In response to “Meck to fight state over Medicaid” (Jan. 9) and related articles:

Mecklenburg, stop wasting

my hard-earned tax dollars

So, Harry Jones and Mecklenburg County are using my hard-earned tax dollars to sue the state of North Carolina, who will then use more of my hard-earned tax dollars to defend themselves?

This should not even be possible. Harry Jones should know better!

In this current environment, this money and time would be better spent on: a.) education, b.) roads, c.) jobs.

Please, let’s not allow our county and state to feel like Washington, D.C.!

Beth Monaghan

Charlotte

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In response to “Panthers deliver hit, but city should listen (Jan. 16 Editorial) and related articles:

Set conditions before jumping in deep end on stadium

You are right to criticize the Charlotte City Council for answering before the Panthers even popped the question.

I feel sure they do not care that the majority of us never attend those games but may be forced to pay a new food tax – forever.

Our self image is not tied up with the success or failure of the local “circus” options; we have day-to-day concerns which are much more important.

If we must hand over the community purse, apply some conditions so we can have hope that our “leadership” actually has such a skill set.

P.A. Williams

Matthews

It’s ‘Carolina’ Panthers; S.C. should pitch in on renovations

I question why Jerry Richardson has his palm out to only the City of Charlotte.

Sure, Charlotte will benefit the most in terms of image and economics, and there are indications that Richardson will be asking the state of North Carolina for some additional contributions.

But let’s remember that Mr. Richardson named the team the “Carolina” Panthers.

So if the team represents both North and South Carolina, and the whole region presumably benefits in some way from having an NFL team, then will he be asking South Carolina for a contribution?

How about splitting the $125 million a little more equitably between the three.

Jeff Wilson

Charlotte

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In response to “White House criticizes NRA video with Obama daughters” (Jan. 17):

Obama shows double standard in use of kids on gun issue

So it’s OK for the Anointed One to use Newtown, Conn., children for political impact in his much anticipated gun control package, but it’s “repugnant and cowardly” when the NRA mentions that his children attend school with armed guards.

Really!

Don Markofski

Charlotte

In response to “Obama proposes changes to reduce gun violence” (Jan. 17):

Gun owners should have to prove need to own a weapon

All this noise about the right of citizens to own arms is being touted by arms manufacturers and dealers for their own gain.

There will not be a problem for any one to own a gun if he can prove the need for one. It should be illegal for anyone to own a gun who cannot justify the need for it.

There are other countries where these guns are not easily available and they do not have the level of violence we have in the United States.

Raj Sawhney

Belmont

Don’t expect my support on gun control if you support abortion

President Obama has some nerve surrounding himself with children at his press conference and acting as the great protector, when the simple truth is that he considers a child in the womb as medical waste.

Any proponent of abortion has no credibility on the discussion of protecting innocent life through gun control.

This new push for restricting guns from law abiding citizens is clearly just a new chapter in the Left’s incremental steps to restrict our freedoms and rights.

Larry Schmid

Fort Mill, S.C.

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CATS making excuses, should drop veterans at VA clinic door

CATS is again singing the same tune, saying buses cannot turn around in the VA Outpatient Clinic driveway on University East Drive and that the weight of the bus would damage the pavement.

Charlotte Fire Department vehicles are often on the property, along with garbage trucks, large delivery trucks and 18-wheelers. All have no problem, and the pavement is still intact after four-plus years.

Many disabled veterans are still walking the two-tenths of a mile from the bus stop to the clinic, which includes 27 steps or climbing a steep incline.

Please, CATS, relocate that bus stop to the clinic!

John Fenesy

Charlotte

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Having deputies scan car tags

a waste of precious resources

Mecklenburg County sheriff’s deputies are now using cameras to scan license plates of parked cars in search of those who have not paid vehicle taxes.

I pay taxes in Mecklenburg – a pretty hefty sum, too – so that law enforcement can protect citizens. Now my tax dollars are going toward law enforcement chasing after more tax dollars?

The folks who owe taxes know that they owe taxes. If they need reminding, send ’em a postcard, Mr. Tax Collector. You can do that for about eight cents.

Matt McGarry

Charlotte