Rewrite state Constitution to put local control back where it belongs
N.C. needs a new state Constitution
The time has come to put North Carolina’s legislature in its place.
The people of Charlotte, Raleigh, and to a lesser degree Wilmington, Greensboro and similar cities, are being dictated to by career politicians who don’t know, or care, what those places need and don’t bother to inquire.
They only care about getting re-elected, and so go along with any nonsense as long as it ensures the support of their cohorts.
Other states and commonwealths have long recognized local jurisdictions are much more likely to enact what’s best for those who elected them.
It’s time for a new state Constitution.
David Loughran, Indian Trail
Boycott Springsteen, others who pull out
Boycott Springsteen, others who pull out
On HB2, why should the comfort of the vast majority be less important than the .03 percent who are transgender?
Now if they have had surgical reassignment, then there is no issue. But I agree that perverts will use the law to invade opposite gender bathrooms.
Wake up Americans, forget Bruce Springsteen, the Hollywood types or the corporate pressure. Put the pressure on the corporation by boycotting them!
Eric Johnson, Greensboro
HB2: On the wrong side of history again
In response to “Time for the mayor to back down on HB2” (May 26 Forum):
To paraphrase Forum writer James Todd, how about asking our governor and legislature why they insist on their crusade with HB2 when it has been declared unconstitutional by the DOJ.
Are they “hellbent” on continuing the damage to our reputation, on costing our state billions in income, and on spending millions of taxpayers dollars to defend yet another effort to deny human rights?
There are too many such examples of my state being on the wrong side of history to list here.
Patricia McKinley, Midland
Federal government isn’t your mother
In response to Gary Stein “Email flap won’t hurt Clinton” (May 27 Opinion):
Gary Stein’s opinion piece nails in one sentence many Democratic voters’ yardstick for a presidential candidate: “What are you folks going to do to make my life better?”
I was taught the proper measurement is: “Who will be best for the country?”
I’d like to ask those Democrats what are you going to do to make your life better? It’s yours. You own it. Everybody has just one mother.
Ed Gerard, Charlotte
Compromise is not a four-letter word
In response to “I’ll take an outsider over a compromiser” (May 25 Forum):
Forum writer Jim Cherry admitted – inadvertently, I’m sure – what the problem is with Republicans and why the Republican-led Congress is the worst in history.
Compromise. He thinks it’s a four-letter word. Used to be “compromise” was a great thing. Those were the days, my friend.
Holly Saftner, Matthews
Take the bias out of election process
The bias against Donald Trump in our election process has made me question if our elections are rigged.
To make the process fair and unbiased again, the big money contributors must be removed.
The two political parties, who set the agenda for their candidates, need to be removed. All candidates would run independently on their own agendas.
Once the need for payoffs – political contributions – and parties are removed, anyone could run for any political office. That would be a fair and unbiased election process.
David Queen, Kannapolis
An outsider’s take on Charlotte spending
I have always been in awe of how taxes are portrayed by politicians and by county and city management, especially in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
Why a tax increase or why forgo garbage pickup to fund the police and fire departments?
Instead, it should be don’t fund a trolley upgrade that is not needed. Then, pay for the police and fire, which is needed. No tax increase.
We don’t have a trolley, nor city garbage pickup, in Polkville.
Bill Lane, Polkville
Buy fewer weapons; use money on vets
I read recently about the issues with Wounded Warrior Project misusing charity money for its own fun and games.
My question is: Why is there a need for charities to take care of our veterans?
This is both a presidential and congressional issue.
Couldn’t we buy fewer bombs, a few less tanks, maybe go without an airplane or two to ensure that our men and women in the military are taken care of when they come home?
David Hawk, Rock Hill
This story was originally published May 28, 2016 at 5:30 PM with the headline "Rewrite state Constitution to put local control back where it belongs."