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		We offer fair and equal treatment for both sides of the fight, an have received e-mail accordingly.  Here are some of the e-mails I have been receiving, along with some comments from me. I've received more fantastic letters, and they are here, right below.
		New Letters!
New, April 24, 2001		From Andy Oglesby (oglesbya@USFilter.com) who summed up the wishes of the proponants very nicely: "go away" Yup, the proponants are finally starting to crack under the pressure.
New March 31st, 2001		Got a real winner here, from Steve Underwood (RCNCMAN@aol.com). It speaks for itself, and makes me wonder if inbreeding is indeed a problem in this area: That airport has been there since 1927. I hope they put rinways in a 360 circle and take off every 3 seconds. I don't care if they pay minimum wage. Dumbasses like you should have never moved there much less to North Carolina. This is just exactly what is wrong with America today---too many people like you and Rush Limbaugh, Jerry Falwell. All hot air with nothing constructive to do. Steve Underwood So what the heck is a "rinways" anyway?
		SMarbert writes: Three Cheers for Jennifer Medlock!!! I was there and the Chamber was packed. Taft Wireback must have fallen asleep or at worst completely ignored the code of ethics to which most journalists adhere. The sad thing about the whole debaucle is there is video tape to prove what a sorry and prejudicial reporter he is. It is quite disgusting that the press has prostituted themselves to the developers and the good old boys who have a vise like grip about the neck of this community. I have a video tape of the Commissioners' meeting and I am in the process of transcribing it so the very powerful message from the Kentucky visitors can reach the community by any means possible. This cannot be ignored!!!!!!! If the press is going to mislead the public, and this is truly one of the most extreme examples, then at least have the good sense enough not to do it when you can be shown to be a pawn of the GSO mafia on public access TV. Taft, what a joke....... It is time for the public to demand better from the press and demand the resignation of Walt Cockerham from the Airport Authority.
		I am fully supportive of the boycott of FedEx. My neighborhood is experiencing the woes of city government and big business forcing themselves on us. Land behind our homes that was earmarked for a city park was given to Gildan, a textile company from Canada. We now have a 43-foot high building that is probably 2 football fields wide and 2 football fields long. What an eyesore, and they are being given who knows how much tax breaks! David Harbour Eden, NC 27288 P.S. We had 1200 signatures on a petition supporting a city park!
		News and Record Distortions: Unfortunately I was working late last Thursday evening, and was unable to attend the Guilford County Commissioners' meeting. I read in the News & Record that only 100 had attended, but I have heard that there were 600. IF the News & Record is in the misinformation business, consider my subscription cancelled. Jennifer Medlock Libertarian Party of Guilford County ~The Party of Principle~ http://www.gclp.org
		New! From a former FedEx employee: I have worked in the Memphis hub for one year and I have just recently quit because of the way they treat their employees. Fedex is not a company you would want in your community. Everything they do is done to raise profits. It was February and they hadn't hired anybody in our area since November. We had over 12 people quit in our area making us very short handed but when people called to get hired, they claimed they weren't hiring. They forced us to continue to work in harsh conditions and did it because they were doing away with our area and they had no need for us anymore, and were trying to get us to quit. The whole company is b.s.. The jobs they will bring are b.s. jobs. The company itself is ugly. Why do you want to pave beautiful land and put up some ugly runway where these planes that pollute the earth with all this jet fuel smell can take off. Corporations are all b.s. and only in the game for profit. When will America wake up and see this, and see that the huge corporations are only destroying our great planet and not doing anything to improve it. Anyone that has ever been inside a FedEx hub and sees how they operate will agree that they are not a company we should allow to spread all over our great earth with their crappy hubs. I regret the day anytime I travel to a new city, Fedex has sprung up another hub. People think Fedex is a great place, yet notice how on commercials you never see the inside of the hub. In the movie Castaway, you think your seeing the inside of the hub, yet it is all glammed up. They never want to show you the truth and show you how they really operate and how they treat their employees. Then you have the noise issue. The only good in putting up another hub is to put more money in Fred Smith's pocket and into the stock holders pocket. Say no to Fedex. My children aren't going anywhere near the place. JStan61141
		A "Pro-FedEx" letter: Dear Sir, I am fully in support of FedEx adding a hub in the area, and I believe some of the statistics and information on your site are incorrect. The thought of the government devaluing or condemning property for its use is completely unacceptable as property rights should not be adjustable to fit others needs. However! - The statement that Fedex will provide low paying, non-benefit enhanced jobs is not an alltogether true view of the circumstances under which Fedex provides employment. Point - eight dollars an hour is much better than what most fast food places pay it's employees, which is just wonderful for someone starting out into the world and working while in school. I know myself, having dealt with much poorer choices for employment while working through college. Also many people who take the eight dollar job moving and loading packages onto aircraft eventually are promoted through the company into other positions - I personally know of two co-workers who had such jobs and are working with Fedex as full time aircraft mechanics, you might note, these jobs pay more than 40k yearly and the benefits are very nice. Also sir, I know personally several other aircraft mechanics who have hired out