Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 04.11.16
Give higher wages a chance to work
In response to “Push for $15 an hour wage will cost jobs” (April 7 Forum):
Forum writer Tom Spencer cited the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative think tank which postulated that increased wages in Seattle contributed to some lost jobs.
But a Congressional Budget Office study estimates raising the federal minimum wage to $10.10 would eliminate 500,000 jobs, but boost 16.5 million workers.
Although the sufficiency of $10.10 is still questionable to me, isn’t it more ideal to have 16.5 million people better able to pay their rent, utilities, etc. than for those 16.5 million, plus all the unemployed, to not have enough money?
Michelle Hargett, Charlotte
Mistake for GOP to overlook Kasich
In response to “GOP falls victim to own angry, evangelical excesses” (April 7 Opinion):
How has the party of Lincoln allowed itself to veer so far to the right that it completely ignores the winning potential of a moderate such as John Kasich?
As a Democrat I am delighted at the prospect of either Trump or Cruz representing the Republicans in November.
On the other hand, I will be concerned if Kasich turns out to be the standard bearer because I fear he would win the White House.
Dan Laurent, Charlotte
No room for Graham to cry ‘hypocrite’
In response to “Franklin Graham calls PayPal ‘hypocrite’ for canceling Charlotte plans” (April 8):
Franklin Graham’s organization lists PayPal as a payment option. So who is the hypocrite on HB2?
Linda J. Brooks, Charlotte
In my eyes PayPal CEO is the hypocrite
After essentially blackmailing the state for millions in incentive payments for the Charlotte project, PayPal CEO Dan Schulman now has put this project on hold.
As long as PayPal continues to do business with rogue states and African/Asian dictatorships, many of which imprison and execute homosexuals, Mr. Schulman should hold his tongue.
Frank T. Hannah, Shelby
PayPal, come to N.C. and bring your values
PayPal, come to N.C. and bring your values
Let’s remind businesses such as PayPal that Charlotte tried to do the just thing. The city passed a bill that favors human rights.
Don’t punish us.
If you have to punish someone, research which legislators supported HB2 and don’t start projects in their districts.
Better yet, be pioneers, come to North Carolina and with your values and example, help us build a broader base of anti-discrimination supporters.
Linda W. Scott, Charlotte
HB2 is a political statement, not a law
With speed akin to a Tar Heel fast break, the governor signed into law “common sense” legislation purported to protect women and girls from males using a public restroom designated for females.
If I were a woman or young girl I’d ask the governor to explain how he plans to enforce this new law, given all of the public bathrooms in this state.
It’s one thing to pass a law that makes a political statement. It’s quite another to put teeth into the law so that it really means something.
Without realistic enforcement is it really a law or just a political statement?
Bonner Mills, Mount Holly
Tired of these ‘all or none’ politicians
Our political leaders engage in “tit for tat” politics where compromising simply is not allowed.
The Democrats and the Republicans are systematically destroying our country in their refusal to concede in fear of losing match point.
What kind of example are we setting for our impressionable young people?
High school student councils function at a higher level than most of our elected officials. They at least learned to play together in elementary school.
Tom Lewis, Charlotte
Thanks for ticketing that angry speeder
I would like to commend the Steele Creek area CMPD officer who was running radar on Hamilton Road last week, a notorious high-speed cut through for many.
He had apparently written a woman a speeding ticket. She was leaning out her window screaming and having a childish temper tantrum.
To his credit, the officer simply walked away, maintaining his dignity and professionalism.
Later, we saw a crude cardboard sign posted on a utility pole that said: “Speed Trap Ahead.”
We removed it.
Please, don’t speed through our neighborhood – or any neighborhood.
Arjay Provost, Charlotte
This story was originally published April 10, 2016 at 1:30 PM with the headline "Observer Forum: Letters to the editor 04.11.16."