Support RCCC, call lawmakers
As chair of the Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Trustees, I am among those who are in valiant support of funding for North Carolina community colleges. I am proud of the state’s dynamic community colleges that address our unemployment challenges and provide low-cost, high-value training that leads to jobs. We have worked hard to improve efficiencies over the last few years. However, because we have become more efficient, the dollars we have saved are now at risk of being taken away.
Community colleges play an important role in putting taxpayers back to work in better careers. The funds we are asking the legislature to reinvest come from savings the North Carolina Community College System has generated.
Time is short, and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College needs your support now. In preparation for the May 14th legislative short session, please contact your North Carolina representatives and senators today, and encourage them to support North Carolina’s economic recovery by reinvesting $36.8 million in our community colleges. Thank you.
— Carl M Short, Jr.
Salisbury

Free speech?
I generally find myself agreeing with letters from Mr. Jack Burke, and enjoy reading his opinions. However, his recent letter concerning the owner of the LA Clippers Donald Sterling’s racist remarks (“Freedom of speech trumps disgust,” May 7) is an exception. I think Mr. Burke is mistaking freedom of speech with freedom from the consequences of exercising freedom of speech.
You have the right to say whatever you wish without interference from government, but when you say or do outrageous, and hateful things, you should expect consequences, as Mr. Jim Sides recently discovered.
To my knowledge, no level of elected government has taken any action against Mr. Sterling for his statements. Even the freeloading rancher Mr. Bundy is not in trouble for his hateful, racist statements, but for stealing from public lands.
The NBA is a private entity with its own rules, regulations and values. They too have the right to decide what is acceptable behavior among their owners, players and employees. So feel free to say what you wish, but remember words have consequences. The NBA was correct in suspending Mr. Sterling from their organization for exercising his right to free speech.
— William Nance
Salisbury

A worthy cause
For some years my husband and I have given to Community Care Clinic in memory or honor of friends and family. We felt it to be a worthwhile organization dedicated to helping the underserved in Salisbury and Rowan County. It wasn’t until I toured the clinic in January, that I realized it provided so much professional, compassionate care.
Krista Woolly, executive director of the clinic, took me through the dental clinic, where I met a volunteer dentist from Charlotte, the medical clinic and the pharmacy. I was introduced to staff and volunteers including Dr. David Smith, the medical director. Since the clinic does not receive federal support, it relies on the philanthropy of donors and grants. Efficiency is something that the staff and board of directors prides itself on. In fact, in 2013, for every dollar donated, the clinic was able to provide $8 worth of care.
In the various organizations I have volunteered for over the years, I have seen firsthand the struggles so many face. Many of the clinic’s patients do not qualify for Affordable Healthcare due to their income level, so I am thankful that they will still be able to access health and dental care while looking for more or better employment. There is no doubt in the present economic environment the demands on the clinic will continue. Currently the clinic is soliciting for its Second Annual Appeal. I hope you will consider a donation to the Community Care Clinic in any amount to insure the continuation of this vital local ministry.
To make a donation, please send to: Community Care Clinic, 315-G Mocksville Ave., Salisbury, NC 28144.
— Barbara Perry
Salisbury