Letters to the Editor
Don’t make the same mistake as the British
Sunday, July 6, 2008 — It was refreshing to see the poll in the SNAP showing that North Carolina voters reject the state takeover of Alcoa. They are showing a better understanding of some basic economic principles than some of our local government officials.
It may be correct that the water in the rivers belongs to the public, but the dams on the river and the land under the lakes are private property. They were built with private money. They were built with the expectation of making a profit just as any investor would expect when a business is started or expanded.
There are no legal limits and there should be no limits as to how long a company may make a profit. There are also no legal limits on the amount of profit a company may earn.
Private property and the right to earn a profit from ownership of property is a cornerstone of our free enterprise system that goes back hundreds of years. It is a fundamental requirement of the free enterprise system. Without it there is no free enterprise.
If the government can take over the private property of Alcoa because it is producing too much profit, what is to keep the government from taking over the local bank or the local farm or the local building supply company or any other business that is “making too much profit?”
The British broke into the sanctity of private property in the late 1940s and forced many large companies to sell their property to the government. By the 1980s the British realized that government ownership of business resulted in less production and less income in the country. The companies were sold back to the public.
Surely we in America and we in Stanly County won’t make the same mistake.
Eugene Pickler
New London
- Letters to the Editor
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Boat safe, boat sober
The end of summer is quickly approaching. One of the last big weekends for boating is the Labor Day holiday.
All of us want to go on the water and have fun with our family and friends, but there are a few things we need to always keep in mind. -
We should be pro-business
The number one priority for politicians and just about anybody to talk about is jobs and the economy. I would like to express my observations on what I believe are pretty strong “anti-business and anti-industry” expressions and actions that are on the local level.
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Many make School Tools Ride successful
A very special thanks to all the Albemarle Police officers who provided traffic control, blocking intersections for our School Tools Ride on Aug. 14.
Officer Kevin Boone, who is a member of Gold Wing Road Riders Associa-tion’s local chapter NC T-2 and a police officer with APD, was instrumental in arranging and coordinating a very smooth, safe ride for our out-of-town visitors. -
Writer seeks donations for Red Bird Mission
Two years ago I had the privilege of visiting the Red Bird Mission in Beverly, Ky., a remote region in Kentucky where poverty is a way of life, as is hard work if there is any work.
I saw small houses built way down the embankment off the road insulated with plastic or newspapers or anything to help block out the winter cold. I saw many barefooted children and it was not summer. -
A few tips for hunters
Hunting season is quickly approaching. I’m sure there are a lot of hunters anxious for this season to begin.
As many of you may know there are a few new privileges that are open to the public this season. One is that anyone may hunt with a crossbow. Another is that anyone may hunt on private property on Sunday with a bow and arrow or crossbow (during the designated season). -
Same-sex marriage issue debated
In the Aug. 19 issue of The Stanly News & Press, columnist Stephanie Salter advocates allowing same-sex marriage based on the contention that not doing so violates the “equal protection clause” of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
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Firefighters, volunteers show great bravery
As a resident of the Kirk Road community, I would like to give credit to the East Side Volunteer Fire Department and to Stanly County EMS for the bravery that was shown on Aug. 7.
Dusty Caviness initially helped save our neighbor Frank’s life by stopping the tractor that had fell on him. This allowed for the firemen to reach him and eventually free him. -
Showing respect in a tragic situation
I want to write to say thank you for the way the front page article was written about Jesse Kidd and the remarks that were made on the editorial page (Our View, Aug. 3). It showed the utmost respect and compassion for the family, as well as those who were there that night helping.
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Though saddened, we say thank you
Over the next few weeks, the Albemarle Christian Bookstore and Hallmark will be closing its doors and will no longer be able to serve the needs of a community that we have loved for many years.
It has been an excruciating decision, but has become one that is unavoidable due to the economic condition facing our country, and more specifically, our county. -
Who was offended?
A recent event in Raleigh has me wondering just what our State Government officials are thinking. And what We the People are allowing to happen.
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Boat safe, boat sober
