Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 03.11.15
In response to “Not so fast on I-485” (March 9 Editorial):
Thorough study needs to be done on effect of HOV lanes
I love the idea of car pool lanes on our major roads. I don’t have occasion to use them, but I like the idea that they are speeding traffic and saving time and money. I visualize bumper-to-bumper traffic crawling on I-77 while the car poolers zip along in the HOV lane.
But I have never actually seen this in operation. Can someone out there report on how effective HOV lanes actually are in speeding the traffic along? This would inform the public discussion about how to improve our roads.
Jim Williams
Charlotte
In response to “Another lesson from Ferguson” (March 7 Editorial):
Ferguson emails show why Charlotte fire chief took action
Perhaps the revelations of the Ferguson emails, social media postings and the culture they represented should encourage the Observer to rethink its position criticizing Fire Chief Jon Hannan’s decision to dismiss persons who post racially insensitive and hurtful emails and messages on social media.
Perhaps an apology would be in order.
Kenneth Godwin
Newland
In response to “The next Raleigh power play?” (March 9 Editorial):
Anti-urban bias growing in legislature under GOP rule
I think what has happened is that a shift in the balance of power in the legislature to rural and small-town Republicans has revived an anti-urban prejudice embedded in the North Carolina constitution many years ago.
The legislators suddenly realize that they have the power to meddle with the operations of the larger cities, and do so to gratify their own sense of importance, justifying their actions in any way that they can think of, even using the same issues and arguments that the federal government has used to force changes on states.
Tom Kirby-Smith
Greensboro
In response to “Income tax overhaul hits home (March 8):
What part of government will Bob Rucho try to fix next?
Whenever I see Senator Rucho’s name, I know that trouble is brewing. First it was the airport, now it’s the income tax.
Personally, I’m afraid to ask what the senator will dream up next.
Jeffrey Beck
Charlotte
Rucho’s dismissal of refunds shows he’s out of touch
Senator Bob Rucho has demonstrated once again how our elitist politicians are out of touch with most “regular” folks. Most everyone in my sphere has always depended on the tax refunds for major springtime purchases, helping pay local property taxes, or even their vacation money.
Having it withheld throughout the year, we don’t miss it and don’t have to worry about paying more later. As for letting the government hold it, I don’t believe we would make more than a dollar or two if we left it in our “interest bearing” checking accounts.
Bill Barr
Charlotte
Hard to believe Obama didn’t know of Hillary’s private email
Just heard the president say that he had heard about Hillary’s private email from broadcast news. Just like the IRS and a host of other incidents.
Mr. President, you must have the most incompetent staff in the history of the presidency. Not only did they not tell you about the private emails, but no one there ever received an email from Hillary or surely they would have reported it.
I say fire them all.
Mike Byrd
Matthews
In response to “Bill would let drivers cross lines to pass” (March 3):
Bill allowing double-yellow line passing sounds like insanity
My response to proponents of the bill that would let drivers cross lines to pass slowpokes: “Are you out of your minds!!”
Susan Barra
Huntersville
In response to “Public wasn’t told the truth on Affordable Care Act, (March 6):
Goverment already subsidizes much of U.S. healthcare
Forum writer Floyd Prophet seems upset that the ACA offers subsidies to those who can’t afford health insurance.
I wonder if he realizes how many Americans have subsidized healthcare?
Those on Medicaid, Medicare and VA healthcare are all subsidized, as well as those of us who get our healthcare through work and pay for it with tax-free premiums.
Honestly, since the government is subsidizing the majority of healthcare for Americans wouldn’t it just make sense to have Medicare for all?
Laura Reich
Matthews
This story was originally published March 10, 2015 at 4:45 PM with the headline "Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 03.11.15."