Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 11.16.15
Learn from Texas cities on roads, tolls
In response to “Widening I-77 won’t fix root of problem” (Nov. 12 Opinion):
Why aren’t we looking at cities like Dallas and Houston as examples of how – and how not – to solve our problems?
People need to embrace alternatives for personal cars as the only method of transportation.
Why try new experiments when other cities have good solutions?
Peter J. Augusta, Charlotte
Protect secrecy of my vote – and yours
Mecklenburg County voters may be surprised to learn that the 17,000 early and absentee voters’ ballots cast in the recent election were marked with identifiable numbers, traceable back to the voter by our government.
This is standard practice in Mecklenburg and the subject of my protest to the Board of Elections.
Our state constitution provides for a secret ballot.
However, administrative convenience has overtaken fundamental voter rights when government can ascertain how citizens vote.
The people granted themselves the constitutional right to a truly secret ballot. The government has no authority to invalidate this right.
Marilyn Marks, Charlotte
Important lessons in school fundraisers
In response to “This fundraiser goes too far” (Nov. 12):
These fundraisers are about more than money. They teach kids that it’s important to be involved and that their contributions are valued.
They also teach kids that when you work hard you earn rewards. Many families across all socioeconomic levels support this philosophy.
This divisive article only deepens stigma and negative attitudes.
Rebecca Tibbitt, Charlotte
Outsiders top polls, but lack experience
Donald Trump and Dr. Ben Carson are political outsiders who have led the field since the race began.
Carly Fiorina, another non-politician, has also done well, while established candidates like Jeb Bush and John Kasich have faltered.
The rise of Trump and Carson is largely due to palpable anger at the political establishment.
While this anger is justified due to rising health care costs, a stagnant economy, and the rise of ISIS, voters should consider that some knowledge of, and experience with, our political system is necessary to successfully tackle the broad array of issues that a president faces.
Rachel Reading, Charlotte
Put that Starbucks angst to good use
If everyone outraged about the red Starbucks cup could be as outraged about poverty in our nation, and make a food or monetary donation to a local hunger coalition, something worthwhile could be accomplished.
If a coffee cup symbolizes Christmas, our nation needs to rethink its priorities.
Diana Ward, Boone
Carbon tax a hidden tax that hurts all
In response to “Rubio’s climate views hypocritical” (Nov. 11 Opinion):
How elegant: Tax carbon to make renewable energy sources competitive and return the money to taxpayers – revenue neutral.
No one gets hurt – except of course that the cost of food, electricity, gasoline, manufactured and transported goods all will increase.
It’s a hidden tax – everybody gets hurt.
Proponents of a carbon tax are misguided. The consequences, especially for poor people, are cruel.
What we need to do is promote wealth creation as fast as we can and continue the tremendous progress humanity has been making in eliminating poverty.
This is best for humankind and for the health of our world.
David Lucht, Mooresville
More mentors could result in fewer cops
In response to “Putney to ask for more in CMPD force” (Nov. 10):
If we could create a grand scale rally around mentoring the many fatherless, at-risk young, our nation would someday require substantially fewer police officers.
A young man with no hope or positive male influence becomes his own harm’s way and potentially harmful to the world around him.
Consider the affirmative impact upon racial attitudes and the incalculable economic benefit from this young man enjoying his life as a family man and a contributing member of society.
Imagine a day when violent crime is not predominant in police work. The diametric shift would undeniably change the conversations and human relations from Ferguson to Baltimore and beyond.
Steve Montgomery, Charlotte
This story was originally published November 15, 2015 at 12:04 PM with the headline "Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 11.16.15."