of lower paying jobs into the Fedex maintenance system. Some of the maintenance on the aircraft will be done in Greensboro, and the jobs provided by the needed maintenance position will not be eight/hr jobs - an airframe and powerplant license from the FAA will nearly guarantee someone a good 40K/yr job and we just happen to have such a school at the airport already. Noise I must say might be a problem, I have listened to aircraft engines run for more than ten years now and hearing protection is a good thing when up close, anyone who owns a house in the approach lanes for the runway and who is a half mile from the touchdown point might notice some problems with noise. Someone who lived in such an area might be best served by considering a move, because the area is growing and eventually the airport will be required to expand, even if the hub isn't built anytime soon. Aviation is a challenging and rewarding career field, the hub will further ones possibilities should aviation be chosen. Best regards - Craig Temple - Greensboro, NC Craig, thank you for a calm, rational letter. Most of what I receive from pro-FedEx is usually ranting and raving by someone who is buying FedEx's arguments without bothering to listen to the truth, or someone accusing me of wanting to starve babies. To answer some of what you have brought out, first, I agree that eight dollars an hour is better than what a lot of the fast food places pay, but consider this: Most of the students and other people working at these places do so during the day or evenings, not from midnight to 5 a.m., five days a week. Imagine being a student working these hours at night while preforming back-breaking work, then trying to go to school and study during the day. These jobs wouldn't provide much in the way of benefits as they are only 25 hours a week - i.e.: no insurance, no "educational benefits", no retirement funds, etc. Second, yes, a few do get promoted within any company. The french-fry cook makes assistant manager in three years, the dishwasher becomes the franchise owner. That's one person in about ten thousand that actually accomplishes this. Wouldn't it be more sensible to offer jobs like at a technical research park that could employ students in jobs that are more likely to lead to a better future? Ever hear of an internship? There are thousands of internship type jobs for students at Research Triangle Park. Why not do that here? If part-time jobs sorting packages is so great, then why does United Parcial Service (UPS) have a standing requirement to hire 25 new part-time employees a day? Answer: Turnover in these type jobs is that large. Third, you mention the noise issue as anyone "who is a half mile from the touchdown point might notice some problems with noise" is unrealistic. Download and listen to the video of night-time FedEx flights, then try to make the same statement again. Minor Lane Heights was five miles away from the end of the runway in Louisville, Kentucky, yet the noise was so bad they had to buy out the entire town and move it and it's 1800 other residences to another location. Who paid for that move? The taxpayers did, that's who. Yes, I agree that working in the aviation field can be rewarding, but building a hub like this that will provide such jobs for a very few versus the problems it will cause for the thousands is not worth it. I'm all for growth, but in a controlled, positive manner. The FedEx hub goes against all logical thought. Why else would so many people be against it? Go back to the home page and read the letter that was signed by 64 of our area doctors. Look how many of our area politicians and leaders have done an about-face of their position. I myself have changed my mind on this issue. When I first heard of the hub, but didn't know much about it, I figured they would need a computer/lan administrator to run/repair their systems and sent them a resume. Now I wouldn't take a job with them if they paid me $150,000 a year! Yes, you do bring out a few interesting points, but you aren't going to change anyone's mind about this. All I have to add is, don't be afraid to look at this logically. You might change your mind.
		Published in the News and Record, Oct. 1, 2000, and reprinted with permission of the author: FedEx and others are seeking corporate welfare I am writing as a Libertarian and a long-time area resident. I am not a homeowner, not an environmentalist, and not against progress. However, I am opposed to any form of corporate welfare. I am against the state giving away $80 million of our tax dollars to bring lousy third shift jobs here. I am against the government condemning private property for its own purposes. I do not have a complaint about jet noise yet. However, a government who steals from hard working people to give to another without representation is illegal. I am also opposed of our money being spent on other bribes like $700,000 to bring an international biotechnology company. Bribery cannot be a good thing. It ruins children, corrupts politicians, and does not bring companies here for the right reasons. Are we to keep giving away all of our livelihoods for wasteful policies? If we were able to save our hard-earned money, perhaps we would get a chance to be creative and build more small businesses. I am upset that channels 8 and 45, and The News and Record, did not spell everything out after the FedEx rally. I did not hear one word in those news reports and your Sunday article ("Posting their demands," Sept. 24) about the enormous tax breaks and incentives which are being used to lure FedEx. Some of us who attended have other reasons for being opposed to the hub besides environmental and noise concerns. Jennifer Medlock High Point (The writer is secretary for the Libertarian Party of Guilford County.) Jennifer Medlock makes some good points. While I don't always think of giving a company a financial incentive to build here is always a bribe, (Sometimes it's an investment that pays for itself in a few years) the $80 million in tax breaks to FedEx is a little extreme! When we hear about our local government giving them (FedEx) more money in tax breaks than all the taxes that could possibly be collected from the people in these new poverty-level jobs in a couple of decades, I have to wonder who else is getting bribes from whom to push this thing!
