Share
Streetcar a frill Charlotte doesn’t need, can’t afford
Mayor Anthony Foxx, your continued push to spend $119 million on a streetcar is misguided. Look at the low ridership levels on the free Gold Rush, which runs on the same route as the proposed streetcar.
There is no reason to believe ridership will increase on a streetcar, especially when a fare is charged.
Further, it has been acknowledged by the city that there will need to be an annual dollar commitment to cover the anticipated shortfall between fare revenue and operating expenses – outside the initial $119 million.
Mayor Foxx and Charlotte City Council, we cannot afford to waste precious money on frills. Make the right decision and shelve the streetcar.
John Walsh
Charlotte
In response to “Did Costas overstep with gun comments?” (Dec. 6 Sports):
Can’t condemn Costas for speaking truth about deaths
I don’t get the criticism of commentator Bob Costas. What he said was absolutely true: “If Jovan Belcher didn’t possess a gun, he and Kasandra Perkins would both be alive today.”
Nothing trumps the truth. Anyone who attacks a man for telling the truth is due for a serious reality check.
Terry Neal
Mooresville
In response to “Address the wealth gap or face election consequences later” (Dec. 6 Forum):
Too many want a ‘share’ of wealth, but won’t climb ladder
Forum writer Roger Kitzmiller’s view of raising tax rates focuses on perceived “fairness.”
What’s fair about the government redistributing my money simply because it can?
The problem isn’t with the 10 percent on the top. It’s with the 10 or 20 or 30 percent on the bottom. Giving someone unearned, unappreciated wealth never motivates that person to improve his lot in life.
This country used to stand for values which encouraged those at the bottom to aspire to reach those levels at the top. Unfortunately, it has moved to encouraging those at the bottom to demand their “share” of everyone else’s wealth.
The politicians take the easy route and pander to this entitlement view.
Larry Herring
Indian Land
In response to “Year-round school plan cut” (Dec. 6):
Set parameters for families to opt out of year-round schools
We know what works. We know that underperforming students languish in the summertime. The traditional summer break is too long.
Nearly all of these students don’t have the financial means to attend a single one-week summer camp much less “take advantage of camps and programs that would prepare them for college.”
Besides, the year-round models I’ve explored include a 4-5 week summer break in June or July anyway. Plenty long.
Here’s a crazy idea: Include an opt-out feature for those families that are able to provide multiple learning and enrichment opportunities for their students over the course of the summer.
We know what works.
Joe Hamby
Charlotte
In response to “Obama’s lack of openness, transparency” (Dec. 6 CharlotteObserver.com Viewpoint):
Obama has failed to keep promise about transparency
The issue of transparency has always been a problem during Obama’s presidency.
In order to be truly liked and respected by Americans, one must be open, willing to give up his confidentiality in exchange for “power.” In this case, power meaning the office of president.
Though Obama promised less secrecy in governmental affairs and has been given four years to fulfill that promise, we’re still waiting. Hopefully he’ll prove that his words are not empty like those of so many politicians.
Saigo Reddy
Charlotte
In response to “Dowd sounds like a sore loser; GOP is complicit in U.S. woes” (Dec. 5 Forum):
Can’t blame enormous debt woes solely on ‘Bush’s wars’
Democrats continually blame George W. Bush for “the wars” the “Republican Party got us into.” Imagine the public outrage if, after 9/11, Bush turned the other cheek and didn’t seek to retaliate against the perpetrators.
Imagine the outrage if, after madman Saddam Hussein defied 16 U.N. resolutions for allowing nuclear inspectors, it turned out he did have nuclear capability and used it.
Giving Obama a pass on our country’s enormous debt and blaming it mostly on “Bush’s wars” is not being objective.
Phil Clutts
Harrisburg
In response to “Mo. couple to share Powerball jackpot” (Dec. 1) and related articles:
Imagine if that lottery money went into economy instead
Probably a billion dollars was invested in the recent Powerball lottery. It’s a shame the public is not as generous in its daily spending. None of this lottery spending supports production, manufacturing or any real commodity that would promote real jobs and the long-term economy.
Steve Lamb
Charlotte
In response to “Joy in a $100 surprise” (Dec. 5):
Joy of 2 Secret Santa recipients sure brightened my holiday
If ever there was a picture that just brought sheer joy to the reader, it was the one of teachers Sharon Redfearn and Mary Lyons. You could feel their heartfelt emotions as if you were right there. Thank you for capturing this happy moment.
Lorraine Stark
Matthews
