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In response to “We must craft a debt deal” (Nov. 9 Viewpoint):
Heed Bowles’ wisdom on debt or we’ll all pay the price
Upon post-election jubilation and dejection shines a brilliant light of wisdom, hope and promise focused on the nation’s greatest current problem by the most authoritative voice of Erskine Bowles. His National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility has done all the hard work, offered the most reasonable solutions.
May God help him in his effort to get the president and Congress to agree. May God help us all if they fail to do so.
John V. Doyle
Matthews
We’ve been down this road before, so I’m not optimistic
Erskine Bowles says the “Simpson-Bowles” debt reduction package can get bipartisan agreement.
In March 2012, Rep. Jim Cooper and Rep. Steve LaTourette brought a version of “Simpson-Bowles” to the House for a vote and it was defeated 382-38. An overwhelming bipartisan rejection! And it was a version of his plan that had less tax increases.
I hope Bowles is right that Obama and John Boehner can gather the support for a badly needed plan for debt reduction. But I am not as optimistic given the big numbers from both political parties against such a package.
Wayne McGee
Cornelius
Let’s all chip in an effort to reduce the national debt
Much like our founding fathers did, let us all pledge our faith and fortunes to rescue this republic. When April 15, 2013 rolls around, let those entitled to a refund let the Treasury keep all or part of it. If your return results in owing more, add an additional amount.
One more line on the various 1040 forms would accomplish this voluntary contribution to reduce the nation’s debt. These monies would only be used to pay down the nation’s debt.
This will not solve all the problem. But it will announce the citizenry’s resolve.
Dave Loughran
Indian Trail
As overtaxed businessman, I’m devastated by Tuesday’s vote
I am devastated by the direction America is headed after the recent election.
I started my business 45 years ago and other than my family, it has been the joy of my life. Today, my business is over-taxed, over-regulated and the press and news outlets paint business owners as fat cats.
All I have done is work 15 hours a day and created jobs for others. After Tuesday’s election, I think America just killed the goose that laid the golden eggs.
Jim Cherry
Charlotte
In response to “Latino political clout growing” (Nov. 9):
Immigration ‘fix’ failed in past, ‘insane’ to repeat same mistake
In the mid-1980s when Reagan was president, the folks in Washington, D.C., decided to “forgive” most of the illegal aliens in the country and “fix” the immigration laws to take care of the problem in the future.
The result – even more illegal immigration.
I’m sure you’re all aware of the definition of insanity: doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.
Looks like a lot of folks in this country are…insane?
Ian Gilmour
Mint Hill
In response to Ruth Samuelson’s “N.C. voters spoke loudly in giving GOP governing control” (Nov. 9 Opinion):
Tax system ‘rebalance’ will hurt middle, low income taxpayers
Ruth Samuelson stated that the Republican-controlled N.C. legislature was going to find ways to “rebalance the tax system” in our state.
The first phase of “rebalancing” was enacted by the legislature earlier this year: a loophole for business exempting the first $50,000 of income from income tax – costing N.C. $336 million in tax revenue each year.
The GOP’s plan is to continue to reduce the tax liability of corporations and the “1 percent” by shifting the burden to middle and low-income taxpayers.
N.C. voters have turned the legislature over to Art Pope’s libertarian John Locke Foundation and Civitas Institute. They may be surprised by what they get in the 2013 session.
Donald Latham
Charlotte
McCrory’s early appointments sure to bring a setback for N.C.
Governor-elect Pat McCrory has started his transition by bringing in some of the most controversial right-wing partisans in N.C. history – Art Pope and others connected to him. So much for the bipartisan new state government.
Now that Republicans run the state, we can expect North Carolina to continue to deny climate change, enact voter suppression laws and provide vouchers for private schools.
North Carolina is now headed down the ladder to meet South Carolina.
David Isaac
Concord
Freedom isn’t free; thank a veteran this Veteran’s Day
Today we honor our nation’s veterans. All of them gave some, and some of them gave all.
My father’s father died in Germany in World War II. My father died in Korea. All of my potential children died in Vietnam due to Agent Orange. My family has given much for our country.
Every veteran deserves our respect, appreciation and gratitude. Thank every veteran you know. We owe them all a debt we can never repay.
Ralph Lepley
Statesville
