Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 11.29.15

Transgender restrooms no threat

Although Gov. Pat McCrory is busy attempting to block Syrian refugees from entering North Carolina, he has found time to weigh in on something far more serious – transgender bathrooms.

I grew up in Europe where I used unisex restrooms and even shower facilities.

I don’t remember ever feeling violated or threatened, or that my rights as a human being were being trampled upon.

Please, let’s not add fuel to another very real ongoing crisis – the bullying and high suicide rates associated with our transgender youth.

Westboro Baptist comparison flawed

I’m not sure where Kay McSpadden was going with her op-ed column, but the net result is that she infers moral equivalency for ISIS and Westboro Baptist Church.

Nice try.

Hateful viewpoints and offensive demonstrations do not equal murder and genocide.

Trump supporters ignore the facts

Initially I thought Donald Trump was testing the American people with his ridiculous comments to see how far he could push a demented joke.

But apparently his racist, misogynistic and xenophobic rhetoric reflects his true beliefs.

I can appreciate people being upset with the “establishment.” But that cannot be an excuse to remain deliberately misinformed about proven facts and events.

This is no longer a joke.

If discontent with the current political situation is the main driver behind his support, there are more constructive ways to address these concerns and still preserve the core values upon which our country was founded.

Supporting Trump is the antithesis of rational and civilized behavior.

Words have power; choose them wisely

This article on the terrible bombings of the homes of Charlotte civil rights leaders 50 years ago reminds us of the horrible acts of terror in our own country committed by domestic terrorists.

Thankfully, I never heard them called “Christian Terrorists,” even though many in the KKK believed they were doing the will of a God worshiped by Christians.

Any time we hear or read “Islamic terrorists” we must remind ourselves not to put those two words together, thereby painting peace-loving Muslims with the same brush.

The vast numbers of adherents to Islam abhor the horrible violence committed by the so-called Islamic State.

The way we use words has a profound impact. Let us take care, everyone.

Use money for refugees on our vets

President Obama wants to bring 10,000 Syrian refugees to the United States.

This could mean free housing, food stamps, and many additional expenses paid for by our tax dollars.

Our country has thousands of homeless, penniless, and much-deserving American veterans who are struggling to survive.

We need first to take care of our own veterans, who deserve our devotion, attention and resources.

Spend these millions on those who truly deserve it.

Start by accepting only Syrian orphans

My suggestions for acceptance of Syrian refugees: Establish a program for receiving the most vulnerable and innocent – parentless children, bona fide orphans.

These children would surely and happily be adopted by American families.

Let’s start there; this is truly humanitarian.

Glad to see good Cam does highlighted

How refreshing to see a story on Cam Newton “the person,” one that shares a morsel of what he and his foundation do for our community.

Under the theme “Every 1 Matters,” Cam has selflessly helped thousands of kids and their families, and it was good to see his sincere philanthropy and activities as a positive role model profiled.

This story was originally published November 28, 2015 at 12:00 PM with the headline "Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 11.29.15."