Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 09.06.15
Disgusted by way migrants treated
In response to “Chaos, squalor grip train station” (Sept. 3) and related articles:
While hundreds of thousands of migrants and refugees have been generously accommodated by Muslim countries like Jordan, Turkey and Lebanon, the bickering, miserly infighting, and hatred towards the migrants in the so-called civilized European countries is simply disgusting.
Hats off to the leadership of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, for taking a moral stand on this issue.
Shame on Britain, Hungary and others for their moral cowardice – not to mention their failed obligation under the Geneva Convention in regard to refugees.
Masood N. Khan, Charlotte
Photo of dead Syrian boy still haunts me
In response to “Syrian dad of boy washed ashore: ‘All I want is to be with my children’” (Sept. 3 CharlotteObserver.com.)
The photograph of the dead Syrian toddler being carried off the Turkish beach has torn a hole in my heart. Then I read that his brother and mother also drowned trying to escape to a better life.
One day I hope this world will realize that borders are false. They are imaginary lines drawn by men, nothing more.
Humankind needs to embrace humankind.
This precious child, and so many more, died unknown and alone. We should all ache for him.
Crystal Plummer, Stanley
Bad toll plan has 50-year implications
In response to “Time to face some I-77 toll realities” (Sept. 3 Forum):
We have a saying for exactly the strategy Charlotte Chamber CEO Bob Morgan proposed in his Forum letter: “Throwing good money after bad.”
Let’s cut our losses and deal with the 50-year implications of this mistake now rather than later.
Mark Shaw, Huntersville
Law is paramount to Ky. clerk’s beliefs
In response to “Clerk jailed, and her staff gives in” (Sept. 4):
When will religious zealots of the ultra right realize that this is a country of laws, where separation of church and state is “the law of the land”?
A government employee, chosen by the people, has no right to defy the Supreme Court, imposing his or her religious beliefs against the lives of others who are protected by the law.
Marita Lentz, Charlotte
Iran treaty a giant step toward peace
Last week 34 senators came out in favor of a nuclear deal with Iran.
I regret that N.C. Sens. Richard Burr and Thom Tillis continue to work to undermine this deal.
Thirteen years of U.S.-led war in the Middle East are more than enough.
There are no guarantees in this accord; only the promise of a gradual reduction in our reliance on war as a means of pursuing our goals.
That’s something to celebrate and support.
Jacelyn Eckman, Arden
Credit card shift hurts businesses
In response to “Getting ready for credit-card changes” (Sept. 2):
The credit card companies can’t keep up with technology and stop fraud, so effective Oct. 1 my small business is responsible? And they call it a “liability shift”?
Tell it like it is! A total passing of the buck and a dump on businesses!
They already make a fee from me every time I swipe one on my customer’s cards, and now I must buy a $1,500 processing machine from one of your banks so the system works!
There’s really only one choice here for my business – cash only.
Hope you won’t miss the thousands in monthly fees I’ve been paying you for the “privilege” of accepting your cards at my business.
Kevin J. Sullivan, Matthews
Forever grateful to Bishop Phillip Davis
In response to “Bishop Davis’ flock celebrates his life, lessons at vigil” (Sept. 1):
Twenty-five years ago, the Rev. Phillip Davis was invited to my mostly white church to lead a seminar on how to teach the Bible.
God used what Bishop Davis said to change both my motivation and my approach to teaching.
I could hardly believe that a senior pastor from a growing church across town would make himself available – twice – to help a young layman in another church. His example and his mentoring made a difference that impacts my life and my class to this day.
Tom L. Bowers, Charlotte
This story was originally published September 5, 2015 at 12:50 PM with the headline "Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 09.06.15."