My name Raymond Michael Edward, and I am from India.

I came here to work as a counselor at Chestnut Ridge Summer Camp and Retreat Center in Efland in 2011 and 2012.

I had the pleasure of meeting Bruce Thomas, whom most of you know by the name “Dancing Man of Carrboro.” He reminds me of my Uncle George who had the same type of character. Bruce is a very funny, jovial, kind-hearted person.

Bruce works with me at the camp, and all the kids love him. This man loves to not only dance, but he sings as well and has a wonderful voice.

Bruce told me last year that he wanted to take me to Weaver Street in Carrboro, but unfortunately it didn’t happen.

So finally he got me to Carrboro on Thursday for the after-hours music at Weaver Street. He introduced me to one of his good friends, Kevin, who I found to be a funny, jolly good guy and professor Tom who I found to be a wonderful person

Everything Bruce told me about Weaver Street I witnessed with my eyes and heart to be true.

All the people Bruce knows are just amazing, kind hearted and full of compassion, and Bruce danced like there was no tomorrow.

And the children who flocked to him was a wonderful sight for my eyes

Again thank you, Weaver Street, Carrboro. And thank you Dancing man of Carrboro, my friend Bruce.

Raymond Michael Edward

India

Money well spent

I am glad the Coalition for Peace and the Church of Reconciliation had the chance to post their erroneous political ad on the Chapel Hill bus, for it only served to expose their naivety on foreign affairs, and their blatant hatred of Israel.

The only ones missing in their group photo were their co-conspirators: Hamas leader Haniyeh in Gaza, Hezbollah leader Nassrallah in Lebanon, and Alminijhad in Iran. This church group has joined a conspiracy of fools in an attempt to render Israel defenseless, and not to be ignored, the double standard for which Israel is held to.

We have Iran threatening to wipe out Israel as they enrich uranium at levels never before seen. We see 100,00 refugees fleeing Syria; we see Hezbollah massing troops and weapons in South Lebanon and in the Bekaa Valley; and Hamas controlled Gaza launching rockets into Israel.

Israel, that tough little nation, the size of New Jersey, is a western bulwark against the aggressive intents of Iran and other bellicose nations that threaten the interests of the western world.

Compared to the $2.0 billion in military aid to Israel, the U.S. contributes more than $130 billion yearly, to the defense of Europe and more than $30 billion to the defense of Japan, Korea, and the Far East. While Israel and Egypt are the two largest recipients of U.S. aid, for its “participation” in the Gulf War, Egypt was forgiven its indebtedness of $9 billion, while Israel pays its bills.

Our investment in Israel is rewarded many times over.

Rene’ Paul de la Varre

Chapel Hill

Paying tribute

Editor’s note: U.S. Rep. David Price released the following statement as members of Congress and the nation observed the 11th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Almost every American can remember where we were when we first learned of the 9/11 attacks and how our awareness grew of the enormity of what was occurring. It is entirely appropriate that members of Congress join the nation in marking this day, remembering the fallen, honoring those who responded and the heroes who brought down the plane in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and renewing our commitment to a strong and inclusive America.

Since 2001, I have spent September 11 honoring that spirit. I have celebrated the heroism of our nation’s first responders at gatherings of local police and fire departments in the Fourth District. I have joined in recognizing September 11 as a National Day of Service, participating in service projects along with millions of Americans who want to support and give back to their communities. And I have spent September 11 at work in Congress, carrying the torch of democracy forward as a symbol to the world.

Earlier this year, I visited the National September 11 Memorial at Ground Zero to pay tribute to our brave first responders and the innocent men and women taken from us that tragic day. I also witnessed firsthand the tremendous progress being made to both honor the fallen and rebuild Lower Manhattan – a testament to the spirit and determination of the American people. Like all Americans, I draw comfort from seeing that, on each anniversary of these terrible attacks, our communities continue to remember those who are gone, reflect on the gratitude due those who now defend our country at home and abroad, and resolve to move forward in common purpose.

Rep. David Price

Fourth District

Racist rubbish?

I had a hard time understanding Lynden Harris’ My View column on the evils of stereotyping (CHN, Sept. 6, bit.ly/QbiV6Y). Children (of color, we are reminded) are told to chant things like “White people think they are better than everyone else”, “White people take what belongs to others”.

And this is supposed to be cure for … what – color-blindness? Objectivity? And how would it look if you replaced “white” with black”?

What is the difference between stereotyping, bigotry and a true comment on real differences between human groups? The children of Hidden Voices will never learn by reciting racist rubbish.

John Staddon

James B. Duke Professor, Emeritus

Department of Psychology and Neuroscience

Duke University