Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 03.30.15
In response to “House panel OKs restored tax deal for seniors” (March 26):
Don’t reduce state’s corporate tax rate on the backs of its senior citizens
Rep. Hugh Blackwell of Burke County suggests that restoring the tax deduction for medical expenses for grandmas and grandpas across the state would unravel some grand tax plan.
The grand plan: reduce the corporate income tax rate. Seriously?
Haven’t you done enough by taxing our paltry Social Security and pension benefits?
Unbelievable. What’s in the drinking water in Raleigh?
Brian G. McBride
Weddington
In response to “Charlotte big loser in sales tax plan” (March 26):
Socialism never works, neither will redistribution of N.C. sales tax
The Observer notes that Mecklenburg County would be among the biggest losers under the proposed sales tax plan.
When it comes to wealth redistribution, which President Obama also seems to favor, there will always be winners and losers.
That’s how socialism works, or more correctly, doesn’t work.
Margaret Thatcher was right – socialism works until you run out of other people’s money.
The sales tax redistribution plan’s time has come and gone.
Tony Capranica
Stanley, N.C.
Mecklenburg businesses heading to S.C. and Sen. Rucho has played a role
Sen. Bob Rucho, when are you going to do something beneficial for the citizens of Mecklenburg who elected you?
The repeal of the business tax and the proposed sales tax redistribution are costing Charlotte millions. At the same time, businesses are leaving Mecklenburg County to do business across the state line in South Carolina.
Meanwhile you, like Nero, fiddle with airport takeovers and billboards.
John Walsh
Charlotte
Obama, Netanyahu should take a hint from Roosevelt, Churchill, Stalin
President Franklin D. Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Soviet Premier Joseph Stalin were not known for their affection for each other, nor were successors President Harry Truman, Prime Minister Clement Attlee and Stalin.
But they managed to work with each other to establish an agenda for governing post-war Europe.
So what if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Obama are not bosom buddies? They only need to be businesslike and work together to obtain a workable solution to the problem at hand.
E.T. Shafer
Seven Devils, N.C.
In response to “Media doesn’t ask local Muslim leaders the really tough questions” (March 23 Forum):
American Muslims not to blame for beheadings; U.S. torture played a role
I find it troubling that Forum writer Tim Deal thinks that Observer reporters should have asked a fellow American why Muslim extremists are beheading and burning Christians because of their faith.
Mr. Deal apparently never considered the idea that today’s Muslim extremists are partly the result of the torture that Muslim prisoners were subjected to in violation of the U.S. Constitution, Geneva Convention on treatment of prisoners of war, and the U.S. Military Code of Justice.
We American Christians should be the first to ask forgiveness.
Frances Syptak
Hickory
In response to “Bill would help experienced teachers” (March 26):
Kudos to N.C. senator for pushing to make sure my teachers are paid better
The writer is a Randolph Middle School sixth grader.
I applaud N.C. Sen. Joyce Waddell for introducing a bill to raise teacher salaries.
As a student, I feel teachers aren’t paid enough. They plan lessons, organize clubs, chaperone field trips, and also must teach students six to seven hours a day.
In addition, they have to grade every single assignment and test completed by students. Our teachers also do much work at home.
Teachers should be paid more, and hopefully they soon will be.
Smrithi Tirumalapudi
Charlotte
In response to “Women in less than 25% of N.C. political posts” (March 25):
N.C. must find a way to encourage women to get involved in politics
The figures on female representation in politics are a sign that change is needed.
Politics at our state level and national level lack gender equality. That equality will come only if more women represent the people.
The solution is to encourage women to become more involved.
Political tradition has created a gender barrier that must be broken, creating a welcome environment for women.
Ryan Huynh
Charlotte
This story was originally published March 29, 2015 at 1:00 PM with the headline "Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 03.30.15."