Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 01.07.16
Tolls lanes leave all but the rich in a jam
NCDOT keeps defending the I-77 toll project, saying it will relieve congestion.
But have those who voted in favor ever commuted in an area with toll lanes, or are they just relying on NCDOT’s wishful thinking?
From what I see in Atlanta, where I have been consulting for the past 10 weeks, commuters who can afford to pay do save time using near-empty toll lanes. The rest of us sit in traffic jams.
What does reduce congestion in Atlanta is MARTA, because people take buses and trains, not cars.
Please build additional affordable light rail, not toll lanes for the wealthy.
Kathleen Britton, Charlotte
Need more lanes? Raise taxes if needed
Of course there are alternatives to the worst toll road deal in history.
Simple formula: 1. Be clear about government duty priorities – among the most basic is roads available to all. 2. Tax at a level sufficient to meet basic duties. 3. Build as necessary to meet those needs.
There is nothing special about the I-77 corridor.
Need more lanes? Build them with public money for public use. Simple.
Bob Lilien, Charlotte
Who benefits from 50-year contract?
Why would you sign a 50-year contract with anyone?
Surely there is a qualified U.S. firm that could do this road work?
Someone is or will get wealthy off of this transaction! You can bet on it.
Find out who made the first contact with Cintra.
I find this to be unbelievable. We should put America first.
Richard Lynch, Charlotte
Congress, do your job on gun control
In response to “ ‘We can’t accept this carnage in our communities’ ” (Jan. 6):
Thank you Mr. President for taking long overdue action to improve the background check process on gun sales.
Our leaders in Congress have punted on their responsibility, preferring to align their interests with those of the NRA and not with Americans who overwhelmingly favor improved background checks.
The ball is now in Congress’ court to make further improvements. Please do your job.
Keith Wilson, Charlotte
Obama’s end run merits impeachment
President Obama is running roughshod over the Bill of Rights once again with his end run around the Second Amendment.
The U.S. Congress must pass a Bill of Impeachment immediately.
Bennett Quillen, Fort Mill
Goal is to get guns out of wrong hands
In response to Our View “On guns, Obama decides (again) not to wait” (Jan. 5 Editorial):
Speaker Paul Ryan is missing the point when he accuses President Obama of “targeting law-abiding citizens.”
Actually, it is just the opposite. Obama wants to strengthen and expand background checks so that guns stay out of the wrong people’s hands.
It is not an attack on anyone’s constitutional rights. He is merely looking at this country and recognizing how sad it is that mass murders have gone from a rarity to the norm.
Isn’t it time we stop trying to ignore that fact?
Christian Giudice, Charlotte
We’ve taken athletic idolatry too far
If you want healthy role models for your children, focus on the parent or teacher committed to sound values of support and sacrifice for the family.
These are the real Supermen/women.
Athletes are special in their own right, but not to be valued beyond what they are – simply gifted humans who, like most of us, are flawed individuals.
Don’t get me wrong, I love what the Panthers have done and their commitment to excellence. But the real heroes in life are mostly unsung.
Stephen Robinson, Matthews
Not your business if Cam marries or not
Those openly expressing their opinion regarding Cam Newton not marrying Kia Proctor before the birth of their son are being absolutely absurd!
They have no idea why they haven’t married, nor is it any of their business.
Blaming it on Cam is also ridiculous. Did it ever occur to them that possibly Kia isn’t ready to get married? Could it be that they have a big wedding planned when the season is over and Cam has the time to have a big wedding, including a lengthy honeymoon?
“Judge not, lest ye be judged.” Try living by that!
Carol Shubkin, Charlotte
This story was originally published January 6, 2016 at 5:15 PM with the headline "Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 01.07.16."