Don’t let this turn out like Obamacare; read the bill
This time, everyone must read the bill
In response to “Senate GOP releases bill to cut Medicaid, alter ‘Obamacare’ ” (June 22):
Before the Senate health care bill was released, Democrats complained they had not been given a chance to read it.
They didn’t say anything when they passed Obamacare, a bill over 1,000 pages which many of them hadn’t read as indicated by Nancy Pelosi’s famous quote that “we have to pass the bill so that you can find out what is in it...”
Sen. Lindsey Graham said there should be ample time for discussion once the Senate bill was out. I hope all of our political representatives will read it in its entirety, but I doubt it.
Christ Koconis, Charlotte
Health care of millions in jeopardy
Senate Republicans, including our own Thom Tillis and Richard Burr, are preparing to jeopardize health care for millions of Americans, including gutting Medicaid.
If their legislation is appropriate and right for America, why did they do it all in secrecy? They should have let us see what they were proposing from the start.
One thing we do know is in it: tax cuts for the wealthy, and lots of them. I suspect that’s what Tillis and Burr will vote for.
Chris Porier, Charlotte
Trump is providing strong leadership
As the Observer and others keep trying to spin for the Democratic Party, President Trump keeps winning and “righting this ship.”
Instead of trying to come up with a meaningful message of positive action for this country, the DNC and media keep obstructing and pointing their finger.
This country needs strong leadership, strengthening our economy and improving our security.
Cathy Walker, Charlotte
What do I tell my black grandsons?
What does it take for a white police officer to be convicted for killing a black man?
To be found not guilty all that officer has to say is I feared for my life.
Since there seems to be a fear of black men in some white circles, how can black men ever be safe in America? What do I tell my grandsons? How do I as their grandfather help protect them?
God only knows.
Walter L. Davis Jr., Norwood
Go ahead, say it, you favor tax increases
In response to Our View “A tale of two tax cuts - and one failure” (June 16 Editorial):
According to your editorial, Kansas made severe and reckless tax cuts and has a deficit that will soon reach $1 billion.
North Carolina made modest tax cuts, but coupled that with spending cuts, and now has a budget surplus approaching $600 million.
You criticize both states for their decisions and say they are not good for the long term, yet you offer no alternatives or solutions.
Why didn’t you say the obvious – you feel we need to increase taxes and increase our current spending levels?
Kenny Colbert, Huntersville
Dunlap is wrong about Elizabeth area
Mecklenburg Commissioner George Dunlap favors spending $114 million for a new soccer stadium to replace Memorial Stadium in Elizabeth. One reason: “... it spurs economic development.”
The adjoining neighborhood or CPCC campus need economic development? That’s news to those of us who’ve seen commercial development galore along Elizabeth streets like Seventh Street in the last 4-plus years.
Mecklenburg citizens need more specifics on this alleged economic development before we commit $114 million to a new stadium for a private entertainment company.
Imagine the community needs that could be addressed with $114 million.
Dennis Salmen, Charlotte
Oh how I miss the U.S. textile industry
In response to “American Airlines employees be careful” (June 22 Forum):
Have you ever opened a sealed plastic bag and smelled a foul odor from the garment packed inside?
That’s improperly cured resin used to impart wrinkle and shrink resistance. It is mostly formaldehyde.
That is what you get with imported fabrics, dye and finishing plants not properly monitored, and a lack of quality control.
I worked in various textile capacities for over 35 years, plus have a textile degree. No more “textiles” in the Carolinas, shame.
We would have done a lot better.
Mario Putzrath, Charlotte
This story was originally published June 22, 2017 at 3:10 PM with the headline "Don’t let this turn out like Obamacare; read the bill."