		Wayne, Thank you for the wonderful job your sight is doing! As a long time opponent of this project, I appreciate anything useful in spreading the truth about the FedEx project. Anyone who truly looks at the economic facts realizes what a sham this is. FOLKS...it has not happened in Louisville and Indianapolis! Why will the Triad be different? I have personally spoken to the mayor of Minor Lane Heights. He confirmed that the story was petty much the same there....the politicians and Airport Authority played up the (supposed) economic benefits...while downplaying the potential negative impacts. To this day, the mayor says (I talked to him on 10/11/00) there are miles of empty warehouses! Companies have left because of an inability to recruit employees....and the economic "boom" has yet to materialize...ten years later! Meanwhile, the mayor's own town was forced to relocate....despite the fact that they lived 5 miles from the end of the runway and were assured that they wouldn't be affected! Fortunately, due to strong grassroots support....the FAA moved the town intact to a site 15 miles from the airport. But only after the citizen's suffered through years of incomprehensible nighttime noise! We have an active grassroots effort going on here in the Triad. Our focus right now is replacing Walt Cockerham as County Commissioner at Large. He also sits on the Airport Authority and stated back in April, when we tried unsuccessfully to keep him from being re-appointed to the Authority, that he would rather sit on the Authority even if it cost him the election in November! Time to make his wish come true! One last note. You should have given a mention to John Blust who is running for the same seat that Rep. Steve Woods holds. He spoke at our rally...and has been a loud voice for our cause in recent months. While he did endorse the project back in 1998 (all of the politicians did with the limited data that they had at the time) he has seen the negative side and has renounced his endorsement. Recently, after a candidates forum in High Point, Cockerham cornered my wife, myself and a friend in the hallway. He spoke vehemently for the project and accused us of "setting him up" with a FedEx question from the audience. Every time we pointed out the inconsistencies in his claims, his only comeback was "Why did you buy your house there?" We told him that we lived 5+ miles from the airport and considered ourselves safe until the subject of a nighttime cargo hub was thrust upon us! Finally, Walt asked out of the blue, "If we had a referendum and you lost...would that shut you up?" I immediately responded , "Sure Walt...tomorrow would be fine...as long as if we won you would give up the project!" He said absolutely, they would have to. Talking to a reporter the next day, I mentioned the conversation. of course Walt denied the whole thing! Luckily John Blust was also part of the conversation and confirmed our version. It ran in a terrific story in the News and Record on Thursday 10/12. I tell this story to emphasize that John Blust is a stand up guy...and to plant the seed in your reader's mind to press for a referendum! There is no reason that the citizen's of Guilford County should not have a say in this! You may use any portion of this email on your site! Thanks again for your good works! Ron Goga Thanks, Ron. Wish I could have been there with a tape recorder. I'd post Walt's comments on the webpage in a heartbeat!

		Another fantastic New letter:
		This next letter appeared in Sunday's News and Record newspaper. I have received permission from the author to post it: FedEx Subsidy Would Be Better Spent on Tuition Money taken from the people in the form of taxes should be returned to them in ways that will improve their lives. Consider the utility of the $80 million in tax dollars being given to FedEx. These funds could cover full two-year tuition expenses at GTCC for a range of educational programs for 32,000 people. Available programs include training for jobs in areas such as carpentry, welding, dental hygiene, nursing, medical and computer technology. Over 70% of those enrolled at GTCC hold jobs while pursuing their studies. These self-selected programs could lead to a better standard of living for both adult enrollees and their children. As we lose jobs from textile and tobacco industries our leaders can choose to enrich the lives of thousands with knowledge and new skills for higher paying occupations in areas of high demand employment. Or, they can chose to give away our money to a healthy $12 billion dollar corporation for a project that will greatly damage our environment, jeopardize our health and compromise our ability to attract desirable businesses. We are witnessing a choice by our leaders to pursue an air cargo company that will entrap occupationally displaced citizens in a new, environmentally and socially destructive form of employment rather than helping them to find a better status in an evolving economy. What force has perverted our leaders' judgment to use our taxes to our detriment rather than our benefit? The citizens of the Triad deserve an explanation. We can do better. Charles Hansen Charles, I agree with you 100%. What could be going thru the minds of our local politicians and community leaders if they are willing to give away $80,000,000.00 of our tax money when the same money could be used to improve the lives of so many? It seems like a clear choice: low-paying part-time jobs with few benefits for 1600 people, or an education for 32,000 people that will net them higher than average paying jobs with many benefits. Come on, PTIA, build a technology hub, not a cargo hub. There's no rule against you building a technology hub that could employ tens of thousands, and bring billions of dollars to our local area. Look at research triangle park for an example, if you don't believe me. Personal note to Walt Cockerham: John Blust was willing to change his mind about the hub after learning the truth, as was I and hundreds of others. Are you man enough to do the same? There's no crime in admitting you were wrong. Use your position on the Airport Authority's board to do some good, and help us build a technology hub and not a cargo hub.
