Doing what’s right, not what’s popular
Regarding the recent debate on whether to redistrict schools, I think it is important for the school board members to remember where their interest lies ó that is, in the constituents they represent, but even more than that, in the children of those people.
Hearing parents say things so negative about North Rowan, suggesting Salisbury High be turned into a school office, and reading all of the negative things that parents have had to say about these schools is sad.
Students at these schools work hard and deserve the same opportunities as students at all other county schools.
I think that while redistricting is not the most popular thing, the members of the school board need to do what is best for students, and that is to level the playing field. With schools at similar capacity, students will have equal opportunities, bringing in a wider variety of classes to schools, and we all can agree that our students deserve the same opportunities to be successful.
Board members have a tough but clear decision to make, deciding whether to give in to threats of not being re-elected and parents selling their homes and moving, or giving all Rowan-Salisbury Schools students the same equal access to education that they are entitled to.
The right choice is not always the most popular. Those of us with the overall interest of Rowan County students in mind need to speak out, because those with their own personal interest in mind are.
For those yielding the threat of no votes, hopefully you will examine your true motives for not wanting your students to be a part of equal schools, or even better, follow through on your threat to move and take your votes with you.
ó Jonathan Clark
Salisbury
No safe smoking
Why would people smoke a water pipe? Apparently, hookahs are water pipes, a hose and a water bowl that have been used in the Middle East and Asia to smoke tobacco.
There’s a myth that hookah smoking is safer than smoking cigarettes. Hookah smokers actually inhale more tobacco than cigarette smokers. Not to mention, you share the head with others. That increases the risk of tuberculosis, herpes, hepatitis and other illnesses.
In an hour-long hookah smoking session, a smoker inhales more than 100-200 times the amount of smoke compared to smoking a single cigarette. Many believe that the water filters out all the “bad stuff” in tobacco smoke, even though that’s not true. The smoke produced by hookahs contains toxically high levels of toxic chemicals. Its smoke contains poisons that are known to cause lung cancer, heart disease, and other diseases.
I’m a member of Southeast Patriots Against Tobacco and want you to be 100 percent tobacco free.
I mean, seriously, who wants to smoke a water pipe and possibly catch an illness? Be aware of hookah bars opening up around or near college campuses. This is a new spin on a type of tobacco product that is out there. Join the movement, make a difference. Join the many other N.C. teens who have pledged to be tobacco free at www.realityunfiltered.com.
ó Daniel Brady
Salisbury
Thanks for stories
Thank you to the Post and Bret Strelow for their ongoing coverage of area sports activities. It is excellent.
As a grandparent, I am particularly appreciative of the recent write-ups of the Salisbury High tennis team on their rise to become the state’s 2 A champions. Salisbury’s girls have a large supportive following of students, parents, grandparents, and friends. In particular, Reid Leonard and Clyde Young are among the regulars.
It was a great season, and beside the talented players from the entire team, a special thanks goes out to the steady, encouraging and professional coaching of teacher Chris Myers.
óDavid P. Nelson
Salisbury