Few would deny that Orange, Durham and Wake counties have rapidly grown in the last three decades, and expert predictions are for continued population increases.

As someone who lives in north Orange County and frequently commutes to Chapel Hill, Durham and Raleigh, I can personally attest to the increase in traffic on rural roads as well as our interstates. If you’ve ever been on I-40 between 4 and 7 p.m., you know about traffic congestion. If you commute into Hillsborough at 8 a.m. or 4 p.m. you know about traffic backup and delay.

If you believe that more automotive traffic is our future and want to do something to change that, then voting for the Orange County Transit Plan is a vote in the right direction.

A half cent sales tax equates with an extra five cents on a $10 purchase. I think we can all afford that. And, even though rural residents may think that they will not ever use a bus or a train, they still will benefit from an easier commute because of all those who will use public transportation. World-class cities all have efficient mass-transportation systems, some, albeit put in place after overwhelming congestion and heavy infrastructure were firmly established. In the Triangle, we still have the opportunity to plan and build with minimal disruption and prepare for the transportation challenges that are inevitable. We all win with an efficient, comprehensive transportation system. This is money well spent.

Sam Lasris

Cedar Grove

Don’t muzzle democracy

I am Lebanese-American and have been residing in Chapel Hill for over 22 years. The Town Council is considering a ban on political ads. It appears to me that there are three issues here. One concerns the poster on buses (with two grandfathers and their grandchildren pleading for a just peace in Israel/Palestine). Second, the reaction to the ad. Thirdly, ensuring democratic public space.

The poster calls for ending U.S. military aid to Israel. It is similar to ads placed in many towns and cities around the country. It doesn’t appear to be “false, misleading, deceptive, disrespectful, or obscene” which would disqualify it. In fact it aims to open up the question of how we spend our resources (human, political and financial). It implies a call for investing in peace and justice rather in weapons and war.

Some saw in the poster issues of freedom of expression. Others were offended. Town Council member Penny Rich very gently explained that the town has to “understand the strong bond Jewish people have with Israel.” I respect Ms. Rich’s concern. But there is another voice in Judaism that cries, along with prophet Micah, “What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8) This call for justice and mercy resonates with many people, Jewish and Non-Jewish, and is particularly needed in our day.

The range of public debates we see in Israel is magnitudes more than is permitted here in the U.S. This timidity, or silence, is neither healthy nor helpful to either the U.S. or Israel. The military aid we provide Israel is substantial. It goes against U.S. law as the weapons have been used extensively against civilians. Furthermore, this aid permits actions that defy international law.

Every time we take the pledge of allegiance we commit ourselves to “Justice and Liberty for ALL.” I am pleading that we not muzzle an attempt to open a slight crack in the wall of silence that surrounds our actions and policies in the Middle East.

Bisharah Libbus

Chapel Hill

What’s going on

I give campus tours at UNC-Chapel Hill. As I take tour groups past the Old Well, every so often we’ll pass a fleet of news vehicles parked in front. Our visitors – parents especially – always want to know what’s going on to attract that much attention.

The answers that are easy for some to give involved scandal, academic fraud, and college students generally causing mayhem. I write to encourage consumers of the news to dig a little deeper, though, and find the real answers – for every one piece of negative news there are at least 50 stories of achievement, innovation, and accomplishment that come from this great community.

Check out the www.unc.edu campus updates to read about Sprout, a student-run business that partners with a local farm to bring produce to campus, supporting both local business and international development projects that their students engage in during the summer.

Head to the Carolina Performing Arts page to see pictures and reviews of our concert with Yo-Yo Ma. Tickets that were just $10 for students allowed many to see a world-renowned ensemble in a beautiful space that is made accessible to our entire community.

Visiting the website of the internationally renowned journal Science brings you to Dr. Myron Cohen’s 2011 Breakthough of the Year research on HIV-AIDS. Dr. Cohen’s lab has given the science community a deeper theoretical understanding of this disease that will affect millions of lives.

So bring on the news trucks – there’s a lot to talk about at Carolina.

Hetali Lodaya

UNC Class of 2014

Holding back tears

As I write this letter I am holding back tears! For some unexpected reason my English teacher, Mrs. Thompson, is leaving us.

This is my first year at Carrboro High School. It’s hard to make friends and feel comfortable in a new environment, but teachers like Mrs. Thompson welcome you with open arms and a sincere smile. In her class I can be myself, and I thank her for that!

The only way a teacher can get through to a student is by being stern and honest. That’s what Mrs. Thompson does and her being that way makes us aware that she cares and truly has high expectations for those she teaches. In her class there’s a feeling of peace, love and comfort! I look forward to first period every morning. Mrs. Thompson is funny, optimistic, caring, kind, encouraging and most of all she makes a difference!

I really wish she would reconsider. She is dealing with a lot but still manages to teach with a smile, she gives us a chance, she still wants the students to thrive. If you were in her shoes you’d understand! We started with her we don’t want to end with anyone else. To be honest no other teacher will make an impact like Mrs. Thompson did.

Brantise Johnson

Carrboro High School