Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 04.16.15
Bojangles’ Coliseum worth repolishing
City Council made a great move in approving new and wider seats for Bojangles’ Coliseum.
Built in 1955 to great accolades from across the country, this arena has served us well and with a significant upgrade can give us something we don’t have – a place to put on events with fewer than 9,000 seats.
This historic building was so well designed it has stood the test of time and will work well for another 50 years.
Great memories of the late Paul Buck bringing such shows as Elvis, Pavarotti, Nat King Cole, NCAA basketball, and even auto racing are woven hard into the fabric of this wonderful building.
I urge City Council to continue putting funds in – and polish back on – one of Charlotte’s true gems.
H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler
Huntersville
In response to “Lawmakers may drop tool to fight developers” (April 14):
Eliminating protest petitions amounts to denying democracy
Eliminating protest petitions amounts to denying democracy
Developers have virtually an unfettered path to achieve their ends.
Why would our legislature take away one of the only avenues open to residents to provide scrutiny?
Once more the average citizen loses to those with influence and money.
C’mon N.C. legislature – act for the people en masse, not a select few. Keep the three-quarter vote requirement if a legitimate protest is registered to a rezoning plan.
Richard McGregor
Charlotte
Voters deserve better than Clinton’s lackluster record
With Hillary Clinton’s coronation looming large, I hope voters hit the “pause” button and ask an important question: In her long, lackluster career as a Washington insider, what has Hillary accomplished of substance?
Make no mistake; I’m ready for a female president. We men don’t have a stellar record running this country. But I won’t vote for Sarah Palin, Michele Bachmann, or Hillary.
We’ve spent too many years aimlessly wandering the political wilderness. We deserve better; let’s vote accordingly.
Robert W. Shirley
Charlotte
In response to “On tax day, let’s work toward a fairer, flatter system” (April 15 Opinion):
Assumption is wrong; a flatter tax isn’t necessarily a fairer tax
Assumption is wrong; a flatter tax isn’t necessarily a fairer tax
Congressman Richard Hudson’s argument for tax reform is built on an erroneous assumption: A flatter tax is a fairer tax.
Fairness means those better positioned to assist their neighbors and countrymen should do so, through private charity and democratically adopted taxation.
Progressive taxation embodies this truth, and achieving a humane civilization requires nothing less.
Michael F. Roessler
Charlotte
Police training needs reform, but all sides must benefit
I hope recent deadly encounters between the police and members of the black community will bring important reforms.
These incidents highlight inadequacies in police training and procedures.
Body cameras, independent investigations of police actions, and closer supervision will provide needed transparency.
However, reforms must serve as a tool for attaining justice for the community and the police.
Politicians who exploit reforms to appease others could stifle incentive, community involvement, and career interest among officers – all vital elements in professional policing.
Joseph J. Salerno
Charlotte
To avoid confrontation with police, do what officers say
The person stopped by police is usually complicit in the outcome. The appropriate response is not a knee-jerk confrontation.
There should be no refusing, sassing, taunting, threatening, or assaulting the police officer. Keep calm and follow directions.
It’s not nuclear science. It’s the sensible response to an unpleasant situation.
Nancy Ballenger
Matthews
Diplomacy takes time, give ita chance to work with Iran
Diplomacy isn’t quick or sexy, but it does cost a lot less than war. Nuclear weapons are complicated and Iran is no more an immediate threat than Saddam was. Remember, the same people who were wrong about Iraq are leading the push to bomb Iran.
Timothy Weeks
Fort Mill, S.C.
This story was originally published April 15, 2015 at 6:08 PM with the headline "Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 04.16.15."