Parents’ voices ignored in CMS-town battle
Constituents ignored in CMS battle
In response to “Did Brawley offer CMS a favor?” (Oct. 18):
It appears nothing is inappropriate these days. In light of this reality, the bigger issue lies in what columnist Justin Perry has described as “a handful of men who bullied their constituents” in an attempt to bully the school board.
Democracy relies on civic engagement and investment. Apparently, it takes more now than a good turnout at a town or city council meeting because I know many who attend and have read of meetings that are well-attended.
One must ask, who is actually represented at a time when policies do not reflect the voices of engaged constituents? Short answer: Not us.
Jennifer Bourne, Charlotte
If the Observer is for it, I’m against it
In response to Observer editorial endorsements:
Thank goodness for the editorial page election articles. If I am ever unsure of what or who I am “for,” all I need to know is what or who the Observer is “against.”
Mike Rink, Cornelius
I was there; debate crowd wasn’t ‘nasty’
The article “McCready, Harris clash in final Congressional debate,” (Oct. 19) cites Mecklenburg GOP Chair Chris Turner as saying that the audience at the debate was “plain nasty. … They were there to belittle and tear down and disrupt the debate.”
As an out-of-towner attending the debate, I can testify that the audience was neither nasty nor belittling. We had opinions, and we voiced them. That’s part of democracy.
Dr. Susan Donaldson, Cambridge, Mass.
Neither party should have absolute power
Growing up I believed that Republicans represented business and Democrats represented the people. Together they voiced their opinions and developed a compromise that worked for the country.
George Washington warned against a two-party election system. Now, 242 years later, his prediction has come true.
Having GOP executive, legislative and judicial branches corrupts the checks and balance necessary. We need to tell both parties that “Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”
Change the balance with your vote.
Steven Katzman, Troutman
At Trump rallies decency takes a dive
In response to “Trump praises Montana congressman who body-slammed reporter” (Oct. 19):
These Trump rallies are rich with fibs, bluster and enmity. Glorifying violence and xenophobia with a big dose of fear mongering is what our democracy has become?
It truly is bad reality TV for the low-minded. Why not talk intelligent solutions, put forth a plan urging Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform? Trump can’t – he can only bask in noise, chaos and indecency.
We must raise the bar and reclaim decency and democracy from this shallow narcissist.
Chip Potts, Mooresville
Here’s a way to atone on Silent Sam
In response to “Silent Sam should not return to UNC, faculty council says” (Oct. 14):
A proposal for Silent Sam: Establish the “Committee to Save Silent Sam” and form a Silent Sam Scholarship Fund.
Representatives from each could meet to establish a reasonable but meaningful amount to fund scholarships for African Americans to attend UNC.
The committee would raise the funds and fund representatives would choose scholarship recipients. As long as the committee meets the financial requirements, Silent Sam will continue to occupy his place on campus.
For whatever sins Silent Sam may represent, this will be an opportunity for his atonement and for reconciliation.
Hatcher Kincheloe, Charlotte
Bus route changes hurt more than help
In response to “Will new, more direct routes lure Charlotte bus riders back?” (Oct. 13):
Some of the new bus route changes seem to eliminate some of the most popular stops, disproportionately inconveniencing the many poor, elderly and disabled people who most rely on them to get around.
For example, two buses once stopped at Walmart at Whitehall Commons. Now, no bus stops at Whitehall Commons. It was certainly one of the most popular stops. Another popular stop was Southside Homes.
It’s hard to see how these changes will increase ridership when it’s now more difficult for the people who need it most to use the bus. Many will just try harder to get a ride from someone.
Karen M. Nelson, Charlotte