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In response to “Lies about U.S. medals not illegal, court finds” (June 29):
Supreme Court shouldn’t protect lies about service
The recent ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court in favor of “wanna be heroes” making false claims on military awards for valor, is both asinine and outrageous. Not only does this ruling cheapen the meaning of the First Amendment by legalizing falsehoods, it is a direct slap in the face of our veterans who were awarded these medals for true valor and service.
Yelling “fire” in a crowded theater is not protected by the First Amendment. Why is one lie protected and another lie not protected?
When our court systems endorse such behavior, it doesn’t reflect well on us as a nation. It also makes military decorations that have evolved over 236 years of U.S. military history cheap and meaningless.
Stan Nelson,
USAF (Retired)
Matthews
In response to “Health law a blow to small business, will stifle job creation” (July 1 Forum):
Affordable Care Act not that hard on small businesses
The Affordable Care Act, since 2010, has provided tax credits to help small business (up to 25 employees) provide workers with insurance. Why wouldn’t employers do this and what difference does it make if a company has 25 or 50 employees?
If the employers are too cheap to offer insurance to their workers, then maybe they shouldn’t be small business owners in the first place. Having health insurance costs is not a detriment to having, starting or expanding a business with the ACA.
Michael Jedson
Fort Mill
Billboards and texting both should be outlawed for safety
Which is more dangerous, looking down to read or type in a text or trying to read a billboard while driving on an interstate highway at 70-plus mph?
Trick question – they’re both extremely dangerous and should be outlawed on all roads.
Marta Meares
Concord
In response to “Land deal criticized, but Pittenger denies any conflict” (July 1):
Pittenger may not understand conflict of interest, but we do
For a supposedly smart man, it’s interesting that Robert Pittenger has no clue what a conflict of interest is. He also doesn’t seem to know what a bully is.
On July 17, I hope we constituents show him we’re not as stupid as he thinks we are.
Alan Adler
Huntersville
In response to “Schools gain momentum with a push from all of us” (July 1 Viewpoint):
Not terribly impressed with superintendent’s plan, writing
Please tell me we have not pinned our school hopes to an obtuse “flywheel” analogy. The “plan” outlined in the new CMS superintendent’s article relies upon the type of trendy principles that education has suffered from during the last 20 years.
Maybe it’s me, but I don’t see even a preliminary plan and I think we all have had enough philosophy and catchy management consultant phrases. Also, if I had a student who wrote a short essay and used quotes for one-fifth of that work, I think I would have a little talk with him.
Joe Mattiacci
Charlotte
In response to “Berger’s inaction on benefits exchange reprehensible” (July 1 Forum):
Liberals have won a battle, but I’m looking toward November
In strongly, and wrongly, attacking Sen. Phil Berger for being prudent and patient to wait and see what our Supreme Court said on the subject of the Affordable Health Care Act, Forum writer Stephen Sissons has apparently forgotten a few things.
He forgets that then Majority Leader Pelosi said “Let’s just vote on it and pass it, then we can see what’s in it.” He forgets that President Obama started attacking the Supreme Court over their decision before they had even made a decision.
The “left” can and will attack any and every thing possible without probable cause. You have won this one. See ya Nov. 7.
James E. Bodenheimer
Stanley
There’s nothing patriotic about how U.S. is running up debt
Hey America, as we approach your July 4th birthday, I have one message for you. Wake up! I just glanced at the U.S. Debt Clock. it said that we are $15.8 trillion in debt. Why have you let our leaders get away with this? Are you crazy or merely apathetic? I have never been as concerned for my country’s future as I am now. We continue to add to the debt and to give billions a year to OPEC, even with the recent new oil discoveries at home.
This is not just a Democrat or Republican problem – it is an American problem. The good news is that it might not be too late. Stand up now and demand an end to irresponsible government.
Jason H. Goodfriend
Matthews
