The Charlotte region is vast and diverse. The more voices engaged in conversation, the better for us all. The Charlotte Observer welcomes your comments on news of the day, but we ask that you keep the discourse civil.

• Do not use profanity or obscenities. Talk of violence won't be tolerated.
• No racial, gender or sexual-orientation name-calling.
• Do not attack other commenters for their views.
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• And finally, as Mark Twain said: "Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest."

We do not monitor each and every posting, but we reserve the right to delete comments that violate these rules. You can help: Notify us of violations by hitting the "Report Abuse" button. Action will be taken against users who repeatedly or flagrantly violate the rules.