Smith family should fund soccer stadium, not taxpayers

Billionaire doesn’t need county’s help

The Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners voted to support a billionaire in his mission to make more money over this county’s need for schools, roads, parks and community safety.

Tax money that could help the broader community may now go to a small group.

Please remember this at election time and vote for individuals who have your best interests at heart, not just their own.

Don’t let Charlotte lose out on stadium

It was nice to see that our county government understands that a pro soccer stadium is a good investment for the future of Charlotte.

Pro soccer will allow us to continue to become the true cultural center of both Carolinas. If we do not pursue it, Raleigh will likely receive the bid and it will be unlikely North Carolina will receive a second team.

A pro soccer team will easily lead to a return on investment through economic development and tourism spending.

Pro-life? Then back strong safety net

It is hypocritical for someone to cheer President Trump’s anti-abortion message while knowing that he supports deep cuts in social service funding, mass incarceration and deportations, all of which hurt struggling families.

Being pro-life should also mean being ardently supportive of social programs, justice reform, and other, dare I say it, Democratic initiatives.

Supporting President Trump’s social agenda may make you pro-birth, but supporting a strong social safety net and a progressive agenda where a child can grow and thrive is what makes you pro-life.

Thanks for quiet activism on abortion

Thanks for publishing Tim Funk’s thoughtful piece on the Bond and Griffin families’ quiet approach to obviating the need for abortion in this country.

While the Chief Justice John Roberts said during his confirmation that court precedent has been set on abortion, people like the Bonds and Griffins continue to remind us that there are alternatives available to save the lives of the unintended and unwanted, as well as those conceived in an act of violence.

Trump won, now be a good sport about it

Actually, an important reason for Donald Trump winning the presidency was that he didn’t act “presidential.”

Instead, he spoke from the heart and didn’t mince words, becoming the USA’s biggest cheerleader.

Americans are feeling a sense of pride and optimism that has been missing for many years.

The game is over and in true American fashion the losers should behave with good sportsmanship.

A tale of two Donalds and promises made

This time a Donald declares Mexico will pay for a wall.

“Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice...” When will they ever learn?

DeVos is wrong person for the job

In less than a week, Congress is scheduled to vote on confirming our next Secretary of Education. The person in that job will not only oversee the direction of our public schools, she’ll shape the future of our children.

Betsy DeVos is not the right person to carry out this task. Not only is she inexperienced but it’s obvious that her history of donations to the GOP landed her a nomination.

As a constituent, I urge Sen. Richard Burr to recuse himself from voting on DeVos’s nomination. Pay-to-play politics has no place in our democracy.

Mary Tyler Moore cartoon was spot on

Kevin Siers’ Jan. 27 cartoon tribute to Mary Tyler Moore was perfect. It captured the essence of a life well spent. A perfect obituary. Short. Sweet. Spot On.

This story was originally published January 28, 2017 at 1:30 PM with the headline "Smith family should fund soccer stadium, not taxpayers."