor in our state’s economy. Fortunately, North Carolina is rapidly weaning itself from the shrinking and unstable role of the largest preventable cause of death in the state and America.

Kay Hagan’s vote was courageous.

Richard J. Rosen, M.D.
Greensboro

Sherry Mayer’s memory is a bit short. George W. Bush didn’t wait to take office to single out a reporter by name. At a campaign stop in September 2000, as he took to the stage, then-Gov. Bush pointed out Adam Clymer of the New York Times to his running mate, Dick Cheney, calling Clymer a name unfit to print in a family newspaper.

Cheney wholeheartedly agreed with his boss’ assessment, exclaiming, “Big time! Big time!”

After taking office, Bush famously, petulantly insulted the doyenne of the Washington press corps, Helen Thomas, by shoving her to the back of the press room. She had asked too many tough questions. Both instances were heavily covered in the press.

Elizabeth Jones
Greensboro

Counterpoint:

By Kent Williams

The most recent school calendar flap demonstrates that LEA groups (local education associations) continue to obfuscate, and the News & Record is complicit in this illusion.

Once and for all, tourism is a distant, third-party party in the school calendar issue. The tourist lobby tried repeatedly and unsuccessfully prior to 2004 to effect a change in school starting and ending dates. It was only when the grass-roots Save Our Summers was formed and parents and others came forth in droves that state legislators took action.

And this occurred principally for one reason: Local LEAs simply quit listening to or considering requests to cease “calendar creep.” Calendar creep is the issue, and it means that school districts, left to their own devices, begin classes during the first week of August, protract the 180 student attendance days with numerous teacher workdays, holidays, etc., to end somewhere in mid-to-late June of the next year.

Let’s make this perfectly clear: State law requires 180 days of instruction. The argument is not about the numbers of days or hours of attendance, only when.

President Obama’s suggestion that more days/hours be spent in the classroom is a different subject, so don’t utter it in the same breath.

School boards will continue to argue that they need flexibility in setting school calendars. They have it. So long as they begin school no earlier than August 25 and end by June 10 of the next year, they can arrange the 180 instructional days any way they wish. That’s roughly 289 days of a 365-day year for their manipulation.

There is little credible evidence that an extended 180-day school year is a factor in what we need most: better-prepared students and better school systems. In fact, most of the best public schools based on student achievement begin even later and end earlier than North Carolina’s. Yet we know operation of an extended school year drives up costs considerably and is contrary to the desires of so many of us parents, students and even teachers for myriad other reasons.

Finally, cool it with comparing the U.S. education system with Korea, Japan and others. Our commitment to publicly funded education for all children makes such analogies weak at best. Let every country teach and test every child, and then we can compare.

In the meantime, I will be one to fight for important vestiges that have formed American character. A reasonable-length summer break for our schoolchildren and the simple opportunity for them to be children are two of these.

The writer lives in Browns Summit.

As I listened to the tape of the dismissal of Mitch Johnson, I came to a surprising conclusion as to the real problem with the city. It was revealed loud and clear by Dianne Bellamy-Small and Goldie Wells. They said Mitch didn’t fail because of ineptitude but by the council’s poor leadership of him.

Let’s continue the house-cleaning and get rid of all council members in power during the David Wray fiasco and who obviously led poor Mitch into the mess that began four years ago. Mitch leaves with a sweetheart deal. Where were all the bleeding-heart council members when Wray was locked out of his office, which we now know was completely unfounded?

Wells kept asking what he did to deserve being dismissed. I have the answer. Listening to you and Bellamy-Small’s hard-headed attempt to bully council into keeping him was a prime example of why he had to go. You taught him too well.

Fay Pegram
Greensboro

For too long, nonsmoking North Carolinians have been getting sick, or have lost their lives, from other people’s cigarette smoke. A bill in the legislature would save lives by prohibiting smoking inside public buildings and workplaces.

The smoke-free workplace legislation is about public health and safety. We have numerous laws designed to protect employees and the public, such as health codes to ensure restaurant kitchens are free from bacteria, or laws requiring employers to provide safety equipment to machinery operators.

Yet we allow the biggest health hazard to go unchecked. Cancer-causing smoke fills thousands of workplaces. Just last year, it killed 1,600 nonsmokers.

Smoke-free workplace legislation will provide safe air for nonsmokers and make it easier for smokers to quit. But given the difficulty of breaking a nicotine addiction, we also must provide smokers with the tools needed to quit, including quitting aids, cessation counseling and prescription drugs.

Lowering the smoking rate and ensuring clean indoor air at workplaces will save millions by lessening huge health care costs from smoking-related illnesses. The bill will lead to a healthier and more fiscally sound North Carolina.

Deborah Bryan
Raleigh

The writer is N.C. state executive of the American Lung Association.

Thousands of companies are laying off workers. Why? Is it necessary for their survival? For some it is. Others are driven by greed, making a poorly functioning economy their smoke screen. I know from my own experience in 2000.

I believe businesses are corporate citizens and have a duty to act responsibly. When they let workers go unnecessarily, they do a disservice to their community by worsening an economy already hurting.

I hope the NLRB will investigate every firm that has laid workers off and determine if they acted properly. Companies that have done business in good faith benefiting employees and community must in some ways be recognized and rewarded by the state.

Matthew Thekkekandam
High Point

Why would someone suspend fitness and aquatic classes at the YWCA? Well, as it says on the News & Record Web site, it was to save money. Why is that? Is it because we are in these hard times of 2008-2009, maybe even 2010, 2011, 2012? Or because there was nothing else to do? I am very disappointed. Will we ever get out of these hard times in Greensboro? I sure do hope so.

The YWCA could have done other things rather than cancel their aquatics and fitness classes:

1. Raise prices (within reason).

2. Make a tip box and put it on the front desk.

3. Let people know you need more money.

4. Put up signs that tell what you need, want and need more of.

I have been at the YWCA since I was 2. Our 2-year-old class went to the pool on Wednesdays. I started laps when I was 5. I’ve been doing it ever since. Now I’m 8 and enjoying my lessons very much. My mother had twins, and all you have to be is 3 at Kidspace (YWCA’s preschool) to take lessons. Now they’re 3, and they were so happy to take their lessons. We told them their lessons were ending, but they don’t understand.

Molly Hunt
Greensboro

The writer is an 8-year-old second-grader.

Counterpoint:

By Maureen Parker

Pricey Harrison’s column about coal-related mountaintop removal (“Mountaintop coal use needs to stop,” March 8) reminded me of a long-ago folk song, “Four Strong Winds,” by Ian and Sylvia. It went like this: “Four strong winds that blow lonely/ Seven seas that run high/ All those things that don’t change/ Come what may.”

I loved everything about the song, but what I loved most was the eternalness of it, the assurance that some things would never change — things like seasons and rain and mountains.

So, when Harrison wrote about mountaintop removal for the purpose of coal extraction, the lyrics came back to me because, sadly, the things we used to think unchangeable, are changing.