		Wayne, Keep up the great work on boycotting FedEx. If you can't get the attention of political leaderships in town, then getting the attention of FedEx may help. In addition to the environmental issues FedEx brings, nothing could be more wasteful of our tax dollars than the millions to build a new runway at PTIA, when the existing runways are so underused. The construction of this new runway and the landing of FedEx will forever change Greensboro, my hometown, for the worse. Using Old Oak Ridge Road as a guide, the new runway is about a mile north of the existing primary runway. Citizens in Northwest Greensboro and Northern High Point who aren't in the flight path now will be grossly impacted by the new runway, only they won't know it until the FedEx planes begin flying. Noise at the airport, as it is configured today, isn't bad. It wasn't unnerving with the Continental hub either. That's because the existing two runways have sufficient buffers around them. The new runway will not have such buffers. So in the end, North and Northwest Greensboro and Northern High Point will become more industrial in nature and the current residential areas will decline in value. (My home at The Cardinal sold in 1999 for $30,000 less than my original cost in 1996.) The benefits of the FedEx Hub will primarily accrue to the surrounding communities such as Reidsville, Eden, Winston-Salem, Burlington, etc., but at a quality-of-life cost borne by Greensboro and High Point. My move to Atlanta was enlightening on this topic. Hartsfield Airport is located on the South side of Atlanta. Over the past 30-40 years, real estate values on the opposite North side of Atlanta have skyrocketed and high-paying jobs abound. The South side, closer to the airport, hasn't enjoyed any of this growth on a relative basis for about a 5-mile radius of the airport. A similar 5-radius around PTIA takes in quite a bit of Greensboro's unsuspecting citizens. This is the area that will see limited growth in home valuations, while other parts of the Triad, outside Greensboro, could mushroom if the development follows. Greensboro and High Point shouldn't be expected to take this industrial "hit," so that other surrounding communities can thrive. Who am I? Until August 1998, I lived at The Cardinal. I was a founder of PQLC and participated in all of the anti-FedEx events and county commission meetings until I moved to Atlanta. I do plan to return to Greensboro at retirement, if not sooner, so I do have a vested continuing interest in what Greensboro becomes. Best wishes for a successful fight. Terry W. Nall In a follow up letter, Terry also wrote: The "hate mail from those who live more than 20 miles away" are the ones who would benefit from FedEx, but not have to share the burden of the noise, pollution, road congestion, etc. and was the point of my comments to you. Why should Northwest Greensboro and Northern High Point citizens suffer the quality of life cost of economic development for communities outside Greensboro? Thanks, Terry. You've summed things up very nicely. It's interesting to note that most of the people who are for the hub (including one of the only two speakers for it at the meeting on the 19th) don't live anywhere near it. (See the two letters further down from Winston Salem). You're absolutely right.They want the economic benefit, but aren't living where the negative effects will be.
		Jerrycham@aol.com says "All for Fedex. We need the growth.". I agree that we need the growth, but asking for this type of growth is like asking for a tumor - Wayne.
		Spend a night in Memphis, Tennessee and you to will not want a hub in Greensboro. I was on a business trip and had a long hard day traveling and looking for a good nights sleep. Boy was I wrong, about the time I was getting that long needed sleep I was awakened by the FedEx planes. That was the time I said I'm going to fight this with all my might. If you want to see what FedEx can do for a city travel to one of their hubs then take a good look at the city. Memphis is a good reason we don't want the hub!! I don't plan to go back to memphis and this is one of the many reasons, but I must say the reasons are FedEx related!!! Ken
		StaCey2475@aol.com says; This boycott program that you are conducting is an attempt of a few people to influence a community in your favor. You're the last group of people that would stand-up for other parts of this community. Get a LIFE. The airport was here first, long before most of the homes were built in the northwest. The airport has had that proposed runway for more than 25 years. If you did not want to be bothered with the expansion at the airport, you should have purchased your homes elsewhere. I have heard comments about the salary that FedEx will pay. Most of you have no idea or are just unaware of the income level and hourly pay of many in our community. Stop belly aching and realize that the FedEx hub will be a great asset to this community and it will provide many needed jobs. In time the FedEx hub will help booster the overall use of the airport, our economy, and increase the passenger service. Maybe then we want have to drive to RDU or CLT to get decent air fares. Actually, I am well aware of the income levels paid here, I am supporting my family of five on an income that is 1/3 to 1/2 less than what I could earn, with the same qualifications I have, by going to Research Triangle Park, or even to Winston-Salem. In fact, I work in Kernersville in a technical job that does not exist in High Point. Mind you, I think I have a terrific job, and I enjoy working where I do. It's just a shame that these type jobs are so rare in High Point. Greensboro is only slightly better. Go back to the main page and click the link that says "A modest Proposal for the PTIA". That's the way to get better paying jobs, not the barely above poverty level wages FedEx is willing to pay. While I don't know about the others, I have stood up for what I believed in before, to the point where I once gave up my job of many years because of what I believed in. Can you make the same statement? Note that my wife and I chose to return to High Point after I left the military, rather than go to one of those other places that would pay more. High Point is our home, and it's where we chose to be
		Comments: 1) web site well done! 2) add total square miles affected at given noise level. 3) noise proofing is usually highly constrained by budget availability (that's what the East Boston folks tell us - plus they don't tend to put noise meters under the flight paths). 4) keep hammering, and you need your state and federal reps to help (or at least not promote). Good luck. - Jim Cunningham - similar fight in Mass. Thank you, Jim. Greensboro / High Point isn't the only area that has this problem. We can learn a lot from what has happened to other areas in a similar situation.
