Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Winston-Salem Journal LTE WE 01/25/12

A long moment

In regard to the U.S. Supreme Court decision to decline to hear Forsyth County's appeal of a lower-court ruling against sectarian prayer, would Jesus have a moment of silence toward Forsyth County? If so, it could be a long moment.

Wise men seek him, not turn from him. We need his wisdom, his love and his help. Soon, everyknee shall bow.

LARRY W. BRANCH

West Jefferson

Unsafe

The Jan. 18 article "Abortion rate linked to law" repeatedly refers to "unsafe abortions." In fact, the article quotes a World Health Organization researcher who said, "An abortion is actually a very simple and safe procedure."

An elective abortion may be "safe" for the expectant mother, but it is devastating for the baby.

TOM VOIGNIER

Clemmons

Blurring the line

In the Jan. 9 Leonard Pitts column, "Foolish consistency or just foolishness?" he shows that he misunderstands the concept of "Jim Crow" because he insists on blurring the line between the voluntary sector and the coercive sector. The same flaw in his thinking leads him to support the provisions of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that restricted the choices of restaurant owners.

"Jim Crow" consisted of racial discrimination in endeavors upon which government held a monopoly or a virtual monopoly: schools, courts, elections, for example. Exclusion of blacks from privately owned restaurants constitutes "Jim Crow" only if government mandates the exclusion. And in the benighted world Leonard Pitts recalls, whether openly or surreptitiously, government mandated the exclusion.

Government should neither mandate nor forbid exclusion. Restore to restaurant owners the freedom to select their clientele. Let the Invisible Hand exact its merciless penalty for prejudice.

A "Whites Only" sign creates a business opportunity for restaurant owners whose signs say, "Everybody Welcome." But the market cannot reward inclusiveness if inclusiveness is compelled. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects bigots from competition.

BARNEY W. HILL

Thomasville

The right course

The Jan. 28 letter "Moral high ground," as well as some political pundits and former presidential candidate Rick Perry, have accused the Obama administration of abandoning the Marines involved in the recent corpse-desecration incident in Afghanistan ("Video called 'deplorable,' " Jan. 13).

When I was a soldier in Iraq, I always knew my commanders "had my back" if, in the fog of war, I or my soldiers had made a mistake while defending ourselves. If we had inflicted tragic collateral damage as a result of the uncertainty and chaos of combat, I knew my commanders rightly would have defended me.

This incident was not such a case. The action of which these Marines are accused is a heinous, premeditated war crime and should be dealt with as such. The administration is taking the right course by reaffirming America's commitment to our high ideals and prosecuting the alleged perpetrators of a war crime. Allowing the desecration of enemy combatants' bodies to go unpunished would be a disgrace to all who have worn this country's uniform with honor.

HEATH ALEXANDER

Winston-Salem

The president's call

The Keystone XL Pipeline deal is not dead, despite hysterical claims to the contrary. TransCanada is already planning a reroute of the line that will not go through sensitive areas such as the Sandhills in Nebraska, where local residents and land owners were concerned about its impact on their health and the environment.

Speaking of his rejection of the offered plan, President Obama said, "This announcement is not a judgment on the merits of the pipeline, but the arbitrary nature of a deadline that prevented the State Department from gathering the information necessary to approve the project and protect the American people."

Despite knee-jerk right-wing reactions, the president is right. The fact is that Republican legislators gave him 60 days to make a decision on whether to approve the plan. He had to agree to that as part of the deal to maintain the middle-class tax cut that the Republicans opposed.

Considering the criticism the president knew he would face — right-wingers criticize him for pretty much anything he does and would have found something to criticize him for had he agreed to the deal — it was a brave call.

JANE SIMMONS

Winston-Salem

Honoring a Life

Kudos to the Journal for the Jan. 19 feature " 'Just a sweetheart,' " recognizing Sheila Scott. How refreshing to see such a "good news" story take front and center.

