Immigrant families helped make this country
N.C. lawmakers must speak up on Trump
Enough is enough. I’m an American and my family originally came from the “shithole” country of Palestine. My father served in the U.S. Army, put himself through college, raised six kids who are contributing members of society, and has eight grandchildren who are, or will be, contributing.
I also have a son and daughter-in-law who are foreign service officers serving in what President Trump would consider another “shithole” country (Pakistan) to keep this country safe.
Immigrants are what made this country. When will Sens. Thom Tillis and Richard Burr, or Rep. Robert Pittenger, speak up?
It’s past time they did something about our president.
Debra Phelps, Charlotte
Harris would be my pick over Pittenger
In response to “Bannon-Trump feud spills into area congressional race” (Jan. 5):
North Carolina’s 9th congressional race has nothing to do with Steve Bannon or Donald Trump – it’s just a watermelon seed spitting contest between the two candidates.
Mark Harris is a solid, straight-shooting, outside the beltway guy who truly wants to make a change in Washington.
Robert Pittenger is an inside the beltway politician who in October 2013 voted with the Democrats and Nancy Pelosi to fund Obamacare and increase the debt ceiling because he was terrified of a government shutdown. Robert is scared to death of a tough vote and needs to be sent out to pasture.
Jim Cherry, Charlotte
Was GOP plan to doom entitlements?
For years, right-wing GOP members have wanted to cut entitlements. Now they’ve put a brilliant game plan into motion:
1.) Give huge tax breaks so government cannot meet its obligations.
2.) Run up a spiraling national debt.
3.) Leave no options except to cut Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and welfare.
4.) Time the carnage after the 2020 election and blame the Democrats.
Linda Berne, Charlotte
Manchin a better pick than Oprah
Oprah made a speech at the Golden Globes. Now Dems are talking about a presidential run in 2020. This is ludicrous!
Oprah is smart, savvy, and much admired. Popularity doesn’t equal knowledge, but she has time to learn.
The Democrats have others who are qualified – Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, for one.
I’m a Republican and voted for Trump. He’s doing a great job, but I will always vote for the most qualified person, whichever party. Let’s see what the next few years bring!
Sheila Evans, Charlotte
Respond vigorously to Russian meddling
Preventing Russian meddling is an issue which has received less than appropriate attention.
A report by Congress outlines Russian interference in the affairs of 19 European countries. U.S. intelligence agencies have uniformly concluded that Russian operatives meddled with malicious intentions in our last election.
All of us should urge our congressional representatives to demand the president and his administration immediately institute measures to prevent such unwanted intrusions. Our democracy is being threatened and our government must respond vigorously.
Jim Ragaini, Charlotte
Dreamers deserve a path to citizenship
In response to “Are the polls accurate on DACA?” (Jan. 10 Forum):
These “Dreamers” happened to wake up one morning as kids in the USA, not knowing how or why. Now, as young adults, our government decides to ship them elsewhere?
They’re part of our society – in education, commerce, the military, even government. Shouldn’t they get a path to citizenship? Surely, they would welcome thorough vetting.
Think about it... Should we confine them to reservations, as we did with Native Americans?
Come on now, this is 2018 and this is the United States of America.
Mario Putzrath, Charlotte
No dome, and keep stadium uptown
This is an appeal to the future owners of the Carolina Panthers. Keep the team in Charlotte and keep it downtown. Do not build a new stadium and do not put a roof on the one we have.
For my money (I’m a PSL owner) football is intended to be played outside and on real grass. Sure, domed stadiums are a practical idea in Minnesota or similar locations, but not in our climate.
What about all the economics downtown generates – hotels, restaurants all in walking distance from our stadium? Over 150 consecutive games have been sold out. If it’s not broken, let’s not fix it.
Mike Parker, Statesville
This story was originally published January 15, 2018 at 11:30 AM with the headline "Immigrant families helped make this country."