At a time when money is very tight, President Obama wants to spend more money ... to the tune of a trillion dollars or so for his health care agenda. Of course, he tried to disguise it by saying it will come from “finding waste”… a feat the government has never achieved.

Medicare is about $100 billion in the hole due to mismanagement, yet we are supposed to believe the answer to government inefficiency is more government control. Right. He must think the American people are stupid. Sadly, he may be right if we fall for this.

I’m not against reform … just against the kind of “reform” that involves the government taking complete control of my health. When has the government ever managed a business efficiently? Post office? No, almost defunct. Medicare? No, billions in the red. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac? Laughable.

A lot of good plans have been suggested for reform. Jim DeMint’s is an excellent choice for example, but Obama does not want to hear it. He also refuses to save billions by implementing tort reform, instead staying loyal to his attorney buddies, instead of the American people. Shame on those who buy his hype, especially when similar plans like TennCare have failed.

Eric S. Campbell

High Point


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Paying attention? Can you name these presidents?

Are you smarter than a fifth-grader?

What future president was taught writing and arithmetic by his wife?

Under which president was there a vice president of opposing political faith?

What president’s wife said she was not proud to be an American?

What future president enlisted in the Mexican War as a private?

What president was the first one to have a beer party in the rose garden for the world to see?

What president was assassinated while attending a World’s Fair?

What president hired two confirmed Communists to be

his personal advisers?

Who was the first president to occupy the White House?

Who was the first president that said he knew where he could borrow $9 trillion? (The Bible says to owe no man anything. Romans 13:8)

What president was three-time governor of Ohio?

What president said he wanted to make friends with terrorists?

What future president was governor of the Philippines?

During whose presidency was the Oregon boundary settled?

If you got more than half of this right, stand up, salute the flag and proclaim, “I am smarter than fifth-grader.”

CICERO CRUMP

High Point


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Let’s get rid of these three depressing things

These are three depressing things: FWDs, politicians and hatred.

1. Disgusted with FWDs? I bet more than 80 percent are not true, actually scandalous, plain ol’ lies. If it’s not helpful, if it’s harmful to someone/a business even, it’s gossip. Check it out on a search engine. Hit “delete” instead of “forward.”

2. Shame on politicians. ... You know who you are! Whether you are a D or an R – shame! You are spreading rumors/gossip about each other and stretching the truth beyond recognition. You’re making the American people sick and depressed. Enough! Whatever happened to dignity and respect? Teach our children to respect the office of the President of the United States. Pray for our leaders, our military, our people.

3. And, aren’t we all immigrants or descendants of immigrants except for the native Americans? Do we really hate them so much! Have we researched to be sure they are getting all this wonderful stuff they don’t deserve; I doubt it. Lay off! Let’s go back to doing a “random act of kindness.” Bet we’ll feel better!

Elaine Lemons

High Point


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Elected officials should listen to the people

In visiting businesses and entrepreneurs in Thomasville, I have discovered a few facts. Most of the people I have spoken to ask “Who is the mayor now?” and “How can we get the City Council to help us get businesses other than banks, fast food and gas stations?”

Why do we have to go outside of Thomasville for entertainment, eloquent dinners, and atmosphere? Thomasville could have all those here with the right leadership and the backing of each citizen in support of local businesses.

During the last “State of the City” address, I heard Mayor Bennett say that “some of the buildings downtown should be bulldozed. They are too old!” This may be true because the building codes have changed over the years, however, how can a downtown become “historical” if everyone just destroys the old. There must be ways to move forward without losing the past.

It is time that our leaders listen to the people of Thomasville! What do people want from their downtown? Every city leader must listen to those people who elected them to their position.

Sometimes, it’s hard for people in high places to see how they got there and who put them there. Additionally, it’s even more difficult to see and remember who should be in charge of Thomasville’s future. Many talk about what they want, but when was the last time leaders asked citizens what kind of future they want? Who do residents want in charge of Thomasville’s future? The City Council, the Chamber of Commerce, the city manager? Or do they want to have a say in their future and the future of Thomasville? This Election Day people should vote only for candidates that have the people’s future in mind and will listen to what the people have to say!

Terry Hill

Thomasville

The writer is a candidate for Thomasville mayor.


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Did you have a problem with President Obama speaking to the nation’s school students? In 30 words or less (no name, address required) give us your thoughts by e-mailing letterbox@hpe.com. Here is one response:

• I do not think any politician should direct a speech solely at school children. Although Obama’s comments were positive and encouraging for children, it set a very bad precedence.