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In response to "The numbers also reveal a racial bias in Foxx win" (Nov. 5):
Black voters base votes
on more than skin color
According to Forum writer Bob Brownridge, the fact that five predominantly African-American precincts voted (gasp!) for an African-American 3,369 to 65 is racial bias.
He implies that African-Americans can only judge a person by the color of his skin. Sounds like projection to me...
Patrick Marotta
Charlotte
Current economic situation brought voters out for Foxx
There's more to how we voted for mayor than skin color. An analysis based upon household income and property value would generate a similar precinct voting map. In Charlotte, the wealthier the precinct, the whiter and the more Republican it is.
The message? "It's the economy..."
Fannie Flono pointed out ("Selling young people on voting power," Nov. 6 Viewpoint) that most voters in her predominantly white precinct didn't vote. Either mayor and either party were acceptable to them, or they would have bothered to turn out.
Other voters rejected claims of little difference between the candidates. There was a big difference. Those voters have not forgotten that years of Republican tax and regulatory policy led us into the deep national trouble we're in now. They voted to advance the career of a promising local Democratic leader.
Nancy Kabza
Charlotte
In response to "Army psychiatrist accused of killing 12 at Texas base" (Nov. 6):
Soldiers cycle through wars
no one has courage to end
As tragic as the Fort Hood shooting was, over twice as many American troops were killed in Iraq and Afghanistan last week.
What does it say about us that we are so horrified by losses within our borders and so resigned to those overseas?
After we pay tribute to our veterans for their service and sacrifice this weekend, we should all consider (and be ashamed of) how we burden the same few soldiers to cycle through tours over and over in wars that no one seems to have the courage to end.
Dan Crawford
Charlotte
In response to "Gorman 2014 plan: Tie teacher pay to progress" (Nov. 6):
Gorman on the right track in tying pay to student progress
Will Dr. Peter Gorman be able to implement teacher pay-for-performance?
Not if the National Association of Educators has a say. It believes: "Tests are imperfect measures of student performance."
Fortunately in North Carolina, the State Board of Education's Professional Teaching Standards support the superintendent. They say teachers must "Take responsibility for all students' learning."
Testing is North Carolina's standard for measuring student achievement. Those test results should have some bearing on teacher pay.
Bolyn McClung
Pineville
In response to "AARP to back Democrat health overhaul" (Nov. 5) and related articles:
Don't make senior citizens bear the brunt of health care reform
As a Medicare Advantage participant, I'm concerned about the proposed cuts that Congress is considering to this program.
Medicare Advantage offers great benefits that traditional Medicare does not offer, such as full prescription drug and dental and vision coverage. As a person on a fixed income, I count on these benefits and the stability and assurance they provide me and my family.
Health care needs to be reformed, but not on the backs of senior citizens.
Mary Threadgill
Polkton
In response to "Bill is 'warning shot' to banks" (Nov. 5):
Too much bank oversight could suffocate business, limit jobs
The U.S. House of Representatives, with the aid of Barney Frank, has just passed stringent regulations for the banking industry. There's little argument the banks need oversight, but not to the point of suffocation.
Notorious bank robber Willie Sutton said he robbed banks because that's where the money was. Banks are also where businesses go to grow and to produce jobs.
An old cliché worth repeating to Congress and the public: "You don't bite the hand that feeds you."
Barry Marshall
Charlotte
In response to "Goldman got cozy with rash lender" (Nov. 4) and related articles:
'Financial terrorists' seldom get sufficient punishment
Thanks for the excellent series last week on Goldman Sachs.
The word "swindle" was definitely appropriate, but omitted.
What happened with Goldman Sachs might also be correctly described as financial terrorism because of the devastation visited on the vast numbers of individuals and businesses.
Home invasion involving robbery is swiftly punishable under our laws. However, if the robber simply employs the stealth of financial manipulation, the result is the same, but few of the perpetrators receive sufficient punishment to satisfy the public thirst for justice.
W. H. Smith
Lenoir
