Letters to the editor: 02/27/03

It's not 'us against them'

To the Editor:

I have rarely felt more aligned with a clergyman as I did after reading John Reid's letter to the editor last month ("Citizens urged to speak out against war in Iraq," Jan. 16). He so eloquently stated the immorality of our country's likely action in Iraq. I am in deep appreciation to him for that.

The leadership of our great country is aiming us down a catastrophic path. Attacking Iraq can only ignite the entire Muslim world against us. The bin Ladens of the world cheer as we do exactly what they hoped would happen.

I understand there are incredibly complex issues I cannot even begin to fathom to be addressed in the world today, but I am convinced there is a better way to deal with Hussein. How about 10 times more weapons inspectors, constant surveillance and feeding the people of Iraq.

We must convince the Muslim world that it is not "us against them," which has become such a huge task, especially when U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft calls Al-Queda "terrorists," which they most assuredly are, but calls Timothy McVey "a bomber." To me that is pure and simple racism.

There must be a better solution than to shed the blood of our soldiers and the citizens of Iraq. Contrary to what our administration is claiming, it is absolutely possible to love this country (we are so incredibly fortunate to live here), be a patriot (I deeply respect our soldiers) and be against our administration's policy on this matter. I deeply distrust an administration made up of oil executives.

Sincerely,

Tom West

Cullowhee

Hamilton is not 'earning his keep'

To the Editor:

Where will your tax dollars be spent?

After hearing comments about the Register of Deeds Office and seeing the current issue of The Herald, I feel the people of Jackson County need to realize that LaRae Hooper was a great asset and one who has many reasons to sue after being fired from her position. She, however, has chosen the alternative of doing nothing, knowing what an expense this could be on the taxpayers of the county.

Joe Hamilton, on the other hand, seems not as concerned about how money will be spent to bring in people to correct the current mistakes costing the taxpayers money, the lack of expertise in his office for future transactions, and the salary he receives for his position.

I think Mr. Hamilton has fallen short of our expectations. How would he have felt to have been fired less than two years short of retirement from his state position? I used to respect him a lot, but he is not deserving of that respect any longer as he is not "earning his keep."

Thank you,

Sheila Blackwell

Ocean Isle Beach

Former Jackson County resident

Courthouse should be saved

To the Editor:

According to Kenneth Lee ("Editorial 'over-glorifies' Harris," Feb. 20), the people of Jackson County have been poorly served by such local leaders as C.J. Harris, who chose to build our courthouse on a hill with "a 10 percent descent with nothing more than a rock wall to sustain it." Lee goes on to note that the courthouse is a project "with cracks in the walls and a weak foundation."

Well, I don't know to what extent C.J. Harris was accountable for these alleged geological and architectural defects, but I do know that the Jackson County Courthouse is probably the most well-known courthouse in this state. This reputation is largely due to the fact that, unlike most municipal structures in this region, it is on a high elevation, enabling visitors to see it from miles away.

It is an arresting image. During the summer months, visitors to this region can be seen photographing it from downtown, and they often climb that daunting set of steps to photograph the panoramic view of the mountains and our little town.

When I travel to other sections of our state, as well as into adjoining states, people invariably respond to my statement, "I am from Sylva," with the statement, "Oh, the town with the courthouse."

Yes, we are the town with the courthouse, and it is an imposing building whatever its structural flaws may be. Its elevation above the town seems to say something about us and how we perceive the role of justice, government and law and order.

In view of the current debate as to the fate of the courthouse, I sincerely hope that Mr. Lee's letter does not presage another spate of negative comments about the wisdom of preserving and maintaining our most famous landmark. We have lost much in the county in terms of historic and noteworthy buildings - structures raised so we can have additional parking and tennis courts - or worse, to be replaced with new, soulless and impersonal structures devoid of culture or tradition.

No, let us keep the courthouse. Not only should it be repaired and maintained, it should be treasured.

Gary Carden

Sylva

Peace vigil planned

To the Editor:

From gentlest peace dove to staunchest war hawk, many Americans are worried about current international tensions. How can we accomplish a peace? How will a war help or hurt?

Despite our many questions and differing answers, citizens in Western North Carolina have had little public opportunity to communicate our concerns and convictions.

This week we will have that opportunity, and we don't have to travel outside our county for it. From noon today (Thursday) to noon tomorrow, Feb. 27 and 28, a Tapestry of Peace will be constructed on the campus of Western Carolina University at the Alumni Clock Tower.

The sponsoring organization, Western Carolina Peace Initiative, invites everyone to bring words or images to add to the tapestry. They will supply writing and construction materials. A podium will also be provided for those who wish to speak. (The opening ceremony at noon today has scheduled speakers.)

Who will participate during this 24-hour period? Who will take the time to communicate his or her questions, answers, ideas and beliefs? All we have to do is show up, share our thoughts, and listen to the thoughts of others. If we do not talk in Jackson County, surely we will always fight everywhere.

Peaceably,

Marsha Lee Holmes

Sylva

Police provide 'personal touch'

To the Editor:

My wife and I bought a house in downtown Sylva just over three years ago. We have come to love living here and in a small town. Unfortunately, we are only here part time.

This week I returned to Sylva to check on our house and pick up the mail. Much to my surprise, I found my fishing vehicle had been stolen! I notified the police, expecting never to see it again.

Within two days the police had found the vehicle, apprehended the suspects and returned my property to me. Not only were they fast, they were nice. Detectives Tammy Hooper and John Buchanan worked very hard and kept me informed of their progress. Others at the Police Department were also helpful, kind and concerned. I was very pleased.

Being from a much bigger city, I did not expect the "personal touch," but I got it from all concerned. I just wanted the rest of Sylva's citizens to know you have some good folks on the force. Take care of them.

Milt Wofford

Sylva

Students speeding on N.C. 107

To the Editor:

Western Carolina University Chancellor John Bardo has professed publicly on different occasions that he wants to "help this region."

He could start by convincing his faculty and students that the speed limit on N.C. 107 in Sylva is 35 mph. I recently witnessed three near accidents in less than 1,000 feet between Cope Creek and Enmark caused by what appeared to be college-aged drivers.

What good will it do to have them wired up and educated - and dead!

Allen Fisher

Sylva

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