Payroll tax cut sounds great, but will cost us in long run

The payroll tax (FICA) directly funds Social Security. We've eliminated it for two years. Is anyone else concerned that we have just reduced the solvency of the elderly's safety net by more than two years?

Even worse, reinstating it will probably be touted by some groups as a tax increase.

Linda Berne

Charlotte

In response to "Stop the cake! Weight we inmates gain is costing you" (Feb. 20 Forum):

Life in prison shouldn't be cushy, so quit complaining

Robert J. Rosso's letter about too much cake in federal prison infuriates me. Send more vegetables? Give me a break.

If I want fresh vegetables I must buy them or grow them myself. Ask the warden if you can have a place to grow some vegetables yourself.

Prison is not supposed to be luxurious and comfortable even though some bleeding heart liberals think prisoners should have rights. I say make life in prison hard and miserable so that if prisoners ever get out, they don't want to go back.

Kevin Smith

Concord

In response to "Based on recent decisions, Obama's not on our side" (Feb. 20 Forum):

Obama making cautious, sane decisions and I'm OK with that

First, President Obama didn't start this mess. And his spending is having a positive effect. We all know there is still much to be done to "right the ship, and turn this mess around."

Next, Obama's call on the Keystone pipeline was more of a postponement, vs. a "cancel," to allow further study and not be bullied into a potentially disastrous environmental decision.

As for reducing nuclear weaponry... I applaud this. What would you have him and the joint chiefs do, engage in a nuclear war?

Who's side is President Obama on anyway? I think it's the side of caution, calculation and reason. Yes, sanity.

Tom Kuhn

Charlotte

President needs to stop playing politics with energy policy

The Obama administration has claimed it favors an all domestic energy sources "now" policy. However, with its recent side-lining of the Keystone pipeline and record of supporting favored alternative energy projects such as Solyndra, this is only political rhetoric.

Last summer the State Department found the Keystone pipeline to have no significant environmental impact. The U.S. Department of Transportation has imposed 51 stringent safety conditions on construction and operation to ensure its safety. Pipeline construction would create 25,000 direct jobs.

Should we wait until we have suffered the harmful effects of still higher gas prices and risk our energy security? Or, should we demand the president stop playing politics and adopt a real energy policy?

Richard L. Robertson

Charlotte

In response to "Tillis wrong to eject peaceful protesters" (Feb. 19 Editorial):

Tillis wrong to oust protesters; State House is 'our' house

House Speaker Thom Tillis' recent behavior shows he will do whatever is necessary to avoid hearing the public's comments and concerns.

How can he possibly be representative of the people of North Carolina when he is afraid of peaceful protesters? If he will not talk with them, how can he stake any legitimate claim as speaker to represent the best interests of all North Carolinians?

Ron Rabatsky

Waxhaw

In response to "What it would take to give every N.C. student a great teacher" (Feb. 19 For the Record):

Making, keeping 'great' teachers not so simple today

Tom Campbell honors his junior high teacher from 1958 proclaiming that every child should have a teacher like Joyce Zeh. Yet his assessment is not based on any test scores.

Trying to tie his anecdote to today's anti-NCAE, pro-pay for performance politics is awkward at best. Campbell believes we can now measure in one school year what it took him 53 years of reflection to appreciate.

Tim Michael

Charlotte

In response to "Here's how to uphold civility: Don't pander to ignorance" (Feb. 20 Opinion):

Media must recognize role it has played in growing incivility

Civility and decent behavior toward one another has been lost for almost two generations now, as we're constantly bombarded by negativity, selfishness and pugilistic actions from our "enlightened" cultural icons.

The story Kathleen Parker should analyze is the media not recognizing the real reason incivility is so widespread. The video, print and music media caused the problem by chasing ratings, which involves finding the lowest common denominator to get the public's attention - incivility and meanness.

Marty Pearsall

Mint Hill

Let's just take religion out of it; doesn't get in the way at work

Why do we have so much discourse on religion in and out of the political arena? I have a company of 90 employees of every race, religion and ethnic background - believers, non-believers, straight, gay, Muslim, Jew, Jehovah Witness, you name it. We get along fine, do our jobs, and don't judge each other. Why can't others do that?

H.A. Thompson

Charlotte