In response to "Hospitable, sure, but largesse is troubling" (May 10 Editorial) and related articles:

Cut Tim Newman some slack; slap his wrist and move on

OK, Tim Newman of the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority did a few unCharlotte things. But for goodness sakes and all the gray Buicks in town, give him a chance because we will not find anybody who is smarter, more productive or can get things done in a very difficult environment. His job is big-city promotion and that's as difficult as training black flies in a stable full of Clydesdales.

He's a good man. Yes, there are rules. And to all those out there who want to dip him in the tank, I say find someone better.

Yes, there are procedures. Hit him hard with the fly swatter and move on. I do believe he has learned his lesson.

H.A. "Humpy" Wheeler

Charlotte

Just plain wrong to give gifts

to city, county employees

CRVA should entertain the people it's trying to persuade to hold functions in Charlotte. That's part of its job. But giving money, tickets or anything of value to city or county officials is not the CRVA's job and could lead to corruption. It's shocking the CRVA board doesn't see that.

Giving gifts and freebies to its own board is another ethics violation. Trying to justify that shows the weakness of CRVA executives, their board and their ethics policy.

Ed Garland

Charlotte

In response to "Student hands loaded gun to bus driver" (May 10 CharlotteObserver.com):

Thanks bus driver, but CMS

still needs better security

Everyone was incredibly lucky to have a bus driver who was able to persuade that child to hand over the gun. However, there will not always be people like Evans Okoduwa to prevent violence. Security in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools should be increased to prevent possession of weapons and/or drugs. Until then, CMS students are still in danger of becoming victims.

Lauren Glaze

Charlotte

In response to "If I must pay for summer Pops, my annual donation will shrink" (May 11 Forum):

We're not 'entitled' to free summer Pops concerts

Has it occurred to Forum writer Melissa Ware that she is asking our outstanding Charlotte Symphony players to donate their time and talent by giving summer concerts for free when their own pay has been cut? They, too, may be "struggling to even pay regular bills." There are also expenses involved that she has not considered. I don't understand why we are "entitled" to these lovely concerts.

Susan Cureton

Charlotte

In response to "Don't want to get kicked off a plane? Then dress like us!" (May 10 Forum):

Where exactly is this American dress code spelled out?

Guess I'll have to leave my Guayabera shirt in the closet when I leave my Mint Hill home from now on. I didn't realize there was an official dress code required to effectively assimilate and partake of the "American experience." I guess I should blame my high school civics teacher who failed to point out where in the Bill of Rights this official American dress code is spelled out. God help any Sikhs, Orthodox Jews, Mennonites or other religious sartorial nonconformists who come to Charlotte.

Carlos Pelay

Charlotte

Don't judge all Muslims on the actions of a few extremists

By insisting Muslims assimilate through suppression of their religious beliefs, we ignore two things: First, the very principles of freedom of religion and expression that formulate the "American experience," and second, the way negative stereotypes have tainted many Americans' views of Islam. Everyone, especially Muslims, should stand up to radical Islamists. But we should also remember the actions of a few cannot deny an entire faith its freedom of expression.

Hayley R. Fahey

Mooresville

In response to "Largest Presbyterian group clears way for openly gay clergy" (May 11):

We didn't tackle gay clergy issue, just muddied the water

There is not currently any prohibition against ordaining gay individuals in the Presbyterian Book of Order. What it did say, as you state at the end of the article, was that if you were single, you must remain celibate. There is no reference to race, gender or sexual orientation. What we had was a standard for everyone. We have now replaced a clear cut, non-discriminatory standard with no standard. We have "resolved" our issue by pretending no issue exists.

Bill Harraman

Charlotte

In response to "Gay marriage does not offer male/female balance kids need" (May 11 Forum):

Parenting today isn't about 'male/female balance'

Pray tell, what is this "male/female balance that helps (kids) properly relate to their gender for stable child development?" In 2011, what are male roles? What are female roles? And how many of us witnessed the sexual behavior of our parents to know, with certainty, that it was "straight" and not "distorted?" Biased conclusions based on faulty reasoning. That, Forum writer Diane Hoefling, is just plain twisted!

Tracey Rossman

Concord