Letters to the editor: 03/20/03

Zoning administrator's methods justified

To the Editor:

A letter appeared in last week's newspaper that questioned the practices of Sylva zoning administrator Jim Aust ("Zoning administrator's methods questioned," March 13). As a member of and present chairperson of the town's Zoning Board of Adjustment, I rely on Jim Aust for presenting my board with everything necessary in order for us to make decisions regarding the town of Sylva's zoning ordinance.

Additionally, our board serves as the town's Planning Board, for which Jim is the town employee responsible for staffing this board in addition to his other duties as zoning administrator and fire inspector.

Although our board makes decisions regarding Zoning and Planning Board matters, Jim is the one who does all the leg work and provides all the written material used in deliberating the various issues presented to us for adjudication.

We are a volunteer board, and without Jim's hard work we would not be able to get much, if anything, accomplished.

Jim is a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, very skilled in his present work and the town of Sylva is fortunate to have him as an employee.

Sincerely,

Larry Nestler

Sylva

War will protect American lives

To the Editor:

I am writing in response to a recent letter by Mark Melrose titled "Arrogance and Power," which appeared March 6.

I'm pretty frustrated with people like Mr. Melrose. They mean well but while emotion clouds their judgment, they let the French and others do their thinking for them.

I have seen enough to know that our president is following the right course of action. Containment and diplomacy will not solve this problem. While not an expert, I spent 20 years planning and preparing for war in areas like Iraq and I'm convinced that our nation has "strategic interests" that require us to go to war against the Iraqi government. Our strategic interests as they relate to this crisis are the protection of American lives, the protection of an ally, and the assurance of our economic viability.

President Bush is confident and determined to protect American interests. He is in many ways humble not arrogant. I disagree that the president has single-handedly led us into this mess because our system will not allow one person; even if he is the president, to single handedly get us into a war.

A few countries have governments that harbor ill will for America. Like Iraq, we will eventually have to confront Iran, North Korea, China and maybe others. I can't explain why countries hate us the way they do. Maybe jealousy has something to do with it. Living overseas helped me understand how lucky we are to have the form of government we do and have the many privileges we enjoy. Some people blame America for all the bad in the world and it is true we have made our share of the mistakes, but no country can match the good our country has done for the world.

Saddam loves Americans like Mr. Melrose because they help him delay the course of action we need to take. The Soviets enjoyed similar American support before their demise calling American supporters, "Useful Idiots." The term is not a very flattering one but still hits the mark.

Ronald Bumgarner

Sylva

Support our soldiers

To the Editor:

With all that is happening in the world at the present time, i.e. impending war, the timing of this letter may very well be inappropriate.

I would like to express my feelings of support and respect for our soldiers and comrades in arms. It wasn't too many years ago that I, too, was serving our country in Desert Storm.

Although many may not agree with the present situation or the possibility of yet another war, I would be remiss if I did not remind others of the sacrifices many have made in the history of our country so that we may have, enjoy and embrace the freedoms that we as Americans possess.

I applaud each and every young man and woman who has served and are serving our country. They have chosen to unselfishly serve our country during not only times of peace, but also in times of conflict and war. It is through them that our futures will flourish and become safe, so we may never suffer another mindless, cowardly attack on our own soil.

It is imperative that we all come together as a unified nation and support our troops in this time of uncertainty, for through our strength as one they will surely be victorious. This is not only important to our present population, but to our children, grandchildren and the generations to follow.

God speed and return safely to those serving, and especially to the 210th M.P. Unit of Sylva.

Earl Middleton

Caney Fork

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