In response to "If Jordan wants to help, why not give to 'education'?" (Aug. 31) and related articles:

Enough with the criticism; Jordan gave from his heart

Why do we disparage those making a positive difference? Michael Jordan makes a nice donation to a local cause that is relatable to him, and yet he receives criticism saying he could have given more or to a more worthy recipient.

There are thousands of good causes in need of time and money. Maybe he didn't choose the one most important to you, but is that really a reason to complain?

Thanks Michael - and thanks to all who help out in their own way.

Darrin Skinner

Charlotte

CMS shuttle stops work; expand idea to save even more

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools needs to make changes to its shuttle stop system. Although the current system is working, if CMS wants to save more money they need to work on a larger scale. Currently 11 schools - all full magnets - use the system. There are more than 170 schools in CMS. Much more money could be saved by including more schools, such as partial magnets. Even more money could be saved if CATS route planners worked with CMS so that city bus routes worked more efficiently for students.

Lee Roberts

Charlotte

In response to "Streets would get bulk of bond money" (Aug. 30):

Don't use bond money on intersections that don't need it

While the bulk of the 2010 bonds should go toward transportation, more should be focused on public transportation and farm-to-market roads, including the proposed streetcar and the LYNX.

Some streets do need to be worked on, but investing $14.2 million on the intersections of McKee and Providence roads and Ballantyne Commons Parkway and Elm Lane is unnecessary. I live near both intersections; there are no big problems.

Improving these two intersections gets nearly as much of the bond as affordable housing! Is that really necessary?

We need to come up with a more sensible way to organize the bonds.

Matthew Janson

Charlotte

In response to "CMS budget cuts leave chess clubs down and out" (Aug. 29):

Chess helps students; stop cutting things that benefit kids

Studies show that chess improves a player's problem solving skills, ability to focus and patience, all of which help to make a good student. As an avid player, chess has helped me personally. CMS should continue to support chess.

The county has already closed libraries and cut operating hours to save money. Why do we keep cutting into children's intellectual opportunities?

In a world where video games occupy a lot of children's time, chess is a healthy alternative that should be supported by the community.

Dean Tran

Charlotte

In response to "The billionaire tea partiers" (Sept. 2 Viewpoint):

Unfair to slam Koch brothers but not mention George Soros

National columnist Frank Rich's article about the billionaire tea partiers is the height of hypocrisy and dishonest journalism. While he assails the Koch brothers and their involvement in conservative issues, he fails to mention George Soros and the millions he spends on liberal issues.

Rich tries the same with Rupert Murdoch, but fails to mention Mr. Murdoch was a supporter of Hillary Clinton and has given to both the Democrat and Republican parties.

Is this the best we can expect from the New York Times? If so, perhaps this explains some of the decline in circulation.

Ben Pelton

Charlotte

Tax cuts for rich come at the peril of seniors, middle class

There seems a definite trend of "conservative" politicians and candidates lining up to "reform" Social Security and Medicare - claiming these are financial burdens that are unsustainable.

At the same time, these same politicians are gearing up to push for extension of all the Bush tax cuts that expire at the end of the year. This includes some $700 million or more over the next five to 10 years for the wealthiest 2 percent of the population.

On the one hand we have social programs that aid the middle and lower class and are vital to many seniors. These are too costly to continue.

On the other hand, we apparently have the revenue needed to continue tax cuts for those who don't need them.

Consider these views when deciding who to vote for in November. And do go out and vote in November.

Chris Porier

Charlotte

Elections employees in Union County are keeping it clean

The writer is chairman of the Union County Board of Elections.

Election officials in Union County wear official vests at polling sites. These vests get real dirty from multiple usages over time.

Employees Linda Price and Debbie Helms Baker recently washed all 275 vests at their own expense - a savings in excess of $455 to the taxpayers.

This is just one example of how the devoted employees at the Board of Elections continually work to assure "clean elections" in Union County.

Bobby H. Griffin

Monroe