In response to Fannie Flono's "No silver bullet for education woes" (May 6 Viewpoint):

Can't leave it all up to teachers; parents, kids must do their part

Raising a successful student is a daily job of pushing, encouraging and emphasizing how important school is. Maybe there are some magical teachers who inspire young minds so much that students can't wait to dive into their work when they get home, but I doubt too many. The teachers do their best to teach, but it's up to the parents and students to learn, and it's a job.

Don Gyr

Charlotte

Tackle child poverty if you want to see U.S. test scores climb

There may not be a silver bullet, but there is one strategy that could significantly improve our educational outcomes: Reduce or eliminate child poverty and its effects.

Study after study shows that children of poverty fail to benefit from American public education. The reasons are obvious: They tend to be hungry, not healthy, and to come from stressed homes where a child's education and development may not get first priority.

When countries have taken serious steps to reduce the effects of child poverty, their educational outcomes rose. If we are not willing to pay now to help these children, we will certainly pay later.

Araminta S. Johnston

Charlotte

In response to "Legislature's disdain of jobless is appalling" (May 6 Editorial):

Senators aren't playing politics, just being fiscally responsible

Friday's editorial about the Republican N.C. Senate was your usual garbage. You don't seem to understand that our state is in the red by several billion dollars. We may not be broke, but we are on our way there unless our state makes wholesale cuts. If that were a Democratic majority in Raleigh, you'd be lavishing them with praise.

Ted Hayes

Hickory

Santorum's remarks about gay parents show he's out of touch

Last week Sen. Rick Santorum called into question the ability of single parents, gay parents and others to raise happy, healthy children. As a gay father who spends his days getting breakfast on the table, participating in my daughter's school community and helping people in need, I can tell you that Sen. Santorum could not be more out of touch with the reality of the American family.

A quarter of America's children are being raised by single parents; more than 2.5 million by grandparents; and 2 million by gay and lesbian parents. They're raising their children to love their country, respect their neighbors, worship a loving God, and be valuable members of society.

Tommy Starling

Pawleys Island, S.C.

In response to "James: Sea burial was undeserved" (May 3):

I wonder about the voters who keep re-electing Bill James

I'm so glad Bill James does not represent my district and ashamed that he represents the Charlotte area as a Mecklenburg County commissioner. The continual hateful, vicious and vile remarks from a man who considers himself a Christian makes one wonder about the constituency that keeps him in office. Anyone who openly and often spews such hatred should be considered a menace to society.

Betty C. Montgomery

Charlotte

In response to "Obama no hero, but soldiers who've been at it since 9-11 are" (May 5 Forum):

Critics refuse to acknowledge Obama did make the final call

As a military veteran with 20 years of service, Forum writer Daphne Stroup should know this: In a mission like the one May 1, the military strategically advises the president on the course of action, but it is the president - Republican or Democrat - who gives the go and takes full responsibility.

This is one of the great things that separates this great nation from others. It's time for those who have feelings against President Barack Obama to recognize our magnificent system of government - and that this was a mission accomplished.

Marita Lentz

Charlotte

A few things are bugging me about that golf tournament

I wondered why the beautiful red and gold banners in Ballantyne announcing the 2011 Wells Fargo Championship were taken down more than a week before the event began. And why did Wells Fargo name its annual event "Reading Above Par" when champions try to shoot under par? For that matter, could the signs please announce "golf parking this way," rather than "no golf parking."

Kathleen Britton

Charlotte

Here's to low-income moms fighting for a better future

The writer is program manager of Nurse-Family Partnership.

This Mother's Day I want to recognize some special women in our community who've become incredible mothers, despite the challenges of raising a child as a low-income, first-time mother. Mothers enrolled in Nurse-Family Partnership lack adequate resources to help their children succeed. Through hard work, they are taking steps to have a healthy pregnancy, provide for their child and become self-sufficient. Today, let's remember those who've made a significant investment in their child's future.

Ursula Douglas

Charlotte