Officer shortage turns N.C. prisons into revolving doors
Prison shortage affects all in N.C.
The high officer vacancy in N.C. prisons is not only dangerous for inmates and officers, but it’s bad for the reintegration of inmates into society.
Having fewer officers in a prison means less supervision, leading to an increase in violence. Otherwise nonviolent prisoners may get weapons simply to protect themselves, creating an even more violent environment.
If inmates are forced to adapt to this dangerous lifestyle just to survive, they may take those values with them upon release. This makes for a less safe society and a prison system that does nothing but cycle people out just to be rearrested and brought back in.
Virginia Poole, Charlotte
GOP gets taste of its own medicine
In response to “Is GOP being shut out by how districts in Charlotte drawn?” (Nov. 20):
Charlotte’s GOP feels it has been unfairly gerrymandered out of power? That’s rich. They should elevate their concern to the N.C. General Assembly whose veto-proof 62 percent Republican House super-majority and 70 percent Senate super-majority were achieved equally “fairly” in a nearly 50-50 purple state.
Good for the goose, good for the gander?
Sue Anderson, Huntersville
Advice for the guy who says no to GOP
Advice for the guy who says no to GOP
In response to “I used to split my vote. No more.” (Nov. 21 Forum):
I am an Independent voter and always select the most qualified candidates regardless of party affiliation. I urge Forum writer David Mills to use this same philosophy since he must have forgotten past N.C. Democratic administrations, those of corruption, political correctness, the bathroom fiasco, and the push to support sanctuary cities.
Mr. Mills should definitely rethink his statement of: “Not one freaking Republican, not one.”
Frank Harrington, Charlotte
Tired of little guys getting squeezed out
In response to “Family-owned floral shop to leave longtime spot in South End” (Nov. 21):
I read with disgust about Elizabeth House Flowers having to move because its rent was going to nearly triple.
Charlotte is nothing but a concrete, steel and glass jungle now – the beautiful old buildings have been torn down. What good has that done for anybody? Maybe it has helped a few, but the overall population must be considered.
Don’t let any more businesses squeeze out the “little” guys who helped make Charlotte, in favor of these big corporations that only think about money and how they can make more of it. Where is it going to stop?
Felton Newell Temple, Fort Mill
GOP tax plan will create new jobs
The GOP tax reform bill is not about making the rich richer and the poor poorer. It is about the creation of new jobs for American workers and becoming more competitive in this global economy.
Yes, capitalism is far from a perfect system, but compared to tight government controls as proven in a failed Cuban economy, the former Soviet Union, and Venezuela, capitalism, if left unmanipulated, beats socialism hands down.
Recall what economist Milton Friedman once said: Place government in charge of the Sahara Desert and within five years there will be a shortage of sand.
Barry Marshall, Charlotte
Burr, Tillis must vote ‘no’ on tax plan
Sens. Thom Tillis and Richard Burr, please look into your hearts and do what is right for the people.
We all know the disaster our U.S. House passed. It is the nightmare of every person born without a silver spoon.
Most of us do not have the deep pockets needed to take care of sickly NICU babies or relatives lingering in nursing homes. I’ve experienced both a $1 million bill for my premature baby and my mother’s $5,000 a month for assisted living.
Senators, please say “no” to tax cuts for the rich and powerful and “yes” to the continued good health and welfare of your fellow Americans. Make us proud to be North Carolinians again.
Lisa Yoder, Waxhaw
Thanks for speaking out about CMS
I’d like to convey my appreciation and admiration to Kaycee Hailey for her op-ed piece. (“How I pursue change at my segregated CMS school,” Nov. 20 Opinion)
She speaks clearly and powerfully about the inequities in our educational system and she’s right. We are better for her speaking out and that she is part of a movement that will make a difference.
Meg Houlihan, Charlotte
This story was originally published November 23, 2017 at 11:46 AM with the headline "Officer shortage turns N.C. prisons into revolving doors."