Share
True stumbling block on gun control: NRA’s LaPierre
The National Rifle Association’s Wayne LaPierre is the chief impediment to addressing and solving America’s No. 1 problem and disgrace: the unimaginable toll of dead and wounded due to guns.
His negativity and constant defense of the status quo gets more attention now than ever, as he welcomes evermore dues paying NRA members and lobbyists for gun manufacturers.
Remove Mr. LaPierre from his throne and we will have achieved a mighty first step in stopping this problem.
Jon Schuller
Charlotte
In response to “Gun control carries risks for Hagan” (Jan. 31):
If Hagan displays backbone on gun control, I’ll support her
Gun control carries risks for Sen. Kay Hagan? I don’t think so.
Sane, responsible voters will support legislation that curbs the sale of lethal weapons.
Concurrent with the Hagan story was one entitled “Alabama gunman kills bus driver, seizes boy.” Now is the time to stand up to the bullies in the NRA and end this madness. If Kay Hagan has the courage to stand on the side of reason, she won’t have just my vote, she’ll have all the votes and dollars I can muster.
Martha L. Catt
Charlotte
In response to “City puts vacant mall on display” (Jan. 31):
My take on the decline of Eastland Mall, area nearby
I grew up in east Charlotte. In the ’70s, ’80s and early ’90s Eastland Mall was a favorite of respectable middle-class residents.
What caused the decline was that as seniors who had purchased homes in surrounding neighborhoods in the ’60s and ’70s died, gangs, illegal immigrants and criminal elements moved in and replaced them.
Landlords rented, and continue to rent, homes in these once-proud neighborhoods to anyone with a heartbeat and some cash. Crime went up and those who could afford to move, did so.
I like to read the Observer, but don’t appreciate dishonest statements like “Eastland Mall was built in 1975, but began to decline in the 1990s as newer malls eclipsed it.” Print the truth, even if the truth hurts and isn’t politically correct.
Candy Lake
Indian Trail
In response to “Church owes $216,000 bill” (Jan. 31):
Forest Hill owes Duke Energy that money, time to pay up
Come on Forest Hill… You’re a church, not a slum landlord. You used the electricity so pay the bill. If you don’t, that’s stealing, and as I recall that’s one of the big “thou shall nots.”
Richard Shipman
Concord
In response to “McCrory tempers liberal arts talk” (Feb. 1):
Starting to regret that vote
I cast for our new governor
I’m an independent who voted for Gov. Pat McCrory. If he truly believes the role of public universities is to prepare students for the workplace, I’m afraid I’ve misjudged our former mayor.
The last thing the world needs is more bloodless, semi-human technocrats who know little and care even less about those with whom they share our planet.
I’m confident a few elective courses in philosophy, psychology, literature, etc. would go a long way in helping them become truly educated.
Joseph Cavano
Charlotte
McCrory gets it; other countries churning out science majors
I applaud Gov. McCrory for taking on our state’s sclerotic university system and its antiquated curriculum. Employers are not looking for vague knowledge, they’re looking for employees with skills that are useful and contribute to their success.
To advise our youth to get liberal arts degrees is condemning them to take on tens of thousands of dollars in debt, a life in retail management, or perhaps find a spouse, but little more.
Our overseas competitors are wisely investing in science, technology and engineering – not churning out English, gender studies or poetry majors.
If our university system wants to avoid becoming a shadow of its former self, we need to begin making changes now.
Tom Anderson
Huntersville
Accomplishments? Hillary? Certainly none that I see
I was excited as I sat down to read Gail Collins’ column about Hillary Clinton’s accomplishments (“Take bow, H.C., you’ve earned it,” Feb. 1 Viewpoint). I’d finally find out why liberals/media are saying she’s the greatest Secretary of State. As I read, I discovered she flew almost a million miles, attended meetings, ate meals, went to parades, etc. No where did it mention any real accomplishments.
I’ll give her credit for avoiding time spent with Bill, so she did accomplish something. Way to go, Hillary!
Steve Collins
Charlotte
Support for Obama executive orders could backfire on you
Attention all liberals: You’re OK with President Obama’s executive orders to skirt The Constitution on the gun issue? How’s it going to be when the next Republican president gets in office and executive orders away your right to an abortion?
Stephen W. Morris
Rock Hill
It’s amazing how overused the word ‘amazing’ is these days
Enough already with the word “amazing.” Overuse of it has watered down its real meaning to the point where it has no meaning at all. To me, something that’s truly amazing is, for example, a slice of pizza that can sing the National Anthem.
Just don’t get me started on the expression “hunker down!”
Ronald Halbreich
Lake Wylie, S.C.
