Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 02.21.16
Apple should unlock encrypted phones
No one objects to TSA-approved locks on checked airline baggage for the government to open at its discretion, using a universal key only the TSA possesses.
Shouldn’t the concern of potential plans for a dirty bomb or other carnage on a cellphone be just as worthy of an inspection as a potential explosive on a passenger airline?
The expectation of personal privacy is diminished when you fly and drive an automobile for obvious reasons.
The public domain of cyberspace shouldn’t be a hiding place either, through enablement by a widget-maker.
Jim Walker, Charlotte
Virtual congressional districts the way to go
Virtual congressional districts the way to go
In response to “GOP proposes major N.C. district changes” (Feb. 18) and related articles:
We live in a world where our relationships and interactions are increasingly virtual. Is now the time to consider virtual congressional districts?
With every citizen randomly assigned to a virtual district we can create districts that match the preferred demographic profiles without considering geography.
Virtual districts are logical, precise, and most important – impersonal. And fair? Is there any process less prejudiced than random selection?
Jeff Campbell, Concord
Schumer, Obama get taste of own medicine
Schumer, Obama get taste of own medicine
About the Republicans’ stance on the recent Supreme Court vacancy, remember the position of Democrats from about 10 years ago.
In July 2007, Sen. Chuck Schumer, (D-N.Y.) said that Senate Democrats should not allow President Bush to fill any future Supreme Court vacancies, and “We should reverse the presumption of confirmation.”
In 2006, then-Sen. Barack Obama participated in the filibuster of in one of Bush’s Supreme Court nominees.
Ten years later and Republicans are giving Democrats a taste of their own medicine.
Why do Democrats get so upset when Republicans act like Democrats?
David Council, Matthews
Let Obama nominate a justice, it’s his job
Let Obama nominate a justice, it’s his job
In response to “Don’t let lame-duck president make pick” (Feb. 17 Forum):
It seems Forum writer Tripp Cherry’s definition of balanced is a 5-4 advantage in favor of conservative judges.
Barack Obama was elected twice by the American people. He is expected to do his job by making a nomination to replace Justice Antonin Scalia.
The U.S. Senate is also expected to do its job by vetting the nominee and allowing for an up or down vote.
Anything less would be unconstitutional and irresponsible, and a slap in the face to the American people.
Robin Oden, Stallings
Trump needs to read up on Vatican history
In response to “Trump’s newest nemesis: Pope Francis” (Feb. 19):
Donald Trump should be advised that the walls around Vatican City were constructed in the early 800s A.D. to protect its citizens from invasion by barbarian hordes from the east.
Many European cities followed suit for this exact reason.
Perhaps Donald should crack open a history book before he starts flapping his gums.
Robert Giliberti, Indian Land, S.C.
Thanks taxpayers, from a PSL owner
In response to “Ticket prices rising for 2016 season” (Feb. 19):
As a PSL owner, I want to thank the taxpayers of Charlotte for subsidizing the Panthers and their wealthy owners over the years, especially the recent $90 million gift.
Without taxpayer support, there’s no telling how much our tickets would cost!
And now the Charlotte City Council is considering a tax increase to afford more police officers!
Little wonder Fort Mill is considering the limitation of housing growth.
Don Reid, Charlotte
Nix the gang nicknames in articles
In response to “Death penalty still in play in slayings” (Feb. 18):
There is no value to the reader in seeing identifiers like “Murda Mell” and “Bloody Silent” in crime articles.
Such names might even enhance a gang member’s “stature” in the minds of like-minded individuals and encourage them to “make a name for themselves.”
Including nasty gang nicknames in crime reports serves no useful purpose.
Phil Clutts, Harrisburg
This story was originally published February 20, 2016 at 12:30 PM with the headline "Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 02.21.16."