The record of the extreme right has constantly been on the wrong side of history. They were wrong on Social Security. They were wrong on passing civil rights legislation. They were wrong on Medicare. They were wrong on women's rights. They were wrong on Iraq and wrong on healthcare reform.

Sometimes you can vote for the popular thing, but there are times when you have to vote yes, even if it costs you, simply because it’s right.

I have the same problem with Gary Lewis as I do with the Tea Party he so enthusiastically supports. With so many valid issues to deal with in a respectful manner, why keep shouting lies and spreading misinformation?

Many letters and articles have been written about the upcoming levy for the Highland County Extension Agency. Most of these have been focused on the potential removal of Highland County’s 4-H program as a result of this levy not passing. Although 4-H is a very important program, it is not the only service that the Extension Agency provides for our community, and it is important that the voters are aware of all that Extension has to offer.

I always enjoy the opinion columns and make it a point to read Rory and Bill's weekly installments. Bill is someone that I rarely agree with. Last week, we were informed about the problem with drywall from China, and yes, it is a serious problem, but it's an almost 10-year-old problem. Then Bill goes on to tell us about wages and how poorly we are doing. Well, I would like to give you a different opinion on what's going on.

As most Americans today, and particularly those of us in Highland County, I am greatly concerned about our financial situation, and the dim prospects for improvement. With our local 19 percent unemployment rate, this would seem to be a very poor time to ask for more taxes from us.

I want to express my sincere appreciation for the hard work and professionalism shown once again by the Highland County Sheriff's Office.

To the editor:
  When Steve Ross Jr. left home to go to work at Cox Paving in Leesburg on the morning of April 1, 2009, he did not realize that it would turn out to be a morning that he would never forget. It was early and still dark on a section of S.R. 73 that’s very well known for early morning deer crossing.

The report of Lynchburg's Three Arts Club is quite a compliment to me although it overshadows the many people I have found in Lynchburg who love living here here, care about their neighbors and volunteer their time to make Lynchburg the best it can be.

In the future as we all stand in line, fearfully and impatiently awaiting a bureaucrat’s decision about what health care the government is or is not willing to provide, we may well remember this week as a pivotal time in history, when we collectively decided to be neither Free nor Brave.

Thank you to Bill Horne for his timely address of food stamps and public assistance in his March 13 HCP column.

To the editor:

Mr. Fess Parker, one of the very most truly admirable men to ever come from Hollywood, left us this passed Thursday, leaving this struggling nation even poorer and perceptively lonelier for millions of Americans.

Chief and my father spent many, many hours taping, interviewing and broadcasting local sports. This was a passion for the both of them. It was not about recognition or pay. It was about giving back to other people.

How sad to know that after several years of loyal service to her county, Mrs. Donley, Clerk of Courts, may be in trouble for having a heart and thinking of putting a family back together even if she did not go by the book.