Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 01.22.16

Gov. McCrory, step up and end I-77 folly

The Lake Norman corridor depends on I-77 because of the lake on the west and quaint historical towns on the east.

If this is the best managed-lane plan NCDOT could negotiate, then another strategy needs to be used.

This plan will cause economic hardship, with resulting loss of business and jobs (which has already started), and decreased property values, as it will cost either your time or your money to live in LKN area.

Minority CMS leader no guarantee

It would be interesting to hear from Colette Forrest what is it and where is it that children of color are shortchanged in CMS.

She might want to compare it to Baltimore, Detroit, New Jersey, Los Angeles, or some other city with a minority superintendent and see whether skin color or competence produces results.

In my opinion we probably should be talking about the elephant in the room and that would be lack of involvement by some parents.

Glad to see Rama Elementary succeed

I subbed there four years and loved it. The children really do care about each other, and the staff is No. 1 for sure.

Keep up the great work!

Trump wants what is best for this country

People should realize that Donald Trump may be a little rough around the edges, but it’s obvious that he loves this country.

He is trying to protect us from the enemy. He wants us to be safe. He wants to have a booming economy.

Look at the big picture. Put on your big boy pants and let us all work together to make America great.

Trump has America’s best interest at heart. I certainly support anyone who puts America’s best interest first.

Trump a threat to national security

His arrogance and smart mouth will have this country in more trouble than you can imagine.

Moreover, the trouble is likely to end up in your backyard, and not across the sea.

Before you vote for Trump, please ask yourself if you and your family are willing and able to handle the consequences.

I’m all for Sanders’ health care plan

Bernie Sanders proposes Medicare for all and tax increases to support it.

I’m all in with that.

Of course I would like to see the numbers, but I’ll bet that any increase in the taxes I pay will be far less than my skyrocketing insurance premiums.

Enforce penalties for unsecured weapons

This editorial laments that “development of safer, childproof weapons has fallen victim to the unreasonable clout of the national gun lobby.”

In the meantime, is there any reason why we should not insist on jail time for any adult whose unsecured gun was used by a child to harm people or property?

Get tough like N.Y. on texting and driving

In all my 70 years, I never dreamed there might be a greater danger on the highways than drinking and driving.

But there is – texting!

Every state should follow the lead of New York where you cannot drive 15 minutes on an interstate without a warning sign about penalties for texting and driving. Fines range from $200-$400.

Newly licensed drivers get their license suspended for 120 days on the first offense, and it can be revoked on the second.

N.C. legislature, this is a no-brainer! Do it!

This story was originally published January 21, 2016 at 5:32 PM with the headline "Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 01.22.16."