Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 01.15.16
Think bigger on I-77; piecemeal won’t do
Lost in the furious debate over I-77 is a more egregious example of poor transportation planning: The toll project is too timid in scope.
If tolls are the answer for this long-neglected corridor, then the project should have included two toll lanes in each direction from Charlotte to I-40 in Statesville.
A larger toll project was perhaps our best opportunity to rebuild the entire corridor in the near term, especially since 25 years have passed since an NCDOT study recommended widening I-77 to eight lanes to I-40.
The state’s piecemeal approach to improving multiple-mile corridors will not build the transportation network required for one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions.
Tracy Hamm, Charlotte
Pitts’ Holocaust comparison justified
In response to “Muslim woman takes stands against nativism” (Jan. 14 Opinion):
As a second generation Holocaust survivor and an educator of Holocaust, I too am wary of Holocaust comparisons.
Bravo to Leonard Pitts for identifying a time when such comparison is necessary.
I educate to combat misunderstanding, hatred and prejudice. I teach Holocaust as a way of learning tolerance.
Let us learn from Elie Wiesel to fight indifference and take a stand.
America is already great. What will make it even greater is for our citizens to act more “American.”
Sheila Spitz, Charlotte
I see value in Trump’s immigration plan
I see value in Trump’s immigration plan
Donald Trump has not said to ban Muslims forever from entry into the U.S.
He said we should pause until the U.S. “can figure out what is going on over there.” He doesn’t want to allow a large number to enter, as Germany did and they are now having serious problems.
And, why is it I rarely see a Muslim denounce the killings the radicals commit?
Silence is approval.
Robert Elmore, Charlotte
I want no part of Trump’s America
It outrages me that people would get so angry at a silent protester of a certain race.
Rose Hamid wasn’t trying to cause people harm, and most people didn’t even give her a chance.
If this is the “great America” that Donald Trump is talking about, I don’t want to be a part of it.
Anna Hallihan, Matthews
Jibril Hough’s protests misplaced
I am a supporter of neither Donald Trump nor Islamophobia, but it seems to me that some anti-Muslim sentiment in Americans is not surprising given the number of indiscriminate murders committed worldwide in the name of Allah.
And the mantra “Death to America” doesn’t seem particularly peace-loving.
That said, I would suggest that Jibril Hough’s protest is misplaced, treating the symptoms rather than the cause.
Perhaps it would be better served if it were conducted at the source of the problem, namely in Syria or Iraq.
Ken Hanson, Waxhaw
On Cruz, proceed with great caution
In response to “Cruz’s actions contrast basic Christian tenets” (Jan. 13 Opinion):
David Brooks has succinctly scrutinized the dissonance between Sen. Ted Cruz’s vitriol and traditional Judeo-Christian virtues.
Cruz’s inflammatory remarks are an undermining influence that is a bigger threat to young Americans and to our collective future.
Consider: Manhattan Project, Marshall Plan, Interstate Highways Act, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, OSHA, Amtrak, Conrail – all positives.
We must build on these accomplishments and the system that made them possible – a duty that is our heritage.
It is unwise to dismiss Cruz’s behavior as political discourse. The threat displayed by his demeanor and countenance was indeed captured by Brooks.
Earl Gulledge, Charlotte
Uber-rich get Uber stock; we get fees
In response to “Morgan Stanley, BofA offer Uber shares to clients” (Jan. 14):
It appears the “too big to fail” culture is alive and well in the banking industry. Bank of America and Morgan Stanley, among others, are selling not-yet-available Uber stock shares to their uber-wealthy clients.
Yet, customers on the front end are hit with a plethora of fees to show their appreciation when they don’t meet account requirements.
Floyd Prophet, Kannapolis
This story was originally published January 14, 2016 at 6:04 PM with the headline "Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 01.15.16."