TO THE EDITOR

As I read last week's Letters to the Editor, I thought to myself, "Is name calling really necessary?" Shouldn't we be able to engage in meaningful public discussion and debate without resorting to name calling? Over the course of our great nation's history, millions have served, bled and died so that we can continue to take an active part in our government, maintaining our freedoms, including one of our most prized - freedom of speech. Should we honor their sac- rifice by using this freedom to call each other names?

If our local, state and national leaders truly want to be effective, they will actively seek a variety of opinions including those that are contrary to their positions. Sometimes we need the contrast to see what we may have otherwise missed.

Let us continue to engage in spirited discussions and debates like adults and leave the name calling on the playground.

MIKE McCOMBS