Charlotte crime: If suburbanites like me fear uptown and stop going, it will wither

Don’t let center city wither

Regarding “Reducing crime in Charlotte could take years,” (Jan. 11):

I was born in Detroit and grew up in Cleveland. I’ve seen firsthand what most ravages a downtown economy: when suburbanites fear coming downtown because they don’t feel safe. Those discretionary dollars then stay in the suburbs while the city center withers.

I have now lived in Charlotte for 25 years and have cheered the growth of uptown restaurant and nightlife opportunities. The recent senseless murders at the Epicentre and NoDa have abruptly chilled that enthusiasm.

Cities and suburbs have a symbiotic relationship that is easily upset. Goodwill developed over years can be quickly squandered with a few violent incidents and the word of mouth that follows.

Do you know the last time I came uptown for dinner? Me neither.

Jim Shalvoy, Cornelius

Fewer guns means fewer stolen guns

Regarding “New gun laws won’t stop mall shooters,” (Jan. 12 Forum):

This Forum writer asks if anyone has a way to remove guns from the hands of criminals. It’s quite simple, really. Criminals steal their guns from legal owners. Start by making it more difficult for folks to amass arsenals and you reduce the number stolen and then used on the street. There’s a side benefit too: Fewer guns used by legal owners to kill and fewer accidental shootings.

Bea Coté, Charlotte

Put museum where catalyst is needed

Regarding “Museum plans on hold after neighbors complain,” (Jan. 10):

Why not use this $16 million investment to spur economic and cultural development in an area needing this catalyst?

Putting such a facility in the Methodist Home Park area, beside the Charlotte Museum of History, would create a cultural hub sparking economic development and providing cultural opportunities in an underserved area.

Alternatively, using land available on the Eastland mall site would provide a cultural attraction near the new MLS offices.

To truly impact upward mobility for all, we must think and invest differently.

Louise Woods, Charlotte

Expanding Medicaid isn’t the solution

Regarding “Kansas shows the way on Medicaid,” (Jan. 12 Editorial):

The writer is president of the Hornet’s Nest Republican Men’s Club.

So where does the Editorial Board think the 10 percent shortfall on Medicaid expansion — the part not covered by the federal government — will come from? And if the federal government reduces its contribution, where will the needed funding come from?

In the first scenario, the hospitals will pass that 10 percent share on to the insured population, increasing the cost of care and insurance premiums. In the second, the unfunded cost will be passed on directly to the taxpayer, either at the county or state level.

The Board needs to be reminded that a majority of the population has summarily rejected single-payer as a solution to access to health care. There is a solution, but it isn’t Medicaid expansion.

Daniel Barry, Weddington

Opt for diplomacy over brinkmanship

Say goodbye to diplomacy. Under the Trump administration brinkmanship has replaced statesmanship.

What has worked so far in Iran has not made me feel safer. In this case, cooler heads prevailed. But, it would be most beneficial to try a combination of diplomacy and statesmanship before considering the risk of going to war, which would be catastrophic to both sides.

Herb Stark, Mooresville

Bite your lip and applaud Trump

How dispiriting it is that our country is so divided. Yes, President Trump does many irascible things worthy of censure, but not of impeachment.

At this point our economy is good, our military strong, and the killing of Gen. Soleimani was justified.

So now let both Democrats and Republicans bite their lips and applaud Trump for a job well done.

Barry Marshall, Charlotte

This bank CEO stands apart

Regarding “Bank CEO blasts peers for not seeing inequality,” (Jan. 7):

Kelly King has got guts. While other, larger banks soiled their nests through unethical get-rich-quick banking practices which led to the near-destruction of the U.S. banking system 10 years ago, King kept his steady hand on the wheel at BB&T by promoting a sound, ethical approach to lending.

Now as CEO of Truist (the newly merged BB&T and SunTrust) he speaks up prophetically for the “least of these.”At a time when the rich are getting richer and the poor and underemployed are being left behind, King stands apart as a hero. Thank you, sir, for the wake-up call!

Robert Dulin, Charlotte