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Why is Maryland firm collecting local taxes?

I have been a resident of Roanoke County for most of my 72 years. When I got my county tax bills -- which of course had increased even though the value of real estate is reported to have decreased in almost all of the United States -- I was going to pay it quietly.

Giving the county assessor's office the benefit of the doubt, we can go ahead and pay the more than 6 percent increase knowing that this money will be used in Roanoke County, or so I thought.

We have a constitutional officer in Roanoke County who does not take the use of our tax money too seriously when it comes to jobs in the local area. Accompanying every tax bill in the county this year was a green envelope preaddressed to F. Kevin Hutchins, Treasurer, County of Roanoke, P.O. Box 791269, Baltimore, MD 21279-1269.

With all the emphasis on economic development our board of supervisors is now advocating, it would seem to me that we would start in the county administrative offices and see if we can't keep a few jobs here locally.

Earth Day newspaper disappointed students

We are students at Raleigh Court Elementary School in the fifth grade. We would like to thank you for sending us free newspapers every Tuesday.

However, our class observed that the paper which was published on Earth Day had a very small amount of Earth Day-related articles. Our school is going green with a club for fourth- and fifth-graders called Team Environment Club, and we were very disappointed.

GRACE McADEN and ANNA McANNALLY

Lack of understanding isn't proof of God

In "God, science not exclusive," (May 8 commentary), Linda Whitlock said: "If some things can't be explained by natural causes, the only other explanation is some sort of intelligent designer."

Really! Not understanding everything in the universe is hardly a proof for god or pixies.

Her argument is a too common example of religious superstitious arrogance. It's always the same -- sellers of superstition/religion make extraordinary assertions like intelligent design, yet offer no proof and zero data supporting the claim.

Unlike religious superstition, science offers repeatable and verifiable data -- facts or theories -- all of which are subject to rigorous tests. These ideas are constantly subject to modification with better science as human knowledge and technology advance.

One could reasonably argue that the human experiment with science is called progress, while the experiment with faith resulted in the dark ages.

Nietzsche said: "Faith means not wanting to know what is true." Through difficult work, science is alive, vibrant and improving while religious superstition simply claims to "know," as it has since the dawn of human culture.

Religion is arrogant by nature, and likewise by its character science is supremely humble. Sorry, Linda, faith bias is not compatible with a sincere quest for truth.

God expects America's support of Israel

May, what a beautiful month! It brings flowers after the April showers, Mother's Day, Memorial Day and, for many teachers, a big sigh of relief when the last day of school arrives.

But often overlooked by many, this month of May celebrates Israel's 60th birthday as a nation. Israel's existence and preservation as a nation is truly a miracle of God.

Not only was Israel's rebirth miraculous, it's also a miracle that this tiny nation has survived years of threats and attacks by its surrounding enemies.

God has given the U.S.A. and other nations a promise and a warning, a sober warning. "I will bless those who bless you and I will curse him who curses you."

As we approach the 2008 elections, we must be aware of the candidates' stand in their support for Israel. This is a critical issue affecting God's future blessing on the U.S. and every nation of the world.

Many politicians end their speech with "God bless America!" The real question is "Will America bless God"?

American voters turn to Obama's vision

Regarding "Obama wins N.C. primary; Clinton barely leads in Ind." (May 7 news story):

The voters are turning to the vision of America presented by Obama and are rejecting the visions of America proclaimed by the Rev. Wright, Ann Coulter and Rush Limbaugh.

Voters are rejecting McCain and Hillary's pandering in respect to a summer gas tax holiday, which reminds one of Jim Gilmore's "no car tax" pandering.

Just as Gilmore threw Virginia into a fiscal mess, Bush has done the same with his borrow-and-spending policies, creating a weak dollar, a major factor in higher gas prices.

The Bush tax cuts for the wealthy, which McCain now supports, do not create productive jobs, as can be seen in the case of Eliot Spitzer's use of his tax cuts.

Voters are looking for common-sense leadership in the areas of fiscal responsibility and foreign affairs.

Only fools failed to see that we would have a guerilla war on our hands by invading Iraq. No guerilla force in history has been defeated when it has had privileged sanctuaries to obtain supplies and to feed in more forces as needed.

I pray that America will recognize the truth of the prophet Isaiah that "where there is no vision, the people perish."

Harris pushed unwise, controversial changes

Regarding "Bowers re-emerges; Harris will bow out" May 7 Virginia section:

Mayor Nelson Harris says he lost his re-election because he tried to bring about too much change. He is correct.

To be more precise, he tried to advance too many highly controversial changes, three in particular.

The amphitheater on Reserve Avenue is a hugely expensive project that has serious feasibility problems and comes at a time of enormous debt from building two new high schools.

Building a restaurant on Mill Mountain is another divisive issue. Many want Mill Mountain left green and many question whether the city should get involved in the risky restaurant business.

Third, the plan to pave over Countryside Golf Course for development has never had public support. Why lose a beautiful greenspace at the entry to our city, which is also a recreational asset, for more offices, retail or townhouses?

After this election, all three of these ideas should be put to rest.

The other "For the City" council members, David Trinkle and Gwen Mason, are talented and have much to offer the city. They should have the political wisdom and desire to bring the community together to drop these goals.

Surely there are plenty of good ideas, that are far less controversial, that can enjoy broader public support.

Nash's ego too big to resign over conflict?

You recently had an article that said "Nash nips dilemma in the bud" (May 8 Virginia section). He will forgo two types of federal grants that have in recent years provided the nonprofit group with about half a million dollars of annual income.

The grants have been used by Blue Ridge for housing construction and rehabilitation projects, Alvin Nash said.

I find it hard to believe that Nash's ego is so big he will not resign from one of the positions he holds but he will give up federal grants that are used to help poor people buy or maintain their homes.

I will do everything in my power to make sure the public knows about this at the next election.