In tribute
Kudos to the Journal for your front-page coverage in tribute to "Doc" Watson on May 30 and 31 ("Guitar legend dies," "Arthel Lane 'Doc' Watson"). Thank you for realizing the worth of this most humble man and his contributions to the music industry.
He was truly a man for the ages with his priorities in all the right places. May he rest in peace.
DIANA WARD
Boone
Serving the community
Upon reading the last in a series of three articles ("Baptist, Novant pay CEOs $2 million-plus," May 29), I felt as if I'd been punched in the solar plexus. How is it possible for the CEO of a not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization to be paid over $2 million per year, while soliciting donations from area residents such as me, as well as laying off employees to cut costs? In politics, the era of service to one's country is a thing of distant memory, but I would have thought that nonprofit organizations would adhere to this set of beliefs in serving the community. Alas, and much for the worse, I appear to be dead wrong.
I realize that accepting such a salary is not illegal, but it certainly seems immoral. At the very least, these "not-for-profit" organizations should lose their tax-exempt status.
JEFF HIGHT
Winston-Salem
Irresponsible liberal dreamers
I've got news for Chris Fitzsimon, the author of the column "In a perfect world, reason over the right-wing" (May 19). Literally every item on his wish list is ridiculous. In fact, it is irresponsible liberal dreamers who have gotten our state budget in its present terrible mess.
I spent two hours recently listening to the speaker of the N.C. House, Thom Tillis, R-Meckenburg, explain the financial reforms enacted by the current General Assembly. He was impressive. Now, more than ever, we need smart, practical legislative leadership who can set priorities — conserving our money while avoiding new taxes.
North Carolina is already having trouble competing with other Southern states in attracting new business. We absolutely do not need Democrats who live in a world of make-believe, clueless of costs and unintended consequences, running the show.
PETER T. WILSON
Winston-Salem
Arts education
The May 28 article about the state Senate's proposal to make art a requirement for high schoolers ("Art as a graduation requisite proposed") gave me mixed feelings. As a chorus student, I know firsthand how lacking the budget is for arts education. However, as a regular high-school student, I know that not everyone enjoys the arts; that is why it is called an elective.
North Carolina's administrators need to drop the idea that every student must be amazing at everything. By the time students reach ninth grade, they already have an idea of where their talents lie and what they enjoy. By forcing students who do not want to take art classes to enroll in them, it only makes the classes worse for all those who actually care about acting, drawing or singing.
If the state is willing to spend more money on art, it should first tackle the problem of having enough teachers and supplies to adequately instruct the kids who already want to take art. Making art a requirement would only magnify the current budget problems.
LAUREN KENT
JUNIOR, MOUNT TABOR HIGH SCHOOL
Winston-Salem
Higher-ups are safe
Novant Health Inc. will be eliminating 289 positions, including 150 locally, and laying off the people who currently fill those positions, but there is no mention of any reduction in pay or benefits for Novant president and CEO Carl Armato ("Area to take big job hit," May 30).
Nor, apparently, will any other senior executives take a pay cut. As with so many companies that have slashed their work force "to cut costs," only mid-level and lower ranks of employees will suffer, while the higher-ups continue to get their big salaries, bonuses and perks. Interesting, and quite telling.
DAVID M. McMAHON
King
Far-out statements
In reference to the Rev. Charles Worley's sermon in which he called for a sort of concentration camp to place gays and lesbians in ("Protest of sermon planned," May 23):
We should not criticize him. Watching this Christian nation go to the dogs and the devil so fast can cause any godly person to make some far-out statement.
What can we do to save our children?
LILLIAN A. AND ELMER L. GROCE
Yadkinville
LTE #6... Far-out Statements
ReplyDeleteBilly Graham also stated that the United States of America is not a Christian Nation. The following is a televised interview by David Frost with Billy Graham on May 30, 1997.
David Frost: Say is this still a Christian Country?
Billy Graham: No! We're not a Christian Country. We've never been a Christian Country. We're a secular Country, by our constitution. In which Christians live and which many Christians have a voice. But we're not a Christian Country.
Article 11, Treaty of Tripoli, 1797
As the government of the United States of America is not in any sense founded on the Christian Religion...Trreaty signed at Tripoli November 4, 1796, and at Algiers January 3, 1797
Senate advice and consent to ratification June 7, 1797
Ratified by the President of the United States June 10, 1797
Entered into force June 10, 1797
Proclaimed by the President of the United States June 10, 1797
and yes, I am fully aware of all the arguments, that it was not in the original Arabic text, etc, etc. but it is in the English text signed by John Adams and approved unanimously by the Senate.
