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Unrealistic to suggest Israel should not defend itself
I find it amusing, if not disturbing, when I hear some politicians and pundits asking that Israel refrain from launching attacks against their enemy for fear of broadening the war.
My question to them is: What would you expect the U.S. response to be if Mexico were firing hundreds of missiles into Houston, or if Canada were doing the same to Chicago?
Edwin Saint Sing
Mooresville
Time to ask: Is problem Jones or the board that keeps him?
Mecklenburg County Manager Harry Jones has had too many newsworthy episodes in his tenure. Beginning with the Jake Jacobson payments for doing nothing, to the recent DSS mess, to the current revaluation fiasco, Mr. Jones would seem to be in over his head.
Yet the Mecklenburg County commission keeps him on board.
Who then is at fault? The manager, for doing what he has always done? Or the board, for not doing what they should do?
Signed: A Mecklenburg taxpayer and revaluation victim.
Lewis Guignard
Crouse
In response to “Obama should be focused on fiscal cliff, not visiting Burma” (Nov. 20 Forum):
Obama doesn’t have to be in the White House to be working
Forum writer Mike McCullough apparently doesn’t realize that they have phones on Air Force One, and you can use them right there in the airplane. That’s one of the perks of being the president. Anything that needs the attention of the president can be done just as easily from there as anywhere.
The Republicans are the ones holding up any solution on “fiscal cliff” issues, not our president. The president is doing just fine. We voted for him and his policies.
David Floyd
Gastonia
In response to “A battle over faith” (Nov. 18):
Nothing religious about alleged practices at Word of Faith
Held against one’s will and beaten to drive out “demons” causing homosexuality?
Raising the dead and curing cancer? Dozens of people screaming prayers at someone until they vomit?
This is the 21st century, not the Dark Ages, and this is certainly not religion, but very close to lunacy.
John B. Sharp
Cornelius
In response to “Thread Trail hits 100 miles” (Nov. 17):
Thanks to all who worked to make Thread Trail a reality
As one who was a member of the Foundation for the Carolinas’ Environmental Committee, which developed the concept for the Carolinas Thread Trail, I was delighted to learn that we now have 100 miles of trails.
Certainly, Ruth Shaw deserves credit for all the work she did to make this happen, as well as Philip Blumenthal for continuing this effort.
Significant credit also should be given to Jill Flynn, who chaired the Environmental Committee, and to her entire committee, which worked tirelessly for a year and a half to develop the concept.
Without Jill’s leadership and the work of her committee, we would not have this unique and lasting treasure for our region.
Richard C. Ranson
Charlotte
In response to “Stowaway lawsuit emblematic of what’s wrong with courts” (Nov. 18):
Those ‘frivolous’ lawsuits help hold companies accountable
If anyone still believes the excruciating burns caused by McDonald’s coffee were a “frivolous” cause to sue, please see the documentary “Hot Coffee” by Susan Saladoff. McDonald’s had received hundreds of complaints about the scalding temperature of its coffee, but it wasn’t until this case that changes were made and the public benefitted.
The documentary opens our eyes to ways corporations try to cap legitimate damages and label those harmed as “frivolous.”
Using the court system is how we as citizens can hold powerful companies accountable. Let’s educate ourselves before we dilute this precious right with false conclusions.
Charlotte Haberyan
Charlotte
In response to “Army suicides for 2012 surpass last year’s numbers” (Nov. 15 CharlotteObserver.com):
Limiting access to guns could help reduce Army suicide rate
Despite many commendable Army programs designed to decrease military suicides, the fatality rate is still rising. Two-thirds of Army suicides occur after combat, meaning the rate of suicide will only increase.
One solution – restricting access to lethal means – remains untapped. Studies show almost half of soldiers commit suicide with firearms they own as civilians. Another 20 percent use military-issued firearms.
Legislation in 2011 made it illegal for commanders to discuss gun safety with at-risk soldiers. New federal legislation seeks to change that. It should be supported, along with campaigns urging families to voluntarily store guns of at-risk soldiers.
Our soldiers give so much to our country. We should give them our best help.
Molly Francis
Carrboro