Mountaintop removal? You mean blowing the tops off actual mountains? Yes. You mean pushing the mountaintops into valleys and rivers? Yes.

The citizens of North Carolina, it appears, have unwittingly supported this practice by purchasing coal excavated in this way. Thus, most of us have unknowingly subsidized the killing of wildlife and trees, the polluting of rivers, the poisoning of fish, the wanton sacrifice of life and beauty.

Those who have stood in awe of mountains will join me in shock and horror.

And so, I make a case for Beauty. Beauty with no monetary value. Beauty for its own sake. Natural, irreplaceable, formidable, wild, sweet, fearsome, untamed Beauty. Beauty which fills our souls with wonder.

I support the Appalachian Mountain Preservation Act (House Bill 340) to prohibit public utilities from producing electricity from mountaintop removal coal.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

Per David Coker’s letter of March 15:

All an employee has to do to opt out of the Employee Free Choice Act is to sign a paper opting for the secret vote? So, Mr. Coker, what’s to keep the arm twisting to occur before the vote? By either side, for that matter.

This is a terrible law that smacks solely of political partisanship.

This law is something to be feared. It is an attempt at voter intimidation by the Democrats.

Along with Barack Obama’s desire to control the Census, the Democrats are trying to become the party of dictators, loading voting districts and intimidating voters. They know that once people feel the effect of the laws they are currently railroading through Congress, the majority will turn against them.

The only way they can remain in power is not by ideas but by intimidation and manipulation.

Dan Holsenbeck
Greensboro

A new report, as broadly talked about in the media, has revealed that 15 percent (about one of every six) of Americans are now nonbelievers. Wonderful!

We are the third-largest group in America, only behind Baptists at 16 percent and Catholics at 26 percent. And yet, we are also the most distrusted group in America, according to a survey by the University of Minnesota.

In the survey’s words, “(this) offers a glaring exception to the rule of increasing social tolerance over the last 30 years. ...”

America needs to wake up to the fact that we nonbelievers are an important part of this country, and will remain so.

In this new economic age, it will take all of our people to keep the United States one of the most pre-eminent powers in the world.

So, please take some time and learn about your nonbelieving brothers and sisters, so that we can work together for our common futures.

William Lyle
Greensboro

I am ashamed. Our country is in such a steep decline — financially and morally.

Kids are sex-texting — their morals lost by parents’ failure to teach and school systems’ failure to guide.

Banks are closing their doors due to the economic failure to function.

People are losing their homes due to over-borrowing, job losses and the failure of a society to keep itself in check.

People want more when less would be just fine.

Happiness cannot be bought; your stuff can’t love you.

Last and most shameful, our past presidents are making millions, selling themselves to the highest bidders, while the masses starve and the country goes to hell in a handbasket.

Help me understand, someone. What is wrong with the “us” in the U.S.?

Vicky Allison
Greensboro

Finally we have an old-fashioned cartoon in the paper that tells the truth about earmarks. This cartoon about the “Governor’s Wing” addition to the Illinois State Prison (March 13) is the type we used to see 50 to 60 years ago when one didn’t have to be so politically correct.

Sometimes you just have to call it as you see it and take the flak from the crazies.

Maybe then the rank and file will stand up and actually do something instead of zoning out. It is their money!

Our money! Earmarks are bad because bad bills can be slipped into another bill and be passed without public or sometimes even legislator scrutiny.

That they are considered small potatoes isn’t the point. This is a sneaky process, and it cheats the people out of their right to know!

The president should come down hard on these people who think it will be business as usual.

He should follow through on his “no earmarks” promise — and force them out into the open.
Those pieces of legislation with merit will stand the test and be passed. The sneaky and unfit will be exposed to the light and vaporize.

Everyone will be satisfied except the sneaks. Maybe they will all leave when we turn on the light.

Chris Corry
Greensboro

We think the executives at AIG should be ashamed of themselves and receive no bonuses.

Since the U.S. government is using our tax dollars to prop them up, then we consider every taxpayer to be a stockholder in the company. Let’s handle this in the appropriate corporate manner and put it to a stockholder vote, fellow taxpayers.

Do you think the AIG execs should get their bonuses?

Do you even think they should be allowed to keep their jobs?

Personally, we think the company and its executives should be audited by the IRS and possibly even be brought up on criminal charges.

Jay and Susan Jarrell
High Point

Dear Gov. Perdue:

Will you please pay a portion of my family’s health insurance?

Since you propose to use $250 million of the state’s reserve fund to pay for state employee health coverage, I feel that, as a taxpayer, I am deserving also. Perhaps even more so.

You see, like most North Carolina taxpayers, I will have to work until age 65 to keep my health coverage and get Medicare. I will have to work to age 67 to get Social Security — unlike the state employees, who can work just 30 years and keep health insurance and get their pensions.

So many will be retiring in their early to mid-50s and then collect for longer than they worked in many cases.

Many of my friends feel the same way and will be forwarding their request to you shortly.

Thank you.

Mark Whitehouse
Browns Summit

Thank you for your March 6 editorial, “The price of water.” The Jordan Lake Rules are the latest example of big government gone bad. The rules are well-intended, but the enormous projected costs versus questionable results make it poor legislation for Guilford County residents. Freshman Sen. Don Vaughan, a Democrat, and Rep. John Blust, a Republican, have introduced measures to block the legislation as currently proposed. It is refreshing to see bipartisan support and former rivals work together for what’s best for Guilford County. Thank you.

Selina Derboghosian
Greensboro

Regarding Allen Bullard’s response and declaration of “we Bible-believing Christians, the only ones accepted by the Bible itself”:

Uh, what exactly is that supposed to mean? As a concerned “believer” and educated reader, I am offended by such a gross distortion of the Christian message and blasphemous misinterpretation of Jesus’ teachings. Reading and understanding are two entirely different things. In fact, sin is an injurious act against God. Closeness to God does not require a self-righteous, exclusionary rush to judgment. After all, God is the ultimate judge. For what reason do “good” Christians assume they are the only ones qualified to do God’s job when, ironically, they are promoting hatred and discrimination, and encouraging hostility?

Christianity is about wholeness and healing, not division. The whole idea that “my God is better than your God” is perhaps a far greater sin in God’s eyes. I imagine hell as a place filled with all the self-righteous, shortsighted, judgmental people, who are willing to sacrifice what they don’t know for what little they do. Obviously, there is more to knowing God’s love and receiving God’s grace than just believing the “word.” Words should not get in the way of understanding their true meaning.

