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In response to "Boeing brings thousands of jobs to S.C." (Oct. 29):
It's a charade to believe that government can create jobs
You cannot emphasize enough how much a nonunion labor force plays into a decision like Boeing's. BMW would never have come to South Carolina if they were handcuffed by union bosses who ignore the profit motives of a private (nongovernment-controlled) business.
We can look to GM and Chrysler for inspiration as to why unions and government shouldn't run major corporations. The sooner people understand that profitable businesses make for secure employment, the sooner we'll get beyond this charade of hubris that government can "create jobs."
Matthew S. Wall
Charlotte
BCBS hikes rates then urges members to push its agenda
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina squeezed my family for another rate increase of 18 percent. The next day I received a piece of junk mail from BCBS urging me to forward their postage-paid card to Sen. Kay Hagan telling her that I do not want any choices when purchasing health insurance.
I think instead I'll send my own letter to Sen. Hagan, asking her for a strong public option that will compete with these arrogant insurance monopolies.
Ralph Voltz
Charlotte
In response to "Fido, the Climate Criminal" (Oct. 29 Viewpoint):
Don't let polls drive U.S. response to global warming
Rather than invest in a sustainable energy future, columnist Jonah Goldberg says we should invest the "pennies" it will take over the next few decades to develop technology to "reflect away more sunlight" and give the ocean an "antacid."
I suspect that kind of technology would cost more than pennies. If we're going to invest, isn't it smarter to invest in sustainability? Isn't the more rational and responsible approach to address the cause rather than just the effects of an ongoing and worsening problem?
Polls that show a drop in how many Americans believe in global warming should not be driving our policy. Polls also show only 39 percent believe in evolution and 20 percent still believe the sun revolves around the earth. Do we really want to base our scientific research and policies, not to mention bet our future, on polls?
Tracey Crowe
Charlotte
In response to "Afghanistan plan gains clarity" (Oct. 28) and related articles:
Victory in Afghanistan likely only if U.S. reinstates draft
A military "victory" in Afghanistan can occur only if America is willing to reinstate the draft.
Either all our country's sons and daughters must be committed to the fight, or we lose.
Commitment the Taliban has in abundance. Though outnumbered 12 to 1, the Taliban have fought American-led NATO and Afghan government forces to a standstill over eight long years.
Do we have the will to sacrifice all our sons and daughters to this cause? If yes, let's again have a draft so that all in our nation are committed to whatever it is we're in Afghanistan for.
If we don't have the will, let's have those now serving there pack up and come home.
It's time - again - for America to recognize the limits of overwhelming power when faced with the passion of the committed.
Adrián R. Halpern
Chapel Hill
This Veterans Day remember those in Afghanistan and Iraq
It's tragic that so many of my fellow Americans view Veterans Day as just another day off.
I lost friends in Vietnam, and now many are losing family and friends in Iraq and Afghanistan. With wars in two countries and the VA workload topping 1 million claims, it's time for all Americans to remember the true meaning of Veterans Day.
Call one of our local VFW Posts to take part in our ceremonies. Remember those who fought for your freedom.
Howard B. Murray
Charlotte
In response to "Steep pay cuts loom at firms with big bailouts" (Oct. 22):
BofA lesson: Never go into business with Big Brother
The U.S. Department of the Treasury is slashing executive compensation of some executives to 10 percent of their contracted annual salary.
This is the same Treasury that insisted bank presidents be united in taking these funds. The same Treasury that strong-armed BofA into buying Merrill Lynch. The same Treasury that sweetened the deal when BofA tried to walk.
This is why you never go into business with Big Brother.
Bridges Masterson
Charlotte
In response to "Burr can't have it both ways on stimulus dollars" (Oct. 27 N.C. Opinions: Winston-Salem"):
Burr is right; Obama's stimulus is unaffordable and has failed
In criticizing Sen. Burr for welcoming a stimulus project, the Winston-Salem Journal failed to fully appreciate that the ill-advised "stimulus" bill is now law. Being forced to pay the costs, we had best celebrate getting at least our share of worthwhile projects, which this one seemed to be.
The Journal is predictably aligning itself against Burr's re-election. Their posturing seems an effort to detract attention from Burr's correct assessment: Obama's "stimulus" is unaffordable and has failed to significantly create jobs or stimulate the economy.
Guy A. Wilson
Charlotte
