Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 05.01.15
In response to “Report finds no direct evidence of retaliation” (April 29):
Eschert can’t say ‘thug,’ but others can?
One of the primary reasons given for Crystal Eschert’s dismissal was that city officials suggested African-Americans were offended by her use of the word “thugs” in her Facebook reference to the unrest in Ferguson, Mo.
If that’s really the case, African-Americans must have been offended again this week when President Obama called Baltimore rioters “criminals and thugs,” and when African-American Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said “Too many people have spent generations building up this city for it to be destroyed by thugs...”
I don’t know Crystal Eschert. But I sure know official BS when I see it.
Russ Dymond
Charlotte
To address poverty, start with parent ed during pregnancy
The demonstration of pent up frustration, anger, hopelessness and pain seen in the kids rioting in Baltimore is a testament to the need for altering our strategies for change in these communities.
As is said about the issue most important to voters, “It’s the economy, stupid!,” so can be said about generational poverty: “It’s the family, stupid!”
Unless we support our families as early as possible, beginning with parent education during pregnancy, the effectiveness of other programs will be compromised.
Ellen Martin
Charlotte
In response to For the Record “Help us crack the code on economic mobility” (April 30 Opinion):
Identifying poverty code is easy, correcting it very hard
For generations some have made little effort to become self-reliant regarding personal conduct, education, property, and employment issues.
There are limits to government assistance, and they’re being tested. The funds needed to accommodate the latest generational needs are simply not there from the government, and the ones in need have not been prepared to earn them.
The government created this problem to secure a voter base and has no clue how to solve it.
Examination of the government structures in these “hot spot” cities will shed much light on this issue.
Ken Rowsam
Chester, S.C.
In response to “Moore pushes anti-racial profiling bill” (April 29):
Duplicative racial profiling bill adds unnecessary expense
With all due respect, I disagree with Rep. Rodney Moore’s push to pass House Bill 193.
If you read this proposed legislation, North Carolina and its municipalities would bear the unnecessary burden to further monitor a situation that has required volumes of data collection for many years – and is already banned by the federal government.
There is no “clear message” here.
Richard Ivey
Shelby
Loosen N.C. gun laws amidst rising crime? That’s absurd
Side-by-side articles in Wednesday’s Observer told a story of absurdity.
The first described a bill, sponsored by Rep. Jacqueline Schaffer, that would loosen N.C. gun laws in several ways.
Next to it was a report that violent crime in Charlotte has increased 21 percent.
CMPD Deputy Chief Katrina Graue said of the rise in aggravated assaults: “This may be related to the number of firearms stolen. There are more guns on the street, which creates more opportunities.”
What rational society proposes to make more guns available in more places when police clearly say violent crime has increased because of more guns on the street?
Mary W. Cox
Charlotte
In response to Our View “Remember that abortion promise?” (April 25):
Abortion is serious decision, wait allows more time to think
The increase in waiting time may very well free a woman from acting in haste because of fear or pressure from others.
Changing the required waiting time does not “presuppose” upon the ability of a woman to make up her mind.
It may help ensure that a woman takes time for consideration, rather than acting on impulse. To that extent, House Bill 465 advocates for the well-being of women.
Katherine Karr
Charlotte
This story was originally published April 30, 2015 at 3:40 PM with the headline "Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 05.01.15."