Lisa O'Donnell did an exceptional job capturing not only the story of Sheila's 50 years at Lamberti's Salon and Day Spa, but of a life that "has more to do with compassion and humility than conditioning and highlights."

JOYCE WHITE

Lexington

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Kitty Cat's Corner

This is way too scary.

Winston-Salem Journal LTE TU 01/24/12

An insider's view

The majority of comments on the recently finished Career Center are positive, as they should be, but there seems to be lingering controversy over its locale. Parents of students seem to be complaining about the neighborhood and our consequent safety. Honestly, I believe they are judging too hastily and need to grasp the fact it takes all kinds to make the world go round.

There is a police station within a stone's throw of the new Career Center, and the crime rate in the new neighborhood is actually lower than that of the old neighborhood.

I often arrive early in the morning, unafraid and confident, when it is still dark outside.

This brings me to another positive aspect of the new location, the view. It is outstanding. I love seeing the lights in the antiquated water towers and the skyline of Winston-Salem. Knowing that my Career Center is now a part of a booming downtown revitalization is an uplifting feeling and reminds me that we can contribute, too. Just like the ballpark, the newly announced hotel, the new restaurants, the condos, new businesses and so much more. The Career Center is part of it, and the energy is palpable. Even though I am not directly responsible for it, it is very exciting, and I am grateful to be a part of it.

The location of the new Career Center is what it is. Let us revel in it!

BESSIE ROSE WOLTZ

STUDENT, CAREER CENTER

Winston-Salem

Pipeline dreams

On Jan. 18, President Obama quashed the development of the Keystone XL pipeline, which could have created about 20,000 American jobs and helped 20,000 American families ("Obama nixes Canada oil pipeline," Jan. 19). It would not have cost the American public a penny, and we would have moved forward toward more energy independence from the Middle East. Now thanks to him, Canada could send the oil through to China. What kind of president:

intentionally kills American jobs

aids China instead of America, and

maintains American dependence on our enemies in the Middle East?

Also, why didn't the Journal report this on the front page? The next time this president asks Congress for a jobs bill, you'll forgive me if I laugh out loud — in disgust.

CHRISTINE PULISELIC

Winston-Salem

A rich heritage

Winston-Salem has a rich heritage in Old Salem and has spent a significant amount of time and energy building itself a reputation as the "City of the Arts." As the years have gone by and the presence of manufacturing plants has lessened their impact on our city, our leaders have also attempted to build technology assets. All of these facts are noted in the guidelines prepared for art submissions for Civic Plaza. I found all of the submissions to be lacking in both skill and aesthetics ("Creative Corridor art submissions go green," Jan. 14).

The prospect of a "green baby" as a symbol of our progress is distressing and, in my opinion, totally inappropriate. I cannot help but wonder what employees of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and Forsyth Memorial Hospital think about this proposal. I also think a sculpture of this nature would lend itself to vandalism and graffiti.

If the leaders of the Creative Corridors Coalition did not get the submissions they were looking for, I would hope they would reach back out to the broad community of artists and sculptors living in this area rather than settle for an inadequate response, especially on such a long-term project.

JOAN RUTLEDGE

Winston-Salem

Ballot proposal

Gov. Beverly Perdue is proposing a sales tax of three-quarters of a penny to restore the funding that the Republicans in the General Assembly have taken away from public education ("Perdue to push higher sales tax," Jan. 18). Those deep cuts have undermined North Carolina's public educational institutions, from kindergarten to the 16-campus UNC system. Yet N.C. Senate leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, is quoted as saying that the governor's proposal is "dead on arrival at the General Assembly."

Since the Republican-controlled General Assembly was so eager to put the regressive "marriage amendment" on the ballot and "let the people decide," why not put this proposal on the ballot also and let the people of North Carolina decide whether they are willing to pay a little bit more in order to bolster education in our state? I predict that a majority of my fellow citizens would join me in approving "a fraction of a penny for progress."

