Letters to the editor: 01/04/01

Winter concert discussion continues

To the Editor:

In truth, if we look hard enough we can find something negative about most anything. But, it seems to me that this song could also be used as a tool to open discussion of a subject that scares many people, and could allow students to express their thoughts and feelings.

As I read another letter to the editor from Donna Conner, it appears that Mr. Reid did discuss the song and that students most likely profited from that discussion. It would seem that if students learned from the discussion of this song, and if they enjoyed their performance in the winter concert, then the objective was met.

As I recall, Mr. Reid is very interested in his students, and for anyone to think that he would do anything that is not in the best interest of his students is ludicrous. He is a good teacher, and he is very interested in his students. He works hard to encourage their talents as well as free thought.

There is nothing wrong with this approach to students. So many times young people think that adults don't want to hear them or that they don't count. Mr. Reid's students know that their thoughts are important to him as well as their well being.

As I understand, Mr. Reid made reference to the content of the song before it began, as Mr. Mallory pointed out. The audience was warned, and at that point Mr. Mallory apparently made the choice to remain in the audience and hear the song. It would appear that he is in the minority as far as his feelings on the subject are concerned.

So, my question to Mr. Mallory would be, why is he making such a big deal out of this song? No one tried to sneak it in, and parents were aware. It seems, at that point, the subject should be closed, and Mr. Mallory's argument is no longer valid.

Teaching is hard enough without someone attacking you for doing your job. Yes, it may be a judgment call, and some may not agree with the call. But I would suggest that it's much easier to sit on the sidelines and point out supposed mistakes than to try to determine every response to every decision that is made in the classroom.

Mr. Mallory, you may want to try teaching sometime and see just how easy it is to keep everyone happy all of the time. It just doesn't happen, and as long as the students are benefiting from the discussion and are realizing that there are better choices, then Mr. Reid has more than done his job.

Shelly Sorrell

Schenectady, N.Y.

Editor's note: Sorrell is a former Smoky Mountain High School Spanish teacher.

Christmas Store completes 13th year

To the Editor:

There are many heartwarming stories of gratitude from parents who often find it hard to believe a stranger would give such nice gifts to their children.

This year many groups gave toys and clothing to the Christmas Store instead of their usual gift exchange. Those who sponsored children agree the joy in giving makes it more blessed to give than receive. It was wonderful for the parents to be able to select gifts especially for their children.

The thousands of volunteer hours needed to make this a successful year are greatly appreciated. The Department of Social Services, Jackson County Department of Public Health, Head Start and the teachers, counselors and social workers of our schools all worked together to refer the families who could use help for Christmas.

Many thanks to all of you.

Wanda Kidd

Elaine White

Sally Wooten

Christmas Store organizers

Cullowhee

Say 'NO' to transfer tax

To the Editor:

Tax, tax and more tax. Taxation without representation, that's what it is. Our elected officials are ripping us off legally with strong-armed robbery within the law, yet no one seems to want to stand up and put a stop to the corruption.

Why should I work hard to obtain property and sell it later in order to make myself some profit and then have to turn around and give a portion of it back to the county?

If we don't pay our property taxes, the county takes it away from us and sells it to those rich people from out of state. If we don't pay this or that tax, the elected officials find a way to take away our property or something else that we own. Now is that fair? I don't think so and neither do others around here.

When will this legalized robbery stop? With anything you own, and later sell, there is always some type of tax you must pay in order to get by the crooked tax laws. This is simply another way our elected officials have to fatten their pocket books, get bigger and better furniture, cars and larger bonuses in their pay checks.

The land transfer tax is really another way for the fat cats to obtain more money for their own causes. And where does that extra money really go? They always come up with some off-the-wall reason in their secret meetings, even though they know there are other programs out there to get funds from besides their legalized robbery tactics.

The money collected by the Sheriff's Department was used within that department. Never in the past have I heard the Sheriff's Department ask for anything except a new facility and jail. The money collected was put to good use within that department.

Yet some money-hungry employee within the county was not satisfied and hired a firm to come in a do some snooping and make sure that money went where they wanted it because they were afraid they would not get that piece of pie and eat it, too.

And this is the way the property transfer tax will be done. It is pure and simple greed by those who sit and think up ways to take our hard-earned money.

Too many outsiders come in here and influence our elected officials with stupid laws in order to gain for themselves and to take away from us locals who work hard to pay our fair share of the taxes, which are illegal in many ways.

There are better things our elected officials could be doing for us local folks than sitting up there and thinking up rules and regulations that are illegal and stupid, most of which make us stay mad all the time.

We, the citizens, have the right to get those people out of office and hope and pray we can get some honest people for a change who will work for us and to improve our community.

We must always remember this - we never have anything that we can call our own, we never really own our property, it always belongs to the government no matter what, we can loose it with a snap of the finger if we are not careful.

Let's say "NO" to the land transfer tax.

Alvin Frady

Sylva

Our county history is worth preserving

To the Editor:

Our society has been the recipient of this space to disseminate information about the Jackson County heritage books, and we are indeed appreciative. In these days of bottom lines and profit at any cost, it is gratifying to have a community-minded business such as Moody Funeral Home.

Also, our society members are pleased to offer good wishes to the Jackson County Historical Association as they move forward to reprint their scholarly volume on the history of Jackson County. We always applaud the efforts of those who search for and reveal the truth about Jackson County and its people.

Our focus in the genealogical society is not narrow but is more limited to ancestral research. We have been most fortunate to compile and publish two volumes of Jackson County Heritage, along with the Jackson County Cemetery Book. Our books are not intended to be scholarly historical research, but they are excellent sources of information about Jackson County people.

We believe that Jackson County is very fortunate to have both the historical association and the genealogical society, in addition to the more particularized efforts of the Webster Historical Society and organizations that have focused on the Cashiers-Glenville area.

As we look forward to the county's sesquicentennial, it is our hope that all these organizations will continue to focus on telling the story of our mountain home, its wonderful people, and its rich and varied history.

Sincerely,

Ruth C. Shuler

Office Manager

Jackson County

Genealogical Society

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