Letters to the editor: 01/23/03

Christians should support death penalty moratorium

To the Editor:

It appears that during this next legislative session in Raleigh, a bill will be introduced that asks for a two-year moratorium on the death penalty in North Carolina. Will Christians be a major voice speaking in favor of a moratorium? Honestly, I don't know. But we should.

In the media and among public discussions, some very practical positions stand out. The system is corrupt and distributes justice unequally, usually at the expense of minorities and the poor. It is clear that innocent people have already been put to death and it is likely to happen again.

The death penalty is overwhelmingly more expensive to prosecute and execute than life in prison. More murders happen in states with the death penalty than in those without it - it is clearly not a deterrent.

But beyond these persuasive practical arguments, Christians have foundational theological concerns that should govern our response, not the least of which is following the example of Christ. Many supporters of the death penalty want revenge rather than justice. In a biblical sense, vengeance remains the activity of God, not the responsibility of human beings.

Christ asked us to replace our right to avenge wrongdoings when he said "no more" to an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. Jesus knew that when violence follows violence, then the victim becomes guilty, the guilty becomes a victim, and the cycle perpetuates itself.

The only way to stop the cycle is to let go of revenge and practice mercy and peace. It is unfortunate that our legal system has become a vehicle for revenge rather than a system of justice.

Can you imagine Jesus pulling the switch of an electric chair at the next public execution? If not, then we should be ashamed to ask someone else to do the same.

Will Baptists and Methodists and Catholics and Presbyterians join others and ask their state senators to vote in favor of the moratorium? It is my prayer that such miracles will happen.

Jeffrey D. Vickery

Cullowhee

Merchant appreciates support for downtown

To the Editor:

Purchasing is one way to support our community, but also actively placing your body, mind and spirit into that physical space of the downtown area creates that sense of belonging and ultimately extends our identities.

Sylva is alive with the unique energy of a community committed to honoring its people. I am reminded of the song I heard just tonight on WRGC, as it kept me company during our recent winter storm, "What a Wonderful World," and the lines "Folks stop and say, 'How do you do,' which really means 'I love you.'"

And just now I hear the snow plow at 11:50 p.m. The city workers, even at this hour, are doing what it takes to keep our streets open and our town safe. From Town Hall so many decisions are transformed into actions by the most dedicated town staff for the benefit of the people.

Sylva Partners in Renewal is very much a key element in this town picture, too. The motivation, time and effort put forth to reinvigorate the town both physically and economically has been the catalyst to the emotional and energetic spirit we now enjoy. Even as SPIR continues to assist with grants and helpful connections between the town, the merchants and the fine people of Jackson County, I applaud their success and continued efforts.

It is these American values of working together and respecting one another that is so abundant in this wonderful town of Sylva.

Dottie Hoche

Owner - Worldly Possessions to Life the Spirit

Is a bigger WCU better for Jackson County?

To the Editor:

These issues and institutions range from the impact of Cherokee on development in the northern end of the county to the budget problems of state government. These issues and institutions have the potential to frustrate and derail even the best conceived plans simply because county government has little or no influence on how they operate or react.

Perhaps the institution with the potential for the biggest impact on the county and its ability to effectively plan is Western Carolina University. Over the past several years the administration of WCU has promoted a policy of unrestrained growth regardless of the expense or impact to the surrounding communities and Jackson County as a whole.

The present administration has sought to transform the university from a local institution that afforded opportunity and advancement to the youth of Western North Carolina into a regional institution that more and more turns its back on local people and local communities, while actively pursuing students and faculty from outside the area.

The administration will say that it has raised standards, that it has improved quality and that it has embarked on a program of modernization. At first glance these assertions seem admirable and desirable, but if in accomplishing these "improvements" the university has abandoned its traditional mission and service to the community, then we must ask ourselves, "Are we really better off?" Is bigger really better if in the process of growing we threaten, dismiss and demean the local communities we exist to serve?

The state university system is obviously intended to promote the cause of higher learning, but as an institution conceived and funded by the taxpayers of the state, does it not have an even greater mission of serving the interests of the communities of the state? Shouldn't our institutions be good neighbors first?

As we watch the never-ending construction on campus, should we look with pride as the buildings rise or should we question why with each new round of budget cuts the programs that are sacrificed first are those that reach out and serve the surrounding communities? Should we cheer each new facility without also regretting that the non-professional staff, which is composed primarily of local folks, is increasingly treated with disdain and disrespect by the administration?

Recently I overheard a conversation between the wife of one of the senior members of the administration with one of her neighbors. The gist of her comments was that the administration of WCU had a better vision and understanding of what was good for local people and communities than they were capable of having. It was her position that local values and ways of looking at things were outmoded and that those coming into the community had a moral obligation to bring the local population into the 21st century, kicking and screaming if necessary. Unfortunately I'm afraid this is not a unique viewpoint.

Yet I wonder how can the values reflected in respect for tradition, community and neighbor be outdated? Before this area was a desired destination, there were generations of folks who persisted through times of economic and physical hardship to raise decent families. They sought a life that was better for there children while still maintaining a respect for the traditions and values they held dear. And they respected an institution that was part of the community and afforded them the opportunities that come from higher education while not setting itself above or apart from the community.

Jackson County must plan for the future. As part of that planning, should we not ask the institutions that are here to serve us to be accountable and responsible to the local community? Shouldn't the role of these institutions be an integral part of our discussion and not a matter of dictate from an administration that serves its own interests and vision first?

Mark Jamison

Cullowhee

Town's street cleaning left much to be desired

To the Editor:

By the same token, the town of Sylva usually does a tremendous job keeping our downtown streets clean, but what happened to insuring downtown streets were cleared as quickly as possible when it really counted?

As I came downtown on Mill Street Friday morning, it was as if nothing had been done. Later that morning around 9:45 a.m., I saw merchants and little helpers shoveling snow off the sidewalks and parking spaces for their customers. As of Monday morning, Main and Mill streets were still not scrapped and ready for normal traffic.

If the machines are broken, then I apologize. But if the machines were operable, where were they? This is just another example of how SPIR and town officials talk the good talk but walk a lousy walk.

David Kelly

Sylva

Reader is 'amazed, amused' by recent developments

To the Editor:

1. Turn the Tuckaseigee Water and Sewer Authority over to the politicians? We hope not.

2. Planning board chairman also a developer? To his credit, county Commission Chairman Stacy Buchanan fixed that one.

3. Privatize a stretch of the Tuckaseigee River? This one won't fly either. When you own creek or river frontage, you own the land, not the water. No one's deed calls for "middle" of the creek or river.

Of course, being from "around here," we realize there may be an attorney who, for a price, will get you such a deed. But your money would probably be better spent on an ultrasound exam. Never can tell. This one might be triplets! Maybe even trophy size! There you go.

Allen Fisher

Sylva

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