Politics has become a make-work program for lawyers

Democracy is on a downward spiral

It seems that nowadays Congress and state legislatures are not in session to enact laws, but rather to initiate and sustain interminable investigations that result in no actionable conclusions.

Politics has become a make-work program for lawyers. There seems to be no such thing as true representative government any more and I fear for what is to become of this country if it continues in this manner.

More in GOP should rebuke Trump

Our current president has shown an unprecedented disregard for the truth and zero capacity for moral leadership at home and abroad.

I am flabbergasted at how many GOP members of Congress are not disturbed by this behavior and continue to abide and abet this president. During the midterm elections GOP members of the House paid a price for their complicity.

People like Bush 41 used to be the norm

A wonderful service for a lovely and truly good man. However, with all due respect, George H. W. Bush was not unique for his generation.

If you went to grade school in the 1940s and graduated from high school in the early ’50s and then maybe served in the military, you met many superiors and had many relatives and friends like George Bush.

Kindness and doing the right thing was the norm in those days. Egotistical self-serving and bravado was the exception.

I thank God I grew up then.

NC must find a new balance on voter ID

From N.C. Sen. Joel Ford’s account, it is easy to see that both Democrats and Republicans were well-meaning in this voter ID effort. (“I’m a black Democrat and I backed GOP’s voter ID bill,” Dec. 6 Opinion)

What a treat to hear of such cooperation. I am a Republican and sincerely hope we can approach all issues with the same kind of logic and care for the governed.

Sen. Ford is right. We can’t lose sight of historical atrocities, but going forward we have to find the fine balance between that recognition and a new and better future for all.

Corporate incentives hurt taxpayers

It’s a disgrace to take money from hardworking taxpayers and businesses and give to other selected businesses – no matter what the reason.

In addition, economic impact studies by the uptown crowd or government are always greatly exaggerated. The idea that anyone will hold Honeywell accountable for its promises is a joke.

It’s sad for the taxpayers of Charlotte, and for that matter our state!

Even teenagers must pay for taking a life

Where is the justice for the victim? Some children don’t behave as children. They appear to disdain society’s set of rules and laws and believe they can inflict damage, even murder, without taking the consequences.

If a teenager murders an individual, regardless of the reason, he/she should be treated as an adult and according to law, pay for that criminal act.

To this end, if convicted Jatwan Cuffie should pay for the crime he committed. If he had the right to take a life, then society has and should have the right to make him pay.

Remember my brother as you party

Please do not drink and drive this holiday season, or any season. I ask this in the name of my brother, Joseph Pallassino.

He was a great person who had everything to live for, but his life was cut short Dec. 10, 2017 while riding his motorcycle home on a peaceful Sunday afternoon. He was killed instantly when someone chose to drink and drive and ran a stop sign. He was only 62.

Our family will celebrate Christmas this year, but there will always be an empty chair at our table and in our hearts.

I hope this will be a reminder to all that making merry this Christmas should not include drinking and driving.