Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 01.20.16

Voters have every right to be angry

In response to “Anger fuels many voters’ choices” (Jan. 17):

You bet voters are angry!

They’re angry at the most inept and divisive president in history.

Angry at a do-nothing Congress that is happy to maintain the status quo.

Angry at a judicial system that is ravaging the Constitution.

Angry at state politicians who seem to forget who they represent.

Angry at local politicians for their incompetence and bickering.

Yes, voters are angry and will support newcomers who have no allegiance or ties to those who have done little to improve our country, state and cities.

Ed Carlson, Charlotte

Lawyer’s greater duty was to innocent man

In response to “A hollow victory for a good attorney” (Jan. 16 Editorial):

While the Observer editorial board thinks Christine Mumma is wrong and her action “undermines faith in justice,” I would argue that obtaining evidence illegally – and apparently providentially – in the interest of proving an innocent man innocent is a “greater good” that in fact serves justice.

The rule of law is an admirable, but not immutable, standard.

Phil Clutts, Harrisburg

Don’t raise gas tax, spend wisely instead

In response to “Show courage, raise the N.C. gas tax,” (Jan. 17 Forum):

According to the American Petroleum Institute’s January 2016 table, North Carolina has the 8th highest fuel tax in the nation.

Now with taxation at that level it is difficult for most N.C. motorists to fathom the need for higher taxation.

Enough! The state government collects enough.

Time for our elected officials in Raleigh to practice fiscal responsibility.

Spend it wisely.

Ken Young, Indian Trail

Obstinate Congress left Obama no choice

In response to “Obama wrong about state of the union” (Jan. 17 Forum):

What Forum writer Craig Reutlinger fails to realize is that the majority of us agree with President Obama, or we wouldn’t have re-elected him.

He did it “his way” because of the intractability of Congress.

Linda J. Brooks, Charlotte

Privatization of education misguided

In response to “CEOs get packages. How about teachers?” (Jan. 15 Editorial):

What can we do to help keep teachers in the CMS system? For starters, let’s not accept that private and corporate support has become an essential part of making public education possible.

The privatization agenda for public schools – vouchers, charters, relentless testing – all line the pockets of corporations already making large profits on public education.

I’m all for teachers getting the assistance Superintendent Ann Clark suggests, but any belief that this assistance will begin to replace governmental disinvestment in public education is misguided and dangerous to the institution that serves as the cornerstone of democracy.

Pat McCoy, Charlotte

Don’t scapegoat those whose faith differs

In response to “Hamid’s removal from rally warranted” (Jan. 14 Forum):

Standing while wearing a T-shirt that said “...I come in peace” is a “disruption”?

The only disruption was the chanting of the crowd.

There are simple and respectful ways to handle such a crowd, without ejecting anyone.

When we scapegoat fellow citizens because their faith is different than ours, we are betraying the very principles on which our nation was founded.

Janet Fortner, Huntersville

Separation of church and state is crucial

In response to Leonard Pitts “Muslim woman takes stand against nativism” (Jan. 14 Opinion):

As I recall Hitler ruled a highly Christian nation, much like ours today.

In our politics we see continued sectarian intolerance, hatred which leads to violence and wars.

What is happening to our separation of church and state? Can we find a way to peacefully coexist?

Barney Mulholland, Indian Trail

Game flyovers waste taxpayer money

Are flyovers necessary for a football game before it begins?

It’s paid for with taxpayer dollars.

I would hope taxpayer dollars would be spent for a better reason, such as a raise for teachers or better after-school enrichment programs, verses a salute at a football game.

Lorraine Stark, Matthews

This story was originally published January 19, 2016 at 4:04 PM with the headline "Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 01.20.16."