ERNEST J. LUNSFORD

Winston-Salem

Monday, January 23, 2012

Winston-Salem Journal LTE MO 01/23/12

Pressing their message

As quoted in your story, "Court action backs prayer ban," the Rev. Steve Corts, chairman of the N.C. Partnership for Religious Liberty (what a misnomer) says of the U.S. Supreme Court decision, "It creates a chilling effect on religious speech in America." Oh, if only it were so.

Christians in America have more freedom of speech than probably anywhere in the world, so much so that they like to claim this is a Christian nation. They have inundated the culture to such a degree that people with no religion or different religions are casually cast in doubt and often treated as second-class citizens. Christians can freely press their message on TV, radio, the Internet, newspapers, billboards, street corners — and they do so all the time. In the South, "What church do you attend?" is as ubiquitous a phrase as "Have a nice day." They can pray pretty much anywhere they want.

Yet they won't be happy until the government tells them how special they are.

Of course, they're following Jesus' Great Commission, which wasn't to go out and listen to people — it was to go out and preach.

Essentially, Jesus gave his followers an order to pester people, and they take that responsibility seriously. I don't expect this court ruling to hinder them in any way.

JANE FREEMONT GIBSON

Winston-Salem

Dead on arrival

In reference to the sales-tax proposal ("Perdue to push higher sales tax," Jan. 18), don't we have the area's highest tax on gasoline already? Do we need to be the highest in sales tax, too? I hope this proposal is simply dead on arrival.

Education funding is why the lottery was established. Now they say it's not enough. I think every legislator and executive should take a pay cut to come up with the additional funds, if really needed.

VINCENT CIMMINO

Kernersville

A lot of money

I see Forsyth County is apparently going to get a bill for $200,000 from the ACLU for legal fees ("Court action backs prayer ban," Jan. 18). That sure is a lot of money to spend on prayer. Will Tebowing be next?

WILLIAM SAMS

King

Dismayed

After seeing the article "Creative Corridor art submissions go green" (Jan. 14) in the Journal, I am dismayed at the prospect of a big green baby with solar eyes and disco diaper representing the "City of the Arts."

Having worked as a business partner/art director for many years in this town, I am hard pressed to figure out what the baby symbolizes or the meaning behind it. I also can't help but think that this will become a "big source of amusement" if it comes to represent Winston-Salem.

I have seen a lot of the plans the Creative Corridors Coalition has come up with and have been very impressed by the creative vision the group has had up until this point.

I hope the group will consider extending the project and reaching out to more of the members in the art community for submissions. A piece as serious and representative of this need not be taken lightly or hurriedly.

ROBYN BILFELT

Winston-Salem

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Winston-Salem Journal LTE SU 01/22/12

Cordray's appointment

In the letter "Paying attention" (Jan. 16), the writer accused President Obama of acting like a tyrant because he made a recess appointment, naming Richard Cordray to head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, while Congress was still in session. I respectfully disagree with the writer's assertion.

The obstructionist Republicans in Congress never allowed an up-or-down vote on Cordray's appointment. And to ensure that Obama didn't make a recess appointment, they held sham "pro forma" sessions over the holidays in which members of the House and Senate gaveled in and within minutes or even seconds gaveled out. On Jan. 6, after the "pro-forma" session was gaveled in, Democratic Rep. James Clyburn attempted to call for the payroll tax cut conference committee to convene. Clyburn was told he was out of order, and the session was gaveled to a close.

So yes, the Republicans are allowed to make a claim that Congress was in session. But if Congress was really in session, how come no business ever took place during these holiday sessions? In actuality, Congress was recessed, and Obama was within his rights to make the appointment. If the Republicans want a legal battle, bring it on.

Recognizing Republican obstructionism, former Ohio Supreme Court Justice Andy Douglas, a Republican, said, "I haven't agreed with what they have been putting him [Cordray] through. If we really profess that we want the brightest and the best in public service, then he is that."

