Please have Ashley Osment write as many My View columns as she is able (CHN Aug. 5). It was one of the best I've read.

Her discussion of a timely and interesting topic is beautifully written, definitely not too "heavy." I hope to hear more from her and wish her the best in her treatment. And if her treatment is not successful and facing death is a necessary topic, then I'd like to read that, too.

In the interim, health in the midst of illness, cancer with a bad prognosis, and worries about a kid are all topics that I'm sure would appeal to many, certainly to me.

Judith Butt

Pittsboro

Relieved to hear vet's clarification

In Bobby Schopler's response to my letter (CHN July 29) he admitted he forgot to mention he had humanely euthanized the fawn. I was very relieved to hear this as his statement that "nature took its course" gave concerned readers the wrong impression (especially after such a graphic description of its suffering). Regarding other recent letters I would like to say the following. I'm sure Bobby Schopler is a nice man. I'm sure The Piedmont Wildlife Center runs a great summer camp for children. So it's really just this simple.

Those who want to donate money to a summer camp should donate to Piedmont Wildlife Center or other organizations that host summer camps. And those who want to donate money to organizations that care for and rehabilitate injured wildlife should donate to CLAWS or the new Triangle Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic or find out the names of the other licensed independent rehabilitators and offer to help them. After all, the executive director of CLAWS, Kindra Mammone, stated in her letter (CHN Aug. 2) there are over 100 licensed rehabilitators in our area and the majority work without pay. She also stated CLAWS has no paid staff and 100 percent of your donations go directly to the animals.

And remember you don't have to choose between donating money to those who care for injured animals and those who run summer camps because you can donate to both if you want.

Robin Cutson

Chapel Hill

Healer helped mom avoid knee surgery

As a practicing physician in integrative medicine, I was delighted to read Blair Pollock's column on health and healing (CHN Aug. 2).

I was fortunate to have been introduced to Dr. Acharan Narula several years ago and have found his work to be most helpful. To illustrate the significant benefits of his work, my 80-year-old mother became increasingly less mobile due to severe knee osteoarthritis and total knee replacement was suggested as a definitive therapy. She began Dr. Narula's protocol including Itis-Care as well as Micro-Care and Baicalin in the fall of 2008 and within eight weeks reported feeling pain-free and much more agile. She again resumed senior aerobics and at present walks 2.5 miles daily. She has said on more than one occasion, "When I get up in the middle of the night, I give thanks for finding Dr. Narula's support for my arthritis!"

The science behind Dr. Narula's work is exciting. With his tutelage, I have enjoyed rekindling my study of biochemistry some 26 years after receiving my M.D at UNC: studying the current peer-reviewed literature concerning inflammatory triggers, questions related to current accepted therapy and an evolving understanding of the future direction of the care of the patient with inflammatory concerns. I have been extremely grateful to observe the meticulous and rigorous manner in which Dr. Narula conducts and applies his research to the development of these unique and clinically valuable nutritional supplements. Thank you for bringing Dr. Narula's important life's work into public focus!

Deborah Tussing, M.D.

Annapolis, Md.

Parents seeking what son deserves

I am very concerned that in your article "Schools Defend Autism Decision" (N&O July 28) you are allowing the Orange Country schools to unfairly reframe the nature of the lawsuit that the McWhirters recently won. Your article seems to suggest that the McWhirters want the public schools pay for their child's private education. That is not true.

The McWhirters went to court to fight for the schools to provide services within the public school system as mandated by law.The McWhirters won the court case because even the expert witnesses the public school selected felt that the minimal services offered to the child were not acceptable. The court awarded payment for the private school because the public schools dragged their feet and gave the McWhiters no other option.

The McWhirters are extremely brave to go to the courts to fight because most of the parents of special needs children in North Carolina do not. The public schools use legal fees as a weapon to prevent us from fighting for basic rights for our children to attend school. The Orange County Schools could save thousands on legal fees and help educate children more if they would just drop the appeal. The very title of your article suggests that the schools are under attack when it is this family that the schools are dragging through the appeals process. There is a serious problem with special education in North Carolina. This is not an isolated case.

Lisa Kaylie

Chapel Hill

Where is punishment for the war mongers?

Punishment of Bernard Madoff was warranted considering his having caused the loss of large amounts of savings and investments by many people and institutions.

But, what about losses other than wealth? What about the millions who have lost their lives, become refugees or physically and mentally crippled for life? Consider American presidents, their advisers, and members of Congress who have authorized wars. The Vietnam war, among others, is one example. We were led to believe Vietnam attacked us, and we needed to stop the spread of communism, so we had 10 years of unjustified war.

With Iraq, in its seventh year, it is control of oil, though it was deceptively claimed Iraq planned to initiate war against us. In Afghanistan, in almost eight years, we supposedly sought the perpetrators of 9/11 and the Taliban yet we wage war against an entire nation. So far in these wars, we have lost 5,000 of our troops and hundreds of thousands of Iraqi and Afghani, not to mention those scarred for life. Now the Afghanistan war is being fought as part of the "global war against terrorism" and involves Pakistan. There is evidence that the reason for these aggressive actions is to achieve dominance over such oil-rich nations.

The International Criminal Court brings to justice governmental leaders who commit crimes again humanity. But, the U.S. has not signed this treaty. It is incumbent upon us and our leaders to support the ICC, to work for peace and not war, to advance humane and democratic principles our leaders have taken an oath to support.

Vivian and Bob Plonsey

Chapel Hill

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

The Chapel Hill News welcomes letters and columns from readers. Letters are limited to 250 words, columns to 550. Writers are limited to one letter a month and one column every three months. All submissions become property of The Chapel Hill News and McClatchy Newspapers.

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