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Today's Opinions

  • Letters to the Editor for 6/21/10

    Saving shelter animals
    Upon visiting the regional animal shelter in Galax last week, I learned that there is a great need for help to those who sit on death row. Animals, in particular.
    A mere $15 would save a life, no matter which one — an adorable kitten who sits among others with that look of "knowing I'm going to die unless you help me" in their eye, or a dog with that "same look."
    Why are we not going to the pound? Does it bother us to look into their faces and see the hopelessness?

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  • Letters to the Editor for 6/14/10

    Lethal dose of incumbents
    Regarding the guest editorial, "Rising above politics," by Mayor Mitchell, is it not a dichotomy to be a politician and then declare that you are rising above politics?
    Ray Charles, if he were alive, could see through that rhetoric.
    Readers might come by the notion that you are making a political statement for Boucher's re-election.
    Concerning the health bill vote, Boucher did not break ranks with the Democratic Party on his own accord.

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  • Was denial based on facts or fear?

    Those who visit our area often speak of the warm and inviting atmosphere, the acceptance they feel and the friendly people they meet.
    So, where was that hospitality at last week’s public hearing for a special use permit sought by The Oracle Institute to create a “spiritual community” and learning center in Grayson?

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  • Look Through Tourists' Eyes

    Once again, it takes out-of-towners to remind us how good we have it in the Twin Counties.

    After last week's "familiarization tour" for tourism officials from all over Virginia, the visitors couldn't find enough good things to say about our underappreciated area. They enjoyed shopping in our unique shops, visiting our attractions, hearing our music and seeing our natural wonders.

    Click here to read more...
  • A Way Forward

    Not to be premature, but it looks like a new day might be dawning in the Twin Counties — one that holds the promise of an amicable relationship between the Town of Hillsville and Carroll County.

    Though the town and county have cooperated in the past when they expected mutual benefits, it seemed the officials for the two localities did not see eye to eye very often.

    An atmosphere of hostility seemed to be the norm, as water and sewer disagreements stretched on for half a dozen years or more.

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  • CALLING ALL BLOGGERS

    “Write what you know” is a common piece of advice for aspiring writers, and it's a good one.

    Most of us have something that we feel passionately about, that we'd love to write about and have others read, if only we had the proper venue.

    We have opinions we want to share and see what others think.

    Maybe you've thought about being a citizen journalist, but didn't know where to start?

    Click here to read more...
  • Letters to the Editor for 5/24/10

    Slavery not only cause

    Gov. Robert McDonnell's designation of April as Confederate Heritage Month evoked mixed reactions, as it did when former Gov. George Allen did likewise.

    I am disappointed that some people want to deny citizens of Confederate lineage the opportunity to honor their forefathers by paying special tribute to them in the month of April or on special occasions.

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  • Letter to the Editor for 6/7/10

    Concert tickets too costly

    I am writing to express my disappointment in the attendance at the opening concert at the Blue Ridge Music Center for the new season of 2010, held May 28.

    I am a volunteer for Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway and had volunteered many times at the music center since its opening in 2002.

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