Consumers should applaud and not condemn Cordray's appointment.

RUDY DIAMOND

Lewisville

Important election

Americans live beyond their means — especially the government. America has become a reflection of a nanny state. I mean, why pay for what the government will provide for free? The politicians know this and provide more pork, more unneeded government jobs and welfare in exchange for votes.

Some Americans see this and decry it (tea party) — but the mainstream media and those on the gravy train provide cover for the Democrats to continue with the same ol' same ol'. Eventually the gravy train will be forced to come to a harsh stop, like Greece. Then the dark days of America will rise. Riots like never before will ensue.

Why? Because those who have depended on the free stuff will still want their free stuff. Politicians will ensue with class warfare. Riots will continue. Government will take more of the producers' money in the name of "fairness," thus killing growth, thus higher unemployment. Even still that will not solve the deficit beast. Riots will continue. The glory of America will fall. I foresee dark days are coming.

This is why this presidential election is so important. We need a "change" so that our children can have "hope."

MICHAEL SULLIVAN

Winston-Salem

Anniversary

On the anniversary today of Roe v. Wade and its dehumanizing, destructive effect on society's valuation of life in the womb, I hope to give voice to those little ones.

The gruesome nature of abortion is well documented, though some feign blindness to these biological and medical realities. Graphic descriptions of the process only inflame and invite virulent retorts. Instead, I'll remind readers that millions of our most vulnerable have been precluded from taking their first breath. Allowed to live, they might have become president or the researcher who discovered the cure for Alzheimers; a teacher who broadened the horizons of the next generation; a celebrated poet, composer or artist; a mother or father who raised honorable, wise and caring children; or a wonderful person anyone would love to have called friend.

Unquestionably, there are heartrending reasons for resorting to abortion, however this choice, which some have been taught to consider a right, is neither the only way nor a good way out of bad circumstances. Women seeking help can find encouragement, prenatal care, parenting classes, clothing and more at crisis pregnancy centers.

For those choosing not to raise the child, there is adoption (the genesis of my three grandchildren who are the joy of my heart. I am forever indebted to the selfless women brave enough to give them the gift of life).

There's a better way than what we've been led to believe. Life is a choice you'll never regret. The same cannot be said for abortion.

RUTH MAGERS

Lewisville

The prayer editorial

The Journal is a disgrace to its over 300,000 readers with the headline on its Jan. 18 lead editorial, "The prayer fight: Supreme Court rightly declines." The editorial writer either has his head in the sand or is foolish: "The wisdom of this world is foolishness to God," I Corinthians 3:19.

The editorial says that "in practice, the prayers were usually to Jesus, giving the strong impression that the county was endorsing Christianity." But you use the word "religion" in many of your articles on this issue. There is a big difference between religion and Christianity.

You also wrote, "Now that this issue is put to rest, maybe the commissioners can concentrate on practical matters — such as creating jobs." What Forsyth County needs more than anything is a city- and county-wide "Day of Prayer," because just as the old prophet Amos wrote: "Prepare to meet thy God, O Israel," Amos 4:12.

REID W. JOYCE JR.

Winston-Salem

CORRESPONDENT OF THE WEEK

Couch potatoes and bicyclists

Hands clenched at 10 and 2, or the rest of me sprawled across my couch, embracing my inner potato, I wonder: Why should I pay for bicycle lanes?

Some of the saddest stories I read in the Journal are about those killed while cycling. With few bike lanes or sidewalks, and drivers who feel that cyclists are a nuisance, death by cycling is unfortunately common in our community.

In a bicycle-friendly community, cycling is one of the healthiest low-impact pleasures a couch potato could ever discover. Lose weight, gain verve, get outside, do a tiny bit to save the planet. It appeals to me. I attended a college where commuting by bike was normal. There were bicycle traffic circles, bicycle overpasses, bicycle freeways. Cycling raised our spirits, our energy, even our intelligence.

