Letters to the Editor

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Lupus Awareness Month

Dear Brian, I heard you while listening to “Two Guys Named Chris” in the mornings on Rock 92. I was hoping that you would somehow be able to share the following information to your readers. I was diagnosed with lupus just after my 12th birthday in 1985. May is Lupus Awareness month. Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body (skin, joints and/or organs inside the body). No one knows what causes lupus. In the United States alone it is believed that at least 1.5 million people — women, men, teens and children — have lupus. More than 16,000 new cases are reported across the country each year. Lupus strikes mostly women of childbearing age (15-44). However, men, children and teenagers develop lupus, too. Women of color are two to three times more likely to develop lupus. In North Carolina, an estimated 45,000 people have lupus, with 2,900 of those living in Alamance and Guilford counties. Thanks, Alexis Drago Mebane

Jordan’s fans

Dear Jordan Green, Thanks for your great article from our April 20 meeting at NLMBC [“Latino advocates alarmed by sheriff’s talk”; April 29, 2009; by Jordan Green]. I helped prepare some of the materials for the meeting. Is it true that Barnes is the “most powerful republican” in Guilford/ Greensboro? Who is saying that he could replace Coble? That makes me shudder. Thank you. Marissa Derlaga Greensboro

Jordan Green: Thank you so much! When I called you after the e-mail request, I said I would e-mail you again. I had in mind thanking you for running your interview of a week earlier [“Annexed property owner fights charges”; April 15, 2009; by Jordan Green]. I should, and do thank the editor for running it. A few hours later, my wife emails your blog article. As you are aware, I imagine, no transcript is kept in these courts. I was in error thinking so. From the outset of these trial postponements, I was told I did not have to show up in court. I felt uneasy about that and I attended the first one, and one more. I flagged my attorney both times. We spoke and I left before my case came up. I inquired about my case position while waiting for my attorney. Noticing a stenographer, that was the term I used, I asked: “You keep a record of the court cases?” or something to that effect. I received a “yes” reply. A record is kept of the cases, whatever that entails. The trial is not recorded. So I am told. Thanks for taking notes! The only thing of length I attempted to memorize was the DA’s closing argument. I did not realize John Hammer was there until Friday, even though my wife said she mentioned it. I have read in our country’s history the triumphs for our republic, due solely to a free press.

At one point I withdrew from the proceedings for a moment and swiveled my chair slowly, 360 degrees. I ended up again facing the judge. I see now, I had overlooked three shining lights on guard for us all. Only my courtroom experience could bring to heart the full realization of the importance and power of a free press. Okay, okay… I am putting you on a pedestal for a moment. You deserve it. The great warmth and gratitude of heart I feel at this moment will fade as it does in mankind, its uniqueness and ability to rekindle will never go away. Bill Marshburn Greensboro