		jallison@wfubmc.edu (James Allison) says: Why did you not consider the fact that the airport would expand when you bought your home? You cannot expect to move into an area and expect everything to remain the same. Most businesses either expand or go out of business. The job you hold probably exists due to an expansion of the company for which you work. This area needs some sort of incentive to attract businesses. We are not having the growth or revitalization of many of our fellow communities. Look at the jobs we have attracted over the last ten years. The future is not bright. The Fedex hub could be the answer. On your web site, you seem to indicate that the whole community is behind you. This is false. I believe most people in this community welcome Fedex. This view is from a source that has nothing to gain from the addition of Fedex to the area. Ok, I'll go over it for those who couldn't be bothered with reading the rest of the info on the site. We know the entire community is not behind us, but a very large percentage is behind us. I was originally for the FedEx hub, but then I became educated about the truth of what would happen if they did move here, and changed my mind. It's interesting to note that your e-mail address is at Wake Forest University Medical School in Winston Salem. It's a sure bet you won't be bothered by the problems of the FedEx hub, but will reap some of the benefits. Were you aware that many of the people who would be affected by this expansion owned their homes or the property was in their family before the airport was built? Or that they were never in the flight path before this started? I myself live in High Point, near Andrews High School. Guess what? I very seldom hear planes, yet I know this thing is a bad idea and I'm willing to fight against it. I have a friend that lives halfway to Kernersville and he hears planes over his house every day. How far away does one have to live before it's no longer "our fault for living so close?" Ten miles? Twenty? Thirty? Obviously you are a smart, educated person, or you wouldn't be at a medical school. All we ask is that you look at the full picture before you make up your mind.
		Bill Price (bprice@wfubmc.edu), another person with an e-mail address safely in Winston Salem, has the following to say. Just so I don't insult his "intelligence", I'll leave the spelling and grammar errors in, exactly as he sent them: It is time to stop the BS. This site and those behind it are nothing bu hypocrites with nothing better to do than complain and whine. The airport is a major lifeline to this area but you act as if you just as soon demolish it. And that will happen if this group throws up a roadblock every time the airport tries to grow. Most of your arguments, to quote this web site, do not "hold water." 1. The airport was built in highly rural area at the time it was built. In my opinion, 90-95% of the homes that may be affected by increased noise were built after the airport. Did they think the airport would go away or not grow? I think not. For those who moved in later, That goes for you too. 2. I do not see any of you complaining about the jobs at UPS or the pollution caused by all of the trucks running to and fro from that facility. What is good for the goose is good for the gander. 3. An increase in crime? Do not insult my intelligence. People are responsible for their own actions, nothing else. I suppose your mother did not love you either, right? 4. If you are worried about property values, you are simply worried about your wallet. You bought your home as a status symbol and nothing else. 5. And that leads to this final point. This all about the "me" generation. You are not protesting for the good of the triad, the city of Greensboro, or even the Cardinal area. You are worried about how this is going to affect your own money situation. That is why you are "selling" bumper stickers and t-shirts. To raise money for the "cause"? No, to pay "administrative expenses" to yourselves. That is more likely. If anyone bothered to read the small print the domain names with other extensions are on the auction block to the highest bidder. Does that sound like someone out to protect the community? Does any of this malarkey? "My mind is made up, don't confuse me with facts!" What I have tried to do with this web page is to publish the "facts", not the "hype" that PTIA and FedEx would have you believe. To address your questions, I do support the airport and the fine job they have done running it. What I do not support is the new hub. The best planners can go wrong. To address your statements, in order: 1., The area was semi-rural when the airport was built, however, the city governments planned the growth of residential areas as well as commercial areas. Jamestown was there years before the airport was built. Many of the residences that will be affected will not be affected if PTIA elects to use their existing runways instead of building a new one. Which leads to a question: Why build a new runway when the existing runways are only being used at less than 28% of their capacity? That's like building a four car garage when you only own one car. 2. Actually, people fighting for less pollution helped create emission standards that are much better than they were twenty years ago. Were you aware that UPS uses many trucks that run cleaner than your car probably does? They even have a web site that tells many of the environmental initiatives they have. Here is a quote from their page: In The UPS Forest, native plants flourish in the lush, tree-filled preserve that surrounds our corporate campus...alongside one of Atlanta's busiest commercial corridors. Here's the link to the page that describes it in greater detail. 3. Fact: Stress leads to more acts of violence, or "crimes of passion". That has been proven in multiple studies. Living with excessive noise (like planes passing overhead every three minutes all night long) causes stress. 'Most violent crime is an impulsive response to an immediate stressful situation,' according to this web site. It further goes on to say "medical science has documented the alarming rise of stress-related illness such as hypertension, stroke, and heart disease. This same build-up of stress is responsible for a similar rise in social illnesses -- crime, drug abuse, domestic violence, and family disintegration." Don't believe me? See Petersilia, J., "Crime and Punishment in California: Full Cells, Empty Pockets, and Questionable Benefits," CPS Brief, Berkeley, CA: California Policy Seminars, May 1993. Gee, you'd think that people at a medical school would know about the bad effects of too much stress. And yes, my mother loved me very much. I think she did a great job of raising my brother and I. 4. Actually, I bought my home as a place to keep my family and I out of the rain at night. If I wanted a status symbol, I'd have bought a Ford SUV with Firestone tires and a cell phone. 5. Fact is, I'm selling bumper stickers and t-shirts to raise money to pay for things like advertising, printing costs, etc. We earn less than 35 cents a bumper sticker (getting rich here!), and $3 a T-shirt. I've sunk a big chunk of personal change into this, without worrying if I'll make it back or not. To me, the fight is worth what I've spent, and more. If I raise enough money to pay for a full page ad in the local paper, I'll spend it to do just that. My job pays me enough to support my family, and to put a little something in savings each month. As for the three domain names being for sale, I will only sell, rent or loan them to someone who can convince me they can do a better job than I can. And the funds I may or may not get for them will be used for the fight. Maintaining this web site and working 60+ hours a week doesn't leave a whole lot of time and I'm smart enough to know when to let a better qualified person do a job. It took me three months to get this site ready to launch, and I took two days vacation to be able to do the launch. Would you preform surgery on your spouse when a doctor who is trained in that area was available to do the same thing? (Whoops, forgot, you are at a medical school. Sure hope you aren't the football coach if your wife needs surgery) And yes, I did have the guts to put the part about being willing to sell, rent. or loan the domain names on the web page, and for the reasons I stated above. 6. Malarkey? Truth is only "malarkey" when it doesn't fit your view of the world.