Debra Getty
Greensboro

I agree with Amanda Johnson’s Feb. 6 letter, “Needs of older citizens too often overlooked.”
I have so much compassion for the elderly and, unfortunately, see many who are neglected. Parents make sacrifices, not knowing where the next dollar is coming from so they can provide for their children. Children grow up, get married and have children. By this time, the elderly parent sometimes needs help with housework, yard work, or would like to just get out of the house. They are old, not dead. Call them! They may tell you they’re fine and don’t mind being alone, but no one knows how lonely it can be. Day in and day out, no one calls just to say, “Hello, do you need anything?” How long does it take to make a call? How nice it would be if each family member would call at least one day a week or come by at least once a month. Is that asking too much? The love the elderly always had for their children and grandchildren is still there and so strong. Children and grandchildren, think about this and remember: The most important thing you can give your elderly parents is your time.

Lynda Hinshaw
Randleman

The recent snow days for Guilford County Schools have resulted in adding three days into our summer vacation. Guilford County Schools’ original plan was to have June 10 as the last day of school but now the school board has decided to make students and staff attend school on June 11, 12 and 15.

The board voted to ignore a letter sent earlier from the Department of Public Instruction informing it that if classes were to be held past June 10, it would not be in compliance with state law. (Editor’s note: This was later reversed.)

Makeup days are usually scheduled to make up lost education time. If so, why is the school board scheduling the days to be after the end-of-course test?

What it is basically doing is taking away education time. Students and staff should attend three half-days on Saturdays to make up the lost time. Or the board could add 15 minutes at the beginning and end of the school day for the rest of the year. Also, to prevent this problem, the school board should anticipate the snow days better.

Dylan Price
Greensboro

The writer is a student at Mendenhall Middle School.

This letter is directed to Mr. Skip Alston, chairman, and Mr. Steve Arnold, vice chairman.
Where are, and who has, the checks and balances over your authority as leaders of the Guilford County commissioners? We believe you have turned this fine county of Guilford into a county of chaos and disruption in a most secretive way. Where is the transparency in government? It is our belief that you have overstepped your authority by being arrogant and most secretive (yes, we are using that terminology again to describe your actions). We believe you are attempting to be dictators.

What is your point? We do not object to paying a few more dollars in property tax to aid the people most worthy of help with their lives and their efforts to rebuild their lives. All across our county, there are people in need, and it is our responsibility to help people receive the services they need and deserve. We believe all of Guilford County’s citizens deserve respect. Let’s all stand up for our neighbors!

Sincerely and respectfully,

Carson and Fanny Bain
Greensboro

With all the outrage over the AIG bonuses, our elected representatives are now claiming that we should tax those bonuses to recoup the payments. As much as I detest the fact that Congress didn’t notice those contracts, and that we are now required to pay them, taxing only those bonuses at a higher rate than others is a violation of the U.S. Constitution, specifically Article I, Section 8, which states: “The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States.”

Under this clause, if that tax is levied, it must apply to everyone’s bonuses, or everyone’s income at that level, in accordance with the last part of the clause, not just AIG, which means that we’re hitting everyone. Are we sure we want to go down that slippery slope and raise taxes on all Americans to that level just to vent our anger? I, for one, do not.

Matthew Ballance
Greensboro

The use of the federal bailout funds by the recipients, including the bonus payments by AIG, the sending of funds out of the country by banks and the purchase of banks by other banks, appears to be an atrocity. However, I do not have all of the facts.

It is obvious that the Congress lacks the will or ability to control and monitor the manner in which the bailout money is spent. As I understand it, “the government” now owns a controlling interest in some or all of the entities to which the bailout money has, or will, flow. I believe “the government,” if it does have this controlling interest, should consider placing them in a Chapter 11 case under Title 11 of the U.S. Code.

If the Chapter 11 cases could be filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of North Carolina, every dime of the bailout money and other money and assets would be strictly controlled and monitored. I assume any other U.S. bankruptcy court would do the same.
Certainly, our representatives to Congress have considered this option. I only hope they will take another look.

John Wall
Greensboro

Don Hallock (letter, March 16) raises a very good question. Since anything we can do to alleviate global climate change is something we should be doing anyway, such as reducing air pollution, why is there any resistance? Why has climate change become a hotly politicized issue?

I will answer Mr. Hallock. The reason for the resistance is corporate greed. The people who supply our current dirty fuels, such as oil and coal (especially coal), have vast fortunes at stake. Likewise, the automakers that have filled the roads with cars, trucks and SUVs that get abysmal mileage. They are willing to spend large amounts of that fortune on propaganda campaigns designed to leave the public confused and conflicted about what ought to be a no-brainer.

The sharpest critics of cleaning our air are senators and representatives who have been bought off. Forget the old politics of Left versus Right. The new political rift is between new, cleaner industries that are emerging pitted against the old, dirty industries we have now.

Sadly, the old industries are not going to give up without a fight. They are very rich, and all of us are going to be the losers. No, the real losers will be future generations.

Boyd M. Holliday
High Point

Reading my newspaper March 18, I am very saddened to read “Expect little mourning as newspapers die” (Leonard Pitts column) and “Do children’s books contain lead?” (Associated Press story).

Though we may not be burning them, we’re letting our newspapers die, and we’re destroying books from our libraries. (Are they being shredded or burned?) I pray someone will make sure that lead really is a problem before destroying Dr. Seuss’ treasures or that young people will realize how valuable newspapers are.

A retired teacher friend of mine and I were just talking the other day about how sad we would be if we couldn’t read our newspapers. We said that we really hope it doesn’t happen in our lifetime. We hope we have at least 20 more years! However, we’re sad that our children and our former students might not have this lasting treasure and pleasure. We are already mourning.

Judy Crutchfield
Kernersville

Regarding the article, “Noise complaint issue resurfaces” (Rock Creek Record, March 18):

I am an Elon University student, living in the house on Westover Drive responsible for the barbecue in the street and the beer bottles on the lawn. Some of the “facts” that our neighbor, Anna Gerou, has brought up need correcting. We have been in contact with all of our neighbors and there are no complaints, including our elderly neighbor next door. When we have a “party,” it’s over, or moved inside, by 9 p.m. We have attempted numerous times to talk to Mrs. Gerou, asking her to notify us any time she’s upset with the noise. Unfortunately, she will not talk to us directly and even denies to our face her attempts to get us in trouble (pictures of the lawn).

We did have a barbecue on our street, and we invited all of our neighbors. One even let us borrow the grill. Mrs. Gerou herself came over and asked for a hamburger.

It was over and the beer bottles were picked up before 9 p.m. We aren’t sure why she’s causing a problem, instead of bringing her complaints to us. One thing’s sure: She’s the sensationalist who’s not acting neighborly.

Jared VanDenend
Elon

I was appalled to read the March 20 editorial claiming that the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA), or card-check system, weakens worker’s choices. Under the current law, the employer decides whether workers can form a union by ballot or by majority sign-up.

If EFCA is passed, the workers will be allowed to make that decision. After all, it is the workers who will decide whether or not to form a union, not the employer.

Furthermore, EFCA does not eliminate workers’ rights to a secret ballot. If 30 percent of workers indicate that they want a ballot election, they get one.

The editorial is correct to point out that if businesses practice fair labor laws, there is little need for unions. But we are dealing with reality here. The bottom line for businesses is profit. Period.