Cycling benefits everyone. A couch potato turned cyclist is healthier, works harder, pays more taxes and consumes less health care. According to a story in the Portland Tribune ("Will a bike ride a day keep the doctor away?" March 3, 2011), Portland, Ore., is the most-bicycle friendly city in America, though only 6 percent of Portland commuters ride bikes. Even so, the benefits are large. Because of Portland's public investment in cycling, Portlanders are losing 17 million pounds and $155 million a year in health-care costs — savings that benefit others through lower insurance premiums.

Next time you pass cyclists, thank them for saving you money. Better yet, get on a bike and save me some.

STEVE SCROGGIN

Sum It Up

Are questions about a candidate's sexual morality fair game in presidential races?

Respond to letters@wsjournal.com and put "Sum It Up" in the subject header. Only signed entries, please, no anonymous ones. Briefer responses receive preference in print.

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Winston-Salem Journal LTE SA 01/21/12

Positive news

It was a pleasure to open the Journal on Jan. 16. The stories on the front page about the Rev. Russell May and Kenyetta Richmond ("Young Dreamers") were uplifting.

Thanks for giving us positive news about our community. The crime reports should not be the hot topics in our paper. You have promised in your editorial board statement to "celebrate" our community. I like it when you do that. Thank you.

WALTER N. BROWN

Winston-Salem

Dwindling prosperity

Is it possible to claim that the civil rights of a class of people in this country have been violated by means of the tax code? Specifically, I am referring to the 99 percent of the population, most of whom are wage earners, who have seen their prosperity dwindling for the past three decades compared to the 1 percent who are business tycoons and wealthy investors. While the color of their skin and their ethnicity may not be different from that of the 1 percent, their class has been established and perpetuated by their poverty:

Their poverty perpetuated because they cannot afford education.

Denied credit or charged exorbitant interest rates because of poverty.

Taxed at unfavorable rates compared to the 1 percent, who are able to invest in stocks, bonds, businesses and gold.

Unable to gain political favor because the 1 percent employs lobbyists and PACs.

No country can sustain a democracy with such a disparity of wealth.

The 99 percent, in addition to occupying Wall Street, should occupy Washington and file a class-action suit against Congress for not establishing more equitable taxes; and petition the Supreme Court to change the laws regarding lobbying and receiving PAC funds.

DAVID TURCK

Clemmons

Disgusting

It's disgusting what Republicans are doing to each other at a time when real change is needed in Washington. Disgusting the way mainstream and other media have become a tool for left-wing liberals.

Disgusting the uproar everywhere over what Marines did to those poor dead terrorists when nothing is heard of horrible acts "devout" Muslims commit on our soldiers, non-Muslims and even on their own people while they are still alive.

Disgusting that we keep losing Americans for people who berate our ideals, including some Americans.

Disgusting is the moral decay of our once proud nation where "In God We Trust" was taken seriously and patriotism was expected.

Disgusting that too many here and abroad keep expecting handouts without contributing anything to the "general welfare."

Disgusting when the Unknown President is our hero instead of the Unknown Soldier. And I'm sure some of your readers are disgusted with my outrage. And I find that disgusting.

BOB G. TANNEHILL

Winston-Salem

Recess appointment

The letter "Paying attention" (Jan. 16), about President Obama making the recess appointment of Richard Cordray to "head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau … while Congress was in session," sure was funny.

Last week, Rep. Diane Black, R-Tenn., and 71 other House Republicans introduced a non-binding resolution complaining about President Barack Obama's recess appointment.

"It's astounding to me that the president is claiming these are recess appointments and within his authority, when Congress was not in fact in recess," Black said. "These appointments are an affront to the Constitution. … I hope the House considers my resolution as soon as we return to Washington so we can send a message to President Obama."

"As soon as we return to Washington?" I thought they weren't in recess.

'Nuff said.

