Media Mislabel

Rally Attendees Again

Although The Pilot editorial "Tea Partiers Follow an Old Tradition" (April 18) gave "fair" recognition to the tea partiers' cause and reminded us all of our constitutional right to assemble, why must you (and a majority of the media) always refer to the behavior of these fine Americans (your words - "they behaved themselves and kept things peaceful and civil") as if they are some kind of a violent extremist organization?

I have spoken to a very active member of these rallies, and he agrees that 99 percent of those who attend these rallies are no different than you and me, rock-solid patriots who are fed up with the way our government officials tax and spend!

The media should do a better job reporting on the tea partiers' -message and values rather than a few rally-attending "nuts" that the cameras and reporters seem to seek out every chance they get.

Andy Fleming

Pinehurst

Missing the Point

Jonathan Scott wrote a cleverly insightful letter in The Pilot, "Tea Partier's Day" (April 16), in which he enumerated the myriad ways that government impacts our lives in the course of a normal day.

It reminded me of a comment made by a professor in one of my college classes many years ago that we get more value per tax dollar than any other dollar we spend. That assertion would be difficult to evaluate directly, but it does have intrinsic, rational appeal.

Tea folks miss the point when they stridently and without qualification complain about the tax burden that citizens carry. All of us, including the tea partiers, should insist that Congress improve the efficiency of government by simplifying the tax code, utilizing business-like practices in taxing and spending, living within a reasonable budget and diminishing the influence of politics on taxation and government spending.

However, we need to keep in mind that the high quality of life we enjoy is directly attributable to our willingness to provide, through our taxes, the wherewithal that makes that lifestyle possible.

Dick Kindsvatter

Seven Lakes South

No Solutions in Sight

Artist and novelist Jonathan Scott's letter (April 16) is the most common-sense answer to those who object to government programs, but no one involved in those groups gives any solutions to their complaints.

All that is heard and seen by media viewers are unintelligible mumblings and offensive signs, especially disrespectful references to our duly elected president. There is no doubt that there is an undercurrent racial tone in these signs.

Those who can well afford to travel to the PON (party of NO) events and create unrest and indecision among the population is a game that they will play until the next election.

Frances Dillon

Jackson Springs