Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 02.08.16
Primary system needs radical change
Our current system of primaries/caucuses has become a kabuki-style process which is not serving our country well.
Let’s make a radical change: have every state conduct its primary on the same date.
Potential presidential candidates would have to decide where they wanted to deploy their personal efforts and financial resources.
Would some small states get ignored? Probably, but far better they should be ignored than play a disproportionately major role in such an important process.
Dan Laurent, Charlotte
Clinton candidacy also worrisome
In response to “Trump proof of how low system has sunk” (Feb. 5 Forum):
I agree with some of what Forum writer Jon Schuller said about Donald Trump, but believe it goes a bit further.
It is not just Trump who has gotten further than he should have. Hillary Clinton has several issues pending that should preclude her from being a viable candidate, making me wonder how Trump is any worse or better.
They both have issues that can cause a person to wonder where our country is headed, and how both candidates defame us all!
I also want to understand how we can provide all of the services being promised when the country is already in a debt that cannot be repaid for decades.
There is no such thing as “free” – someone, somewhere is paying.
Gary Caton, Stanley
Siers’ Clinton nose cartoon nailed it
In response to Kevin Siers’ Hillary wins by a nose cartoon (Feb. 3 Opinion):
What a stroke of genius! Loved it, loved it, loved it.
Kevin Siers’ distinctive, spot-on style of caricature made the execution of your idea all the more effective.
Gail Gattis, Charlotte
Free tuition, health care comes at a cost
Free tuition, health care comes at a cost
In response to “Here’s why Sanders is so popular with young people” (Feb. 3 Opinion):
Young people are enamored with Bernie Sanders because he’s promised them free education and free health care.
Denmark has both of these. To pay for them the average Dane pays more than 55 percent of his or her income as taxes.
If enacted here, young people could see more than half of their pay go to taxes for the rest of their lives.
Free education and health care is not really free.
Christ Koconis, Charlotte
Not right time for Sanders’ revolution
Unfortunately, Bernie Sanders’ policies – free health care, tuition, etc. – are too ambitious.
His revolutionary programs would encounter resistance from both Democrats and Republicans in Congress.
His democratic socialism would only intensify obstruction and create more gridlock.
We must realistically build on progressive accomplishments; not launch a revolution.
Joseph J. Salerno, Charlotte
Political performers? Sadly, we’re to blame
Political performers? Sadly, we’re to blame
In response to “Yes, Jeb Bush, persona does matter” (Feb. 5 Opinion):
Columnist Matt Latimer insists that voters want for president, not a competent administrator but “a celebrity or personality,” and that “there is no more important role for a president than that of a performer.”
He may unfortunately be right. It would explain much about the current race. And if it is true, then the fault is not in our politicians, but in ourselves.
Steve Hehr, Stallings
Bikes can be an equalizer for the poor
Bikes can be an equalizer for the poor
In response to “Advocates for poor worry over food stamp change” (Jan. 31):
The writer is founder of Charlotte Spokes People.
A community activist quoted in this article explains that some people “can’t work odd-hour shifts because of public transportation schedules.”
It is a reality that lack of access to transportation contributes to poverty.
This is one reason why I have dedicated the last 10 years to bicycle advocacy in Charlotte.
Not only do members of Charlotte Spokes People help replenish the local food bank before Thanksgiving, but I work to make Charlotte aware that cycling is a great equalizer for our communities.
Bicycles are a cheap and healthy means of transportation for all.
Pamela Murray, Charlotte
This story was originally published February 7, 2016 at 12:30 PM with the headline "Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 02.08.16."