In response to "Family's walk turns fatal" (Feb. 23):

Boys died needlessly; time city started requiring sidewalks

The writer is CEO of AAA Carolinas.

This tragedy could have been avoided if the city had not allowed housing developments to be built in the West Tyvola Road area without sidewalks.

Charlotte is the 17th most dangerous metro area in the nation for pedestrians, with more than 200 pedestrian deaths from 2000-2009.

This incident is a stark reminder that as pedestrians we must be vigilant and wear bright-colored clothing, cross in legal crosswalks, obey traffic signals and walk facing traffic.

Sidewalks are a safe haven for children and families. As a matter of public policy, no developer should be allowed to construct new homes without a sidewalk.

Dave Parsons

Charlotte

Schools should teach kids these simple rules for walking safely

If there's no sidewalk available, always walk or run on the left side of the road so you can see oncoming traffic. Walking or running on the right side is like walking or running blindfolded.

This simple rule should be taught in elementary school and repeated every year thereafter.

M.M. Riddlesberger Jr.

Charlotte

Possible execution of pastor in Iran deserves to be covered

Where is your coverage of the persecution of Christian Pastor Jousef Nadarkhani in Iran?

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has denounced it. Congress has denounced it.

Iranian officials announced their decision Wednesday to execute him because he won't deny his Christian faith. Please speak up!

Pamela P. Smith

Charlotte

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

Hypocrisy from Graham, others on the right knows no bounds

I would submit that President Obama has demonstrated far more of the spirit of Jesus than the Pharisees and Scribes on the political right.

I lived on the political right for a long time - and on many issues I still agree - but I can no longer tolerate the self-righteous, self-serving attitude that pervades.

Franklin Graham and Rush Limbaugh do not have all the answers.

Jack Hankins

Charlotte

I must hear Obama say 3 words to convince me of his faith

The debate continues: Is Obama a Christian or not? He could dispel all doubt by publicly speaking three words that all true Christians are eager to say: Jesus is Lord!

It should be noted that Islam has very severe punishment for any Muslim who converts to any other religion.

Jim Bennett

Tega Cay, S.C.

Up to God, not Graham, to say who is 'Christian enough'

How can a Christian, as Franklin Graham professes to be, determine who is Christian enough?

Has Franklin Graham become so enamored with himself he now thinks he and only those who think like him can make God's decisions?

Barack Obama has repeatedly stated that he is a Christian and is faithful to God. Only he and God know for sure.

Robin Oden

Matthews

In response to "Southern Baptists split over 'Great Commission' name" (Feb. 22):

Baptists should reconsider 'Great Commission' in name

As a member of a Cooperative Baptist church, I was intrigued that the Southern Baptist Convention was considering a name change. But "Great Commission" is too confusing. It sounds like somebody will be getting a commission - and a big one - for each baptism!

William D. Johnson

Fort Mill, S.C.

In response to "Jordan gets to work to show Cats Care" (Feb. 21):

Donations from MJ, Cats Care could turn Eastland Mall around

Here's another idea for Michael Jordan's wonderful give-back, Cats Care: Why not combine charity and profit? Eastland Mall has many empty spaces. Why not make it the Michael Jordan Sports Complex?

Perhaps the city could help Jordan get a deal on the property. Eastland is convenient for bus travel and the space could be divided up for a retail and sports complex - the best of all worlds.

Mary Heddens

Charlotte

In response to "Art on the line - Function meets beauty alongside the Lynx train" (Feb. 12):

What you call art, I see as a waste of my taxpayer dollars

I drive up and down South Boulevard and I have yet to see anything I would call art. All I see is a waste of $1.9 million in taxpayer money. Then again, the people in charge seem to think it's taxpayer money so we can waste as much of it as we like.

Bill D. Parrish

Charlotte

Tax appeals no fun, but review board deserves pat on the back

I went before the Board of Equalization and Review on Tuesday. I wanted to commend Chairman Jim Barnett, his panel, and appraiser Roger Webb for making what could've been a laborious, tedious process into one of fairness and timeliness.

Barnett infused humor and understanding while thoughtfully listening to each appeal. I came to appreciate the hard work and effort put in for very little pay.

Edward N. Rand

Charlotte