John McCain’s ability to cross the aisle impressed me

Remembering an American hero

We just witnessed, in real time, a contemporary American hero and patriot who recently passed. John McCain’s life exhibited a sacrifice, dedication, commitment and service to this great country on par with the Founding Fathers.

A third generation military man who actually volunteered for Vietnam service, he was unique in that era.

I admired his integrity and ability to cross the aisle in the Senate above party loyalty for the good of the American people.

He had political acumen and was an example of fighting the good fight and finishing the race.

At Eastland, boost affordable housing

As the Charlotte City Council looks at proposals for the Eastland Mall property, I hope priority will be given to inclusion of some affordable housing.

Charlotte has identified low income and workforce housing as an important priority for the community, but escalating land costs have made it challenging to build mixed-income housing.

Since Charlotte already owns the Eastland land, this would seem an ideal opportunity for creative collaboration between the city and developers. The Eastland site already has a school and ready access to public transit, two key elements required for such development.

Let’s not lose another chance to expand the stock of affordable housing!

Gun violence needs to be taken care of

In Monday’s Observer, headlines reported a mass shooting at a video game tournament in Florida, and two people killed in apartment shootings in Charlotte.

And the beat goes on! These daily killings brought to you by all dues-paying NRA members.

The U.S. has more guns and more gun violence than any other country in the world. Yet, the NRA wants people to buy even more guns.

NC legislature isn’t doing its job

The world is changing rapidly. As a large state, North Carolina needs to be ahead of many curves regarding business acquisition, technology, education, climate change and more. I cannot recall in recent years reading of any positive (i.e., useful) moves related to these items coming from the legislature.

Instead, we read and see daily news of completely frivolous bill proposals, so useless and partisan that they are immediately challenged in court, appealed and dragged out for months and years, with large legal fees to boot.

To the NC legislature: You were elected to do a job! You need to read our state constitution, if you can find a copy, and do what it says. Get to work for the people!

Boy does it feel good to have Trump

Most readers would agree with Philip Allen Lacovara that Richard Nixon was extremely well prepared to enter the presidency.

As experienced as Nixon was on numerous fronts, and especially Washington politics, he lacked a real background in one area – business. Nixon did some floor sweeping and stocking in his family’s general store, but he never met a payroll himself.

What we have now in President Trump is a top business man – and boy does it feel good. This is still a capitalist country isn’t it? Washington overflows with riders from the Ivy League turnip truck. He can delegate the politics to them.

7 years to eliminate plastic bags? C’mon!

This seems like an almost laughable story. Kroger makes news by saying they are phasing out plastic bags over the next seven years!

Even the city of San Francisco has just voted unanimously to ban plastic straws effective next year. And the state of California is poised to be the first state to do so, subjecting violators to as much as $25 a day in fines.

Seven years to “phase-out” plastic bags is almost laughable. Trader Joe’s hasn’t had any plastic bags for over a decade.

Let’s hope Styrofoam is next to get the boot!