Please explain playoff matches
This letter addresses the subject of the upcoming NCHSAA football playoffs.
Could someone please offer a legitimate explanation as to how South Rowan, 9-2 overall and 5-1 in its conference, is seeded lower than the team it just defeated Friday night?
East Rowan, 8-3 overall and 4-2 in their conference, is matched up against a team with a 5-5 record, while South is matched up against a team with an 8-3 record. It is almost as if South Rowan is being penalized for its success!
Could it be that a dollar declares a potential rematch between West Rowan and South Rowan just too hard to give up? I will agree that a matchup between an 11-0 team and a 9-2 team is an intriguing thought ó but not in the second round!
I don’t want to hear about coin flips or East-West brackets. Just a credible reason, with no politics!
ó Mitch L. Canupp
Kannapolis
Value our freedoms
As we celebrate Veterans Day by remembering and thanking the many veterans who have served and continue to serve our great country, let us also pause to give thanks for the many freedoms we enjoy in America.
Although the United States is the leader in providing humanitarian aid throughout the world, our efforts to promote freedom and peace among nations are often met with anti-American sentiment, negativity and even hatred by some countries.
If we ever doubt the true worth of America, it may be important to remember the words of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Blair has always been a staunch supporter of the United States. When asked by a member of his Parliament why he believed so strongly in America, he remarked, “A very simple way to take the true measure of a country is to look at two things ó how many people want in and how many want out.”
It has been said that in the history of mankind, there have been only two defining forces willing to die for you. The first was Jesus Christ and the second was the American soldier. One died to save your soul, and the other died so that you and future generations have your freedom.
On this Veterans Day, let us always remember that freedom is not free. Thank God for those who serve so that we may enjoy our freedom.
ó Ronnie Smith and Wilson L. Smith
(World War II veteran)
Salisbury
Thanks to Rep. Watt
I want to thank Rep. Mel Watt for voting to reform our health care system. I keep hearing how much it will cost. Has anyone stopped to figure out how much it costs us now with the system the way it is? We need the reform, including the public option to create some competition to stop the spiraling cost of insurance now.
ó Joseph Plunkett
China Grove
Learning experience
I am the pastor to three of the young ladies who were recently arrested at North Rowan High School. While I am deeply saddened and disappointed in their involvement, it is my hope that the court allows this to be a learning experience which does not lead to criminal records for any of the students. It is clear to those who know the situation that these teens did not realize the full implications and consequences of their actions.
Some mistakes made by young people deserve adult consequences. However, this is not a case where anyone benefits from their being punished as criminals. Let us as parents, pastors, teachers and the court use this incident as an important adolescent teaching moment, rather than invoking punitive judicial actions that will tarnish their lives. I pray that, just as Christians are extended grace from God, our court system will see fit to offer these students a way to atone for a lack of judgment in a manner that does not have long-lasting implications.
ó Rev. J. Ross O’Neal
Spencer
Central United Methodist Church