Ludicrous to turn away nonunion utility workers

Electric utility workers from Huntsville, Ala. who traveled to New Jersey were turned away. They were told they couldn’t do any work there because they weren’t unionized.

It’s absolutely amazing that an area of the country would hold union membership at such a ridiculous high regard they would turn away help.

I bet citizens sitting in the dark would have had no such compunction. Good luck to those victims of Sandy – and of union snobbery.

Rockne C. Blackshear

Charlotte

Don’t ignore lessons that Hurricane Sandy left behind

Hopefully, Hurricane Sandy can be a wake-up call for this nation.

First, it demonstrates that a Democratic president and a Republican governor can cooperate to make government work for the people.

Secondly, extreme weather conditions are occurring over the entire world with such frequency and devastation that we cannot ignore climate change any longer.

The fossil fuel industry has spent billions to create doubt about climate change, but the scientific community consensus is that climate change is real, man-made, and is a threat to mankind.

Failure to address this problem will lead to an acceleration of carbon emissions that will make earth an increasingly more dangerous and tragic place to live.

Lee Brinson

Hickory

After Sandy, focus on tackling effects of extreme weather

I’m past debating whether global climate is occurring naturally or instead is something we humans caused/exacerbated.

I have friends and family in Manhattan, on Breezy Point, on Long Island, and in New Jersey who lost homes and cars, who still have no electricity and cell phone coverage, who can’t get back to United States from trips abroad, and/or are having issues getting to work because of Hurricane Sandy. And those are the ones I’ve been able to contact.

Let’s find something we can do to mitigate the catastrophic effects of extreme weather. The alternative seems to be moving everyone along the entire East Coast inland away from the ever rising sea level.

Too bad Weather Modification Nets are only real in Star Trek episodes.

Kathleen Britton

Charlotte

Millions spent on campaign ads sure could help storm victims

Wouldn’t it be nice if all the campaign money spent on TV ads would be sent to states hits by Sandy. Then, we could even enjoy our television again.

Bob Cloninger

Stanley

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Full-page Billy Graham ad on voters guide crossed the line

On the back of the “nonpartisan” Voters Guide that came with Thursday’s Charlotte Observer is a full-page ad from Billy Graham that is flagrantly partisan and inflammatory to many people. How could you?

We know things are tough at the Observer, but these advertising dollars compromise your integrity.

Jane Leighton Burts

Watson Burts

Charlotte

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In response to “Appoint judges, get rid of super PAC money” (Oct. 29 Editorial):

Bi-partisan commission to appoint judges the way to go

A recent ad campaign funded by super PACs designed to sway our vote “solely based on which judge is tougher on criminals” is in itself a crime. Unless this system of selecting judges is reformed, the judicial system will continue to suffer.

Before voting last week, I called a well-respected attorney friend to ask for his recommendations for judges. This is not how it should work, but how else can the general public assess who would make the best judge?

We are all looking for judges who are bright, fair, independent thinkers not beholden to supporters of their political campaigns.

I would certainly support a bipartisan commission to appoint judges ASAP – and I think Thomas Jefferson, my fellow architect would agree.

Edward “Tyke” Jenkins

Charlotte

Legislators need to put permanent end to hazing

I read recently that 27 Air Force Academy cadets were injured – concussions, broken collar bones, cuts and bruises – due to a hazing event.

I was particularly appalled by the Academy spokesman calling it “a teachable moment!” Bottom line: ALL hazing should be against the law, whether in college, the military or at work.

Legislators fix this problem.

Warren Grip

Concord

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In response to “Pre-concert palaver should get the hook” (Nov. 1 ArtsAlive):

Brown is right; time to nix the pre-show chatter in Charlotte

Every city that cares anything about itself should have someone to ring the bell when things get out of whack. Fortunately for Charlotte, and with regard to its cultural life, it has the altogether understated, but ever wide awake, Steven Brown.

Brown is never strident, managing always to deliver his message with style. With thanks even for occasional minor blessings, I think we can be expecting far fewer pre-curtain talks.

Bernie Hargadon

Charlotte