Share
In response to “Conservatives must refine message” (Jan. 13 Viewpoint):
If DeMint’s ideas work at all, it’s only for a select crowd
The right-wing Republican “fog machine” is at it again – this time from Jim DeMint. My favorite part of his call for a conservative revival is the part where he exclaims “conservative ideas work.” Work for whom? Do they work for average middle class Americans whose real wages have stagnated for the last 20 years or so? Or do they work for the wealthy and corporate elites whose water the likes of DeMint and the Republican party carry?
Maybe Mr. DeMint shouldn’t be so surprised that Americans are not rising up and demanding the “ideas and policies that will improve their lives” because people are beginning to wake up and realize that it’s all a lie.
Jim Henderlite
Charlotte
DeMint’s argument on welfare undercuts his whole message
You had me, Jim DeMint, right up until you trotted out that same old lie that President Obama “took away the work requirements” of the welfare program. If you’ll lie about that, you’ll lie about anything.
Lynn B. Pope
Mint Hill
In response to “McCrory’s ex-firm increases sway” (Jan. 12):
Phillips too quick to impugn one of state’s top law firms
Some time ago Gov. Pat McCrory, as a private citizen, became employed by Moore & Van Allen. It is reasonable to conclude that his employment with the firm was part of a strategic initiative to grow the firm’s lobbying practice. It is likewise newsworthy to note Gov. McCrory’s election and consider his new role as it relates to the law firm’s lobbying efforts. In other words, that is a subject worth “watching.”
However, Bob Phillips, a representative of Common Cause, speaking of his views of Moore & Van Allen says: “It’s illegal to do so, but I would have an expectation they are doing that.” To make such a conclusive and demeaning statement about one of the most respected and awarded law firms in the state is repugnant and shows him to not be a “watch” dog but an “I will see” dog. If Mr. Phillips were forthright, he would change the name of his organization from “Common Cause” to “My Agenda.”
Bob Donlon
Charlotte
In response to “McCrory gives his Cabinet hefty raises” (Jan. 12):
No money for teacher raises, but plenty for McCrory cabinet
After saying he wanted more efficiencies in state government, Gov. McCrory gives his staff big raises right off the bat. At a time when we cannot even pay decent wages to our teachers and other state employees, he doles out all of this money to a selected few. I guess he is just paying off his campaign promises to some of those who supported him.
So much for a fresh start to our next governor and his so-called efficiency.
Wayne and Rachel Shook
Taylorsville
On livable wage, McCrory is worried about wrong crowd
Our new fiscally conservative governor just gave his staff an 8 percent raise ($1.1 million). He says “I’m trying to make it at least where they can afford to live while running multi billion-dollar departments.” Golly gee, Pat, how about trying to make it where The People can afford to live while running a family of four? What we have, yet again, is a politician whose business experience is absolutely useless. Crony capitalism is all he knows.
Wayne McGee
Cornelius
In response to “Obama vibe is different this time” (Jan. 9):
Save millions – scale down Obama’s second inauguration
Why does the president need a second inauguration? He already had one in 2008, and clearly costs are very high. With America deeply in debt and with 7.8 percent out of jobs, can we really afford to spend so much on another inauguration? Just have a private inauguration with some selected people and broadcast it around the globe.
Aiswarya Pillai
Charlotte
Higher taxes = smaller checks. You didn’t see this coming?
How can anyone with a modicum of economic understanding be surprised that letting tax cuts expire would mean smaller paychecks? What wouldn’t surprise me is how those same uninformed and economically uneducated people voted last November.
John M. Marszalek
Waxhaw
In response to “Relaxing with the stars” (Jan. 14):
Charlotte is not a world-class city without a planetarium
While I greatly appreciated your fine article concerning planetariums in our state, the fact that Charlotte does not have a planetarium is a sad commentary on our efforts concerning science education. Planetariums are a great way to challenge and expose young people to the fabulous world of science. This situation is certainly not what one should be able to expect from a world class city.
Ken Steiner
Charlotte
