Letters to the editor – Sunday – Nov. 8, 2009

Published 12:00 am Friday, November 6, 2009

Salisbury fight was more newsworthy
I have never been compelled to write a letter to the editor on any subject. But I could not let the Post’s front-page reporting of the “Cricket Caper” at North Rowan High School pass without comment.
In no way would I condone what occurred the night of the “caper.” Unfortunately, these students made a poor choice, and they will pay a price for that choice. They are good kids and good students with supportive parents.
But what is most disturbing to me is the way the Post presented this “news.” You would think on the day after an election, the Post could find something more important for the front page than the in-depth reporting of what was essentially a prank, including a fascinating analysis on how you can buy crickets in bulk.
What did not make the front page? New mayors were elected in Spencer, East Spencer, Cleveland and Charlotte. I guess that wasn’t quite newsworthy enough for the front page. No crickets.
As the parent of a North senior and three other children who graduated from North, what raised my blood pressure was the article on page 4A, “Fight breaks out near Salisbury High.” In general, a fight breaking out around a high school seems to belong on page 4A if it makes the paper at all. But it turns out that 50 students were involved!!
According to Deputy Police Chief Whitley, police units are sent to the area each afternoon to discourage this behavior. That typically works, but Tuesday afternoon, the increased police presence didn’t work. So a near-riot near Salisbury High School involving 50 students makes page 4A, and an incident at North involving eight students releasing “thousands” of crickets is front-page news.
I have never been someone that sees a conspiracy around every corner, but sometimes agendas become so obvious they cannot be ignored.
ó Bill Moore
Salisbury
Congress’ raise
Well, Congress has done it again, voted themselves a great big pay raise, all the while they have denied seniors a cost of living raise in their social security checks. What is it with you people, does greed come naturally to you, or do you “practice” in front of a mirror at home, getting just the right expression and head tilt, so, we can all know immediately by looking at you, that you are indeed the greediest people on earth.
In this sagging economy, high cost of living and rising prices every day, how can you justify all the perks you get, all the free mailing, free health care, pension for life, and anything else you can get your grubby hands on, then turn around and deny a cost of living raise to the very people who put you in office? I’ll bet you even ask yourself over and over again how people can be so disgusted with Congress, don’t you?
Hopefully, after the next election, I can shout those historic words of wisdom to each and every one of you: You’re fired!
ó Jan McCanless
China Grove
YMCA is a gem
What’s the mission of the YMCA? It is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
I want people to know that the YMCA is more than just a place to go and exercise. It is an organization that is true to their mission. Last Sunday, we held an event called “Voices of Hope,” that is normally outside, but had to be brought indoors due to bad weather. The J.F. Hurley Family YMCA graciously opened their doors to us.
They were not only accommodating to our need to use the facility, but the Y staff stepped in and helped out all day. We are not the only organization the Y has helped. They open their doors to many groups within our community to hold their events.
The Y also offers financial assistance to those who cannot afford YMCA membership or services.
The YMCA is here for the community in many more ways than just a place to “work out.” Much thanks to the J.F. Hurley YMCA for its continued involvement and interest within our community. It is a Christian organization, and they are truly committed to building a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. I’m proud to be a member of the YMCA of Rowan County!
ó Lori Yang
Salisbury