Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 10.19.15

Require low-income units in every project

Friday I read several Observer articles about new developments in Charlotte that will require City approval.

Where is the requirement for a percentage of low-income housing? Charlotte needs one.

Come on Charlotte, let’s apply this requirement to all new developments!

I do care about Hillary’s emails

Unlike Bernie Sanders, I remain curious about Hillary Clinton’s emails.

The Secretary of State is fourth in line for the presidency. Clinton was Secretary of State for four years.

During that time she visited 112 countries. It was the time of the Arab Spring and turmoil existed in various parts of the world, including a place called Benghazi.

With that as backdrop, she maintains that she kept classified information out of her email. That would be most unusual for anyone who might occupy that position.

Something about this just does not add up, and I hope the FBI can get to the bottom of it.

I heard some truths during latest debate

The first truth is that the economy does better under a Democratic president.

The second is that Republicans seem to have amnesia on what the U.S. economy was like before President Barack Obama took office from President George W. Bush.

Troublemakers still need chance to learn

Having spent more than 20 years in high school classrooms, I know that one or two trouble makers can destroy the lesson for every student in the class.

I believe that strict behavior standards should be set in grade 1 and followed through to grade 12.

Students who refuse to comply with reasonable rules and apply themselves should be removed from mainstream classes and placed in some form of alternative setting where teachers can continue to try to reach them rather than deny others their opportunities to learn.

CMS needs a leader like Ann Clark

Every now and again a community is blessed to have within it a person whose light shines brighter and who elevates the aspirations and accomplishments of the entire group. Such a gift is Superintendent Ann Clark.

How to put teeth in current gun laws

We can put more teeth in our gun control laws with one additional activity: When a gun is legally sold, rather than letting the buyer walk out with it, require him/her to pick it up at a police location.

Police are more qualified than a gun store clerk to determine the viability of the buyer.

Don’t let gun-related House bill languish

A good starting point for sensible gun control would be to allow debate of House Bill 2646, authored by Rep. Tim Murphy, a Pennsylvania Republican.

In part, 2646 would allow for more interaction between interested parties such as doctors, parents, judges and schools in regard to patients being treated for specific forms of serious mental illness.

Despite widespread bipartisan support, this bill is languishing in the Energy and Commerce Committee and may never see the light of day.

Gun in unlocked car just irresponsible

I have been a concealed weapons permit holder in two states for over 35 years. I currently carry and store a gun in my car when necessary.

The absolute height of irresponsibility and stupidity is for a gun owner to leave a weapon in an unattended, unlocked car, wherever that car may be.

Anyone who has their gun stolen from an unlocked car should be fined and barred from ever owning a weapon.

One of the easiest ways criminals obtain guns is by breaking into cars and homes. Equally important: What possible reason is there to ever leave your car unlocked?

This story was originally published October 18, 2015 at 1:16 PM with the headline "Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 10.19.15."