Which position is correct? As in many things, there are elements of truth to both sides.
Apparently Billy's son Franklin didn't get the message.
ReplyDeleteYou have to remember that Graham is an old line Baptist, thus is aware that right from their founding in Providence Colony the Baptists, under persecution by the Puritans and eventually the Church of England, were in the forefront of the battle for a secular government.
Today's it's-all-about-me Southern Baptists, with their meg-churches and their Stepford Wives and their hypocrisy, don't have a clue about that or much of anything else.
Truly, O.T., whatever happened to "honor thy father?"
DeleteWell, maybe Billy has changed.
DeleteBeginning with Harry Truman, he has promoted himself as spiritual adviser to President after President. Then we get our first black President and he is suddenly "unable" to fulfill that role. We are told that his health won't permit it, but that doesn't prevent him from traveling to Charlotte to meet with W in 2010.
And more recently, he violates an old rule of his about becoming involved in politics by coming out in favor of the bigot amendment.
Of course, that might be Franky boy's doing, but its hard to imagine that Billy didn't know about it.
LTE #1 – The last time Doc Watson performed in W-S, he drew a crowd of thousands…hadn’t seen so many smiling faces in eons. A great performer and a great man.
ReplyDeleteHe and Bill Friday, who is currently hospitalized, are, and always will be, like Mt. Mitchell and the Ocracoke ferry, an integral part of what is North Carolina.
LTE #2 – I’ve already said what needed saying about executive salaries.
The fact that the medical centers are non-profit means that although they are major employers they pay no taxes, unlike RJR Tobacco, which for decades employed 30,000 or so people and paid taxes.
Speaking of taxes, since so many fumblementalist ministers and their congregations have decided to jump into the political ring at a level never seen before, maybe the IRS should be looking at their tax-exempt status.
LTE #3 – Didn’t see the letter, so cannot comment, except to say that what I have seen of the new Republican legislature is no improvement over the previous one.
LTE #4 – Not quite sure what Ms. Kent is saying, but she got that last part right. I know at least one middle school art teacher who has 180 students in six classes…her classes are simply a dumping ground for troublesome students. Believe it or not, some of her students still get it…her booth at the fair is always one of the best. But unless the state is willing to put their money where their mouth is regarding the arts, they should shut up.
LTE #5 – If I ran the zoo, executive salary cuts would always accompany personnel cuts.
LTE #6 – The perception that the nation is going “to the dogs” is promoted by the pessimistic, hysterical, “The Sky is Falling” crowd.
We have many problems, but all are solvable…to be replaced, of course, by new ones. That is the nature of the human world.
Family plug: my uncle, Bill Link, wrote a great biography of Friday.
Deletehttp://www.amazon.com/William-Friday-Purpose-American-Education/dp/0807846805/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1338819564&sr=1-1
Ah cool! My cousin Dr. Bill Helsabeck, longtime dentist in King,NC, was Friday's room mate at Wake Forest before Friday transferred to State. Bill, Ida, and their daughter Betsy were clients of mine for many years in Chapel Hill.
DeleteYour Uncle is well published.
Deletehttp://www.amazon.com/William-A.-Link/e/B000APFSA2/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0
Nice! I met Friday at a reception for my uncle's book...he is a true gentleman.
DeleteAppreciate the advertisement. ;-)
DeleteAmerican Epoch: A History of the United States Since 1900 : An Era of Total War and Uncertain Peace 1936-1985 [Paperback]
DeleteArthur Stanley Link (Author), William A. Link (Author), William Bruce Catton (Author)
http://www.amazon.com/American-Epoch-History-Uncertain-1936-1985/dp/0075550369/ref=la_B000APFSA2_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1338820236&sr=1-8
they are truly wonderful people. I once got in the Raleigh N&O's A&E section for being Betsy's "trainer" when she was there starring as Cassie in A Chorus Line. lol I really wasn't but that's how she introduced me to the reporter.
DeleteLTE #3 Irresponsible Dreams.
ReplyDelete"our state budget in its present terrible mess." The present state budget is one written and passed by a Republican Senate and House. They even were able to override the Gov's veto. They came in in 2010 on jobs, jobs, jobs. Well, they certainly have done a job on us. Speaker of the House Thom Tillis gets a congratulatory handshake from Rep. John Torbett after the N.C. House voted shortly after midnight Wednesday morning June 15, 2011, to override Gov. Bev Perdue's budget veto.