To be fair, many businesses do treat their workers well and pay decent wages, but others do not.

In those workplaces, employees should have the right to choose if and how they vote for a union.

Edward Pickard
Reidsville

Rosemary Roberts’ March 20 column is somewhat amusing about President Obama doing hoops brackets and participating in the Hollywood hoopla. While the country continues to experience economic problems, the president flew out of Washington to the safety of Hollywood and his entertainment supporters — a little comedy to relieve him of thinking about our problems. Meanwhile, back in Washington, his administration and the Democratic Congress continue to foul up everything, including the bailout/stimulus/bonuses. This also would be comical except it is very serious.

President Obama’s lack of experience, at all levels, is proving to be a detriment when we require strong and dedicated leadership. Those who look to Obama for creative thinking and problem-solving are going to be disappointed. He continues to “campaign” when we require positive action, not social engineering.

Next time you see the president on the late shows, remember why he is there.

Don Mulligan
High Point

In an immediate response to Elizabeth Olson, a High Point letter-writer (“Rakestraw, Barber, Wade deserve thanks,” March 19), the Greensboro-based Burnett Opinion Poll (BOP) announced a local opinion of the “leadership competency levels” (highest equals 5, lowest equals 1) of the Greensboro City Council, as follows:

Mayor Yvonne Johnson, 4.5; Robbie Perkins, 4.0; T. Dianne Bellamy-Small, 3.5; Goldie Wells, 3.5; Sandra Anderson Groat, 2.5; Zack Matheny, 2.0; Mike Barber, 1.5; Trudy Wade, 1.0; and Mary Rakestraw, 1.0.

Of course BOP is not perfect! What is?

Also, I would rather vote for a telephone pole than to vote to re-elect a council member who voted to dismiss the competent former city manager, Mitchell Johnson.

Yes, I would, Ms. Olson. Seriously!

Bill Burnett
Greensboro

The following is a Counterpoint.

By Jim Todd

I don’t always agree with Allen Johnson on his opinions; however, his advocacy of Dr. Harold Martin as a candidate for the chancellorship at N.C. A&T State University (March 15) is absolutely right on the mark.

And his assessment of Dr. Martin’s personal and professional attributes and qualifications are beautifully stated.

It was my pleasure to have met Dr. Martin a number of years ago when we were members of the Greensboro chapter of a national engineering society. He was a very impressive young man then and even more so now as his demonstrated meritorious career has continued.

I admit that I’m biased in his favor. My daughter is an A&T engineering graduate who was graciously mentored and encouraged by Dr. Martin during tough times in her studies when he was chairman of the department. Her subsequent and ongoing career success with a prominent defense contractor is directly attributable to the academic rigor she received at A&T under Dr. Martin’s guidance.

That he would have such an altruistic regard for a single student leaves no doubt that if he were to have responsibility for an entire student body, even of the size of A&T’s, every student would receive the same magnanimous care and concern.

Didn’t he also manifest that trait at Winston-Salem State?

Dr. Martin is a man of impeccable integrity, character, intelligence and vision who has the potential to lead A&T into the future among schools of excellence. As one who has done graduate study and is familiar with the A&T environment, I feel that Dr. Martin is the man whose time has come for that position.

The Board of Trustees and the search committee would be ill-advised not to consider him most seriously. In my opinion, no further search is necessary.

And, Editor Johnson, I am proud of you for bringing public notice to his exemplary accomplishments.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

A recent letter did a disservice, maybe unintentionally, to those suffering from depression. To learn the facts, spend time with patients in a psychiatric facility. Notice the readmissions because clients quit taking their medications.

Listen to a psychotic patient screaming in terror because of voices in his head. Ask prison officials how many prisoners are incarcerated because mental illnesses led them to things illegal.

Listen to patients that report they’re able to sleep, work and function well on medications. Ask your doctor about the physical illnesses we treat without knowing the exact cause. Not every condition has a lab test to prove its existence.

Talk alone will not free a patient from mental illness anymore than you can talk a person out of diabetes or cancer. If the agenda is to work against drug companies, the public denouncement of caring psychiatrists serving the mentally ill is a poor way to promote it.

Joyce Lance
Burlington

We’re suffering the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression and taxpayers are furious about bonuses for corporate executives whose risky behavior caused this financial debacle.
Nonetheless, the News & Record editorial of March 20 joined corporate America in misrepresenting the Employees Free Choice Act. Big business is against this legislation because it helps workers gain the better wages and benefits they deserve.

The editorial misrepresents the proposed legislation in two ways. First, the check card does not deny workers the right to a secret ballot. If a third of the workers ask for a secret vote, it will take place.

The editorial is also misleading in creating the false impression that the current system does not involve intimidation.

In our own state Smithfield used both psychological and physical intimidation for 16 years to keep its employees from organizing. In 2006 it was forced to rehire workers it fired in 1994 for union activity and pay them $1.1 million.

Right now the power of employers to intimidate workers by threats and firings is much greater than any potential peer pressure under the card-check system.

This current corporate intimidation is what EFCA would stop and that’s why big business opposes it.

Denise Baker
Greensboro

I left a phone message for Sen. Kay Hagan that I want my money back. In the last days of the election campaign, MoveOn.org made a plea for contributions to elect four Democratic senators whose campaigns needed help. The request argued that Barack Obama’s programs required 60 Democratic senators to make these programs work. I was happy to comply.

As a result, Hagan captured a Senate seat riding the coattails of President Obama. Now, safely seated, she has become one of the “ConservaDems,” so-called by the media because they are not supporting Obama.

In my view, that is obstructionism, and not an option for Hagan, who ran a campaign promising support for these important programs and a voice and vote for the president’s agenda.
Since the advertisement doesn’t match the product, I’m requesting a refund.

C. Yvonne Thomas
Jamestown

I play Division 1 college soccer for a powerhouse program at Wake Forest and felt the impetus to comment on college athletics.

I noticed the changes that our athletics department made during our fall season because of the economic situation. I agree with changes that UNC-Chapel Hill and N.C. State have made, but want to point out that these changes should have been made a long time ago. The changes our athletics department made affected things such as travel and hotel accommodations.

These changes were neither uncomfortable to the players nor harmful to the program. There are more ways these programs can change to help save money without hurting their success.
For example, our basketball team played an in-state away game about two hours from campus on a Wednesday night.

Instead of leaving that morning or afternoon, which our soccer team would do, the basketball team decided to leave on a Tuesday evening to stay in a hotel.

I know the major sports fund the entire athletic program, but there is no need waste money.
Does anyone else find it wasteful that the N.C. State men’s basketball team took charter flights to places like Virginia Tech?

Ike Opara
Durham

I believe Mark Whitehouse’s letter (March 21) to Gov. Perdue requires a response. I retired from the Guilford County Schools with 34 years of service. During each of those years there were job openings and new persons were employed.

