Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 02.25.16

Put bathroom issue to a public vote

As the Observer reported during the last election, a very small number of voters voted in the new City Council members; they did not represent “most” of the voters.

With the help of the governor we can put gender-specific bathroom use to a real vote by the people of the city of Charlotte.

I applaud Gov. Pat McCrory for stepping in, and I believe it has nothing to do with his ratings.

It has everything to do with common sense, and it should be up to the people to decide, not a handful of representatives who’ve been intimidated by the LGBT community.

Mike Crews, Charlotte

Legislature should act on ordinance

In response to Our View “McCrory’s hypocrisy in transgender flap” (Feb. 23 Opinion):

I vigorously disagree with the editorial board’s contention that “Our City Council, in pushing for new anti-bias protections, accurately reflects how most Charlotteans feel. The city’s voters reaffirmed that in last November’s elections by adding more council members who support those provisions.”

It appeared to me there were a lot more protesters and speakers against the ordinance Monday than there were for it.

I, for one, hope that our legislature does intervene and at least strikes down the bathroom part of the ordinance.

Tom Creech, Charlotte

From Texas, I now see value of toll roads

In response to Eric Frazier “Can scars over I-77 fight be healed?” (Feb. 22 Opinion):

Up until last year I was a long-time resident of Charlotte. I moved to Dallas, Texas in May 2015.

I learned quickly how important toll roads are in a big city like Dallas. They are everywhere! I’ve learned it is just part of living in a big city.

The Dallas-Fort Worth area has been doing this toll thing for a long time. It’s not perfect, but they have very nice roads and many options for getting around. Traffic is always an issue for any big city. But the toll roads help.

Charlotte should look at this whole debate as a compliment – Charlotte is growing and must deal with the growing pains.

Anne Givens, Dallas, Texas

Big-rigs aren’t the problem on I-77

In response to “Add a lane on I-77 so more drivers can pass” (Feb. 24 Forum):

While the driver on I-77 was counting big-rigs on his commute, did he notice which one was hauling his groceries, new clothes, car parts, electronics, toys, household goods, and just about everything else he needs every day?

Please don’t complain when we obey the speed limit.

We truckers apologize for annoying you while trying to arrive safely with your goods.

By waking up five minutes earlier, you solve your own problem.

Mike Apple, Charlotte

Price to pay for blocking nomination

In response to “McConnell shuts door on any Obama court pick” (Feb. 24):

By refusing to review a nomination from the president to fill the Supreme Court vacancy, the Republican party will abrogate its duties under the Constitution.

Such action will damage the party and the political process for years to come. A sad and unwelcome action.

Hunter Garbee, Charlotte

GOP just doing what Biden advocated

In response to “Republicans are dishonoring Scalia” (Feb. 23 Forum):

Republicans are not dishonoring Justice Antonin Scalia as the Forum writer suggests.

They are following a precedent set by the Democrats in the past.

In 1992 then-Sen. Joe Biden said President George Bush should delay filling a Supreme Court vacancy, should one arise, until the presidential election was over.

In 2006, then-Sen. Barack Obama tried to block the nomination of Justice Samuel Alito.

What is good for the goose is good for the gander.

This is just another example of double standards the Democrats are known for!

Sylvia Witmore, Laurinburg

Is this the interstate or a NASCAR track?

The bold print headline read “ ‘You’re selfish, and you’re a jerk’ ” (Feb. 20 Sports).

I immediately thought “It’s about time they get on those bad drivers on I-485 and I-77.”

Though Dale Earnhardt Jr. was talking about NASCAR drivers, I see the same behavior daily on the interstates – bumper-to-bumper at 75 mph and faster, changing lanes at the last second to exit, and very little chance of coming to a safe stop in the event of an accident.

Thanks anyway, Dale.

Richard Lynch, Charlotte

This story was originally published February 24, 2016 at 6:01 PM with the headline "Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 02.25.16."