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In response to “What we reformers learned about school reform in 2012” (Nov. 19 Opinion):
Teachers not to blame for
40 years of failed reforms
The glaring flaw in Michael Petrilli’s school reform commentaryis his plan to defeat teachers rather than develop ways to help them do their job.
What we now see in schools is the result of 40 years of constant reorganization and reform, which to paraphrase a famous quote has always been great for “creating the illusion of progress while producing confusion, inefficiency and demoralization.”
I taught physics and chemistry for 30 years at Hickory High and retired in 1999. I know the drill.
L.C. Coonse
Granite Falls
In response to “Broadwell’s life shaped in N. Dakota” (Nov. 18):
Stop treating Broadwell as if she’s a victim in this scandal
Why is it that ever since this scandal broke all I’ve seen are articles portraying Paula Broadwell in a positive light?
It is as if she is a victim in this whole thing. She was a willing participant. The victims are her husband and children.
When Tiger Woods cheated I didn’t see too many articles portraying him in a good manner.
I know no person is perfect, but let’s call her what she is for what she did.
Maybe if she held wedding vows in as high regards as she does her other accomplishments, she wouldn’t be in this mess.
Charles Barnes
Gastonia
In response to “Gaza strike kills at least 11” (Nov. 19) and related articles:
Stop counting on U.S. funded bombs to bring lasting peace
Targeted killings, kill lists and drone strikes are the new rules of engagement of the United States under President Obama.
The high-tech weaponry Israel uses to kill civilians in Palestine is brought to the them by the U.S., courtesy of taxpayers.
The blood of innocent civilians is on our hands.
It is past time to use our might to work for peace and justice – not just with the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, but with our foreign policy in general.
We can bomb the world to pieces, but we can’t bomb the world to peace.
Jibril Hough
Charlotte
There’s easy fix for problems between Israel, Gaza Strip
Rarely is there a simple solution to a complex problem. One complex problem solved with a seemingly simple formula is Einstein’s E = mc2, which literally changed the social and political fabric of the world.
Since the legitimate inception of the state of Israel, politicians have grappled with how to make peace between Israel and its Arab neighbors.
The fact is that the solution to this seemingly unsolvable problem is quite simple. If Israel’s neighbors would simply guarantee Israel’s right to exist, this unsolvable and elusive problem will be solved.
Guaranteed.
Barry Marshall
Charlotte
In response to “Obama launches trip to Asia” (Nov. 19) and related articles:
Obama should be focused on fiscal cliff, not visiting Burma
There are many problems in the world that demand the attention of the U.S. president – the Middle East, Europe’s debt crisis, and human rights issues throughout the world.
But the title is president of the United States, not president of the world.
President Obama needs to pay more attention to fixing the economic and social issues we have in this country, rather than work on his place in history.
If we don’t solve them, we won’t be in a position to help anyone else.
Mike McCullough
Tega Cay, S.C.
Stand up and demand that Congress act on spending
Instead of waiting for a solution on the fiscal cliff to emerge in Washington, I propose all voters – regardless of political affiliation – write their representatives and say we want a balanced budget. Not at some obscure date in the future, but for 2013.
We should also ask that they come up with a plan that will meaningfully slash the deficit, whether it be Simpson-Bowles or some other measure.
We cannot keep up such reckless spending. Action is needed now – not at some date in the future.
John N. Mangieri
Charlotte
In response to “Thunder Road Marathon still trying to find its stride” (Nov. 16):
My plan for reviving that Thunder Road marathon
I think the principal reason interest has waned in the Thunder Road Marathon is boredom.
They run the same route year after year, seeing the same trapped motorists giving them the finger – imposing on the same neighborhoods.
I say let them run through EoDa and WoDa for a change. Or, Hidden Valley, Matthews or Ballantyne.
They can return to the old route once I’ve moved to Florida.
Thomas F. Cochran Sr.
Charlotte
