Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 03.07.16

Toll lanes shouldn’t be for-profit venture

The biggest issue with the toll road is that it is not a public venture, but one set up with a private company for profit.

The original purpose of toll roads is corrupted by this arrangement.

It is another example of some corporation crossing a line of what is a private venture and what should be a public trust.

We see the same thing in prisons and schools. In the end the public’s expectations of good roads, prisons operating appropriately or public schools getting the support they need, is being compromised.

Darryl Hall, Charlotte

Republican debate was painful to watch

With the exception of John Kasich, GOP candidates Marco Rubio, Donald Trump, and Ted Cruz acted as if they were 11-year-old boys fighting in a schoolyard.

Their behaviors towards and about one another were embarrassing. At times, they were cruel.

This was not a presidential debate. To call it “juvenile” would be too kind.

Perhaps the worst part was that when it was over each man expressed how well he had done.

The lack of accurate self-appraisal by Rubio, Trump and Cruz is both astounding and scary.

H.D. Kirkpatrick, Charlotte

Conservatives sending a message

We conservatives, torches and pitchforks in hand, are at the castle door.

Donald Trump is our battering ram, but Ted Cruz will be our king.

Steve Kardisco, Hickory

Romney is right; Trump isn’t fit for job

In response to “Romney, McCain denounce Trump” (March 4):

God bless Mitt Romney. He told it like it is.

Think about a President Trump who admires Vladimir Putin, retweets Mussolini quotes, and has threatened our current Speaker of the House.

Do you trust him with the fate of our nation? Do you trust him with the “red phone” to Moscow, not to mention the red button?

Although I did not vote for Mr. Romney, I would not have been ashamed to have him as president or fearful for my country with him in office.

I cannot say the same for Mr. Trump.

Kathleen Reardon, Charlotte

Clinton will bring more of the same

When Hillary Clinton says she will make the U.S. whole again, she implies that President Obama’s agenda, of which she was a participant, fractured the nation.

With Hillary’s assistance as Secretary of State, the Nobel Peace Prize winner is on his way to fracturing western civilization.

Now, Hillary’s goal is to continue Obama’s agenda. And voters cheer.

Ed Mesko, Charlotte

Backlash against Angelou appalling

In response to “Angelou’s name on a post office? 9 Republicans said no” (March 3):

I was not aware that Maya Angelou voiced support for the communist regime in Cuba in the 1960s, and I believe the Cuban Revolution hurt millions of Cubans.

Nonetheless, I believe it is important to honor those who leave a lasting mark on our country.

I am appalled that the Republicans in this article rejected the proposal only because of Angelou’s support of communism. This is a poor excuse and the debate over the post office only reflects racial undertones.

Sam Quarles, Charlotte

Misleading picture of GOP on Angelou vote

All 10 Republican Congressman from North Carolina supported Rep. Alma Adams’ bill to rename the post office in Winston Salem in honor of Maya Angelou – but you wouldn’t have a clue from the headline.

Instead, the article focused on a handful of Republicans from other states who didn’t give their support, and it was filled with accusations of Republican racism and Rep. Adams’ own allegations of “radical Republican obstructionism.”

Why no mention of the two Republican Congressmen from this newspaper’s home readership area who co-sponsored her bill?

Tom L. Bowers, Charlotte

No lifetime tenure for high court justices

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

It seems we have a “staffing problem” at the U.S. Supreme Court, but there is a logical solution.

U.S. Supreme Court judges yield an exceptional amount of power, so it only makes sense they should not enjoy life tenure.

Instead, they should be appointed for fixed terms – 10 years? 12 years? – staggered so that a single president could never pack the court.

Problem solved.

Dan Laurent, Charlotte

This story was originally published March 6, 2016 at 12:30 PM with the headline "Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 03.07.16."