BILLY C. MEADOWS

Winston-Salem

Finish the Thought

Briefly complete the sentence below and send it to us at letters@wsjournal.com. We'll print some of the results in a few days. Only signed entries, please, no anonymous ones.

"Freedom of religion means …"

Friday, January 20, 2012

Winston-Salem Journal LTE FR 01/20/12

Moral high ground

According to the Bible, Pontius Pilate claimed the moral high ground and washed his hands of any blame for the persecution of Christ. Given that famous precedent, is there any wonder that the president of the United States, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, are claiming the moral high ground for themselves and preparing to throw four young combat Marines under the bus ("Video called 'deplorable,' " Jan. 13)?

Marines may take justified pride in having each other's back, but they had better learn not look to their commanders to do the same.

Semper Fi!

ROSS MECHAM

Winston-Salem

Boo Pitts

Why did the federal government spend the latter part of the 19th century enacting and enforcing laws against polygamy?

According to columnist Leonard Pitts ("A loud, vigorous 'Boo!' to Rick Santorum," Jan. 16), "there is not and never has been a large culture of people who felt biologically driven toward polygamous behavior."

So, if polygamy was not a problem, why enact laws against it, and why were Utah, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Arizona required by the federal government to incorporate anti-polygamy provisions into their constitutions as a condition for admission to the Union?

Why does Pitts need to ignore the facts, and why does he resort to name-calling (bigot) in his bias against conservatism and Rick Santorum?

RALPH HOLLAND

Advance

Sum It Up

The Sum It Up question from Sunday was: Do you think the state legislature should approve in their session beginning in May $50,000 for each living victim of the North Carolina's forced sterilization program?

* * * * *

I think the N.C. state legislature should approve the $50,000 compensation for the living victims of our state's forced sterilization program. The N.C. General Assembly had no problem approving $25 million for a fishing pier in one of the more affluent communities in our state this past year, and these victims deserve some type of compensation for the horrible injustice they suffered.

SUZANNE CARROLL

* * * * *

Pandora's box will be opened!

DONALD R. CREWS

* * * * *

No. While what happened is so hurtful and emotionally damaging, there are better and more meaningful ways to apologize. Health care, a memorial, a program in every school that teaches our children what happened and instills in their minds the intrinsic value of every life. Let's get creative in our efforts to respect and honor those who were harmed, and to make sure it never happens again.

It would be one thing if the actual perpetrators could be prosecuted, but what this "compensation" suggestion does is further drain coffers that are running on borrowed fumes already (see any number of articles in the newspaper just last week). Money will not heal hearts — only forgiveness can do that.

RUTH MAGERS

* * * * *

Yes, considering the ignorance of the folks who imposed their foolish notion upon the victims, $50,000 is a minimum.

The writer of the letter "Sense in compensation" (Jan. 15) has excellent suggestions regarding how the awards should be administered.

KENNETH B. SCALF

* * * * *

Of course! We found the money somewhere to sterilize them, we must now find the money to at least say we're (the state is) sorry.

KAM BENFIELD

* * * * *

The idea of payment to the sterilization victims, like the discussions of reparations for slavery, is a knee-jerk reaction to something that, while reprehensible in today's society, was legal when done.

So the questions remains, what is to be done and by whom? Having the state pay this out of revenues means that people who were not even alive and/or living in North Carolina will be paying this with no say in the matter. It means innocent people are paying the fines of the "guilty."

Assuming the governor and legislature in power at that time won't be held financially accountable since they, too, may be deceased or are immune to litigation, then I suggest we allow the people of North Carolina be given the option to designate part of their 2011 taxes toward paying this. Take the money out of the government budget and do not raise taxes.

The government did this, and the government needs to pay the price and suffer the consequences.

KEN HOGLUND

* * * * *

As I see it, there is no amount of money that can compensate those affected for the terrible things that were done to them without their consent. Having said that, before we can make an intelligent statement on this subject, we need many answers.

CATHERINE W. PITTS