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

Letters to the Editor

I’d tell the RNC to skip Charlotte

Lyles wants RNC money, that’s all

In response to “Charlotte Mayor Lyles defends pursuit of RNC” (July 13):

I am a registered independent and have lived in Charlotte for 1 1/2 years. After living all over the country, I have never seen a city so filled with hatred toward Republicans.

My suggestion to the RNC – skip Charlotte. You and your money are not wanted here, due to your political beliefs.

I thought Mayor Vi Lyles was different, but she now says she will not give the welcoming speech at the RNC. She wants Republican money to be spent here, but is not showing tolerance for other points of view.

Celia Powell, Charlotte

Don’t waste energy on GOP’s Big Tent

I am not in favor of bringing the RNC here in 2020, especially in the Republican Party’s current configuration.

John Brennan
John Brennan

I, for one, must be won over to a political party’s overall platform and cannot in good faith cherry-pick from a basket of policies I favor and those I find repugnant, especially when the latter create divisions based on race, gender, ethnicity and economic status.

The Republican party’s “Big Tent” has shrunk considerably since the election of the current president, and I would not prefer to expend any more energy trying to stitch together its tattered canvas.

John Brennan, Charlotte

RNC is a high-risk event; don’t host it

Under normal circumstances Charlotte should welcome a national political convention. Unfortunately, we are not in normal circumstances.

I don’t think “inclusive dialogue” will be on the minds of many of the demonstrators on either side of the issues.

I would remind City Council of the 1968 Democratic convention in Chicago and the unforgettable civic discord that accompanied it. Perhaps that would explain why most major cities opted out of hosting this particular convention.

Charlotte does not need to take on such a potentially high risk event.

Tim Tindall, Charlotte

Don’t dismiss Harris, he’s not out of touch

In response to Our View “Paging Mark Harris; it’s the 21st century” (July 9 Editorial):

Just because Mark Harris is ultra-conservative and believes in and stands by the true word of God, he is out of touch?

Observer editorial board, be aware of this: Just because this is the 21st century, does not mean God’s word is obsolete. To my knowledge God did not put a “sell by” date on the Bible or his laws.

For you to dismiss this man’s beliefs flies right in the face of your own self-professed “tolerance” and “acceptance.”

Tom Ross, Monroe

Trump has a plan on Russian pipeline

I predict that President Trump will stop his attacks on the German-Russian gas pipeline in return for Russia’s withdrawal from Syria.

Germany will, in turn, begin importing significant amounts of LNG (liquified natural gas) from the US. This will help our trade imbalance and serve as a backup in the event that Russia cuts gas flow.

This is called deal-making and is in sharp contrast to “community organizing.”

Steve Kardisco, Hickory

So much not to like about the airport

In response to “Airport pleases city’s boosters, but not me” (July 13 Forum) and related articles:

Kudos to Forum writer Steven Nesbit for his comments about the changes at our airport.

Speaking for business travelers like me who go through the airport on a regular basis, this facility has to be one of the worst. Its concourses are way too small, there are very lengthy walks to most gates, not nearly enough restrooms, incredibly long waits for baggage, as well as a poor set-up at baggage claim. Parking is a whole ’nother fiasco.

If you want to see a well planned airport facility, visit Tampa International.

David Urban, Charlotte

Build-a-Bear owes kids a rain check

In response to “Build-A-Bear built a promo that left frenzied Charlotte shoppers frustrated” (July 12):

Build-a-Bear should have given everyone who stood in line for hours with restless kids at least a rain check!

There were so many disappointed children and upset parents that Build-a-Bear owes them something as a goodwill gesture. This company needs to realize that Christmas is coming, and believe me these parents will never forget this experience!

Build-a-Bear absolutely should have been more prepared. Lots of sad children today.

Gwen Johnson, China Grove

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