Editor,

It is unfathomable to imply that allowing a "big-box" retailer in Athens would not hurt the Uptown area or the Athens economy as The Post did in yesterday's editorial: "Store space limits unfair."

Wal-Mart's motives are known all too well in a plethora of rural economies: Set up shop, offer low prices that divert business from local establishments, and push their competitors out of business. Once Wal-Mart has eliminated their competition, they can set prices at levels to their liking, without regard to fair market value.

The Post's assertion that the proposal from Save Our Local Economy, No Wal-Mart, is "an attempt to block competition" is naive and absurd. Wal-Mart has created its corporate conglomerate on the basis of blocking competition.

Historic Court Street already has three prominent vacant storefronts; a retailer occupying more than 30,000 feet would close many more. Support the resolution to limit retail square footage. We need business profits in the hands of Athenians, not corporate fat cats who specialize in destroying local economies.

Editor,

This week, there were 13 white doves released in remembrance of the victims in Littleton, Colorado. There should have been 15. The deaths of Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold are still deaths, still as tragic and confusing.

Remember them when you remember the others. Perhaps in death we can show them the understanding and compassion we did not show them in life.