High-speed police chases risk too many lives
High-speed chases like this just dumb
In response to “Trooper’s tactics in chase of deaf man questioned” (Sept. 7):
I am a former state senator who staunchly supported law enforcement with my votes.
However, high-speed police chases like that of Jermaine Saunders and Daniel Harris, in which two 4,000 pound chunks of metal zigzag among us like bullet fragments in search of a vital organ, are dumb.
No better word comes to mind.
Eddie Goodall, Weddington
Easy answer: See police lights? Stop.
While agreeing there is room for improvement with regard to law enforcement’s high-speed chase policy, any questions involving a police chase and the death of the deaf man could have been answered in two words.
When the overhead lights of a police car are activated, “Just Stop.”
It’s common sense. There is no death, no excuses, no expert’s opinion.
The blame starts with the offender’s actions.
John Jorgensen, Charlotte
Stand for the flag, here and elsewhere
In response to “I’ll sit or kneel, just like Kaepernick” (Sept. 7 Forum):
I was most disturbed by Forum writer Jibril Hough’s letter.
It is common courtesy to stand for the flag or national anthem, no matter what country you may be in.
It is not “indoctrination” to respect a country’s flag. When you stand, you are honoring America and respecting the sacrifices our ancestors made.
It is a shame, but Mr. Hough seems to exemplify the lack of common courtesy seen in our country today.
Judith Barnes, Charlotte
QB has a right to protest inequities
In response to “QB had all-American life; be thankful” (Sept. 6 Forum):
Forum writer Ralph Hildreth misses the point entirely. Colin Kaepernick isn’t disparaging his life or being ungrateful. He’s protesting discrimination. Period.
The two issues have nothing to do with one another. You’re allowed to have a good life and fight for what you feel is unjust in this country.
Connie Freeman, Matthews
Protect Northlake like it’s SouthPark
In response to “Medic responds to shots fired at Northlake Mall” (Sept. 6):
Another shooting at Northlake Mall drives home the fact it’s just a matter of time before Charlotte’s newest mall dies like Eastland Mall.
When local government allows the surrounding area to be a catch-all for poor planning and development, then add in the regular crime factor, and the major retailers begin their exit.
Notice the city and county have done a remarkable job protecting SouthPark.
Floyd Prophet, Kannapolis
U.S. incarcerates too many offenders
In response to “Track drug offenders Obama released” (Sept. 5 Forum):
Forum writer Craig Reutlinger needs to know that the mighty USA has a higher percentage of its population incarcerated than any other major nation in the world. Not China, not Russia.
We are the world’s top prison. Not a very admirable distinction for the country we love.
Robert D. Culbertson, Charlotte
I see a parallel decline in generosity
In response to “Less religious America spells doom for GOP” (Sept. 3 Opinion):
If the decline of religion in America “spells doom for the GOP,” it may also spell doom for humanity.
Those so called “nones” may be more supportive of gays and abortion, but when it comes to generosity, they fall way short.
I have been fortunate to work with a great organization for the past year providing meals and support to refugees and the homeless. As a volunteer, I have met a lot of great people affiliated with various religious groups.
“Nones” I’ve met? None yet.
George Schwab, Charlotte
Finding a cure for Self Absorption
In response to Mark Washburn “How the cellphone crushed awareness” (Sept. 4):
Dear Situational Awareness,
I have also noticed the rapid decline of many of your siblings and cousins, including Attentive Listening, Attention to Detail, Thinking of Others and Common Courtesy.
I am hoping there will be cures for Self Absorption and Obliviousness, and that you will all survive.
John Northey, Charlotte
This story was originally published September 7, 2016 at 5:45 PM with the headline "High-speed police chases risk too many lives."