Letters to the Editor

Keep the memory

I want to voice my support for the idea from Tom O'Rourke of the Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission to preserve the memory of the Yorktown. The $150 million pricetag to preserve the ship itself seems an impossible dream considering the current economic conditions.

Wouldn't such preservation efforts likely have to be repeated in the future? Yet it is important to keep alive the memories and history of the Yorktown and the other vessels at Patriots Point.

When I read Mr. O'Rourke's idea about relics of the Yorktown and interactive displays being incorporated into the new facility, I immediately thought of the National D- Day Museum in New Orleans. It is a fascinating and memorable display about the men and women who fought in World War II. The exhibits are a blend of letters, recruitment posters, audio recordings, weapons, aircraft, models and film.

If done correctly and tastefully, elements of the Yorktown could be displayed in a new facility with their historical value explained. Other portions of the ship could serve as part of the overall design of the building.

What a fantastic way to honor her history and heritage. The $10 million pricetag for such a museum is a realistic goal.

Joy Hume

Cloudmont Drive

Rantowles

Outdated law

I read with amusement NOW President Terry O'Neill's diatribe against men behaving badly.

She foolishly tries to equate child molester Roman Polan-ski with David Letterman. Get real, Ms. O'Neill. Letterman's affairs, while unseemly, were with consenting adults.

Where is the outrage in the woman's movement with women who knowingly have affairs with married men?

As they say, it takes two to tango.

If Ms. O'Neill is truly interested in gender equality, she should start a campaign to immediately abolish one of our society's most outdated laws: alimony.

Chuck Jaymes

Crystal Lake Drive

James Island

Energy policy

Mount Pleasant was recently graced by a visit from the Hot Air Tour. This was brought to us by Americans For Prosperity, a conservative think tank heavily funded by oil interests.

It should come as no surprise that this organization is opposed to climate and energy legislation.

It is outrageous that it would bring its well-funded out-of-state campaign to South Carolina to denigrate Sen. Lindsey Graham for his brave stance on energy policy.

The people behind this are clearly trying to preserve the status quo — and their sponsors' profits. In contrast, Sen. Graham has shown real leadership by searching for solutions to advance needed energy legislation.

Do not be taken in by the Hot Air Tour's claims. Keeping our country addicted to fossil fuels is not about preserving freedom. Instead, support Sen. Graham in his quest to fashion a more environmentally sound and secure energy policy for this country. He is not doing it for profits. He is doing it for you.

Steve Moore

Director of Climate and Energy

S.C. Wildlife Federation

Clark Hills Circle

Johns Island

Health insurance

The supporters of universal health care have been stating that 40,000 people without health insurance die each year.

Since approximately 4 million people in the United States die each year, does that then mean that 3.96 million people with health insurance die each year?

Doesn't sound like insurance makes a big difference. People will still die.

Tony Brodnicki

Chisolm Plantation Road

Edisto Island

Wrong question

Asking how many more troops ought to be sent to Afghanistan is the wrong question.

A better one:

How do we bring home alive the ones who are already there?

Francis X. Archibald

Franke Drive

Mount Pleasant

In poor taste

I was dismayed to read the Nov. 4 headline over your front-page Charleston City Council election report.

It seems ill-fitting given the graciousness with which Yvonne Evans has conducted herself over her many years of service to our community, as well as the dignified character of her campaign.

The headline was ill-conceived as well:

Given the narrow margin of 48 votes out of more than 1,200 cast, 'Seekings edges Evans,' would have beat 'boots' for accuracy, hands down.

Susan Lyons

Gadsden Street

Charleston