Was there a reason that you did not apply? My mother, brother and three aunts were career teachers. All of us made contributions to our retirement system. My mother and aunts received their retirement benefits for more than 30 years. I hope to repeat the family tradition.

You did not mention members of the military who receive health insurance as part of their retirement benefit. I also retired from the National Guard so I have double coverage. Was there something that prevented you from joining the military?

Local, state and federal government employment does not pay top dollar for employment but does provide great benefits. Now I forget my friends’ newer car, bigger house and longer vacation.

Many of them are still working. I enjoy retirement.

Chris Canipe
Greensboro

We are all dealing with fear and hardship resulting from the economic catastrophe. As North Carolina politicians scramble to salvage the state budget, Gov. Perdue proposed eliminating the state’s Office of Environmental Education. Doing so will cause the loss of six jobs, dismantle a nationally acclaimed department, and deprive our children of environmental and science literacy programming support needed to prepare them for the emerging “green collar” economy. All to save $377,000 in a $41 billion budget!

I voted for Gov. Perdue because I believed in her potential to govern from a long-term perspective. According to the American Legislative Exchange Council’s 2007 Report Card on American Education, North Carolina ranks a dismal 29th overall in education nationally, and 37th in SAT scores. What should we expect when the state also ranks 44th in expenditures per pupil? North Carolina cannot afford to cut education funding further.

It’s time we cease to accept state politics as usual. No more using education dollars to get us out of a jam. Save taxpayer money by cutting the fat in the state budget.

We all know there is plenty to cut.

Stan Cross
Asheville

The writer was 2007 N.C. Environmental Educator of the Year.

Counterpoint:

By Dennis Carroll

I read with interest Allen Johnson’s column (“Qubein’s success at HPU makes case for a different kind of college president”) in the March 22 News & Record.

Mr. Johnson’s argument is absolutely accurate. Nido Qubein brought to High Point University a vision and a purpose that the university desperately needed. He has been the right man at the right time to transform our institution.

President Qubein’s entrepreneurial skills, his knowledge of the High Point community, and his keen understanding of young people and their parents have proven to be incredibly valuable in developing and advancing High Point University.

From his first day on campus, President Qubein connected with the entire university community: He listened to student concerns; he listened to faculty concerns; he listened to alumni concerns. Then he acted.

He sought advice, shared insights and facts, and developed a plan to make High Point University a destination campus. President Qubein then hired and empowered an administrative team that makes the university run. The High Point University family respects and trusts President Qubein and his team.

As chief academic officer of the university, I meet with President Qubein daily to discuss our academic program and our academic future. President Qubein listens to my concerns and suggestions, and I listen to his point of view and advice.

Does a college president need to be an academic? Not necessarily.

He does, however, need to understand his customer base (the student and the student’s family), the community, the economic condition of the university, and to know how to garner the support and trust of all constituent groups. Bold leadership is the key. And this is why Nido Qubein is so successful as president of High Point University.

The writer lives in Jamestown and is vice president for academic affairs at High Point University.

While I certainly understand the cathartic value of proposing to tax such bonuses as AIG’s at 90 percent, it is important to remember a couple of things.

First, although it may be reprehensible that some of the executives were the architects of this problem, it has never been even suggested, let alone proved, that they did anything illegal.

Secondly, the employment contracts that both parties signed are legal and binding. To abrogate them or institute a “claw back” sets a very dangerous precedent.

The real issue is the set of flawed performance metrics at the heart of these contracts. For example, if the bonus was based purely on writing new business, regardless of profitability outcomes, what incentive does the executive have to write good business?

My hope is that corporate America will start to think in terms of net value added in structuring bonus programs.

Jim Kennedy
Greensboro

All the fervor over bonuses paid by failing companies to the less-than-stellar executives is excellent, but where is our outrage at members of Congress for giving themselves a $4,700 pay raise? The economy is in shambles and we hear every day about more and more cutbacks in the private sector. How can members of Congress sleep at night as well as have the audacity to criticize anyone for grabbing a part of the pie?

The March 20 political cartoon (showing a boy with all F’s on his report card requesting a bigger allowance and being labeled a “future AIG exec”) could easily be captioned “future congressional representative.”

Rene Lawrence
Greensboro

The recent debate about whether to allow illegal immigrants to attend North Carolina community colleges reminds me of a familiar bumper sticker that reads, “If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.”

Having had long careers as both a teacher and a student, I have often pondered the philosophical question: What are the essence and effect of ignorance?

I have concluded from experience that ignorance is far more than the presence of nothing. It is a powerful negative force that can crush hopes, quash productivity, ruin health, guarantee a life of poverty, create dysfunctional families, breed hate, anger and criminality, and, ultimately, undermine the fabric of society.

Obtaining an education requires a host of positive traits that can take people far in life.

Becoming educated means not only acquiring knowledge. It demands self-discipline, initiative, planning, setting long-term goals, resourcefulness, tolerance, gaining an appreciation of cultural differences, and above all, good old-fashioned grit and determination.

Given the negative effects of ignorance and the positive effects of education, why would anyone want to deny an education to people who desire the opportunity to obtain one? Illegal immigrants are here and they’re not going away anytime soon.

I say let them learn and we’ll all benefit.

Sherry A. Kelly
Greensboro

I was appalled by the article you allowed to be published on March 19 titled, “In Iraq, a boy named 'War’ turns 6.”

This anti-American article portrayed the lives of Iraqis that had been “destroyed” by the presence of American military. May I remind you that it is for their sorry behinds that America came to Iraq — to save them from a tyrannical president, Saddam Hussein, and to save ourselves from imminent demise.

Hussein tortured his people so that when America captured him, his own people played celebratory music on the radio and drove through the streets shouting, “They got Saddam! They got Saddam!”

Perhaps the author of this article should have asked this couple if they would rather their son grow up in a town where he feared being captured and tortured by his own countrymen, or live where the American military assured him that hope was on the horizon.

Without our men and women being there, giving up their families and comforts of civilian life, he possibly wouldn’t have turned 6 this year.

Katie Chandler
Summerfield

You’ve elected as president a community organizer who promised “hope and change.” What we have instead is fear and pessimism, as we lose much of our retirement savings while our financial markets spiral rapidly downward.

His reaction was to tell The New York Times that he has “more than enough to do without having to worry about the financial system!”

Isn’t that why you hired him? Wasn’t it the meltdown that saddled us with him? He said he would “hit the ground running.” Apparently he meant running away.

It seems his real goals are to reverse every Bush policy, especially the ones that have kept us safe for the past 7.5 years, end free-market capitalism forever, and give us the most radical abortion policies in the world.

He is giving $900 million to Hamas but reducing tax deductions for charitable contributions and mortgage interest. He’s wooing Iran while greatly disrespecting our best ally, Great Britain. He’s clueless.

We’ve had to accept a tax cheat, a financial “genius” to fix the financial system. When does the “fixing” begin? Whenever the “genius” speaks, the markets dive.

Despite the dire situation, not a single relevant aide has been confirmed.
What have we done to our country?

