Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 09.27.15
To avoid shutdown heed Pope’s message
I hope that one particular part of the Pope’s message to Congress and America is heard loud and clear by our elected leaders.
Pope Francis reminded lawmakers they “have been invited, called and convened by those who elected you” and that “legislative activity is always based on care for the people.”
As one ideological group prepares to shut down the government and hurt the citizenry it is supposed to care for – based solely on partisan spite and bogus videos – it seems this Congress needs to hear this message urgently.
If they were not listening, I can only hope that the citizenry was.
Chris Porier, Charlotte
Left and right must heed Pope’s words
In his speech to Congress Pope Francis reminded us of our moral responsibilities.
Those on the left should listen when he reminds us of the value of human life, including the lives of the unborn.
Those on the right should hear his words about the plight of immigrants and should remember our obligation to protect the environment for future generations.
We face difficult decisions and there are no easy answers, but we need to be mindful of these obligations.
Steve Brosnan, Belmont
Reform badly needed at USDA
In response to “The cruelty behind a ballpark hot dog” (Sept. 24 Viewpoint):
Such horrendous, inhumane actions graphically disclosed in this article!
The U.S. Department of Agriculture chronicles terrible abuse and violations of the Humane Slaughter Act in its reports, yet it slaps company officials on the wrist.
We must make the USDA accountable for enforcing the laws Congress approved. This has gone on for far too many years.
Arlene Bookman, Matthews
Don’t remove N.C. pollution protections
As a nurse at CMC-Union, I find it very concerning that the N.C. legislature might vote to remove air pollution protections.
House Bill 765 will shut down the ozone monitor in Monroe, which the N.C. DENR says helps us understand the potential for people to be exposed to dangerous amounts of air pollution.
Other bad provisions in this bill could increase pollution, such as removing restrictions on heavy vehicle idling and making it more difficult to challenge polluters in court.
As we are learning from the Volkswagen scandal, we cannot simply trust businesses not to pollute.
To protect our health, I urge our representatives to vote against H765.
Tracey Perry, Waxhaw
No wonder my vehicle tax is high
Ever looked at the appraised value of your car on your N.C. tax statement? It’s highly inflated.
Clever way to claim a low tax rate and rake in high taxes.
Dale Saville, Charlotte
Clean water, state parks got a boost
In its latest budget the N.C. legislature increased funding for the Clean Water Management, Parks and Recreation, and Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation trust funds.
With this increase comes better access to resources that help maintain our beloved state park system.
Keep the ball rolling. Urge the General Assembly to keep programs that give us clean water, parks and recreation, and agricultural benefits alive and well for years, and budgets, to come.
Bianca Gartner, Chapel Hill
Voters must take back their towns
The Indian Trail town council has voted to build a $7.9 million town hall complex.
No public vote will be allowed because the most dangerous thing for politicians and special interest groups is a polling station and the word “no.”
Indian Trail is a microcosm of what politics in America has become.
Take back your towns. Demand your rights. Yell louder than the PACs and developers with deep pockets who’ve bought their way into our government.
Judy Silberquit, Indian Trail
Jeb Bush wrong about U.S. voters
Thursday in South Carolina Jeb Bush said Republicans could attract more African-American voters with a message of “hope and aspiration,” not with promises of “free stuff.”
Our politicians do not understand that the great principles will attract all the voters, regardless of race, age, gender, religion, sexuality or wealth.
There are no different priorities for the different segments of population. We are one people with the same guiding principles!
Kenan Porobic, Charlotte
This story was originally published September 26, 2015 at 1:30 PM with the headline "Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 09.27.15."