Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 02.17.16

Take power back from politicians

In response to “Voters to GOP lawmakers: Fix the election maps” (Feb. 16):

We are not living in 1916, but in 2016. We have the computer sophistication to make every district in the U.S. an equal voting block and have honest elections.

This is unlikely, not because it would disenfranchise this voter or that one, but because it would take the power from the entrenched politician.

There needs to be a rebellion over the status quo of 93 percent safe congressional seats. Only then will the voice of the people be truly heard.

Bill Wallace, Charlotte

Don’t let lame-duck president make pick

In response to “Scalia’s death creates fierce battle lines in D.C.” (Feb 15):

Prior to Justice Antonin Scalia’s death our Supreme Court was balanced.

It is not right for a lame-duck president to politically capture the Court for the foreseeable future on his way out. Let the voters decide the fate of the court.

If Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders wins the election, the court will become very unbalanced towards the left.

If a Republican wins we will maintain a balanced court, which is what’s best for our country.

Tripp Cherry, Matthews

GOP Supreme Court plan unconscionable

The Republican Senate not being willing to consider a Supreme Court nominee put forth by our current president means that Court decisions could be deadlocked for the next 12 to 15 months, or longer!

This is unconscionable and irresponsible.

However, if this partisan Congress has demonstrated anything, unfortunately, it’s that if the situation were reversed –a Republican president and Democrat-controlled Senate – the result might very well be the same. How sad for our Republic!

Gene Doar, Charlotte

Create more jobs to reduce student debt

In response to “N.C. schools battle back against student debt crisis” (Feb. 14 Opinion):

The traditional path was get a loan, get educated, then get a job to repay the loan. Problem is the jobs disappeared, thanks to our regulation and tax happy administration.

The real solution is to get the jobs back by reducing burdensome regulations and excessive taxes on business.

It would appear our current president and the Democratic presidential candidates want more regulation and taxes, not less.

Joe Lakas, Charlotte

Voter ID designed to impede Democrats

In response to “Voter ID law is a preventive measure” (Feb. 14 Forum):

The Forum writer is correct – the voter ID law is definitely a preventive measure! But don’t get it twisted.

The law was not crafted to prevent possible fraudulent votes.

The Republican architects of this law want to proactively prevent minorities, low income and elderly – who tend to vote for Democrats – from going to the polls to vote!

Sham Ostapko, Huntersville

Don’t let important history fade away

In response to “Black History Month is time to honor those history forgot” (Feb. 12 Opinion):

Columnist Gracie Bonds Staples is on target. I learn each year the history of blacks as I read articles and hear stories.

I wonder if there needs to be more history for all Americans.

On Dec. 7, the only mention of the anniversary of Pearl Harbor was a small article way back in the paper. Days later the one-year anniversary of Cam Newton’s wreck was a front-page story.

Will Stacy Dash and others who want to get rid of Black History Month soon forget the bombing of the World Trade Center? I hope not, but wait and see.

Bill Lane, Polkville

Might be no stadium without BofA’s McColl

In response to “BofA’s name on stadium must go” (Feb. 14 Forum):

Quite possibly Charlotte might not have an NFL team or a stadium without former Bank of America CEO Hugh McColl.

McColl, a powerful, influential friend of Jerry Richardson, went with him to meet with NFL owners to argue for the Carolinas as a successful location for a new team.

McColl then gained the backing of other major banks here to guarantee the purchase of PSLs not sold in an initial offering.

Jim Keesee, Charlotte

This story was originally published February 16, 2016 at 4:17 PM with the headline "Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 02.17.16."