I'm fairly certain that we'll see more about the candidate's positions in the upcoming months. I haven't seen any descriptions that represent my point of view, but here's my take.

Augustus Cho, Republican. I predict he'll use the anti-tax, pro-small business, religious platforms for his main points. I certainly don't advocate higher taxes, however the community has a responsibility to support itself. I think the Republicans' financial plans lack the appropriate balance needed to ensure services to the elderly and our youth.

Matt Czajkowski, Politician. Before you start patting him the back for voting "no" on the health care benefits just remember, if it had passed he would have benefited regardless. The cynic in me saw that as just a political vote. Pro-business and thinks we should build, build and build some more. Follow the money.

Mark Kleinschmidt, Advocate. A death penalty lawyer, but didn't say whether he is for or against the death penalty. Probably the more honest of the three, and I'm not saying the others are not honest, I'm just saying. As I'm not an undocumented worker or a minority though (I could be I guess, I'm not sure nowadays), I don't feel represented. For my own personal taste, too far left.

Well, I thank them for stepping up to the plate and look forward to them sharing their views with us.

Greg McDonald

Chapel Hill

Maybe it's because we like it that way

You reported that a recent retail market analysis determined Chapel Hill was under served by the lack of department stores, automobile dealers, warehouse clubs, superstores, etc.

Surely the members of this study must realize that the lack of those very retail stores is what makes Chapel Hill such a desirable place to live. And every one of those stores is available at the most 20 minutes away. Do you hear anybody complaining that Chapel Hill lacks big box stores?

Bunny Rogers

Chapel Hill

Banners, walking map boost Carrboro pride

I want to thank Mayor Chilton, each of the aldermen and especially James Harris for the new Walk Carrboro banners that grace downtown Carrboro lampposts.

Mayor Chilton supported our efforts to make this happen from the start, the Board of Aldermen approved the banners on a unanimous vote and perhaps most importantly, Town of Carrboro's Director of Economic Development Harris worked tirelessly to make these a reality. The Carrboro Merchants Association is committed to maintaining the small town, unique family-owned business charm of Carrboro and we thank everyone who helped create and install these banners.

The banners were designed for free by Helen Kalisher, a terrific graphic designer who also happens to be my wife, and are one more important step in our ongoing Walk Carrboro campaign. Thanks also to the Carrboro Farmer's Market for allowing us to set up in the Gazebo at the end of June so folks could meet the Carrboro artist who drew our walking map, Richard Cloudt, and buy hand signed maps and bumper stickers (proceeds were split with the Inter-Faith Council for Social Service).

We have a great town and I invite everyone to pick up a free Walk Carrboro map found all over town and discover at least one thing about their home town that they didn't already know.

Jesse Kalisher

Carrboro

Mall appreciates coverage of show

It is hard to believe it was almost a year ago when the Scrapel Hill Art Contest and Exhibition Steering Committee first gathered to plan the inaugural event. Months have passed and recently we met again, this time with the artists, friends and families for a farewell gala.

Voting and donations yielded us a little over $1,000. We presented $500 checks to The Chamber of Commerce to support Green Plus and to The ArtsCenter for their scholarship program. The clock that Paul and Ginger Bauer created came in first place and they received a check for $2,500. The polar bears, by Jane Bergman and Helen Buiskool, came in second place and they received $1,500. Eleatta Diver's poppies came in third and she received $1,000. The mall is purchasing Peg Gignoux's series of plaques, and they will be our first purchase for our public art collection.

We received a good amount of publicity. There were at least four articles in the Chapel Hill News and I did interviews with Ron Stutts on WCHL several times. We had seven Scrapel Hill related events with 2nd Friday ArtWalk, The Scrap Exchange, Art Therapy Association of NC and the Art Therapy Institute. To keep momentum flowing towards the end of the show, we had weekly Scrapenger Hunts with $20 UMall gift cards given out weekly to one lucky winner.

The mall looks awfully empty today and I feel like all of my children have moved away! At least I know where to find my natural offspring! Thank you for your interest and coverage.

Susan Reda

University Mall

Dismayed by racist anti-Obama rhetoric

At least one political science textbook reports the current era of dirty politics began when Will Smith beat UNC Pesident Frank Porter Graham in a contest for the U.S. Senate in the 1950s with such charges as "Graham is known for practicing nepotism with his sister."

I believed the Swift Boat crowd had reached the epitome of trashing opponents on false grounds, until I encountered a photograph of President Obama's 11 year-old daughter Malia on the conservative "Free Republic" blog July 9, and comments elicited by that blog. The photograph, by Remo Casilli for Reuters, showed Malia in a T-shirt with a peace symbol, and posted comments such as "a typical street whore," "Ghetto street trash," and "Wonder when she will get her first abortion."

The thread was accompanied by a photo of Michelle Obama speaking to Malia captioned "To entertain her daughter, Michelle Obama loves to make monkey sounds." The comments were pulled temporarily, but then restored, eliciting a new set of racial slurs.

Until this, I thought the most unbelievable criticisms were those on conservative Internet postings that Obama's recent European tour "contributed to" or "justified" the low regard foreigners have acquired of our country.

I rejoiced when we elected an African-American president, for I felt we had come a long way. Now, I am not so sure.

Junius A. Davis

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

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