Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 04.02.15
In response to “Battle lines form over bill that could be debated this week” (March 31):
Stand against legalized discrimination
This legislation is designed to appease voters on the religious right as it scrambles to respond to gains made for equality in our state.
It is shameful that many “leaders” and politicians in our community and state cannot stand openly for justice and doing the right thing.
They cloak themselves by asking why this legislation is a priority, or what problem the legislation is trying to solve. Many have failed to take a clear stand against hate and legalized discrimination.
Courage of conviction and courage to stamp out discrimination in any form are also good for business.
Michael Clement
Charlotte
My Christian principles and civil liberties being ignored
Some in the gay community continue to attack Christians who oppose their agenda as haters and homophobes while hypocritically claiming to be champions of tolerance and diversity.
Opposing same-sex marriage because of obvious Biblical prohibitions is not discrimination against homosexuals.
It is simply adherence to Christian principles.
Forcing magistrates, wedding planners, or anyone else to participate in these events is advancing tyranny – not civil liberties.
David Almond
Stanfield, N.C.
Duke Energy, be a corporate hero; clean up ash ponds now
Duke Energy says it will fight the $25.1 million fine for groundwater contamination near its Wilmington power plant.
Duke has received almost $900 million in federal subsidies over the last 15 years. Duke also spends millions on lobbyists and political donations.
Duke is not short on money.
Past CEO Jim Rogers, new CEO Lynn Good, and their respective boards cannot be proud of this legacy of pollution.
Lynn Good can be a hero or a villain – the choice is hers.
Please remove all the coal ash ponds in North Carolina immediately and be a great corporate neighbor.
Mike North
Mooresville
Rural areas are in decline; fix lies in sales tax redistribution
Since the demise of the tobacco, textile and furniture industries, rural areas like ours have suffered greatly.
We watch as our schools fall apart, civic organizations disappear, businesses dry up, and infrastructure falls into desperate disrepair. Opportunity disappears, and our children leave never to return.
To exacerbate the problem, we have no political clout in the N.C. General Assembly and are at the mercy of urban legislators.
At the same time, the coast, Triad, Charlotte, and Research Triangle receive incentives and enjoy the results of industrial recruitment efforts.
If this trend continues, our state will become a study in urban affluence and rural poverty.
This sales tax initiative will not solve this problem, but it could begin to right the ship.
David and Donna Scott
Lake Waccamaw, N.C.
In response to “State’s bid came up short for Mercedes HQ” (April 1):
Mercedes-Benz won’t be last corporation to turn down N.C.
So now it’s Mercedes-Benz USA that has turned down North Carolina – the tip of the iceberg.
Considering the lack of forward-thinking government, inadequate roads, and high taxes, more companies and residents will follow. Using lack of incentives was an easy excuse.
Susan Durham
Charlotte
In response to Eric Frazier “Bill aims to hit passing lane slowpokes with $200 fine” (April 1 O-pinion):
Thanks for tackling slowpokes who clog up passing lane
Thank you, Sen. Jeff Tarte, for trying to get the rolling speed bumps out of the passing lanes.
It’s something that should have started back in the horse and wagon days.
If you can, also do something about the tailgaters. All would be good with the world.
Ronald Honeycutt
Mount Gilead
Say no to Tarte bill, too many already driving like it’s NASCAR
Sen. Jeff Tarte should be fined $200.
There is no excuse for aggressive driving, flashing headlights as though I-485 is the Autobahn.
Charlotte drivers seem to have NASCAR disease as it is.
Jon Hoin
Weddington
This story was originally published April 1, 2015 at 5:07 PM with the headline "Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 04.02.15."