Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 10.22.15
UNC cartoon made me laugh - and cry
We laughed when we saw Kevin Siers’ Oct. 20 cartoon of the Republican Board of Governors down the Old Well, but we’ve almost cried over the reasons why.
North Carolina deserves Tom Ross and someone of his quality, not one iota less, to serve the university system that we have so carefully nurtured in this state.
And the people deserve a legislature and board that will properly underwrite our fine system and the people who will benefit from it.
Nancy C. Bryant, Norwood
More local control on autopsies, less state
In response to Our View “Slow autopsies take real toll” (Oct. 19 Opinion):
There is no doubt a major change is needed in the medical examiner’s office.
First, it must be given more local control.
Urban counties must each have their own autonomous offices. Rural counties should be combined, with 5 to 10 counties per area office.
An umbrella state agency could be formed to oversee administrative functions only.
Each office must be headed by a recognized pathologist with assistants and staff to ensure much faster autopsy reports.
The major problem here is cost. Do our politicians have what it takes to fund such a program?
Vince Cerullo, Mount Gilead
I want a House speaker with spunk
In response to “House GOP returns to Capitol to face leadership mess” (Oct. 19):
Republicans need a House leader such as Trey Gowdy or Louie Gohmert to take the fight to the Democrats this fall.
Don’t give us another crier like John Boehner.
Our guy needs some spunk and fortitude, unlike our very own Robert Pittenger who would rather compromise than go to a corn shucking.
Jim Cherry, Charlotte
With Gowdy, the truth will be revealed
In response to “Benghazi interrogator is veteran S.C. prosecutor” (Oct. 20):
I am certainly glad that we have at least a few people like Rep. Trey Gowdy in Congress who do not desire to die there and whose purpose is not necessarily to get re-elected again, but to serve the people who elected them.
In my opinion, Gowdy is a knight in shining armor who will get to the truth in a fair way. Hillary Clinton may finally know what difference a life does make.
Mike Crews, Charlotte
NRA may go away, but others will rise
In response to “Why the NRA will inevitably crumble” (Oct. 20 Opinion):
Adam Winkler predicts the demise of the NRA and an increase in gun control regulation.
He could be right. In my lifetime many sacred American institutions have crumbled – marriage, personal morality, religious expression, even the unborn’s right to life.
The NRA and gun rights might go away, but while criminals and Mr. Winkler celebrate, the Tea Party and “rural less educated” will rise to defend the Bill of Rights.
Ray Bettge, Charlotte
System isn’t rigged, just work harder
In response to “Rich get richer, poor get leftover crumbs” (Oct. 20 Forum):
There are many people out there who get a good education, work hard, and take some chances to make something of themselves only to have someone tell them they have to share what they have achieved with someone who doesn’t want to do what is necessary to achieve the same results.
By the way, the minimum wage was never meant to be a living wage, but an entry level for those who want to work hard to better themselves, instead of letting the government take care of them.
Cliff Passons, Charlotte
Fond memories of a caring principal
In response to “South Meck’s Furr honored” (Oct. 20):
I have fond memories of Principal of the Year Maureen Furr, even though she sent me home with a warning for too short shorts as a South Charlotte middle schooler in her first years there.
When my mom complained that this “Z” student didn’t receive a math book after they ran out, Ms. Furr said that wasn’t acceptable and hunted one down for me.
I’m glad she’s being recognized for “keeping her eye on the prize” after all these years.
Cindy Zakary, Charlotte
This story was originally published October 21, 2015 at 5:01 PM with the headline "Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 10.22.15."