		Martin Tilley writes: This is a TERRIFIC idea. Thanks for getting the website set up. I hope everyone in Greensboro will log on. Maybe then they will see what we have been saying is the truth about this situation and will join in with "FedEx: Just say NO!"
		Then there's the remark from N3JAC@AOL.com, whom seems to have his caps lock key stuck: GO BUY A HOUSE NEXT TO SEWAGE PLANT AND SAY IT STINKS .AIRPORT WAS THERE LONG BEFORE YOU WERE. LATER HAVE FUN DIPSTICK Actually, some of my ancestors were in this area long before the airplane was invented, not to mention before the airport was built. And I do find people like you to be very amusing, but I don't resort to childish name-calling simply because I don't have anything better to say.
		Just a note to applaud your new website. I appreciate your efforts to make it easier to participate in this endeavor and gladly signed our names to it. We have lived in north High Point for 14 years and have enjoyed it a lot. We are directly under a flight path for many of the flights leaving the airport and we have adjusted to the increase in traffic from the airport without a peep. We chose to live in a thriving community, as this area is, and were glad that our airport was becoming successful after several false starts. We have financially benefited from the growth of the airport as we were the owners of the Old Hole in the Wall Restaurant till we sold it in January '97. We derived great benefit from our close proximity to the airport and had many good customers that worked there. We were able to sleep well at night even as the airport was able to become viable. Not a peep from us. As the plans for the Fedex Hub were announced we greeted the news with some trepidation but took a wait and see attitude. We could still sleep pretty well at night because we are about 9 miles south of the runway. I often thought that some of the people in those homes around the airport may have made bad decisions to buy homes in that area. While I felt sympathy for them, I felt we were fortunate to be so far away. They are in Greensboro and we are in High Point. Still no peep from us. We weren't apathetic to the situation but our ox had not been gored so we didn't make a peep. Until....about 2 months, or so, ago a huge plane of some type took off at 6:00am and brought me out of the bed. It must have been a military plane because it was a terrific noise. The house seemed to shake forever. I then began to understand what the fuss was all about. Our ox was gored and now we will peep too. The misinformation is starting to grate on us and we wish to join with you to help stop Fedex. We are not drawn to most causes because we are typical Americans and have grown lazy, apathetic and "powerless". We thank you for offering a way for us to rekindle our spirits. We stand ready to help and support this effort. Godspeed, Landon and Susan Wilder Thank You. The residents of Minor Lane Heights received the same type of rude awakening after the new runways were built in Louisville, Kentucky, and they had to move the entire town because the noise was so bad. (See the article and link on the main page.) Will a similar "discovery" be made here?

		jcalley@earthlink.net (James Alley) writes: Hey Man, Get a life!!! If you have so much free time on your hands...why don't you volunteer at the Red Cross, read to the blind or try something that truly makes a difference. In my opinion, trying to stop FedEx from building their hub is equivalent to stopping the globalization of the marketplace..."it ain't gonna happen". I hope that FedEx does take the time to shut down your site, as I believe they should...even though you may try to stop them with "all the legal action you can muster" I doubt if that compares to a team of FedEx attorneys. Get a clue I don't think a team of FedEx attorneys can compare to the power of the Internet. I've given permission to several people to mirror this site "just in case" and know of one mirror overseas where FedEx would have a hard time reaching them. I haven't received a single "pro-FedEx" letter where the writer didn't seem like they were yelling and screaming, like the one James sent me. What ever happened to calm, rational discussion? Since he brings up the part about volunteering or doing something that makes a difference, let me bring out a few points. (Excuse me if I sound like I'm blowing my own horn, but I don't know of another way to put it) First, I'm doing this website strictly voluntarily, and at my own expense. I have hopes of it making a difference. From what I've seen and read, it's well on it's way. Second, I volunteered to serve in the military for over fifteen years. I spent ten of those years overseas, and made seven gulf deployments. (You know, that place where Sadaam lives?) I also worked with the Special Olympics, and was a frequent volunteer to various orphanage assistance programs, where we visited different orphanages in third world countries like the Philippines and India, bringing things to them like food and blankets, spent time repairing their buildings, etc. I also worked as a volunteer command financial specialist- counseling those with money problems, and was a volunteer Navy - Marine Corps Relief Society counselor, helping my fellow sailors in times of emergency. I'm also a part-time instructor teaching people technical skills such as computer repair. The list goes on and on. Many of the other people in this fight have similar stories to tell. Now tell me, tell US, what have you done with your spare time to try and make a difference?
