I am writing in response to your editorial in Our View last Friday regarding the release of the tape of the Courtland Smith incident. I strongly disagree with your contention that the tape should be released.

Regardless of the “public property” argument you put forth, the fact is that nothing is to be gained by releasing the tape, short of satisfying the unfathomable voyeuristic desires of the public, and, presumably, you and your staff.

The Smith family has suffered enough, and the young man and the officers involved have suffered enough. If you and/or the public feel the need to satisfy your morbid curiosities further, there is still plenty of the Tiger Woods fiasco on every news channel, newspaper and Web site available 24/7.

At least Woods chose to live, and profit from, a public life. The Smiths and their unfortunate son did not make such a choice. The wishes of the Smith family should be honored.

They should be left alone, and the young man should be allowed to rest in peace.

William D. Moore Jr.

High Point


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Could officer in Smith case have used a Taser instead?

I am writing concerning the police shooting of Courtland Smith.

I have written before about this matter. I have heard where the officer has been cleared by the district attorney in Randolph County.

My question is: Did the SBI take into consideration whether Smith could have been Tasered?

I understand that the officer let Smith get within 10 feet before he opened fire. Is 10 feet good enough for a Taser gun to be used? I would like to know if someone with some law enforcement experience could tell me. I heard of an incident in Gaston County, N.C., where the deputy first used a Taser gun but the Taser gun did not work. So the deputy had to use deadly force. I do believe that the suspect was a serial killer.

I’m just confused on when a Taser gun should be used or not. And again I want to say all I have said in the very highest respect to all involved in law enforcement.

I also wonder how the folks at UNC-Chapel Hill Delta Kappa fraternity feel about the officer’s actions in this tragedy? What I am getting at is, couldn’t it be possible that a Taser gun be used first and if that did not work, the officer could use his service revolver?

Best wishes and happy holidays to all.

Steven B. Blennon

High Point


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Community prayer breakfast speaker was inspiring

My husband and I felt very blessed Friday to have attended the 39th Annual Community Prayer Breakfast at High Point University. It is my understanding that there were over 500 guests there.

The outstanding music was provided by the Market Street Brass, the University Singers and Chapel Choir and a solo by Marc Ashley Foster who chairs the HPU Department of Music. Added to this was a delicious breakfast, but the most important thing about the morning was the message given by the Rev. Dr. Kent Millard.

I was moved by Millard’s Christian based message. His credentials are impeccable, and what he had to say was spiritually uplifting. I can understand why Millard is the senior pastor of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, which serves 6,000 members. He is an evangelist of the first order. He made me want to go out into the community and seek those who are less fortunate than I. Thank you High Point University and Rev. Millard for a morning that was very moving. My soul was blessed on this day.

Carolyn G. Kearns

High Point