Read more here: http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/06/15/1275041/house-poised-to-override-veto.html#storylink=cpy.
He looks very happy with himself and his budget.
Mitt Romney or Groucho Marx?
ReplyDelete1. “Those are my principles, and if you don't like them... well, I have others.”
2. “Before I speak, I have something important to say.”
3. “Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read.”
4. “Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it, misdiagnosing it, and then misapplying the wrong remedies.”
Good afternoon folks!
ReplyDeleteLTE 1: PBS featured Doc on its Great Performances over the weekend. He was an amazing musician who represented the best of NC.
LTE 2, 5: Well, the theory is that running such a large organization, even if non-profit is equivalent to running an equally large for-profit therefore similar pay. I wonder if Armato will get a bonus for laying off the workers like the ceo of the company I worked for when I was laid off along with 105 others.
LTE 3: Here's a link to the story: Reason
Mr. Wilson states every point is "ridiculous", but he doesn't defend his argument. Our state's "terrible mess" is due to a budget based on a 4 - 6% UR in a 10% UR environment. That automatically equates to fewer revenues and greater expenditures. A 3/4 cent sales tax would go a long ways in alleviating the shortages without overburdening the populace (an extra $0.75 for every $100). NC's budget is required to be balanced, so the question becomes the best way to accomplish this. Interesting that Mr. Wilson is lamenting over NC's struggles in attracting employers when it's the R's who are proposing doing away with incentives, cutting education, as well as placing A1 on the ballot.
LTE 4: Good to see input from a HS student. I don't believe the purpose is to create amazing artists, as much as it is to provide a creative outlet. Studies have long shown that students who study music tend to perform better in their other classes. Developing one's creativity carries over to other studies. Miss Kent makes valid points about the need to adequately fund for extra teachers and supplies..not only for art but for all areas.
LTE 5: Someone who is truly "godly" would welcome and embrace everyone regardless of who or what the person is. A truly "godly" person would want everyone to have the same opportunities to seek contentment and live their life without harrassment. A truly "godly" person is concerned only with his/her sins instead of condemning everyone around. As for the children, love them for whom they are and nurture them into becoming productive and upstanding citizens. "And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make"-the Beatles
7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
Delete8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
Gospel of John, Chapter 7 (KJV)
What gets me about that story is that apparently the woman was the only one who transgressed and not the man. Are we to take from this that it is perfectly ok for men to cheat but not women? Of course, it could be that Jesus was pointing out to them on the ground that they had all been with this woman as well and were equally guilty!
DeleteLeviticus says that in case of adultery, both the man and the woman shall be stoned. Elsewhere, a man who divorces his wife and marries another is considered an adulterer. I assume that the second wife would also be stoned in this case.
DeleteBut in the 7th chapter of John, the Pharisees are trying to put Jesus on the spot so that they can bring charges against him, so the whole thing is a put up job.
That being said, we know from long experience that women have never gotten equal justice.
One of best college buddies is a Levite, Steve Levin. We used to get stoned all the time and play backgammon.
DeleteThat man could roll more snake-eyes than Eve.
DeleteHa, ha. I hadn't thought about the Levites in quite that way, but it makes sense. Since they were the priestly tribe, getting stoned should have been a part of their everyday life. Those of us who have tried the magic weed know that it leads to "great" revelations.
DeleteAnd it invites a reassessment of Leviticus...if your teenager sasses you, don't stone him, get him stoned. He'll be too relaxed for sassing.
The Moravians' early rules in Salem said that individuals could not own land, only lease it from the church (god). That came from the Levites, who were the only tribe of Israel forbidden to own land. They could build cities, but the land belonged to god.
The early Moravians were proto-socialists. And I mean that in the best way.
DeleteOh, yes. They actually had it all figured out.
DeleteA controlled economy based on a highly skilled community of craftsmen. But the craftsmen's income was based on their skills and willingness to work, not some government quota. Their products were among the finest ever produced in the USA. Go see the show on gunsmithing.
Salem was one the first towns in America to have serious zoning, road and bridge maintenance, fire and police protection, all hallmarks of civilization.
Add to that a ridiculously high quality of culture, from music to art to literature, and Salem was one of the best places to live in the new world.
All that came tumbling down with the advent of modern industry and unfettered capitalism. But even in the early 20th century, with the production lines pounding away in Winston, Salem had a better quality of life.
