In response to “Foxx suggests budget deal” (June 21):

Andy Dulin stood up to mayor on budget, he’s got my vote

Andy Dulin is my hero. He took a stand and has fought for the citizens of Charlotte. We need more Andy Dulins in local government. He was elected to represent the people and he has done a yeoman’s job.

He has my vote for next mayor of our great city.

Eleanor Anderson

Charlotte

Put streetcar where it’ll benefit the taxpayers footing the bill

I am amazed that a streetcar line from Elizabeth to Johnson C. Smith University is even a consideration.

If transportation is to be provided, at least consider the people who work, pay taxes and support it. Put the line where it’s actually needed. We’re the citizens who need accommodating.

If we’re going to use money for transportation, use it to re-create the Red Line where traffic is congested. Or, as a last resort, use it for the UNCC route.

Stop the political stupidity and be practical.

Larry A. Singer

Cornelius

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In response to “CMPD caved in to political agendas by eliminating Jesus” (June 22 Forum):

Wrong for government to favor one religion over all others

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is not banning prayer in itself, just prayers specifically citing Jesus at public events.

No one is being denied religious freedom. You can still practice your religion at your house of worship or anywhere else.

The government citing a specific deity comes across as an endorsement of that particular religion and thus should not be allowed. After all, Charlotte is a diverse city – full of more than just Christians.

Will Pellisero

Charlotte

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In response to “GOP leaders push focus on reading” (June 10):

Can’t convince me N.C. GOP really cares about third graders

It is difficult to take seriously any Republican reforms on education when the reality is if some of them had their way there might not be any public schools.

So please GOP state legislature, spare us all of this concern about third graders. The current majority of Republicans in the N.C. General Assembly is only concerned with tax rates of high earners and gay marriage.

Don Splawn

Mooresboro, N.C.

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In response to Dana Milbank’s “Any U.S. president deserves respect” (June 22 Viewpoint):

Respect is earned, president is not automatically entitled to it

I hate to inform Dana Milbank but respect is earned!

President Obama has lost the respect reserved for the Office of the President through his misguided actions.

A dismal lack of true leadership, banning the American flag, overriding strategic military advice, grandstanding upon bin Laden’s death, extreme political partisanship, inflexibility bordering on totalitarianism, and among many others, over-enhancing the truth to his advantage are just a few examples.

A respected leader fixes problems, not the blame!

Ed Carlson

Charlotte

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Obama out maneuvered opponents on immigration

Recent Forum writers missed the point of what really happened with the president’s executive order on deportations.

With one simple move President Obama not only offered a helping hand to young illegal immigrants, but backed Mitt Romney – who has no real plan – into a corner and stole the thunder from Marco Rubio’s efforts to offer a conservative plan.

Again, the president has demonstrated his superior intellect when dealing with the Republicans. Mr. Romney had best bone up prior to the debates.

Bonner Mills

Mount Holly

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In response to “Fast and furiously getting nowhere” (June 22 Editorial):

Citing Holder just another attempt to thwart Obama

Though generally balanced, your editorial missed the true implications of a larger political battle: Who will control the executive branch for the next four years.

In citing Attorney General Eric Holder, Congressman Darrell Issa and House Republicans are simply creating fodder for campaign ads to bash President Obama.

Everyone knows, whether they acknowledge it or not, that the GOP’s primary goal is to do anything it can to defeat Obama, which means opposing any administration programs regardless of their merits.

“Fast and furious” is a good name for the tactics of the radical right.

John H. Clark

Charlotte

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I chose my words carefully;

my message to BofA was clear

The word “environment” was used in a caption under the June 22 photograph of me protesting at Bank of America. I deliberately did not use “environment” when speaking there.

“Environment” is a word that divides people, but everybody wants a decent world for our children and grandchildren.

For BofA to fund a few solar projects, yet remain the biggest coal industry lender, is like throwing a teaspoon of water on an inferno with one hand while dumping a tanker truckload of gasoline with the other.

Stop funding health problems and climate change. Instead, fund a safe, healthy future.

Beth Henry

Charlotte