Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 03.29.15
In response to “Charlotte big loser in sales tax plan” (March 25) and related articles:
N.C. lawmakers, go back to the drawing board on tax plan
There are better ways to help those in need than redistributing the sales tax.
Bringing back the earned income tax credit, reinstating the progressive income tax, closing special interest loopholes, and taxing corporations at a rate that is fair for the services they use are more effective strategies to fund public needs.
Modernizing the tax code means developing multiple revenue sources to fund the quality of life for a better North Carolina.
It’s time for policymakers to go back to the drawing board, review the 2013 tax changes, and develop a plan that is more balanced, effective and just.
Mary Klenz
Charlotte
In response to “Wealth gap grows at disturbing pace” (March 26 Viewpoint):
Dependence on government feeds growing wealth gap
Columnist Lewis Diuguid says people are waiting and hoping for a recovery that benefits all.
I read this to say that we must rely on someone or something else – like the government – to better our lives.
Instead of waiting and hoping, I suggest we work hard and make good choices. Let’s try to take control of our lives to make things better.
Mr. Diuguid may be correct that there is a wealth gap, but the article doesn’t encourage those who want to make things better for themselves. Rather, it encourages dependence.
John Shea
Charlotte
In response to “Bill may solve ‘naked neighbor’ issue” (March 27):
Don’t need legislative actionto solve naked neighbor issue
Sen. Brent Jackson, next time you undress to take a shower and absentmindedly fail to close your window shades and someone reports you, remember the bill you introduced.
The solution to neighbors who like to stand naked at their door is: Don’t look! Exhibitionists usually stop when no one pays them any attention.
Please Sen. Jackson, retract your bill. Don’t make those who innocently forget to close their shades targets of vengeful or malicious neighbors.
Jerry Houston
Charlotte
In response to “Bergdahl charged with desertion” (March 26):
Give Sgt. Bergdahl fair hearing, but not special treatment
I hope Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl’s case receives a fair and speedy hearing.
I also hope the U.S. Army and the Obama administration do not have a preconceived deal whereby the Army presses charges, followed by an Obama administration pardon or reprieve.
Brooke S. Dickson
Charlotte
In response to “Benghazi panel requests Clinton’s e-mail server” (March 21) and related articles:
Handling of e-mails confirms Clinton not fit to be president
They aren’t Hillary’s e-mails.
They are the property of the federal government, and due to the nature of the responsibilities of the Secretary of State confidentiality and security are of utmost importance.
Anyone who compromises or acts in reckless disregard for the security of our country and its allies is not suited for the presidency of the United States.
Phillip Greene
Charlotte
Clear that media just don’t like Tata’s Fox News ties
I had never heard of N.C. Department of Transportation Secretary Tony Tata until I read the editorial reprinted from the (Raleigh) News & Observer. (“DOT chief’s unwise Fox News star turn,” March 25 Opinion)
What is all this fog about how he makes his living? I don’t much care as long it’s productive and within the law.
I don’t know how expert he is about the Middle East, how good an author he is, or how effective a state executive he is.
What I do know is this: The only real reason Mr. Tata was attacked was that he publicly criticized the president and his policies on – gasp! – television’s Fox News.
G.L. Pritchett
Charlotte
A Kansas City transplant is wowed by Queen City’s spring
After moving to Charlotte from beautiful Kansas City I began volunteering at Wing Haven.
A long-time volunteer asked if I’d been here in spring. “You know we do spring right in Charlotte,” she said.
And yes you do! Thank you, thank you to anyone who has ever planted a flowering tree or shrub. The succession of colors is something to behold.
Take a different route home, cut through a neighborhood and see for yourself all the beauty that is Charlotte.
Joan Carpenter
Charlotte
This story was originally published March 28, 2015 at 1:21 PM with the headline "Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 03.29.15."