|
New library is bad use of tax dollars
To the Editor:
The recent debate lately has been where to put the new library. We don’t need a new library. Our current library is more than adequate.
I was given several reasons why we need a new library. Here are some suggestions from somebody who uses the library on a regular basis. I was told they need more book space. Why don’t the librarians remove the books that haven’t been checked out in years (there are many) or are outdated or damaged? They could make even more room by removing the books on physical fitness. Considering Americans’ girth (one in three are obese), nobody is reading them anyway. Also, history books could be done away with. No one is learning from history – just look at our crumbling empire. The shelves could also be cleared of all books on: social justice, conflict resolution, good parenting, healthy eating, conservation, budgeting, simple living, etc. With this pulp out of the way, there will be room for all the law books which will hold all these new draconian, intrusive “Big Brother” laws being heaped upon us.
I was told that meeting rooms were needed. I say then a meeting room is needed and not a new library.
I was told (as I am standing there looking at a near-empty library) that more space was needed to accommodate all the people. I asked (pointing to a near-empty library), “What people?”
Actually, this same situation occurred two different times. It’s amazing how people are more than ready to echo the party agenda rather than open their eyes and think for themselves. And these are our librarians.
They said they needed more office space. What? The library is a giant office, plus the big room in the back could be remodeled. I asked about using Southwestern Community College’s or Western Carolina University’s libraries as well. I was told that people aren’t comfortable going to a library at a college. What? Are you kidding me? People aren’t comfortable using a library at a school? I said why couldn’t the libraries strike a deal, creating a three-way open environment for all to enjoy? “Public-friendly libraries.” What a concept!
I read with interest the summary of the recent Library Task Force report. I believe the numbers in this report are based on outdated thinking. Maybe it used to be a lot of people used the library back in the day, but it’s 2004 now and people have: computers, Internet, two jobs, 900 TV channels, cell phones, video games, DVDs, CDs, digital cameras and of course, Wal-Mart. I think these technologies have a direct effect on whether or not people use the library and that this trend is not reflected in the numbers in the report.
When I asked the members at the recent task force meeting if they ever used the library, all I got was blank, stone faces and one person saying she used it on Saturdays. What? I’m curious to know if any of them even have library cards.
Here’s another library question. Why was the magazine section reduced by half, which wouldn’t be so bad, but all the provocative, mind-stimulating magazines were removed, leaving rags like People, Good Housekeeping and Vogue.
Also, why should we pay a dollar to check out a video? It’s just another type of media, isn’t it? Why, then, don’t they charge 50 cents for audio books?
Certainly, on the list of priorities this area has, an unnecessary library isn’t one of them. While on the subject of misspent money, why is it that U.S. 23/441 between Cowee and Dillsboro gets two double-thick layers of asphalt every year whether it needs it or not and Main Street Sylva couldn’t get a bump-free square-foot laid if lives depended on it? Why is over a quarter of a million dollars thrown away on a couple of acres in South Jackson County? The elected officials who spend our hard-earned money indiscriminately like this are criminals. Either spend my money properly or give it back!
John Dunlea
Cullowhee
P.S. Did you notice the overwhelming similarities splashed across local and national papers between the abuses perpetrated in Iraqi prisons (prisoner deaths, sexual misconduct) and the abuses perpetrated right here in the Jackson County jail (prisoner deaths, sexual misconduct)? It’s sickening. Where’s the accountability?
Animal killers display ignorance, cause hurt
To the Editor:
Beware of a murderer lurking near Wilkesdale Street. Someone has maliciously poisoned my dog with antifreeze not once, but twice this year.
I know that not all people are dog lovers and would not understand this, but my first dog, Rio, was my best friend in the world. Last year around Thanksgiving he was poisoned, and I watched him die a slow, agonizing death.
I am an optimistic person who believes that people are inherently good, so I tried to believe that this was an accident, a result of carelessness or irresponsibility, and since Rio roamed around a lot, I could not place any blame.
Now, two months after I decided I could open my heart to another dog, this is happening again, and this time I know it was intentional due to the ground beef soaked in antifreeze that was present in the vomit of my new puppy.
There is no excuse for such ignorance. I am a friendly person with a friendly, fluffy puppy. He was not destructive or threatening and stayed close by the house, only being outside while I was home, and ironically, the day he was poisoned was the day I had my yard fenced in so he would be safe.
I wish that if anyone has had a problem with me or my dog, he or she would knock on my door and talk to me about it. Does this not seem like a sensible and civilized way to handle differences? There is no need to murder puppies.
So to whoever aimed to cause a broken heart and pain in a young woman’s soul twice in one year, I commend your success.
Amy Schmidt
Sylva
Relay makes difference in fight against cancer
To the Editor:
I would like to recognize the volunteers who worked diligently to make the 2004 Jackson County Relay For Life a tremendous success.
Team participation tripled from years past. There was amazing support from the community this year; the track and parking lot were full.
Jackson County has made a huge difference in the fight against cancer. There were more than 1,500 luminaries around the track. The luminaries, honoring survivors and in memory of those no longer with us, made the Relay beautiful, powerful, and hopefully, healing.
Cancer survivors are what this event is all about. The survivors who attended the event demonstrated exactly why we relay.
The Jackson County Relay For Life planning committee worked day and night for months to make the Relay bigger and better this year. Cancer doesn’t stand a chance with Relay For Life events like the one right here in Jackson County.
Josh Pierce
American Cancer Society
|
