In response to "Police: Principal killed himself" (Jan. 25):

Handling of Dr. Bowe's case may mark a new low for CMS

My sons have attended Eastover Elementary, A.G. Middle, Myers Park High and Northwest School of the Arts. Through all the years of education, Dr. Barry Bowe was the greatest advocate for students I've encountered. His love of the arts and incredibly positive attitude enhanced NWSA every single day.

If it's true CMS officials gave Dr. Bowe an ultimatum, then it is an even sadder day for our school system. To not recognize the devotion and support Dr. Bowe offered our children and work with him to retain that talent, shows CMS officials have risen to a new level of incompetency and bureaucracy at its worst.

Joanne Parrish

Charlotte

Moderator let Gingrich sidestep crucial question in S.C. debate

Shame on CNN debate moderator John King - not for asking a pertinent question at the Republican debate in South Carolina, but for cowering and caving to the blowhard who castigated him for asking.

What King should have done after Newt Gingrich finished his rant of unrighteous indignation was to respond, "But, sir, you didn't answer my question."

Rod Skaggs

Claremont

Obama takes aim at student loan rates, but he's off target

President Obama's solution for making college more affordable - keep student loan interest rates from rising - does not address the fundamental problem.

College costs have spiraled out of control, but a degree from a traditional four-year college is no longer the ticket to success it once was.

We need to reset our expectations and restructure the higher education system toward more cost-effective approaches, including community colleges and Internet-based distance learning. The emphasis should be on lifetime learning, not a taxpayer-subsidized four-, five- or six-year party after high school.

Steven P. Nesbit

Charlotte

If rich pay more in taxes, some folks will get smaller paychecks

People do not know math, especially Democrats. Fifteen percent of a larger number is greater than 15 percent of a smaller number.

A word to the wise: The rich paying a greater percentage of federal income taxes will not reduce your taxes, but it could reduce your income. People better start listening to Ron Paul if you want real change.

Brooks Godwin

Charlotte

In response to "Council OKs expanding police power during DNC" (Jan. 24):

New ordinances infringe on free speech, freedom to assemble

The new ordinances designed to "protect" the First Amendment are dangerous for several reasons. Giving police more latitude to harass people with backpacks during the Democratic National Convention does not protect those people, it violates their Fourth Amendment rights. A "free speech zone" means your free speech is actually restricted to a government-approved area. A government-issued permit to engage in free speech means it has become a privilege, not a right.

Not long ago, Democrats were good on these issues. Where have the civil libertarians gone?

Pete A. Pappas

Charlotte

In response to "Current laws support HOA boards; keep it that way" (Jan. 25 Forum):

My take on HOAs: They're the worst form of excess control

Forum writer Jeanie Welch says the HOA legislation is needed to help HOAs serve their neighborhoods better. Fact is, HOAs are a bane for the average homeowner. These boards dictate how homeowners may use their property, yet the homeowners are responsible for taxes.

Those who support HOAs also support dictating the proper use of the owner's land as well as the structures on that land, over and above federal, state and local regulations. HOAs are the epitome of excess control!

Doug Samut

Mooresville

No more SAT; let college admissions make the call

The SAT will never go away because too many make too much money in the name of this test. You pay to take the test, pay to send it to colleges if you want to send it to more than four, pay for SAT review courses, private tutors, etc.

The amount of money spent to determine if a student will be successful in college is ridiculous. If an admissions office cannot determine a student's academic abilities based on performance in high school, they're in the wrong business.

I'm tired of people having to spend money on this antiquated test, and I'm more than happy to send my last kid off to college next fall! No more SAT for me!

Leah Allen

Charlotte

Voter fraud is real, just

ask S.C. attorney general

The S.C. attorney general recently reported 900 dead S.C. residents voted in recent elections. This is known as voter fraud. The attorney general also reported tens of thousands of registered voters had left the state and records did not reflect this. This invites voter fraud.

Only the left and Democrats who employ unethical tactics used by Acorn and the New Black Panther Party scream about voter suppression.

Thomas W. Cochran

Troutman