In response to "Scientists connect global warming to extreme rain" (Feb.17) and "Duke earnings up 23% in 2010" (Feb. 18):
Duke Energy fuels the extreme weather that drives up our bills
Thursday the Observer reported that "telltale fingerprints" in scientific data confirm that manmade climate change is fueling extreme weather events such as massive snowstorms and rainstorms. Friday we learned that Duke Energy's 2010 earnings were up 23 percent, in large part because of extreme weather.
Now, Duke Energy wants to raise rates to pay for new coal-fired power plants. Burning coal is a huge cause of the climate crisis. Climate change is not a "victimless crime." Extreme weather hurts people. But it's great for Duke Energy.
Let's call on Duke Energy to stop fueling the extreme weather that's driving up our electric bills and Duke's profits. Duke should shut down some coal plants and promote drastic conservation and energy efficiency.
Sally Kneidel
Charlotte
In response to "Perdue serves a lean plate" (Feb. 18):
You're not in the pulpit, Gov. Perdue, so stop acting like it
Now Gov. Bev Perdue states that she does not want to discuss taxing video gaming because of the moral issue. And she already stated that she doesn't want to privatize liquor because she doesn't want to be the one that puts liquor in Wal-Mart.
Well Perdue, I thought you were my governor - not my pastor.
Donald A. Dallman
Charlotte
Requiring photo IDs at the polls would take us back to the '50s
The proposal to require photo IDs at the polls in North Carolina is obviously a ploy. It amounts to a poll tax. Have we gone back to the '50s? Let us not do this.
We'll be in the national spotlight with the Democratic National Convention in 2012; let's not look like reactionaries.
If this proposal passes, with the transparent attempt to disenfranchise elderly, poor Democrats, it will not work. The Democratic Party will fight back by guaranteeing a photo ID in the hands of every poor Democrat who could otherwise be denied the vote. So don't bother. We're going to fight you tooth and nail.
Kathleen Domanski
Marvin
In response to Tim Rutten's "Behind the 'birthers' blather" (Feb. 18 Viewpoint):
Media must take on birthers; squash their 'propaganda'
When will the news media accept their role as educators and set the record straight for "birthers"?
The fact of the matter is this: It doesn't matter what country the son or daughter of an American citizen is born in. If the parents - or parent - are American, then so is the child.
The real story should focus on how, why and to what end the birther propaganda is perpetuated by those who know better.
Those who wish not to be bothered by all the pesky facts should be made to confront the truth on a daily basis for the benefit of those for whom free speech and thought are not invitations to engage in mass-delusion of the weak-minded via propaganda.
Dan Ericson
Matthews
They're back... those guys who butcher our roadside trees
Can someone explain why the trees in front of Charlotte Country Day School were butchered beyond recognition? I thought I had entered a Salvador Dali landscape as I turned from Fairview Road onto Carmel Road.
I see this happen in all parts of Charlotte. Minor pruning is understandable, but this is disgraceful.
Mangled trees around town are certainly not going to impress our visitors in 2012. Besides, why spend so much money and time on tree regulations?
Page Courts
Charlotte
In response to "Spend money on jails or on Bright Beginnings; you pick" (Feb. 14 Forum):
My generation thrived without pre-K and so can today's kids
I can't believe people who say that if your child does not participate in Bright Beginnings they could end up in jail.
It's amazing how all of the children who grew up during the Great Depression were able to win World War II and foster the greatest sustained economic boom in our history - all without Bright Beginnings.
We took our own lunch and managed to buy our own school supplies.
Bright Beginnings started in 1997 and has not produced enough data to support "Bright Beginnings or go to jail" statements.
I know times are different, but so are people.
Robert Alston
Charlotte
In response to "Bright Beginnings is a wasteful solution in search of a problem" (Feb. 15 Forum):
Bright Beginnings isn't a handout, it's a hand up
For those who think a helping hand like Bright Beginnings is a handout, I have a suggestion:
Try raising pre-kindergartners on two low-wage jobs. One job certainly won't do. Figure out how to pay for high-quality child care that provides the type of enrichment Bright Beginnings does. Juggle your two, or three, jobs while you transport kids back and forth. Spend time reading with your kid/s during the "free time" between jobs. Nevermind that you can't afford books - or health insurance.
Yep, try walking in the shoes of a poor person, then see if trashing Bright Beginnings is such a good idea.
Jim Henderlite
Charlotte