Tony Moschetti
High Point

I am 71 years old and born when President Roosevelt was in office. I’ve seen a lot in my lifetime but never anything like what is happening in our country now.

Your headline March 2, “Obama hedging on campaign goals,” listed a few of his campaign promises quickly set aside: Iraq troop withdrawal timeline, lobbyists in his administration and money for lawmakers’ pet projects.

The quote from a Princeton University historian stated, “Candidates make promises and presidents break promises and that’s a very predictable pattern.”

I guess it’s ho-hum, that’s the way they are. We go through an interminable campaign and must select a candidate on what he promises. All we have is his word, and when it’s broken we’re supposed to say Obama shifted to the political realities.

Or we’re lied to. Empty promises are broken quickly but we’re supposed to trust him. He didn’t live up to his word.

People who run for public office should be held to their promises. If not, don’t waste my time with campaigns loaded with promises that can’t or won’t be fulfilled.

William R. Bodner Jr.
Greensboro

Thanks for a trip back in time. Your 50-year anniversary tribute to Barbie was just great. I was one of four daughters and we collected them all. The first and best Barbie came as a birthday present.

My daddy, Jim Ellis, bought everyone a small gift that day, but it was my birthday. I saw Barbie on “The Mickey Mouse Club” and asked for her.

When I opened my presents, there she was in all her beauty. The Bob Mackie gold lame dress and coat trimmed in sable was the icing on the cake.

What a memory.

Vail Allen Ellis Covington
Stoney Creek

Our church, Congregational United Church of Christ in Greensboro, was in the first group of churches involved when the church nurse program started in 1999.

I was on the committee that interviewed and hired our first nurse, Ellen Smith. My wife and I were in good health, or so we thought, but within a few months she required extensive surgery to remove a brain tumor.

Our congregational nurse moved right in, blending with the in-home help provided by the hospital, then she took over. Little did we realize that in so short a time we would need this program.

Mrs. Smith served the church for about five years. She and the program were a godsend for us. Not only are the nurses a medical help, but also a source of spiritual strength. Soon, others in the congregation had need for services.

My wife and I can speak from experience that this program is very worthwhile, a fact many churches have learned.

John W. Taylor
Greensboro

The headline for Joe Scott’s harsh review of CTG’s production of “Chicago” is extraordinarily inaccurate.

I’ve seen the musical twice on Broadway and once at our coliseum and believe CTG’s version measures up extremely well. The band was spectacular. The four leads had excellent voices, fine acting and dancing skills.

Scott found “Cell Block Tango” inaudible; from the back row, I heard every word and marveled that community theater could so effectively stage this difficult number.

Scott criticized the pacing. Perhaps he compared it to the film version’s breakneck cutting — not characteristic of stage productions.

Rodney Luck is known as the state’s finest director of musical theater. He remained faithful to the original staging while adding the imaginative touches for which he is widely admired.

Inappropriate for children? Certainly. But “Chicago” has been around for decades; it’s not hard to learn about the themes of murder and manipulation. Shouldn’t parents inform themselves in advance?

In addition to the risque moments, the satirical humor is lost on most children. “Chicago” offers a satirical critique of the corrupting influence of fame-hunger fed by a ravenous press and voyeuristic public — a particularly timely and moral vision.

Bravo to all involved in “Chicago.”

Barbara Baillet Moran
Greensboro

Counterpoint:

By C. Craig Coleman

Congress needs to correct nationally a fundamental and critical flaw in corporate structure, although corporate laws are generally controlled at the state level.

Back when most corporate management and boards of directors were grounded in the communities where they operated, social mores kept abuses in check. Now in the global economy, there are no social constraints on management abuses.

The three branches of government were set up to provide checks and balances so no element could abuse its powers. In the corporate structure, the boards of directors are supposed to represent the shareholders in monitoring and restraining management in the interest of the shareholders.

But as we have seen in Enron, WorldCom and the banks, management teams tend to propose their own members for the boards, graduating them in the “good old boy fraternity” to rubber-stamp management activities.

“You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours” ensues to the detriment of shareholders. To restore some fiscal responsibility to management, Congress needs to mandate that at least 70 percent of board members of publicly traded corporations come from and represent majority shareholders and that no more than 30 percent come from within the company so boards truly represent the shareholders.

Also, bonuses are supposed to be rewards for demonstrated, excellent performance to retain top performers. Now, bonuses have become just another name for excessive salaries.

Congress should mandate that boards may only grant bonuses for demonstrated performance delivery above the industry average and that they be subject to review and public warning by the SEC.

Sadly, since unrestrained greed in corporate management has slaughtered social and moral responsibility, we must now rely on laws with teeth to control it so the punishments are an actual deterrent to abuse.

The writer lives in Greensboro.

I am visiting in-laws in the Melbourne, Fla., area as I write this. An article in the March 21 edition of Florida Today said that the Cape Canaveral mayor proposed firing the city manager, then reversed himself after the council and the audience engaged in an animated discussion.

At the end of the meeting the previous evening the council decided to hire a mediator to try to patch things up between an ousted city building official and the city manager, who some believe forced him out.

Considering the firings of appointed officials in both the Greensboro and Guilford County governments, maybe someone should monitor the mediation result in Cape Canaveral. If it works there, let’s hire that mediator and hopefully reduce or eliminate the turmoil in our local governments.

Keith Hoile
Greensboro

Talk about a story pulling at your heart strings. In the March 19 News &Record, an article entitled “Home Economics – frugal families doing their own chores” clearly illustrates what is wrong with our nation.

We have a young couple in their mid-30s that, as a result of the economy, have had to start doing their own chores like mowing the yard and house cleaning, thereby saving $10,000 a year. Two perfectly healthy people and the wife admits “being lazy.”

You can see examples of laziness all over our city — young people paying others to wash their cars, mow lawns, clean houses, while they stare at their TVs.

As a senior citizen, I do all of the above — always have, even though I worked rotating shifts.
Our generation grew up working and knew the value of a dollar.

So, young people, if you’re struggling, tough it out and get off your duffs. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll cut down credit card bills and sleep better at night.

Jim Proffitt
Greensboro

Regarding Joe Scott’s review of Community Theatre of Greensboro’s “Chicago”: Greensboro, please come out and enjoy “Chicago.” Hundreds of volunteer hours have gone into this production and it showcases the area’s finest talent. “Chicago” is a challenging show for a community theatre and CTG’s show staff rises to the occasion.

The direction, choreography, set and costumes are excellent. In these difficult times when all theatres are struggling for funds CTG bravely offers the city a first-class production. Yes, because of funding we could not microphone everyone and, yes, this is not a show for young children. However, its popularity should aid parents in making choices for their families. I find it amazing that Mr. Scott thinks that this massive show could fit in a bar.

I also find it interesting that he would suggest a non-theatre venue since he has been so critical of other non-theatre venues. It seems as though Mr. Scott would close the doors of struggling theatre companies with the power of his pen, because if people are not encouraged to come out and buy tickets, we will cease to exist and you, Mr. Scott, will be out of a job.

