I have been thinking about this debacle of an investment with the Dell corporation. I heard that the total package of local and state investments could have totaled $300 million.

Now I know that the state was not going to write a check out for that amount, but I also know that Dell could have received in benefits that amount for investing in this state.

I am upset that Dell is moving to Mexico and closing the local business.

The local and state governments should look at this as an education. Let’s say that instead of one company getting all those incentives we spread that money around to possibly 300 companies. Let’s say we incentivised all companies to grow to 20 employees and all companies to get to $1 million in yearly sales. They would receive some tax advantages, or some investment relief. If they all survived, then we would have 6,000 employed workers at this time. If only half of the companies survived, we would still have 3,000 employed.

We need to find ways of growing, helping and supporting our local businesses.

They are the backbone of our economy. The more we take care of local, the less we have to search for companies to come here.

If we make this area business and company friendly, then they will come without bribery ... I mean incentives.

Randy Simmons

High Point


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Why check for rabies when dog’s shots are current?

On Oct. 8, our beloved pet, Maggie, was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver. She had gotten out of our fenced in backyard (she stayed in the house with us except to go outside and do her “thing,” as we called it) and found her way to the street. She was a Jack Russell Terrier.

I have always tried to be a law-abiding citizen, do the right thing. When the veterinarian told me she had to be checked for rabies, I questioned, why? Her shots were up to date. They even checked with our veterinarian and he told them the same thing. I did not know how this was done and I will not go into the details; it just added more pain and heartache to what we were already feeling.

They told me if Maggie had lived 24 hours, they would not have to do the test. It was because she had bitten someone who had tried to help her. It was the law. My question is, why did I have shots up to date? Because it was the law and I loved her. Some day I will get another dog. I will love and care for her just as I did Maggie. I know the shot is for protecting people and animals from rabies. I will obey the law.

Some people with say, “Oh, it was just a dog.” We had Maggie for 11 years. She was a loyal friend who wanted to be loved and gave love in return. Believe me she was and did. She was God’s creation, and as a friend reminded me, when Noah built the Ark, he provided for the pets. Maggie was well provided for. She was a wonderful and loving pet and will be truly missed.

Carlene Baity

High Point


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China awakes in the effort to combat climate change

This is in response to Michael Wines' (New York Times) article on Beijing’s improving air pollution:

For a city whose environmental activism over the past decades has been as stagnant as molasses, this progress toward improved air quality is monumental. Wines acknowledges that “the war is far from won,” yet the scope of progress in actually combating pollution at this point is not so important in comparison to the simple fact that Chinese officials are now enacting environmentally-friendly legislation.

Sometimes, it’s the thought that counts, and while Beijing’s new policies may not be reaping drastic environmental changes, its actions certainly have the potential to act as a catalyst in mobilizing other cities to a larger cause. Cooperation from this looming dragon is highly instrumental in combating global climate change, and while Beijing’s environmental activism is certainly still in its infancy stages, it should be applauded as its initiative serves a higher purpose in stimulating environmental activism around the globe.

Albert J. Rhoton Jr.

High Point


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What’s wrong or right about the “Pelosicare” health care bill being debated in the U.S. House? In 30 words or less (no name, address required) e-mail your thoughts to letterbox@hpe.com. Here is one response:

• The name says it all, “Pelosicare”! Pelosi only cares about herself and no one else! If she won’t choose the plan herself, don’t cram it down our throats!