Something for Everyone

Offered in Pinehurst

Saturday, May 15, seemed like something for everyone, in and near Pinehurst.

First, at the Arboretum, visitors enjoyed a lively concert by talented local jazz and blues groups, from 2-7 p.m., free of charge. I counted during just one visit more than 100 people, scattered comfortably on folding chairs or blankets, many swinging and swaying with the music. Music groups with differing styles rotated every couple of hours. Surely, over the five-hour period, several hundred attendees, young and old, enjoyed these presentations under good weather conditions.

Then, from 7-10 p.m., next to the Given Library and Village Green, for a charitable contribution of $75, more than 200 ticketholders participated in a first Given on the Green event, for the benefit of the Given Memorial Library and Tufts Archives. Numerous colorfully decorated tents housed attractive food and design offerings that competed for honorable mention at the end of the evening. The atmosphere of a star-filled evening set in as the three hours sped by, while competing local chefs, designers and artists worked hard to build lasting memories of their talents.

Planners and sponsors I couldn't even begin to list reflected a commitment of hands-on effort, much of it voluntary, and generous funding as well. One volunteer I met earlier in the afternoon had just helped unfold 200 chairs, almost single-handedly.

Fingerprints of cooperation, thoroughness and attention to detail were all over these two events. Nice work, Pinehurst! This could be the start of something more - such as (already!) Saturday, May 29: country music Hall of Famer Vince Gill, at the Arboretum, to benefit The First Tee kids' program.

Dick Bisbe

Pinehurst

GOP Alienating Itself

It is obvious that the national Republican Party is being run by a gang of idiots who are determined to drive it to extinction.

A good example is their support of animal-hater Sarah Palin, who delights in making cruel jokes about the slaughter of wildlife, wants to drill for oil in pristine forests and did everything possible to kill all Alaskan wolves.

In her address before the National Rifle Association conference, Palin stated that "Bambi's mother was dinner." She -previously joked that "Alaskan wildlife will always have a place, right next to the mashed potatoes."

By aligning the party with anti-environmental Palin, the Republicans have -alienated the millions of voters who are -concerned with our environmental future. I suspect that Palin is accepting money from oil company lobbyists to push their "drill everywhere" agenda.

Palin is so obnoxious that, when compared with Nancy Pelosi, Pelosi comes out looking like the reincarnation of Mother Teresa. If I had a choice between voting for one or the other, Pelosi, whose policies are thoroughly abhorrent to me, would win hands down.

The same Republican idiocy is reflected in the selection of Michael Steele as chairman of the national committee in an effort to secure the black vote, which will never happen.

The adequacy of Steele's qualifications for the job has already been called into question by the expenditure of party funds for visits to strip clubs and by his own extravagances. The party alignment with the radical policies of the National Rifle Association is also a negative. The old days when crooked politicians made decisions in smoke-filled rooms now look better and better.

Earle Hightower

Pinehurst

Why Not Compromise?

Based upon what I read in The Pilot, our area has many, many individuals eager to share their views via letters (like this) to the editor and/or opinion columns.

Could I ask that one of them please tell me, in a way my simple mind can understand, why political compromise for the greater good has become an activity to be scorned instead of praised?

Has "plays well with others" gone out of style?

Kathleen Allen

Pinehurst

A Job Well Done

I'd like to compliment The Pilot for its fair and objective coverage of recent activities by Moore Tea Citizens. I especially liked the editorial comment on the front page of the Opinion Section of Sunday's Pilot, "Tea Partiers Follow an Old Tradition."

We're -fortunate to have a great local paper in our community. I award The Pilot a Birdie.

John Rowerdink

Pinehurst