In response to "Cell phone ban outrageous; I talk and drive accident-free" (Dec. 15 Forum):

I see you on the highway and you're not as safe as you think

To Forum writer Greg Palmer and the many others who think they drive safely while engaged in cell phone conversations: I drive the interstates and highways about two hours each day. I see dozens of you engaged in intense conversations with no idea that you're weaving across lanes, going too fast or too slow for the lane you're in, and oblivious to the fact that your vehicle is equipped with turn signals.

Nanny state Mr. Palmer? Perhaps, but only because people like you don't use the common sense God gave you.

Bill Whitesides

Lincolnton

Too many close calls for me; I fully support cell phone ban

I don't doubt Greg Palmer's ability to drive and talk at the same time. However, after being sideswiped while walking in a parking lot by an SUV traveling about 2 miles per hour, driven off the road by a car that cut in front of me, and after observing drivers completely unaware of their surroundings - all while on their phones - I believe a ban on cell phones while driving is essential.

Walter Saville

Charlotte

In response to "He felt I was giving him away" (Dec. 15):

Consider giving Isaiah a more precious gift this Christmas

I cried as I read the story of Cassandra Ware dropping her 5-year-old son, Isaiah Vaughn, at the N.C. School for the Deaf. I can only imagine the pain she felt. I know he will love a bike for Christmas, but the best gift this mom and his 16-year-old brother can give him is for them to learn sign language!

He has been signing since he was 1. Imagine the joy he would have to see his mother tell him she loves him.

Nancy Hemmig

Charlotte

In response to "Jury convicts Stasko of involuntary manslaughter" (Dec. 14):

N.C. needs vehicular homicide law similar to other states

I knew Tyler Stasko would be found guilty on a lesser charge. The problem with this case was the charge itself - murder. When you think of someone arrested for murder you think of someone who intentionally set out to kill, therefore little sympathy is shown for the defendant.

Many states have an alternate law that applies when someone dies in a motor vehicle crash due to the criminal actions of others; it's vehicular homicide. The jury may very well have had an easier time convicting Tyler Stasko of that charge rather than murder.

Joseph Dalton

Concord

In response to "Lowe's misses chance to turn away bigotry" (Dec. 13 Editorial) and related Forum letters:

Lowe's did no wrong; safety of U.S. citizens must come first

Many people feel Lowe's lost a chance to stand up to bigotry. If what they did is what you call bigotry, what do you call the attack Muslims made on the United States on 9-11 that killed 3,000 Americans?

If our country and the safety of U.S. citizens does not come first, we are doomed.

I learned a long time ago that everyone you meet on the street is not your friend. Seems some people think everyone is.

James A. Vansickle

Lincolnton

In response to "Other veterans 'toughened up' after war; so can latest soldiers" (Dec. 14 Forum):

PTSD is real, it's a disservice to soldiers to deny its existence

As a Vietnam veteran who served with the Marine Corps during combat operations in 1968, I'm outraged at the extreme lack of insight and sensitivity Forum writer Jack Calaway displayed. I've worked hard and had a long and successful career, but every day of my life I deal with events from 1968 due to PTSD.

Let me say on behalf of all who did serve in war, you're welcome Mr. Calaway because we were willing to give our lives to defend your right to behave in the boorish manner you did when you wrote your letter.

George Aaron

Charlotte

In response to "I worked for my school lunch; wouldn't hurt others to do it," (Dec. 12 Forum):

Millions of white children live

in poverty too, Mr. Gingrich

The issue with Newt Gingrich's comment isn't about whether kids should work; it's what Gingrich didn't say.

Words such as poor, illegal, pimps and drug dealers are typical code for non-white people.

Remember Bill James' comment about the moral sewer? It appears in their minds poor white people don't exist.

The rate of poverty is indeed higher among non-whites, however more than 4 million white children live in poverty, according to the National Center for Children in Poverty.

Aaron Joseph

Charlotte

Reason for season rang loud and clear at Salvation Army

Some co-workers and I spent four hours Sunday helping prepare for the Salvation Army's annual Angel Tree gift distribution. You can't help but be moved by the generosity we saw. There was a steady stream of people from all walks of life dropping off items to brighten a child's holiday.

The sheer volume helped to restore some faith in the fact that people do still understand what the holiday is about.

Remember to give what you can - gifts, money, time. Somebody's holiday will be a little better for it, and so will yours.

Eric Swanson

Charlotte