		Wayne, Thank you for doing the website. I'll pass this info. to friends. I really feel the hub can be kept out. FedEx is probably looking (discreetly) for another location. Mary Jane Morgan
		I just want to thank you for all your hard work to stop the FedEx debacle. I'm going to send email to everyone in my address book to visit and sign the petition. Let's get this out nationally. Charles Hansen
		Tatb20@aol.com writes: One thing that is usually overlooked is the increased number of trucks, large trucks, which will be moving freight in and out of the Fedex Hub each night. This will have a huge impact on roads, traffic, etc. Good luck in your efforts. Thank You. The traffic in that area will be horrible for years to come, hub or no hub. Anyone tried to drive down I-40 in that area lately? That's one project I'll be glad to see finished, and yes, I do support the work being done on I-40, mostly because of all the positive growth that has taken place lately.
		Well, my challenge was answered, I finally got a rational letter from a FedEx supporter. I don't agree with everything she has to say, but in the interests of being fair, I present her point of view, unedited: Tara230@aol.com writes: I moved here from an area where people consistently bury their heads in the sand at any sign of progress. They live with the NIMBY syndrome, (Not in my backyard) and it has destroyed the economic growth of that area. I am also well aware of the outstanding things that have happened to Memphis, TN as a result of FedEx being located there. They are good corporate citizens and contribute signifcantly to the area. They have 33,000 employees in the Memphis area and have created a major economic impact for a city that was struggling in the past. The airport launched its plan for growth over 30 years ago and had drawings concerning what they saw in the future available for everyone. They fought very hard for what became the Cardinal not to be zoned residential. When Bryan Blvd was put into the long term plans of the city 20 or so years ago, much grumbling and complaining was done because the housing values would go down but people still built and their values didn't decrease. Now Bryan Blvd has shown that it isn't a problem but an absolute necessity although you would have thought the world was coming to an end when it was put in the plans and ultimately built. What you are failing to realize is the trickle down effect that FedEx will bring. Regardless of the jobs that FedEx creates or brings, there will be many more jobs that will come into existence through internet and other type companies locating around the airport because of the improved shipping. This is the same effect that occurred in Memphis. Many new companies that are clean and provide good jobs have now located there. Umbro just moved to Memphis. Nike is there and there are many other companies that have gone to be close to a hub. Greensboro blew it when Piedmont Airlines was allowed to establish their hub in Charlotte by Greensboro's inability to see what the hub would bring. Now, with the United/USAirways merger, we'll be losing more jobs in Winston Salem and we had the chance to get the old Piedmont hub right here. Continental used to operate a hub out of Greensboro and that went well except that the City didn't support their efforts and they left. The airplanes that FedEx have noise abatement type equipment and practice reducing noise for takeoffs and landings. Not long ago, I was in Memphis at a hotel right beside the runway at midnight when all the planes came in and left a couple of hours later. I heard the first plane and went out to watch the show and it was fascinating. However, it would have not taken long to get used to what little noise there was and not affect sleep. You don't build your home near a railroad track and then complain about the trains. Even in that case, you'll get used to that too because humans adapt very well to external situations. Greensboro increased jobs by 3200 last year but lost 2500 for a net gain of 700. We're not growing like we should and we're losing our young people because they can find better jobs in other areas that are looking to grow and have leadership that our region doesn't. If this situation continues to happen, the population becomes older and economic growth diminishes that causes a downward spiral. Take a look at the Appalachian area of our country and you will see that a territorial, guarding turf, and thriving on the Not In My Backyard feeling has caused those people to move towards extreme poverty with no possibility of reversal. When FedX comes, and it will, everyone will adjust and it will be over and the area will be in better shape for it. Greensboro has long suffered from the foot in mouth disease. We don't need to continue to stick one or both feet in our mouth. By the way, I live in the flight path too but I realize that I will adjust and the community will be better because they're here. I'm not screaming as you said all proponents do. Negative thinking and actions breed nothing and only jeopardizes opportunities. Thank you for a calm, rational letter. I have been unable to verify your figures about employment and you didn't say where you got them from, so I'll accept them for now. One thing I would like to bring out, is that FedEx was turned down by the Raleigh-Durham area, yet they are thriving very well. Look at Research Triangle Park. That's the kind of growth we need. We are not fighting growth, only bad growth. Did we say "no" to American Express when they built their corporate park? Did Greensboro shoot down the renovation and growth of the Greensboro Coliseum? Did High Point turn away from the new construction and renovation of downtown for furniture showrooms? No, they did not. All have been successful, and good. I agree with you that the airport has blown several good opportunities, but none of those would have had as bad of an effect on the local area as this one. I have to wonder how you would feel if the US Military were instead building a nuclear weapons storage facility "in your backyard." One could argue that they would provide thousands of jobs for people who would be responsible for the care and maintenance, as well as the clean up, of nuclear weapons. Think about it from that point of view.
