In response to "Graham: Not sure if Obama is Christian" (Feb. 22):

I'm angered, frustrated by Graham's harmful comments

If there ever was a hypocritical stance, Franklin Graham's has to be it.

Thank goodness for the comments from Jibril Hough at the end of the article, if anyone bothered to read that far.

More people of all faiths must step forward to object to Graham's and others' far-fetched and harmful statements.

As a practicing Christian, I leave the president's faith between God and himself.

Nancy C. Bryant

Norwood

In response to "Franklin Graham? Less said, the better" (Feb. 22 Editorial):

There you go again giving Obama credit when none is due

The Observer's response to Franklin Graham's comments regarding the "anointed one" were as predictable as night following day.

Particularly humorous were the comments about the Obama administration's work "to root out Islamic terrorists around the world." These initiatives were in place long before this administration's watch - but that didn't stop President Obama from taking a bow!

Don Markofski

Mooresville

In response to "Trees vs. Billboards" (Feb. 22):

New billboard law gives businesses much-needed boost

I applaud the N.C. General Assembly for the change in the tree law. Businesses have to deal with enough regulation already, and these signs are often vital to the success of businesses along major thoroughfares. If people can't see them, businesses suffer.

With the current state of our economy we should be doing everything we can to encourage and support businesses, not hampering them with more regulation.

Tripp Cherry

Charlotte

Billboard law will hide N.C.'s beauty, hinder state's tourism

Who needs billboards anyway, except for ones for gas and Cracker Barrel? We enjoy seeing the natural beauty of the landscape, the lay of the land and the blanket of trees.

I'll never use any product that uses billboards to promote itself and cuts trees in the process.

What group of brilliant thinkers made this the law in North Carolina, home of "mountains to the sea" tourism?

Sherry Williams

Charlotte

In response to "Speculators behind rising oil and gas prices" (Feb. 22):

We lose when Wall Street gambles on oil, gas prices

The Observer finally prints an article that spells out the real reason gas prices are rising daily. Oil traders!

Our No. 1 export is fuel since demand is so low, but we continue to let the financial markets take us to the cleaners.

With all the uproar over mortgage improprieties, isn't it finally time to take speculation out of the hands of Wall Street?

Thomas Almond

Cornelius

In response to Feedback "There's plenty of evidence of Communities in Schools' worth" (Feb. 12 Opinion):

Communities in Schools among best investments we've made

As one who helped bring Communities in Schools to Charlotte in 1985, I'm very familiar with how it has impacted students' lives over 26 years.

I, along with other corporate and community leaders, thoroughly researched the program before agreeing to raise funds or lend our names to it in Charlotte. I worked side-by-side with founding Director Cynthia Marshall as the program developed and saw firsthand the passion and expertise the staff had for turning young lives around.

While more research may be needed to better understand the organization's impact over time as compared to students not in the program, I have no doubt the "stats" will be positive. I strongly believe Communities in Schools has been, and will continue to be, one of the best investments this community can make.

Ed Crutchfield

Charlotte

Siers nailed it on Santorum's comment about environment

After hearing Rick Santorum's ridiculous statements about putting man above the environment I thought and thought about how to word a letter pointing out that without a healthy environment there is no future for "man." It's not one or the other. But Kevin Siers' cartoon depicting Santorum in a hazmat suit made the point far better than I could have said. Bravo to the cartoonist!

Vicki Taylor

Troutman

In response to "A third voice for 2012 in presidential campaign" (Feb. 21 Viewpoint):

Third party would force current candidates to focus on issues

I voted for Ross Perot in 1992 and 1996. He wanted to attack major problems and do it for the country's benefit, not that of special interests.

What will we get this year? Focus group-tested sound bites, wave after wave of attack ads, and no real solutions.

With the current parties continuing to move to their respective extremes and little hope of compromise, my hope is a third party will take root, forcing candidates to address the issues. Nice to see someone in the Fourth Estate on board instead of siding with one of the current parties.

Tom Pecott

Charlotte