A well-deserved thank you | Eastern North Carolina Now

    I have lived here for the last 5 years. We met as I did work at your house after Irene. Instantly I was struck with how a man leaning Democrat and a man leaning Republican could be so similar in basic philosophy and outlook.

    We have had numerous conversations. Each one is hard to terminate. What I always like best is our ability to "agree to disagree" ---- and be good friends and mentors.

    I have pastored Baptist Churches where there is always a vote on everything. I have been involved in conflict as the NC Baptist State Convention and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary were forcibly changed from middle-of-the road to ultra-Conservative. The character destruction and hate engendered was awful beyond words. No words of peace and love were to be found on either side. I found the conflicts making me into something I naturally am not---a warrior. I saw many in the conflict at its greatest junctures carry their hostility home. There were some divorces which resulted.

    I, too, have moved on. It is wonderful to be pursuing work and customer relations over a religious battle. Once ended, there is no need to keep on fighting. It is far wiser to wish former enemies farewell and let us see how things do under their ownership. Time always tells who is right / wrong / should have compromised. Even a good marriage has it's conflicts and resolutions!

    There is no such thing as Utopia on this earth. There is such a thing as conflict with ultimate love and respect as political battles are won or lost. The worst result is abject hate and no respect for those who occupy seats from our County Council all the way to the halls of Raleigh or Washington.

    Again, thanks for our continued friendship. Good luck with your business and personal life. Your wife and kids are a joy to be around. We shall have "friendship by the River" at Bayview. I will gladly steam the oysters or cook the burgers. Both of us are working men with a small business. Until the economy improves, we may have to select something besides file minon for a while. Some day you hope to achieve a nicer yard with trees all pruned properly for your Hatteras hammock in the shade. I stand ready to assist you.

    With all respect and brotherly love,