Maria Warner
Greensboro

The writer is a member, CTG Board of Directors.

President Obama’s plans to overhaul our health care system have triggered a national debate, including how Medicare dollars are spent. That debate will occur in Greensboro on March 31 as part of the series of White House Health Care Forums being held across the country. Now is the time to highlight a part of our health care sector that works well, specifically hospice.

Hospice is a model of cost-efficient and high-quality health care. It provides invaluable services by enhancing the quality of life for the terminally ill, and actually saves costs for Medicare. A 2007 independent Duke University study found hospice reduced Medicare costs by $2,300 per patient, amounting to $2 billion in savings a year.

Hospice is the kind of high-quality care that patients and families want. Our surveys show 99 percent of families served in Greensboro are willing to recommend Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro to others. This health care debate is ongoing; it’s important to know what works. Hospice is part of the solution.

Patricia A. Soenksen
Greensboro

The writer is president and CEO, Hospice and Palliative Care in Greensboro.

Our investment in protecting and assisting children and families was jeopardized last week when the governor’s budget eliminated a 10-year-old social work training program. Based at 10 universities across the state, the N.C. Child Welfare Education Collaborative (CWEC) is a highly successful program that prepares professional social workers for the critical field of child welfare in social services departments throughout North Carolina.

In exchange for every year these undergraduate and master’s level social work students receive this specialized training and educational stipend, they commit to working one year in a DSS child welfare unit. This investment equips these graduates to successfully navigate the complex child welfare system, thereby decreasing social worker turnover which harms clients and fractures the lives of our children.

CWEC saves the DSS agencies $10,000 in training expenditures for each newly hired employee. In supporting funding for the CWEC, we invest in an educational program that strengthens our child welfare system by helping families. I urge readers to contact their elected representatives in support of the Child Welfare Education Collaborative as an essential program for the well-being of North Carolina’s families and children.

Maura Busch Nsonwu
Greensboro

Maura Busch Nsonwu, Ph.D, LCSW is an assistant professor in the Department of Social Work at UNCG.

Counterpoint:

By Kimmerly Milner

Regarding Otis Hairston Jr.’s Counterpoint (March 18): What an unfortunate accusation of racism. I am African American and feel it is unfair to classify President Craven Williams and Greensboro College as racists. Such inflammatory words are unfounded about a man and college community that have met several times with Warnersville residents in an effort to work with, not against, the area.

Please know that all students who attend Greensboro College are not wealthy. Also, Greensboro College has a diverse student body.

Since Mr. Hairston opposes the project, I have a few questions for him: What does the amount of money the college has have to do with this proposed project? Don’t the presidents of other local colleges, private and public, live well? Don’t they know famous, wealthy and influential individuals? What do you and the Warnersville community have planned for ,J.C. Price School, which has been deteriorating over the years? And would you object if an African American school were proposing this project?

For so long, African Americans have fought for equality and the opportunity to live and go to school with others (whites). After so many years of people telling us we were not wanted in their neighborhoods, now are you saying you don’t want whites in our neighborhood?

This project will be an improvement to the area that the community should support. Change is difficult for some, and that is understandable. But history can be preserved in many ways. Mr. Hairston, please be objective and fair and, most of all, be careful with your written words. They can never be taken back.

The writer is a 1994 graduate of Greensboro College who lives in Greensboro.

After reading Dawn DeCwikiel-Kane’s article in the News & Record on March 22, I felt compelled to write about another area of the arts. A bright spot in the gloom of our local economy is worth sharing. The generosity of individual donors is still providing for nonprofits in the community. If many people work together, our cultural life will be sustained.

My point of departure here is the $5,000 gift an anonymous donor has offered Bel Canto Company — if other donations total the same amount by May 31. I have no doubt that 26 years of audiences for the Triad’s exceptional choral ensemble will rise to this occasion. Knowing their gift will effectively be doubled by the “challenge” grant emphasizes the fact that donations of any size really do add up.

That times are tough is not the question. However, it is heartening that large donors care enough to lead smaller donors in a challenge that will make a great deal of difference ... and keep Bel Canto singing.

Dan Jones
Greensboro

Regarding Mark Whitehouse’s letter (March 21):

I don’t know where Mr. Whitehouse works, but I wonder if he would be willing to take a 15 percent cut in pay each year for 30 years in order to get his health insurance paid and receive a pension (that he contributed to)? A study by The News & Observer of Raleigh showed people who work for the state take an average pay cut of 15 percent compared to the private sector. So, if Mr. Whitehouse has been making $40,000, would he do the same job for $34,000?

You must work for five years for the state to be vested in the pension. Employees have 6 percent taken from their checks every pay period; the state contributes a bit over 8 percent. Since not many employers offer defined benefit pensions anymore, this is a big reason people take that 15 percent cut.

Sandi Campbell
Siler City

With massive bailouts to others, we who live below the poverty level struggle to make it on disability and other situations (approximately $10,000 per year). I’ve been trying to find help as costs go up. Many receive $14 monthly in food stamps. A recent letter informs us of a 13.6 percent increase of less than $2 monthly! What a slap in the face, and they spent money on a bulk mailing when we could’ve found out by going to the store! What a waste of money!

To letter writer Debra Getty (March 22): You write that Christians are promoting hatred, discrimination and hostility. The Bible warns against certain activities; to love the person but hate the act. People engaging in such acts seem to see only the hate out of their own blindness to us. That’s a shame. I’m sorry.

To William Lyle (March 21): Nonbelievers are trying to take God out of this country by force, and God is exactly how we were founded. Nonbelievers are among the people causing the downfall of our great country! (John 3:16-21.)

Thank you to Barbara Hege for your letter (Jan. 27). The letter a few days ago from Elizabeth Jones (“Bush also singled out troublesome reporters”) wasn’t from me, a conservative Christian. I’ll sign differently.

Elizabeth Anne Jones
Greensboro

Democratic terminology:

It has disturbed me for years that just about all news media — radio, TV, newspapers, magazines — and the general public are guilty of misusing the term “Democratic.” Constitution Party, Republican Party, Libertarian Party, Democrat Party, Green Party and parties in Iraq as well as others that have adopted the vote are democratic.

“Republican” is a noun.

“Democrat” is a noun.

“Democratic” is an adjective.

Republicans are “democratic.”

Democrats are “democratic.”

The past two administrations were Republican with a Democrat Congress. Each had a hand in our present condition. Let’s democratically join in solving this, in our democracy.

Jack Gourley
High Point

Editor’s note: The official name of the political party is the Democratic Party. According to the Associated Press Stylebook, which most media outlets follow, the political philosophy takes the lower-cased form, “democratic.”

Homelessness is a community problem that touches us all.

