From now through the presidential election of 2012, America will be conducting a dynamic debate regarding its future. Of primary concern will be issues regarding the size and scope of our federal government and at what levels our government would be responsible for the health, safety, and welfare of its people.

Deserving attention, and getting it, is whether again to increase the size of our national debt ceiling. In addition, debate is underway with regards to what principles and values we should incorporate in the consideration and approval of the 2012 Budget.

The letter below was presented by myself (John Cantrell) to the Macon County School Board on Aug. 3, 2010 at 5 p.m. meeting.

Re: Concern about safety and security issues for Macon County Students in regards to the future Super Walmart shopping center.

— Door to Door distance from Mtn. View Intermediate to Super Walmart = 1,700 feet This would take about 5 minutes to walk, and about 3 minutes to bicycle.

I agree that in a democracy the people’s desires should trump DOT. I also believe that the people’s desires should have trumped when the Cullasaja community and Save Our Rivers group tried so unsuccessfully to keep Highlands’ sewage out of the Cullasaja River. I further believe that the majority should have prevailed when they voted down the bond issue for the schools. However, on both issues the people only got lip disservice, aka, bull (barnyard vernacular), poopy river water, debt and a colossal mess for school facilities.

I moved here from eastern North Carolina over 30 years ago and at that time Macon County was growing and there were plenty of jobs, as was the rest of the country. Look what our elected officials have done for us. Because of all the government regulations we have just about stopped developments and building in Macon County, which means jobs gone. Without jobs we cannot pay the taxes it takes to pay the salaries for the people necessary to enforce these regulations.

On the federal level it is no secret why our companies are going to other countries.