Our Schools Need Proper Materials

I recently learned that the children in at least one of our Moore County schools, in grades K-5, do not have textbooks for science or math.

Teachers are having to search for learning materials which will adhere to the state-mandated curriculum.

I find it unconscionable that we would allow this. How can we educate our children without the proper learning materials? I wonder if the same is true in our other public schools.

Elizabeth Whittle, Southern Pines

Those Gas Prices

For years gas prices in Moore County have consistently been 15 to 30 cents more than in neighboring counties. When asked why, station owners typically say, “This is a resort area.”

However, a female store owner said, “I am going to lower my prices even though the other owners will give me hell.” Her statement shows that owners are conspiring to keep prices artificially high in Moore County.

This is against the Sherman Antitrust laws. We should all file a complaint with N.C. State Attorney General Roy Cooper at http://www.ncdoj.gov/getdoc/59be4357-41f3-4377-b10f-3e8bd532da5f/Complaint-Form.aspx.

The more of us who file a complaint, the more likely we will get fair gas prices in Moore County.

Mike Hicks, Pinehurst

New Obama Strategy

Time for a new strategy. That seems to be the refrain from those who were very unhappy with the president’s performance the other night.

I thought it was refreshing. He was just being himself. He equaled his abilities in that forum.

May I suggest that he might calm the masses by engaging in an arena that’s more suitable to his talents? One of his vintage press conferences? It should go something like this:

Mr. President, any comment about the incident in Florida involving a teenager who was shot?

Obama: Well, George, as head of the Department of Justice, it would be highly inappropriate for me to comment about an ongoing investigation. However, let me just say that if I had a son he’d …

Mr. President, I’m sure you’re aware of the comments made by the Repub-lican senatorial candidate from Missouri not too long ago. Although Gov. Romney has condemned them, do you feel that most Republicans have these crackpot views, and as a follow-up, do you think Gov. Romney still beats his wife?

Obama: I’m glad you asked that, Bob, because I hold the comments made by the Republican candidate, endorsed by Gov Romney, in contempt, and ….

Last question, Mr President. Do you think that your recent edict requiring faith-affiliated health facilities provide their employees with free contraception, crack pipes and methadone, and Nacho Supremes from Taco Bell, is being unfairly criticized because Republicans hate women, and eat at Chick-fil-A?

That should rally the troops.

Scott Griffin, Southern Pines