The Readers' Forum: Sunday letters

Buying local

A few years ago I kept reading that the "in thing" was buying local. It was supposed to be healthier, supportive of local farmers and venders and better-tasting. So, we opened a little store that supported more than 50 local farmers and venders. Like so many local businesses, we had to close after a couple of years because of lack of sales. What I learned from this was that while it sounds cool to say we support local businesses, what we really want is convenience; one-stop shopping. This is what makes Walmart the success it is.

That's OK, we should all be allowed to shop wherever we want for whatever reason we have. After all, it's our money. But, you know who should not shop where they want? The Winston-Salem city government. When I read in the paper that it has hired a landscaper from Georgia at $64,000 to design a new park at the old Piedmont Quarry, I got very upset ("City's hidden gem," Jan. 29). What's wrong with the landscapers in Forsyth County? I find it hard to support a government that does not support its people. Local government should buy local.

TOM RAIF

Lewisville

Safe Sunday

As youth in this community, we would like to express our opinion on underage drinking and adult alcohol overuse during large situations, such as the Super Bowl. We ask adults to watch the alcohol they ingest, because the more they drink the more their sense of judgment dwindles. They may make decisions that cause harm to themselves and others around them. For everyone's safety, please do not drive after drinking.

Adults should make sure that no one under the age of 21 has access to alcohol anywhere, because that could be the beginning of ruining someone's life. Alcohol negatively affects young people differently than adults. These effects can be permanent because of the developing brain.

Overall, please keep underage people from drinking alcohol at all times, and make sure that everyone is safe on Super Bowl Sunday.

MARCO SANTOS AND NATALIA CASAS

COALITION FOR DRUG ABUSE PREVENTION

YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL

Winston-Salem

Doing our part

For some, the Super Bowl is a time to revel one last time in America's favorite sport. For others, it's a time to spend like a banshee.

Last year my wife and I watched the Super Bowl at home with our three uninterested daughters. The night lacked a certain je ne sais quoi . This year I decided to host a super shindig for friends and family. Little did I know I'd be playing a key role in the revitalization of the American economy.

First, we upgraded our TV. Forty-seven inches of LCD love complemented by an LG sound bar with subwoofer and a new Sony Blue-ray player with Bluetooth connectivity so we could play tunes through our phones. To accommodate the new set-up, we had to rearrange the living room, which meant painting and some new decor.

The money ball continues to roll as we will be putting cash in a team of babysitters' pockets to keep all guests' kids at a neighbor's house so we can be, well, without kids. They'll need pizza, soda, chips, cookies and whatnot, and I feel sure the babysitters won't be cooking that stuff up from scratch. We also need food, drink and paper goods for the adults.

I'd like to think through all this we're doing our part to build community and create lasting memories for friends and family, but I can say with confidence we're doing our part for the economy. And it is so worth it. Go, Patriots.

KRIS KRIOFSKE

Winston-Salem

Crossed the line

The Occupy Movement has been a model of free speech. I have always supported free speech and spent over 25 years in the Army, as have many of my friends, to fight for it and support it. Recently, though, the Occupy Movement crossed the line — a line that I feel it cannot ever be able to cross back over. It has committed a grave error against all veterans and the United States of America.

Members of the Occupy Movement burned the United States flag in Oakland, Calif. ("Protesters vandalize City Hall," Jan. 30). This is the same thing our enemies do. You see it in Iran and other enemy states, not the USA.

I never had any thought in regard to the 1 percent or the 99 percent. Guess who I'm siding with now. I'm actually sick to my stomach, looking at the picture of the flag of my country burning. I think about all of the soldiers, Marines, airmen and sailors who have fought and died under the banner of our flag.

WAYNE SMITH

Winston-Salem

Sum It Up

Are you looking forward to the May primary elections? Respond to letters@wsjournal.com and put "Sum It Up" in the subject header. Only signed entries, please, no anonymous ones. Briefer responses receive preference in print.