As we have seen over and over, life is not about money. It is about the pursuit of happiness, the only thing that government can guarantee the right to without guaranteeing success in the pursuit of.
"We absolutely do not need Democrats, who live in a world of make-believe, clueless of costs and unintended consequences, running the show."
ReplyDeletePeter Wilson
I couldn't have said it better myself. These liberal morons are the same people that constantly call other people dumb, yet they can't find their 'brains' with either hand. Somehow, they still think money grows on trees.
As soon as we get the 'worst' governor in America out of office, N.C. will begin a slow process into a financially, sane world.
DeleteI note that when the slime starts rising into the gutter, the level of discourse in the forum begins to sink...see the above posts. Newton's Law of Motion: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
ReplyDeleteWhat we need to do is get rid of "that woman" (quoting Bill Clinton) and replace her with a white, Anglo-Saxon, protestant man...like Mike Easley, maybe...that worked didn't it.
Simple solutions for simple minds.
If 'only' we had a woman in charge, things would be better. What a big Heeeeeeeeeee Haaaaaaaa that realization brought on.
DeleteOn another note, I wish these gay and lesbian bigots would stop hating Christians and/or other religious types. It's getting a little ridiculous.
♪♫♪♫♪ speaking of another note:
ReplyDeleteJack's mom: I wish my son were not a fool.
I wish my house was not a mess.
I wish the cow was full of milk.
I wish the walls were full of gold--
I wish a lot of things..
You foolish child! What in heaven's name are you doing with the
cow inside the house?
Ha, ha. I had been working on a project at Cal San Diego for several days in the mid-1980s when "Into the Woods" opened. Had to go to Berkeley, but thought we would get back to see it. Instead ended up back in Chicago and never did get to see it, which is a shame, because I think it won several awards on Broadway and all my friends who have seen it say it was great.
ReplyDeleteMaybe there will be a revival soon.
Aha, I am informed by my spy network that "Into the Woods" will be reprised in Central Park this summer, July 23-August 25. Another chance.
ReplyDeleteShakespeare's "As You Like It" begins there tomorrow through the end of the month.
Saw "Othello" there with Raul Julia and Christopher Walken (!!!), and "The Seagull" with Natalie Portman and Meryl Streep.
Outdoor theater with only 1800 seats, but there is some standing room and as my friend who lives two blocks away says "Hey, it's a cheap date because it's free, and the kind of guys I seem to attract can't afford much else."
That's not true, because the kind of guys she attracts could afford to take her to Broadway every night but most of them are not her type.
She likes portraying the "girl from Siloam in the Big Apple".
I played the redneck from NC one summer in NYC. Worked as an intern for Pan Am (1975), the summer after I had worked in Cleveland for the Fire Department. Had an office on the 47th floor of the Pan Am building. My supervisor was Martin Shugrue, who later was appointed special trustee by the court to run Eastern Airlines. As a Navy pilot in the 1960s, Marty helped recover Frank Borman's capsule when the astronaut splashed down in the Atlantic from the Gemini 7 mission. His boss, whom we saw regularly was Gus Reinecke, who was one of Omar Bradley's body guards. I got my 2 minutes of fame that summer at an off-broadway musical, Diamond Studs, music by the Red Clay Ramblers from Durham (Tommy Thompson, Jim Watson, Bill Hicks, and Mike Craver) . It was a small theatre and there was some audience participation. When they learned there were two students there from Chapel Hill, they brought us up on stage for one number to square dance with the caste. Watson and Thompson later became clients of mine.
ReplyDeletePan Am had just reorganized and layed off some 10,000 managers worldwide. Our job that summer was to put together the Organizational Manual. We started at the top with William Seawell, CEO and Chairman of the Board, former Brigadier General in the AF, and winner of the silver star and distinguished medal of honor. We worked our way down filling in the Pan Am family tree. Each day we would meet with a different Vice-President, generally over a 3-4 Martini lunch at one of New York's finest, each tried to out do the other which didn't bother us a bit. After work, we would go up with Shugrue to the Copter Club for a few Pilsners while Grand Central cleared a bit. Then on to the L.I. Railroad and the bar car for the ride to Valley Stream, where Shugrue's girlfriend, Marianne, a stewardess from the Netherlands and later his wife, would pick us up each evening.
DeleteI recall when I was about 13 visiting Chapel Hill with my dad on a recruiting trip. My dad was Gus Reinecke.
DeleteSpeaking of Into the Woods, perhaps Congress should start it's day with the playing of "It's your Fault."
ReplyDelete