In response to " '1 percenters' dish millions, alter race for White House" (Feb. 2):

Greed, special interests trump all in race for the White House

It was with disgust that I tallied up the total donations to the presidential race listed in this article - over $500 million.

Our political system has been hijacked by special interest groups putting forth self-serving politicians interested in taking care of themselves first, their political backers second and the American people last, if at all.

We should eliminate political parties entirely and limit donations to $250 per person in individual donations only, with no corporate donations allowed.

Robert Bond

Charlotte

Feel like I'm watching bizarre reality show, not a campaign

Is it acceptable, in 2012, for presidential candidates to speak in favor of the fundamentalist views of one religion? Is it proper for them to support prejudice against gays? Is it useful to stir up old racial divisions?

This is not the '60s. Appealing to those prejudices should disgust the public.

This is not family values. Not faith. Not religion. This is just plain ignorance.

David A. Nachamie

Lincolnton

In response to "Democracy allows for votes like upcoming one on gay marriage" (Feb. 2 Forum):

Civil rights not put to public vote; gay unions shouldn't be

To allow a vote on how a majority of voters in this state, or any other, feels about subjects that involve denying law-abiding, tax-paying, America-loving citizens access to the same rights, benefits and social recognition every other citizen has, is inherently un-American.

Just as interracial marriage laws, denial of civil rights and the repeal of "don't ask, don't tell" were not "voted on," but were wiped out with the swipe of a pen, the right of all people to marry whomever they love - and be accorded the benefits and recognition thereto - should be instituted as the law of the land, not a privilege only offered to those whom certain segments of society deem worthy.

Gregg London

Mount Holly

In response to "A pointed comment on Reagan's legacy" (Feb. 1 Viewpoint):

Pitts plays race card again with 'scary black man' comment

Leonard Pitts suggests Gov. Jan Brewer was afraid of the "scary black man" President Obama on the tarmac. Really?

Have we finally reached the outer limits of sanity with respect to the left's constant and shameless invocation of the race card? Mr. Pitts lives in a world where everything - without exception - is defined by race. What a sad way to live.

Kris Wampler

Charlotte

In response to "North Carolinians shouldn't miss out on insurance rebates" (Jan. 19 Opinion):

N.C. officials not trying to weaken health reform

The writers represent the N.C. Justice Center's Health Access Coalition.

The recent Feedback column criticizing the Department of Insurance missed the mark.

North Carolina is not seeking to weaken health reform. Rather, Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin is taking a reasoned approach by phasing in new insurance rules to protect consumers while preserving competition and maintaining access to agents and brokers.

It's true that if these new regulations were implemented immediately and if insurance companies did not adjust quickly enough, consumers could get a maximum of $18 million in rebates over three years. None of these rebates, however, would go to Blue Cross customers.

In our state Goodwin is listening to stakeholders and fighting for consumers.

Adam Searing

Adam Linker

Raleigh

In response to "Cafe could be cited by ALE for hiring felon" (Jan. 26):

Don't let Flying Biscuit case rule how we treat convicts

N.C. prisons are filled with inmates who'll be released back into society. If we refuse them some type of meaningful employment so they can support themselves, we all know the end result.

I cannot remember any previous incident like that at the Flying Biscuit Café. If there is one bad apple, do we punish or throw away the whole barrel?

If this is our view, let no one cry when taxes are raised to house repeat offenders who will surely commit new crimes in order to support themselves.

Walter Lee Sadler

Charlotte

Back to basics; stop jumping on latest, greatest education fix

Before we throw more money at education we must restore discipline, give teachers clear direction, eliminate the dozens of forms they must fill out, and let them teach the basics.

Instead Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and other districts jump on every new program that promises a solution, while seemingly not realizing there is no silver bullet. Nor do they allow any of these wonder programs to stay in place for long.

Kenneth M. Kyzer

Charlotte

One small request for the billboard industry in N.C.

Hey, billboard guys,

Could you wait to cut down the trees until after the Democratic National Convention? All those visitors would think we're nuts!

Roberta Dees

Charlotte