Appalled by Cardinal’s actions

In response to “State: Cardinal leaders tried to hold on to agency money” (Nov. 30):

As a clinical social worker, I personally know families who’ve struggled to obtain even minimal assistance for children with profound developmental disabilities. For members of the Cardinal Innovations board to defend their appalling judgment and lavish executive salaries is disturbing.

Apparently, the CEO and executive staff, as well as the board, forgot that this was not a hedge fund, but taxpayers’ money. Very real children and their working parents effectively had their patient care funds stolen from them by those entrusted with their care.

The only difference between the Cardinal gang and bank robbers is that Cardinal took tax money from needy families.

Pepper Hair, Charlotte

Students must also put in the effort

In response to “CMS promised an alternative to failing schools, but can families figure it out in time?” (Nov. 30):

I question the term “low-performing schools.” In my 22-plus years as a teacher I saw very few poor quality teachers, but many low-performing students. Maybe we should not condemn a school until we can prove the students are giving 100 percent.

Somewhere we’ve lost the fact that learning isn’t passive. Without student effort it doesn’t matter what kind of teachers you have.

Kenneth M. Kyzer, Charlotte

Tired of Pittenger’s political games

In response to Our View “Robert Pittenger’s cynical Christmas ploy” (Nov. 29 Editorial):

So U.S. Rep. Robert Pittenger wants to put Christ back in Christmas. Well isn’t that special.

I suppose his running against a Baptist minister in the 2018 mid-term election might have something to do with his decision to draw on the religious card.

It is tiring and angering to see him dish out this gruel and even more frustrating watching his supporters eat it up.

Larry Vogt, Mooresville

Carruth refuses to admit guilt

In response to “Rae Carruth is my brother – and needs redemption” (Nov. 30 Opinion):

I might hasten to inform Issac Bailey that to-date Rae Carruth has denied involvement in the slaying of the mother of his child, for which he was convicted.

It can be said that the first step on the road to redemption is admission of one’s guilt, with the second step being some act of contrition. The two are inescapably conjoined and Carruth seems incapable of either and, therefore, unworthy of anyone’s redemption, except perhaps the one being from whom true redemption can be given – God.

Joe McLaughlin, Matthews

Graham’s defense of Moore disturbing

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

My parents heard “I didn’t do it” from me, but eventually taught me to tell the truth, take responsibility and make better choices. If Roy Moore took responsibility, showed remorse, or compassion for the 14 women accusing him, I might consider his faith genuine.

Franklin Graham, President Trump and Moore suggesting the women are liars and dismissing their existence is vicious. Graham says “who a person is today” is what’s important. Jesus weeps.

Chris Teat, Charlotte

Don’t worsen health, wealth disparities

The Senate tax bill will increase health and wealth disparities in our country. This is not what Americans need or want!

Congress should vote “no” on a tax bill that increases deficits and gives unneeded tax breaks to those with the most wealth.

Eliminating the estate tax for estates over $5 million is not necessary! We need health care for all, livable wages, and a fair progressive tax system based on ability to pay.

Lower corporate taxes by eliminating corporate loopholes with a revenue neutral plan.

Margie Storch, Charlotte

Don’t leave wolves to whims of Congress

Saving red wolves should be based on the best available science, not the whims of Congress. (“Survival of red wolves rests in committee,” Nov. 29)

Instead, Congress should focus on funding wolf recovery plans and supporting the Endangered Species Act, our nation’s most effective law for protecting endangered wildlife.

Until recently, the red wolf recovery program had been incredibly effective and a model for endangered species protection. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service must recommit to, not abandon, the red wolf.

Christian Hunt, Charlotte

This story was originally published November 30, 2017 at 2:59 PM with the headline "Cardinal’s poor judgment, lavish executive pay hurt struggling families."