Opinion articles provide independent perspectives on key community issues, separate from our newsroom reporting.

Letters to the Editor

Franklin Graham shouldn’t sully religion with politics

Religion should be above politics

In response to “Graham defends Trump’s tweeting and backs Moore” (Nov. 29):

According to The Observer, Christian evangelist Franklin Graham is lending his name and that of the tax-free charity he sponsors to political ends. He and his organization should foster activities that are above and beyond politics!

Politics involves controversy that divides families, friends, acquaintances, and others; controversy that ranges from simple arguments to public demonstrations that lead to physical confrontations that can and do eventuate in violence. Christianity, a religion of peace and goodwill, of which he is a representative, has, as Jesus observed, its own natural and inveterate adversaries (Matthew 10:16-22). Mr. Graham would do well to avoid public association with any political organization in the interest of the aims of Christian compassionate outreach, spiritual and material, to people in need at home and abroad.

Rob Roy McGregor,

Harrisburg

Doug Samut
Doug Samut

What has Trump accomplished?

In response to “In spite of flaws, Trump is effective” (Nov. 29 Forum):

Forum writer Bill Brannon writes that people are hoping and praying for Donald Trump to fail, referring to his blunt and bullying ways. He finishes by stating that the president’s personal characteristics are far outweighed by his accomplishments, then fails to list those accomplishments. Might that be due to the fact that Trump has accomplished little, if anything, during his time in office?

Doug Samut, Mooresville

Actually, pro-life groups do more

In response to “’Pro-lifers’ don’t follow through” (Nov. 29 Forum):

I would suggest that Michael Botterweck, whose letter painted pro-lifers with the brush of hypocrisy, do a little research on exactly what we do to help women and children in our community. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Charlotte helps women with pregnancy support and adoption, teen and parent support, clothing closets, refugee services – and much more. And he could also learn about MiraVia, which serves low income women and children and also has a residential facility on the campus of Belmont Abbey for college students who choose to keep their babies.

There are many other resources available in our community, so for him to say that we go “coldly silent” when it comes to providing support for children born into needy families is flat out false and inflammatory.

Lissa Tipple, Charlotte

Janet Taylor
Janet Taylor

Get real on abortion and responsibility

In response to “If you’re pro-choice, own what that means” (Nov. 28 Forum):

Of course, Mr. Mendoza, there were absolutely no “out of wedlock” babies, and certainly no abortions among your generation of responsibility and accountability. Would you be interested in a bridge I’d like to sell ... in Brooklyn?

Janet Taylor, Lincolnton

Tax bill will lead to cut services

The writer is the executive director of The Arc of North Carolina.

I grew up on a farm: hard work, no nonsense, help your neighbor, and speak truth.

The Senate tax bill queuing up for a vote in Congress lacks the same straightforward compass. Not only is this legislation rushed, lacking due process and meaningful bipartisan input, but it does nothing to strengthen communities or people.

Massive tax cuts for large corporations and the wealthiest Americans will add $1.5 trillion to the deficit and cut programs and services that those with disabilities and their families rely on to thrive in their communities.

In the spirit of esse quam videri, let’s speak truth. This bill is bad for the hard-working people of North Carolina, and especially damaging to children and adults with disabilities.

John Nash, Raleigh

Mario Putzrath
Mario Putzrath

I say ‘no thank you’ to Amazon

I hope and pray Amazon does not choose Charlotte as its second headquarters. All we Charlotteans need is more congestion in our streets, roads and highways not to mention our schools. There are not enough lanes on I-485, nor trailers to accommodate classes in our overcrowded schools.

Mario Putzrath,

Charlotte

This story was originally published November 29, 2017 at 5:51 PM with the headline "Franklin Graham shouldn’t sully religion with politics."

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