Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 01.28.16

Preposterous to pin anger on Obama

In response to “President Obama at root of voter anger” (Jan. 27 Forum):

Upon President Obama’s inauguration the leadership of the Republican Party agreed they would do everything in their power to ensure his presidency failed.

The party has spent seven years obstructing everything the president wanted to accomplish.

They have acted in their own best interest instead of considering what is best for the country and the vast majority of its citizens.

Republican rhetoric and obstructionism is what has brought us to where we are.

John Shaver, Charlotte

Not a tax issue, it’s a spending problem

In response to “Cruising on autopilot with federal deficits” (Jan. 27 Editorial):

I am glad you brought the national debt to the attention of the public in your editorial. One thing you failed to mention is that the deficit is coming down because tax revenue is at an all-time high.

This is not a tax problem, it is a spending problem in Washington. Hundreds of billions are wasted every year with no one ever being blamed or held accountable.

Maybe someone like Donald Trump might actually come in and demand the government be run more like a business, with real accountability for failure.

Dick Meyer, Charlotte

Cruz has my support, he’s no ‘frigging jerk’

It speaks volumes when the most articulate criticism cartoonist Mike Luckovich can levy against a candidate is: “Ted Cruz is a Frigging Jerk.” (Jan. 27 Opinion)

As a state campaign co-chair for Cruz, I’ve actually had the opportunity to converse with him. I assure you the “frigging jerk” in question is not only the sole presidential front-runner to memorize the Constitution, but also the only one who respects it.

If you want a candidate with a track record of living the principles Donald Trump pretends, support Cruz.

F. Paul Valone, Raleigh

Carson statements show he’s poor choice

In response to “Carson has what it takes to lead country” (Jan. 25 Forum):

Forum writer Sheila Evans considers Ben Carson a moral and decisive man who’d make an excellent leader.

Yet, Carson has inferred that President Obama is a psychopath, compared Obamacare to slavery, said we live in a Gestapo age due to the IRS, and, my favorite, that an Advanced Placement history course promotes enrollment in ISIS.

Carson supporters, please give me coordinates for the portal to your universe. I’d like to visit, as long there is a return trip.

Reed Shaddock, Charlotte

My church has more than real estate value

In response to “Myers Park Methodist could set example” (Jan. 26 Forum):

No sale of real estate, however valuable, or monetary judgment by a jury, will ever bring peace to young men who trusted their church and its clergy.

Forum writer Tom Caldwell, I need my church, the beauty of the building, the stained-glass windows with God’s beautiful sunshine lighting the sanctuary, the altar, the baptismal font – all reasons for my faith which sustains me daily.

My church may be a building with real estate values, but there is no hypocrisy when I worship.

Julie Pinkston, Salisbury

Don’t forget role that Cy Bahakel played

In response to “Success of pro team is sweet revenge” (Jan. 27 Forum):

Yes, it was George Shinn’s idea and vision to go for an NBA franchise and he had great support from his friends Rick Hendrick, Felix Sabates and Max Muhleman.

But it was Charlotte businessman and broadcaster Cy Bahakel’s financial statement that sealed the deal. Cy was willing to guarantee the financial support required by the NBA.

Without Cy’s financial backing, there would have been no team.

Cullie Tarleton, Blowing Rock

Cam, save Super Bowl footballs for charity

One of the things I love most about Cam Newton is the boyish exuberance he displays when he gives a game ball to a young child after the Panthers score a touchdown.

And yet, I hope he stops that practice for the Super Bowl.

After each of his many touchdowns against Denver, I’d like him to hand the ball to someone for safe-keeping so it can be auctioned off online in support of deserving children’s charities in the Carolinas.

Mike Daisley, Charlotte

This story was originally published January 27, 2016 at 5:17 PM with the headline "Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 01.28.16."