Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 09.23.15
Clergy comments on Greene insulting
In response to “The law, race and Michael Greene” (Sept. 20):
The writer is a former law school classmate.
I was appalled at the comments directed toward Michael Greene by members of the clergy in this community.
Anyone who has ever interacted with Mr. Greene knows instantly that his biggest gift is his ability to connect with all people, be it the man on the street or the CEO of a major company.
The fact that someone who has never met Mr. Greene would question his “black experience in America” and “his ability to connect with it” is truly insulting to a man who has always conducted himself with the highest degree of professionalism and integrity.
Annemarie Pantazis, Charlotte
I don’t trust Tillis’ judgment on Iran
In response to “Why I’ll vote against the nuclear deal with Iran” (Sept. 8) and related articles:
Note to Sen. Thom Tillis: Republican Colin Powell, a former Secretary of State, and Democrat Leon Panetta, a former Director of the CIA and a former Secretary of Defense, support the Iranian nuclear deal.
You are a junior first-term senator with no foreign policy experience. Whose judgment should we trust on this issue?
I choose to rely on the judgment of Powell and Panetta.
Joe Wall, Charlotte
BofA board doesn’t exist to serve CEO
N.C. Treasurer Janet Cowell is correct and courageous in voting to inform Bank of America’s board that its unilateral flouting of the shareholder-approval bylaw is unacceptable.
Boards work for the best interest of shareholders; boards do not serve the chief executive officer.
Having served on five public boards, including a NYSE-listed company, I would also suggest the bank’s governance committee members be replaced.
How ironic that this committee is not familiar with the cornerstone of corporate governance.
Phil Johnston, High Point
Those trolley wires sure are ugly
Riding up Elizabeth Avenue on Sunday was a shock to me.
Hanging overhead, between me and the blue sky, were rows and rows of ugly wires. The trolley tracks under my tires made for a noisy, uncomfortable, and bumpy ride.
It was a depressing sight.
If our politicians thought this project, costing millions, would bring in business and be a charming tourist attraction, they were sadly mistaken!
Patty Gorelick, Charlotte
Want excellence? Respect employees
In response to “Patient load, complaints strain hospital’s staffers” (Sept. 22):
When big business takes over any entity you can almost bet that the changes will not be for the benefit of those who give up a big part of their lives to be a “team player.”
In health care, the bonuses are getting bigger and bigger at the top while the quality of care declines.
You won’t have a problem with patients rating their experience as “excellent” when you treat your employees in that same regard.
The employees are not the problem.
Tim B. Jones, Charlotte
Frustrated STEM tutor looking to help
I worked in the aerospace business in Cincinnati and we were encouraged to tutor math and science in the local high schools.
I’ve been surprised and frustrated at my failed attempts to do the same in CMS or Union County high schools. Schools tell me they don’t know how to bring me into the system.
I am surprised at how difficult it is to give back.
A local student who desires to enter the STEM fields may needlessly be discouraged if they struggle in one subject.
I suspect there are many technical retirees in town who could help and would be willing to volunteer tutor at this level – if the infrastructure existed.
Barry Allmon, Matthews
There was once a Trump idea I liked
Back in 1999, Donald Trump mentioned something that caught my eye: a one-time tax on billionaires to wipe out the national debt.
He said it would cost him $350 million.
Bill Gates and Warren Buffet created the Giving Pledge which over 130 billionaires have signed, agreeing to give the majority of their wealth to philanthropy.
I am not advocating Trump, but it’s a great idea. With a clean slate, we could live within our future budgets, fix education, infrastructure, and health care – and run a surplus.
Randall Lemly, Charlotte
This story was originally published September 22, 2015 at 5:38 PM with the headline "Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 09.23.15."