Show some respect for council member

How distasteful and arrogant for City Council want-to-be Darius Little to suggest that Councilman Howard Clement withdraw from the council race because of age and not driving. Who appointed Little to cast judgment on anyone, especially a public servant like Howard Clement? He should be ashamed of himself.

Clement has served this community for more years than Little is old. While I don't always agree with his stance on issues, he has always commanded my respect as a gentleman and one who is approachable and willing to listen. If his attendance record for Council functions is viewed, my guess is that he rarely misses one -- driving or not! The same goes for other community functions.

I have never heard anyone complain about giving him a ride -- most offer. I have driven Clement home or to an event on several occasions, and he was nothing less than gracious and appreciative. Over the years and on countless occasions I have seen him walk from his office on Chapel Hill Street to City Hall, stopping along the way to talk with a merchant or citizen about a concern. Not driving has not hindered him in serving.

Little should let the voters decide if they want Clement to continue representing them. His service deserves far more respect than Little has shown toward him.

KENT FLETCHER

Durham

We deserve better

These editorial pages have become a bickering, finger-pointing playground for a group of regular contributors with strong opinions. Week after week, it's a re-churning of the same opinions, on the same issues, from the same dozen or so contributors.

I have no problem with someone making a point or counterpoint about any issue. But making sarcastic responses to fellow editorial contributors accomplishes nothing. We should make an issue of the fact that neither party in Washington represents the best interests of the American people and hasn't for a very long time.

Look at the number of self-serving politicians over the past decade who have been caught in fraud and infidelity. And to think I supported John Edwards.

The current disruptions in these town hall meetings aren't really about national health care. They're about citizens who have finally become fed up with politics-as-usual.

Ask yourself: Why would individuals with Harvard law degrees choose to work in Congress for a mere $179,000 a year? If you say, "to serve the interests of the American citizens," boink, go sit down. You should look more closely at all the perks these politicians have manipulatively given themselves over the decades as part of the good old boys club.

Until our elected officials are in the same health care system and same retirement system as the rest of us American taxpayers, nothing will be accomplished. As taxpayers, we deserve better.

DOUG MELTON

Durham