Thursday’s Letters to the Editor

• Candidate confusion leads to Paulsen revival

The political scene is so confusing these days! Take the flap between Sen. Barack Obama and the Rev. Jeremiah Wright. Did Obama wrongly drop Wright, or rightly? Does Wright really feel wronged? Does Obama feel righted? Is Obama now to the right of Wright or to the left of Wright? Is Wright really left or old-school right?

I’m sure Sen. Hillary Clinton is amused with the right or wrong antics of Wright versus Obama.

As for Sen. John McCain, where does he stand politically? To the right? The left? Or just top dead center? Oy! I am so confused I do not know left from right or up from down!

I guess when it comes time to cast my ballot for president I am going to vote for, er, Pat Paulsen!

JOSEPH GOLSON

Columbia

• Building will be fine addition to Five Points

I am strongly in favor of the approval and construction of the proposed multi-use complex to be built on the old Kenny’s site. I am amazed at the patience shown by Five Points merchants and their customers. There has been a parking problem in Five Points since I started law school in 1966. There is now a wonderful opportunity to correct that problem and allow the creation of a beautiful complex that will add to, and not take away from, the ambience of Five Points.

I, too, like the quaint village atmosphere in Five Points. A six-story building will not materially change that atmosphere. I can name many quaint areas that I have visited in cities throughout the United States that remind me of Five Points. I also remember one or two multi-use buildings that were obviously added later, that did not take away from the shopping neighborhood. They added to it.

I do not represent Stan Harpe or Ron Swinson, but have worked in transactions they have been involved in. I think very highly of them, and their reputation is as good as it gets in Columbia. I also like the fact that they are from Columbia and contribute through development to the economy of Columbia and the surrounding area.

I strongly urge City Council to go forward as soon as possible with the facility as planned.

DAVE WHITENER

Columbia

• Council should rethink project’s fit with area

Last summer on a trip to Burlington, Vt., I remarked how wonderful it was to walk through a vibrant, energetic and completely pedestrian-friendly downtown, filled with sidewalk cafes and interesting local merchants.

Many streets are blocked from car traffic; visitors are encouraged to park in garages at the perimeter of the downtown and walk to their destinations.

I wish that Columbia’s leadership would look to progressive and successful cities such as Burlington for ideas about how to move forward with our shopping and eating districts such as Five Points and the Vista.

Instead, our City Council is preparing to commit millions of dollars to a building with a two-story parking garage in the middle of an already-busy and confusing Five Points intersection.

Looking at the site plan for the structure, which seemingly will require drivers to make a series of right-hand turns around the building to enter and exit, it puzzles me why council is so eager to add to our city’s traffic congestion.

I urge our council members to consider whether this parking garage really fits with the ideal image of Five Points as an eclectic urban village, and to re-think their votes on this project.

ELIZABETH HERRON

Columbia

• Movie violence, gore can warp a young mind

I went to a movie at Columbia Place (Al Pacino in “88 Minutes”). My wife and I may go three or four times a year.

I was astounded at the coming attractions — all PG-13 rated.

More gore, car wrecks, airplanes blowing up, body parts on the streets, blood spraying on windshields, throats being cut — all before the movie started.

I walked out of the movie after 25 minutes and got a refund.

If parents allow their children to see this, is there any wonder that an 18-year-old wants to blow up his school?

E.W. NESS

Columbia

• VA nurses backbone of its health care system

As we celebrate National Nurses Week, we mark the 77th anniversary of VA nursing. During those 77 years, VA nurses have shaped their profession as leaders, innovators and visionaries, as they shaped the face of VA health care.

No group of nurses more truly reflects the theme of this year’s National Nurses Week — “Making a Difference Every Day.” VA nurses make a positive difference in the lives of veterans and their families and the lives of all of us here at William Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center and its community-based outpatient clinics.

No one knows better than our nurses the changes that have taken place in VA health care over the past decade, and no one is better prepared to meet the challenges that lie ahead.

To meet those challenges, the VA is working to create a strong nursing talent pool and is developing tools to ensure that nurses develop the leadership skills necessary for decision-making. These initiatives, along with coaching and mentoring, will help VA nurses along their career paths and help them continue to do the right thing for our veterans.

RUTH W. MUSTARD, R.N.

Associate Director, Patient Care/Nursing Services

Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn VAMC

Columbia