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Ask yourself 1 question before you reject Paul Valone’s idea
Paul Valone’s “Arm the teachers to reduce school shootings,” (Dec. 18 Opinion) surely upset some readers. But I suggest before they scream for reinstituting useless laws to feel good – such as the assault weapons ban that lapsed because it didn’t accomplish anything in 10 years – they ask themselves this question: If your child was killed by that maniac, wouldn’t you wish the teacher had been armed?
If your response is anything but in the affirmative, you’re lying to yourself.
Stephen Conlon
Charlotte
Don’t want to live in a country where teachers are armed
If state and federal lawmakers do not have the fortitude to stand up to gun lobbyists and find money to fund mental health facilities in the same way that brave Sandy Hook teachers stood up in the face of death, they should not be re-elected.
The day school teachers have to pack heat to teach children, I will move to another country. This has to stop now!
Shelia Bumgarner
Charlotte
Other issues need addressing before we crack down on guns
I’m a long-time NRA member and active competitive shooter. While events like Newtown break my heart, there are already enough firearm regulations in this country without more federal government encroachment in our lives.
The country must address the volatile climate that fosters antisocial behavior. Our failure to address a lack of civility and unlimited exposure to violent video games is detrimental.
Parents must become more involved in their children’s lives and set limits.
An affordable means must be found to tackle critical issues such as antisocial behavior. High insurance deductibles prevent some parents from seeking professional help.
Failure to address these areas will bring more such tragedies.
Frank Phillips
Mooresville
Outlaw high-capacity ammo, guns; use limits hunters live by
For decades I was an NRA member. Then I realized nothing they said or did was for my benefit. It was all aimed at maximizing the sale of guns and ammo with no regard for public safety. That’s when I quit the NRA, but not my love of hunting and guns.
I urge Congress to pass a simple law making it a felony to possess a gun that can shoot more than four times without re-loading or that has an ammo clip of any capacity. These are the limits hunters live by. They give the prey a sporting chance.
Don’t humans deserve the same chance?
Ronald C. Williams
Charlotte
Greater issue is mental health system, let’s fix that first
We must fix the real issue, which is our broken mental health system. Please be realistic. Should we ban knives when people are stabbed? No, we must fix the underlying problem.
Guns are simply tools. Anything can be lethal when used for the wrong reasons.
Christopher Lee
Concord
In response to “Obama should heed Clinton’s wise words on fiscal cliff” (Dec. 17 Forum):
Clinton approach to budget was balanced; let Obama do same
Forum writer Stephen Gilmore forgets the other half of the Clinton legacy – higher tax rates!
Unlike a family, the federal government has the ability to raise revenue pretty easily if it needs to. While we can argue about where the tax rates should be and whether $250,000 or $400,000 is a right line in the sand, the bottom line is that President Bill Clinton operated with higher tax rates – while also cutting spending where appropriate – to bring us surpluses.
President Obama ran on – and won on – that same message of a balanced approach to getting our fiscal house in order. Let’s let him do that.
Chris Porier
Charlotte
Focus some of that budget cutting on the military
Interesting how the federal budget debate has focused on domestic spending, all but ignoring D.C.’s bloated military budget. Count me as one conservative who thinks the Pentagon needs a diet. Two examples:
• We have 963 generals and admirals in the U.S. armed forces. With the size of our military, only about a third are needed. The rest are uniformed lobbyists.
• The Pentagon runs 234 golf courses around the world. I think we can sell these without fear of inviting an invasion.
There is plenty more we could cut, but space is running out.
Mike Tuggle
Charlotte
Thief who stole my credit card numbers should be prosecuted
Recently I left my wallet at a Stallings gas station. The clerk politely gave it back to me when I returned minutes later.
But while I was gone, the clerk copied down my credit card numbers and later made several unauthorized purchases.
Despite plentiful evidence, the police investigation dragged on for months with no arrest. Ultimately I was told that since my bank had reimbursed the stolen funds, the district attorney’s office refused to prosecute.
That makes about as much sense as refusing to prosecute a burglar if the victim has homeowner’s insurance. By taking no action, authorities in Union County are encouraging thieves.
John F. Higdon
Matthews
