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Enlightenment
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Published: August 23, 2008
Updated: 08/22/2008 08:20 pm
A recent letter ("Effective Leadership" Aug. 10) stated, "I cannot figure out why people dislike how Rep. Virginia Foxx has done her job." Permit me to enlighten:
1. Her support of the Bush/Cheney administration has enabled our government to have a $263 billion deficit and a $9.3 trillion national debt.
2. She has voted against funding for veterans affairs, rest for troops and veterans' education.
3. She has voted against Head Start, the State Children's Health Insurance Program, student loans, aid to farmers, environmental issues and even aid for Hurricane Katrina victims.
4. She secured $550,000 in pork for a teapot museum, hidden in a transportation bill.
5. She now shamelessly portrays herself as a champion of our energy crisis, when she has voted against energy independence, increased fuel efficiency and enhanced public transportation.
6. She is ranked poorly, 399 out of 435 representatives, for her influence in Congress by the Knowledgis consulting firm.
7. Foxx was rated "F" by themiddleclass.org, a watchdog group looking out for legislative impact on the middle class.
Considering her record, she is a dreadful representative for the 5th District. She needs to be held accountable and voted out of office.
TOM LANNO
Blowing Rock
Media Bias
I've noted the TV media bias and promotion of Sen. Barack Obama, particularly during his recent trip to the war areas and Europe. Significantly, all three major TV networks, ABC, CBS and NBC, sent their anchors (not just reporters) to support and cover the effort. This degree of unprecedented news coverage smacks of partisan support and was a significant boost to Obama's campaign. This went far beyond simple news coverage.
I believe that media bias is broadly perceived in print media as well. For example, The New York Times refused to print an op-ed submission from Sen. John McCain -- after running one from Obama -- claiming it didn't meet the Times' standards. Other such instances are numerous, not only in the Times, but in other print organizations (some considerably nearer than New York).
Partisan reporting, underreporting and withholding of news, I believe, endanger a free society. A free and fair election, indeed a properly functioning democracy, requires an informed public. Certainly staff members will have their own particular opinions; however, they should be kept in the opinion section and not be allowed to grossly distort the news.
JAMES S. LASSING
Winston-Salem
Lost Canopy
It was encouraging, indeed, to read two articles in last week's newspaper about tree ordinances in Forsyth County ("Groups lobby city for break," Aug. 14 and "Tree ordinance for Clemmons revisited," Aug. 16). It is forward thinking, in my opinion, for local officials to lead the way to protect our shrinking urban forest. Thank you!
I also applaud the efforts of the citizens committee whose members worked tirelessly for Winston-Salem to reach consensus and prepare a fine landscape tree ordinance. If our officials will now adopt the ordinance without add-on regulations, it could be a positive step for the county. While we wait, more of our tree canopy is lost.
Soon, the N.C. Department of Transportation will begin clearing our woodlands to accommodate the eastern section of the Northern Beltway. Based on my calculations, our county will lose another 10,000 acres of tree canopy/vegetation that would otherwise clean our air and prevent water pollution. Big specimen trees are especially effective in protecting our environment. Research shows that for every dollar spent on tree programs, the community receives a $6 benefit. Preserving our existing tree canopy makes sense -- and cents!
TOBY BOST
FIELD FACULTY EMERITUS
NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY
Winston-Salem
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