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In response to “CNN analyst: CMS needs a ‘revolution’ ” (Sept 14):
CMS is in crisis; tough words must spark a plan of action
CNN education expert Steve Perry ran down the list of CMS woes, which included figurehead superintendents, teacher blaming and community paralysis. The audience quotes seemed to agree with his analysis, and then as an afterthought, did the cognitive dissonance dance of “we are not that bad.”
Perry is talking about a national educational crisis in which our schools are implicated. If our educational leaders need a kick in the pants from an out of town consultant, then I hope after their defensive responses there comes a plan for action.
Joe Mattiacci
Charlotte
Not all minority students failing; answer lies at home
While I agree with Steve Perry that all students should be provided with good schools, there seems to be something missing from his blame for minorities’ lack of success.
In every classroom where students are failing there are students succeeding. These failing students are not taught a different curriculum.
The students, parents and extended families are ultimately responsible for these failures. What was done at home? Were privileges withheld? Was extra time spent with the child on the problem areas?
Blaming teachers, administrators and the community will not improve the situation until students and parents are also held responsible.
Pete Standish
Conover
Assassinations were direct attacks; U.S. must retaliate
Regarding the assassinations of our ambassador and three other Americans, our nation and president must face the truth:
These were direct attacks on America on the anniversary of Sept. 11. These nations must be punished unequivocally. Strength is the only effective tool we have against evil, aside from daily prayer for peace.
Where is our commander in chief as U.S. sovereignty is attacked?
Stacy Peterson
Charlotte
In response to Caroline Baum “About those policies that got us into this mess” (Sept. 14 Viewpoint):
Securitization played major role in ‘this mess,’ don’t ignore that
The answer to what caused the financial crisis is bad loans. It is true that the loans were bad because the incentive to perform due diligence was missing. Look no further than at “securitization” for this connection.
Loans should be kept on the books as an individual loan and not as a piece of a bond. A lender should be allowed to sell the loan or borrow against the loan, but not package the loan.
Securitization is not done for the enhancement of liquidity as the defenders would like one to believe, but for the purpose of fee income.
Caroline Baum is dead-on in her analysis of the debacle but I wish she was more “on the attack” against the cause.
Wayne McGee
Cornelius
DNC, Democrats brought embarrassment to Charlotte
I am dismayed at some of the embarrassments the DNC brought to Charlotte: God and Israel loudly denied in a vote three times before it was deemed passed; our own host committee produced a video that will forever be etched in my mind that states “we belong to government”; and Charlotte’s police chief not enforcing our laws by allowing camping and ignoring illegal immigration laws.
On Thursday’s front page, we see the president’s own Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius, violated the Hatch Act while here in February. To what extent will this party go to win an election?
L.B. Simpson
Davidson
You can - and should - judge a political party by its convention
Politically active since 2008, I’ve discerned a lot about candidates by the way they run campaigns – staffs, tasks, events, the sunshine and water of getting elected.
I met many people who came to the DNC from Tampa and compared the two conventions. Hands down, Charlotte and the DNC get high marks.
The Obama/Biden team gleamed with professional, competent and flexible capacity. Our city earned gold stars for everything from infrastructure to classy, friendly fun.
This level of success doesn’t just happen. Skilled, smart, passionate, patriotic people make it so. Don’t only compare nominees – look at what their campaigns reveal.
Laura Diviney
Charlotte
In response to “Panthers rededicate youth field” (Sept. 12 Sports):
Panthers revived ball field and fond ‘Derita Demon’ memories
How refreshing to read of the generosity of the Carolina Panthers players and owner Jerry Richardson in the rededication ceremony for renovations to Cheshire Field, a youth organization ball field that has been around for more than 40 years.
As a young girl, I watched this organization grow from a small neighborhood location in Allen Hills to a field with lights. Much hard work and determination was behind a dream realized for many youth thanks to our parents and many volunteers.
These “Derita Demon” memories remain a topic of conversation even today.
Angela McGee
Charlotte
