As a mother of two children, I can only imagine the sense of grief and loss experienced by David Shannon’s family. My heart breaks for them.

David Shannon was 18 - he was a freshman student at UNC. He lived in our community, following in the footsteps of other family members.

His life ended last week. It’s reported he began a night of drinking with friends, which continued into the morning hours. Though the exact reason is unclear, he supposedly left his friends and went onto private business property. While there, he climbed upon construction equipment, where he fell to his death.

Simply stated, his death is a senseless tragedy. It’s cause is likely related to the excessive use of alcohol.

But David Shannon is not the first UNC student to die here from alcohol-related causes. What’s more, unless and until the university and town join together to reduce the serious problem of underage drinking that infects our campus and community, he’s not likely to be the last, either.

I never had the chance to know David Shannon, but it seems he was a great young man with a once promising future. Alcohol denied him that future, and, for that, none of us should be silent or complacent.

It’s time for the town of Chapel Hill and the University of North Carolina to unite together in a common effort to address and reduce the serious health problem of high-risk excessive underage drinking in our community.

Dale Pratt-Wilson

Chapel Hill

Church vandalism

Some will say that defiling the Church of the Reconciliation with swastikas was done by people angered by ads they felt were anti-Israel. Those whose relatives and co-religionists suffered under the Nazis, as the Jews did, would appreciate the evil consequences of National Socialist (Nazi) tactics. Could they ever resort to such tactics themselves? Perhaps the perpetrators are really Neo-Nazis, leaving their calling card.

Dr. Robert Pinschmidt

Carrboro

Smoking ban

Concerning the ban on smoking in cars and on city and county-owned property, I would like to see the Orange County Board of Health add to this ordinance a requirement that the foreheads of smokers residing within our jurisdiction be tattooed (or branded) with a Scarlet S. This will not only satisfy the rectitude of the Goodies of Orange County but also serve as a wholesome deterrent against this last remaining bar to eternal life through Healthy Living.

Further, to remedy our fiscal problems, I would suggest that the County reconstitute its Alcoholic Beverage Commission (ABC) stores to become Tobacco and Alcoholic Beverage (TAB) stores. These sin shops will amend upwards our current retrograde (although thankfully still regressive) tax on tobacco products and help to further segregate evil-doers from the chosen majority. May I also suggest that these new revenues to be added the myriad of set asides within our Education Lottery kitty. This most goodly of special funds will be used for the purchase of Hula Hoops for office holders and the construction of free Maglev lines between coffee houses within the County and selected Official Member Facilities such as committee and council rooms, local government offices and courtrooms.

William Gargan

Chapel Hill

Drawn out elections

Enough already! How is it that a political system considered among the most enlightened in history and a nation that holds itself up as an example for countries to emulate cannot elect a president in less than eighteen months? Other democratic nations seem able to announce candidates, explain their platforms, and (I assume) do the fund-raising, baby-kissing, glad-handling, mudslinging, and actual voting in six weeks or less. Why does America take so long to accomplish this same task?

Economics? Think of the money those campaign spots must generate for individuals, companies and TV networks. Educational? Hardly, when much of the information proffered appears to be outright lies or, at best, half-truths. Or are there other reasons for this long, protracted process which completely escape me? Based on what we read/hear about the candidates and issues, I’m certain voters could make their choices even if the entire campaign season lasted only six weeks…eight weeks maximum.

One more month. Like everyone else in the USA (and world), I’ll just have to endure this interminable campaign season…and all the ones that follow if this maddening system does not change. Be sure to vote; after all, you’ve invested eighteen months of your life waiting for the main event. When I first registered to vote back in 1974, a wise person told me to vote in every election because “If you don’t vote, you don’t get to grumble.” Grrr…I haven’t missed one yet.

Dorothy A. Works

Chapel Hill

Beloved buildings

Regarding the article "Empty, rural chapel moves to Chapel Hill" (N&O, Oct. 21):

As I read this story, I wondered why the people of Germantown are so sad about St. Philip’s Church being moved to Chapel Hill. They said they loved it, but they didn’t love it enough. It stood empty and unused for years. No building should stay empty for years; it is a sad sight to see.

Now it will be the setting for Sunday services, weddings, gatherings, etc., and have a real life. It will be updated and will shine with new life. If you have a historic building in your area that you love, love it more, restore it and use it. Everyone will be happier!

Nancy Delia

Goldsboro