Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 05.20.15
In response to “Tensions rise over county board prayer” (May 19):
Prayer is a choice, not a responsibility
It seems that Mecklenburg commissioner Vilma Leake fails to realize that freedom of religion includes freedom from religion and the right to practice religion in one’s own way.
I never thought of prayer as a responsibility. It is a choice, an option, a privilege.
If it is a responsibility for the commission to pray and the commissioner to have to pray, it is time to discontinue the practice.
Mark Leggett
Charlotte
Can’t believe I’m saying this, but Bill James is right this time
At last something upon which Mecklenburg commissioner Bill James and I can agree – that commissioner Vilma Leake’s “using Pat’s (Cotham’s) faith as a weapon to publicly embarrass her…is beyond inappropriate.”
While commissioner Leake attempts to speak for all in Christendom, I know more than a few Christians who are not into dictating that everyone wear their religion on their sleeves.
Bill James, on this issue, you are the man.
Morry Alter
Charlotte
Get off that high horse, Vilma; prayer comes in many forms
Vilma Leake needs to dismount her holy high horse.
Why not suggest a moment of silence as an alternate form of prayer to open public commissioners meetings?
Prayer, praise and reflection come in many forms.
Is bullying something Jesus would do?
Jenny Cahan
Charlotte
In response to “The continuing education of John Fennebresque” (May 17):
UNC reforms long overdue, will keep N.C. workforce competitive
UNC reforms long overdue, will keep N.C. workforce competitive
Degrees that do not lead to jobs and carry with them a mountain of debt are leaving many Carolinians behind in today’s global economy.
This reform will be resisted by the entrenched leftists in academia, aided and abetted by the liberal media, but these policy changes are long overdue and will lead to a North Carolina workforce that is competitive in the 21st century economy.
That John Fennebresque is reluctant to state these reforms outright speaks to the difficulty of honest and vigorous debate in today’s academia.
Bill Ingram
Charlotte
Time for governor to step up and act on I-77 toll project
No general purpose lanes have been added to I-77 north of I-485 in almost 50 years.
If the current plan is not stopped, no new general purpose lanes will be built for another 50 years.
Why are we giving away control of a key piece of our region’s infrastructure?
Why no mass transit? There must be alternatives beyond tolls that few can afford.
Gov. Pat McCrory, stop this now!
John Ong
Mooresville
In response to “Duke prof responds after race comments go viral” (May 18):
Professor should stop throwing stones from his glass house
Jerry Hough is an esteemed professor at an elite university, a man who students and possibly colleagues would consider a mentor or wise elder.
His comments are more damaging because of his position. It is disappointing, but typical, that he does not see that.
He should consider expanding his curriculum vitae to include real life experience within the West Baltimore community that he disparages, rather than throwing stones from his glass house.
Sandy Blinkhorn
Charlotte
In response to “Monroe to retire after sharp drop in crime” (May 19):
Hire chief from within CMPD ranks, plenty of good options
Police Chief Rodney Monroe has done a good job and I really thought he would stay, but like others hired from outside the department he’s moving on after a short stay.
I am guessing he has something waiting in the wings.
I still think there are excellent qualified applicants within the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Maybe this time we can get a chief with CMPD ties.
Bill Lane
Polkville
This story was originally published May 19, 2015 at 4:11 PM with the headline "Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 05.20.15."