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In response to “Education cuts too deep; time to rethink” (June 8 editorial):
More money isn't answer for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
We do need an investment in education, as it is essential for society's future. But the problem isn't money – it has been there for years now. Where we need more of an investment is in educators and parents to discipline, teach moral standards and inspire children to work hard.
Traci Cherry
Charlotte
Show some courage, protect our schools from such cuts
Finally someone realized that “tax” is not a four-letter word. If the top 50 percent of working wage-earners and the companies whose profits place them in the top 50 percent would sacrifice $200 a year, the problem would be solved.
Elected officials should note that “gutted school budgets” is something voters hate worse than taxes. In the name of Terry Sanford, show some courage!
Michael A. Watson
Charlotte
In response to “Duke Energy should cut back spending before raising rates” (June 5 Forum):
With a little sacrifice, we could control the cost of energy
Bill Whitesides is wrong in concluding that “people can't live without electricity.” When there are power outages for four weeks at a time we are inconvenienced, but we survive with a reasonable amount of comfort. In this era of spoiled complacent Americans, it is more accurate to say, people don't want to live without electricity.
The way to make the price of something go down is to stop buying it.
Chuck Collins
Charlotte
Light rail was a treat for this card-carrying conservative
My wife and I drove to Charlotte this weekend for a date and took the light rail into town from Pineville. Best idea we've had in years!
Parking was easy, buying tickets a breeze, and the train was clean, safe, and fast! I was pleased to see the train packed both going in and out of town.
I am a card-carrying conservative, and I have traveled extensively. Charlotte, you did this right! Do not let the naysayers keep you from expanding the light rail line, building the streetcar line, and finishing the commuter rail transit to the north. A little tax pain will result in a better Charlotte.
John Baker
Marion
In response to “City casting a critical eye on vacant eyesores” (May 29):
Don't demolish old buildings – find new uses for them
The City Council should not schedule for demolition all types of commercial structures deemed uninhabitable.
I understand that vacant shopping centers and single-use buildings of little to no societal value are eyesores. However, unrestrained destruction of unkempt or abandoned buildings will leave only empty lots and spaces that serve to create a vacuum in the fabric of the city. This policy will serve only to reinforce this perception of blight if it is not written with deliberate language and exercised with caution.
City policy should encourage creative and profitable reuse of these buildings and hesitate to create empty lots waiting for a market.
John David Wagner
Charlotte
Politicians love good times, but they never expect bad ones?
The legislature should change the tax code, but it must be revenue neutral. One problem with the budget in Raleigh is overspending in good times. Economic growth spurts are always followed by recessions. Politicians should plan for them; they don't. They spend as much as possible in order to stay elected then pretend fiscal sanity in downturns.
We pay enough in taxes. Politicians are the problem. The answer is restraining them.
Lewis Guignard, Jr.
Crouse
Federer, Soderling speeches are welcome attitude from athletes
The class and intelligence shown by the competitors at the French Open are so much in contrast to the “in your face” attitude of the NFL and especially the NBA players. And people wonder why a basketball team such as the Bobcats are struggling to get people in the overpriced seats.
David Cabaniss
Charlotte
In response to “Some money bypasses needy” (June 7):
Observer investigation of United Way hurts community
Your coverage of the United Way in recent months is neither insightful nor constructive. Charlotte is a great place to live because of excellent corporate citizenship and broad-based philanthropy. Your continuous reporting of a worn-out topic erodes community engagement and discourages people from giving when we really need it.
Ben Wilhelm
Charlotte
Concord Mills complacent in letting bigoted products be sold
Over the past weekend Concord Mills introduced consumers to a new kind of ignorance. “Free Market Warrior,” a kiosk located adjacent to Bass Pro Shops, specializes in memorabilia embellished with pro-Confederacy statements. In addition, these products support ideas such as racism, sexism and even slavery. While freedom of speech is a constitutional right, it's difficult not to believe that something just isn't quite right here.
It's 2009; please, let's at least try to put this type of bigotry to an end.
Jennifer Ibanez
Charlotte
