To the front page
As a student who took journalism classes this year at Reynolds High School, I can't help but defend the Journal for its choice to run a June 7 front-page article on Mike Muse becoming the head coach at East Forsyth ("New coach for East Forsyth") from those who write in accusing the paper of "sensationalism." It had many elements of news that lead it to the front page: Timeliness, locality, conflict, consequence and impact, just to name a few.
And while the background of Mike Muse's confrontation with a student is old news to many in the area and paints a less than admirable picture of Coach Muse, it remains relevant to the story. As a public official, Coach Muse will have his actions scrutinized for his entire career.
Should the Journal have focused more on the coaching accolades and accomplishments of Coach Muse? Yes, it should have. Could it have taken a more favorable tone in the story? Yes, and probably should have, too. But leaving out the sections about the confrontation would be a failure of the paper to do its journalistic duty.
SAM DOUGHTON
Winston-Salem
Getting the ball rolling
"Lawmakers kill WSSU stadium bid" (June 15) is good news for die-hard race fans like me.
I have attended races at Bowman Gray Stadium since I was 13 years old (I am now 65). The stadium has a sentimental value to me and other race fans; as it does for potential bidder Richard Childress, who started his racing career at Bowman Gray.
A big thank you to Sen. Don East of Surry County and area entrepreneur Harold Day for getting state lawmakers to kill Winston-Salem State University's effort to buy the stadium, and giving someone like Childress (who knows racing and would preserve the history that Bowman Gray has) the opportunity to buy the stadium.
I believe if WSSU could buy Bowman Gray, it would try to break the lease that Winston-Salem Speedway Inc. has through 2031 and stop racing on Saturday nights throughout the summer months to sellout crowds each and every week.
Again, a big thank-you to Sen. Don East, Harold Day, Richard Childress and Bill Patterson, executive vice president at Richard Childress Racing, for getting the ball rolling for someone other than WSSU to buy and preserve a landmark such as Bowman Gray Stadium.
REID JOYCE
Winston-Salem
City officials have said that whoever buys the stadium must honor the current leases. — the editor
A good future
In response to the story "GOP maneuvers to avoid vote on tax loophole for state's wealthiest," published on your website on June 14, it is unfair and wrong for businesses to receive tax breaks on their first $50,000 of income. At this point in time, no one should be getting tax breaks. It is different if the companies receive the break and then create jobs.
It is offensive and tragic that rich companies in North Carolina are being considered for tax breaks. When times are tough, Americans should band together. Those blessed with the most should not be holding their hands out for tax breaks.
As a small-business owner, I know times are tough. However, it is not considered patriotic or fair to accept any tax breaks when vital services and our children's education depend on proper funding.
I challenge the large corporations of the state to man-up and refuse to take any tax breaks. If you claim to be a patriotic American, put your money where your mouth is. People rely heavily on school systems and vital social services. If we nickel-and-dime our kids, what chance will they have for a good future?
Isn't there something more important here than the almighty dollar?
SCOTT GILLENTINE
GREAT SCOTT! COMPUTER SERVICES
Winston-Salem
Unions
Thanks to Harold Meyerson for his excellent column on the connection between the disappearing middle class and the decline of unions ("America without a union movement?" June 15).
Unions built the middle class and gave employees job security and decent wages and benefits. How many people today can say they have that?
FIONA OCHSE
Pinnacle
Finish the Thought
Briefly complete the sentence below and send it to us atletters@wsjournal.com. We'll print some of the results in a few days. Only signed entries, please, no anonymous ones.
"If the Supreme Court rejects the health-care-reform act …"