In 2007, Guilford County was selected as a pilot program to develop a 26-month, grant-funded Housing Support Team (HST). Family Service of the Piedmont, Open Door Ministries and the Greensboro Housing Coalition formed a countywide partnership to implement the HST program, which focuses on finding immediate, supportive housing for homeless individuals. Persons qualifying for the program: chronically homeless with recent history as repetitive users of hospital inpatient services, emergency department services and jail facilities.

In its first 18 months, the HST program held a success rate of over 87 percent with 79 enrolled individuals and 69 remaining stably housed.

A 2008 report, “The Cost Effectiveness of Housing Support Teams: The Experiences of Persons Enrolled in the First Three Months,” from the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Social Work identified significant cost reductions for health care services in the year after enrollment in the HST program: Emergency room/inpatient costs decreased by 71 percent, incarceration costs dropped to nothing, and stays at homeless shelters decreased by 94 percent.

On behalf of the Guilford Center, I want to acknowledge this outstanding collaborative for its progress toward ending chronic homelessness in Guilford County.
Congratulations for a job well done.

Billie M. Pierce
Greensboro

The writer is director, The Guilford Center.

I had to renew my automobile insurance in January and noticed a rise in my premiums. When I checked, I found out that North Carolina had passed a bill to force everyone to have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage equal to their personal liability. I was told that bill took affect Jan. 1 and would change insurance coverages when renewed.

I carried $250,000/$500,000 personal and $100,000/$300,000 uninsured coverages, along with a $1 million rider policy. When I renewed my policy, the uninsured was changed to $250,000/$500,000 and raised my premium.

I sent state Rep. Alma Adams an e-mail regarding this on Feb. 3, since I thought it was against the law to drive without insurance in the first place. There seemed no reason for the people who have sufficient coverage to be forced to have more to cover for people who break the law. I received no answer and resent my e-mail on Feb. 22. To this day I have not received a response.

So everyone keep in mind that if your uninsured coverage doesn’t match your personal coverage, it will when you renew and cost you more.

Mike Cantwell
Stoney Creek

Thank you, Barbara Moran, for your letter (March 27) regarding Joe Scott’s review of CTG’s “Chicago.”

I, too, have seen the play on Broadway, at the War Memorial Auditorium in Greensboro, and this season at the Belk Theatre in Charlotte.

I feel the Community Theatre is to be applauded for its production. I always enjoy the Carolina Theatre and think it is a great venue for such performances.

Kay Bettini
Greensboro

A rezoning case now pending before the Guilford County commissioners would rezone a four-acre tract north of the Lowes Foods store on Guilford College Road from Residential to Light Industrial for a self-storage facility.

While there is limited business at Hilltop/Piedmont Parkway and Guilford College Road, it consists of neighborhood-supporting services such as a bank, a Lowes Foods store, a dry cleaner and a restaurant. However, the current rezoning would be for Light Industrial and initially be used as a self-storage facility. There is no other industrial zoning in the area.

This use would bring traffic and people from outside the area at all hours for storage, and it would set a very bad precedent for the area, which is an established residential neighborhood. This rezoning would also allow bulk mail and packaging, warehouses, outdoor flea markets, recycling processing centers and utility substations.

This area very nicely developed to include Adams Farm, Jamesford Meadows and nice maintenance-free cluster homes and town homes. It would detrimentally change the character of the entire area.

While Light Industrial may be needed in the county, it should only be allowed where it does not adversely affect neighborhood communities.

T.S. Lanier
William L. Harding
Jamestown

The letter was also signed by Jamestown residents Scott Southard, Al Thrig and Gregory Saylor. All are members of the Committee to Protect Guilford Road Neighborhoods.

I found it very amusing to read that Greensboro is a location finalist for the proposed Bicycling Hall of Fame (News & Record, March 25) — especially since the area truly is not cyclist-friendly.

I cringe and say a prayer for the brave souls on N.C. State Bike Route 2, the one touted to connect “the mountains to the sea,” because in High Point it doesn’t consist of much more than the width of the painted white line.

How safe is it to actually ride on designated bike routes in the area?

Stephanie Piraino
High Point

Regarding “Dear AIG, I quit,” from the March 29 Ideas section: Yet again, the News & Record publishes one side of the argument. This rich crybaby, Jake DeSantis, supposedly was an executive in the AIG Financial Products Division, the one that created most of the havoc that the government is trying to contain.

Let Mr. DeSantis walk. He is of no use to anyone now and he has his millions already. Having pity on him and his type of modern pirates? No way. Never. He should feel lucky the public is not outside his place with feathers, tar and a rail.

It would have taken little work for the News & Record to find alternate views of this subject.

William A. Franklin
Burlington

The city of Greensboro would generate more tax revenue if it could be more proactive in helping the city’s chapter of Professionals in Transition (PIT) find a new weekly meeting place. These out-of-work citizens — well-educated professionals — could then support the community better once they re-entered the workplace.

PIT is a volunteer-run, nonprofit, no-budget support group for job-seeking professionals. Our members, with families, include accountants and seasoned manufacturing executives. These people normally pay taxes.

PIT’s current location is the Cultural Arts Center downtown. We appreciate their hospitality, but the growing ranks of the professionally unemployed have made the limited seating and configuration difficult to hold productive meetings.

Our weekly evening meetings let us network, encourage one another and share job leads. A new room for 50 members would do wonders. But city-owned public libraries stipulate that a group like ours cannot meet more than three times in succession.

Private facilities demand a fee that we can’t afford. PIT needs to offer a long-term, easy-access location for this growing membership. Can anyone help?

Karl F. Kunkel
High Point

After listening to our new attorney general, Eric Holder, speak on numerous occasions, I fear he will do more harm than good when it comes to race relations in our country. His negative attitude toward the progress we have made as a people is detrimental to all of us.

Apparently, Mr. Holder cannot admit that along with some shameful incidents perpetrated against mankind in general, there have also been countless acts of compassion and understanding performed by a multitude of individuals on both sides of the great divide he sees. He would do us a great service if he would acknowledge the good deeds being done by so many. Most importantly, Mr. Holder must realize that he represents each and every one of us, regardless of race, gender or ethnic origin.

Eileen Thiery
Stokesdale

Rare are the opportunities for us, as taxpayers, to tell our government exactly where we want our tax dollars directed. Usually these decisions are made by bureaucrats.

There is one exception to this rule: On your N.C. tax return, you can check a box at the top of the form and have three dollars of your taxes donated to the Public Campaign Fund of Supreme Court and Court of Appeals judges. We should be proud that North Carolina was the first state to adopt this system that keeps the election of our judges clean, preventing special interests from influencing the vote. In 2006, eight of 12 judicial candidates received assistance from the fund. Also, the fund paid for 4 million voter guides distributed across the state.

In the rush to get those returns mailed by April 15, it’s easy to forget to check the box at the top of the page labeled “N.C. Public Campaign Fund.” Checking it doesn’t add one cent to your tax burden. It merely redirects a few dollars to a great program promoting clean and fair elections.

Dean Driver
Greensboro