		rocconcarolina@yahoo.com (Rocco Moore) says: Enough is enough. We here in Greensboro are tired of all your whining about FedX. Don't you people want this area to grow? We need companies like this to increase our tax base. If your all are so worried about the pollution and noise.....don't you use automobiles? Well that increases noise and pollution.... are we to stop driving? Another thought the airport was there long before many of you bought and built yor homes.....why did you move there in the first place? You knew the airport would someday grow. If you are so dissatisfied do what many people do move into a more desired location. Just my thoughts on the matter since we are constant reminded of this on the news day in and out. I will welcome Fed X to the triad. First, it's "FedEx", not "FedX", but correct spelling isn't an issue. As for increasing out tax base, it will actually decrease it. Any property purchased (condemned, actually) and put under the control of the airport is exempt from property taxes. We stand to lose up to 581 acres of taxable land in this deal. The following is quoted from the PQLC's web site: FedEx will NOT pay at least $38.6 million in County taxes or $41.2 million in State taxes over 20 years. Thus, FedEx is exempted from paying an average of $1.93 million a year in County revenue and $2.06 million a year in State revenue--a $4 million tax break per year. Since the airport is tax-exempt, FedEx pays no property tax to Guilford County on the hub building or the land it occupies (an estimated loss of $27.6 million to Guilford County over 20 years). There's more. Click here to read the entire page. It's very educational. The rest of your arguments have already been answered in the previous letters. Take the time to explore the web site, and do so with an open, objective mind.

		I've added in my comments as we go along in this letter, rather than saving them for last: Dean_oliver_98@yahoo.com wrote to FedEx and sent me a copy: I am for the expansion of FedEx(r) to the GSO, NC area...However, in all of that propaganda on the web site listed below... http://www.boycottfedex.com Facts are only "propaganda" when they do not match your world view. Try and educate yourself to the facts, then make your choice. I was originally for the hub, but I am man enough to admit that I was wrong, and now I am (obviously) against the hub. My question for you is, how far away from the proposed hub do you live? It's easy to dismiss others if you yourself won't be affected by this. I did not see one disclaimer about the use of the FedEx(r) trademark, service mark, or likeness of their logo...see note 2 at the bottom of their homepage...I didn't see any statement about the "permission to use.....from FedEx(r)...." either... Note 2 IS the disclaimer. Yes, it is legal for me to use as it as long as 1: it isn't an exact likeness (colors and font style are slightly different), and 2: is plainly being used to identify who this site is about, and 3: I am not competing with FedEx as a company offering package delivery services. If it were illegal, you would not even be able to write the name "FedEx" on a protest sign. That would be pretty stupid as how would people then know who or what you were protesting? These facts have been well documented in previous law cases, both on and off the Internet. Believe me, I researched this very carefully AND consulted with an attorney who specializes in trademark cases, as well as attorneys for the ACLU. FedEx could try to make me stop using them, but it would only bring more negative publicity to themselves, and acknowledge the fact that we are indeed having an effect on them. It would actually help us if they made the attempt. We would be more than willing to turn this into a First Amendment case. Maybe the web master should "Be Absolutely Sure"(r) before publishing another companies likeness without permission... See note above. Kind Regards, Dean Oliver I hope Dean is willing to look at this with open eyes. More than one person has told me that they changed their minds after exploring this subject for themselves. I did. I actually submitted a resume to FedEx when I first heard about the hub. I'm glad I took the time to learn the truth.
		rww256@earthlink.net  (R. Wayne Wrightson) says: Let's get real. The only reason to oppose Fedex is so people who live near the airport can keep their property prices high. Fedex is just another company looking to build a new facility and they have picked Greensboro. We should not run them off because a bunch of dummies bought land near the airport thinking Greensboro and High Point would never grow. It's the property, stupid. Actually, the problem is people who think the only ones opposed to the hub live within five miles of the airport. Sorry to tell you this, but I don't live anywhere near the airport. My property values won't be affected that much, at least not more than the rest of the population within 60 miles of the place. It's the damage the hub will do to the environment, business climate, way of life, cities of Greensboro, High Point and surrounding areas, as well as the hundreds of other reasons to keep it out that matters. If it were only about the property values, then all PTIA and FedEx would have to do is offer people more than their homes were worth, and their problems would be solved. If the government is willing to throw $80 million tax dollars away, the cost of buying all the houses within five miles of the airport at twice their value is nothing. By the way, I refuse to stoop to your level by calling you names. Instead I suggest you open your eyes and look around. Educate yourself to the facts. Then make an intelligent decision, and put your support towards fighting the hub. I certainly hope you aren't someone who thinks the best they can do for themselves is get one of those wonderful $8 per hour part-time jobs with no benefits FedEx will be offering. Just think, with the $80 million in tax breaks they are giving this $120 billion company, we could send 32,000 people to GTCC to train for higher paying jobs for two years instead of providing only 1600 people with part-time jobs paying substandard wages and little in the way of benefits. Here's a parting fact for you: Most of the people who would be hired by FedEx would have to work a second job to make ends meet. Could you support YOUR family on an eight-dollar an hour part-time job?

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