Zane falls short, offers no solutions to improve public education in NC

Education spending

Regarding “4 myths about education in NC,” (Feb. 18 Opinion):

J. Peder Zane’s attempt to dispel myths falls short. Although North Carolina has much to do before it truly provides a “sound basic education” for all children, the recent report by WestEd provides a road map to get us there. We must take a critical look at our system of funding, professional development, early literacy and other factors identified in WestEd’s 2019 report.

Zane’s arguments don’t elevate the conversation or break new ground with respect to public education. Rather than pointing out myths, perhaps we should identify solutions. Those solutions start with getting dedicated educators in the schools doing their best work for all students, and, yes, these solutions will require more money. Why? Because to attract and retain the highest-performing teachers and school leaders, the N.C. General Assembly must act to provide adequate compensation, benefits, and resources.

Tim Lavallee, Raleigh

Vice president of policy and research, WakeEd Partnership

Michael Bloomberg

Why is it that all the Democratic presidential candidates continue to disparage Michael Bloomberg by accusing him of trying to buy the nomination and presidency?

It’s obvious, to me at least, that all of his competitors are doing the same thing. They are doing whatever they can to raise cash to get their message out to voters. Just because Bloomberg has enough money of his own to spend and isn’t beholden to donors doesn’t mean he’s doing anything negative. For his opponents to suggest that is hypocritical in the extreme.

Steve Bernholz, Chapel Hill

Rush Limbaugh

Regarding “Rush Limbaugh,” (Feb. 18 Forum):

With all due respect, what Rush Limbaugh was this Forum writer listening to when he said he’s never heard Limbaugh make a racist remark? Limbaugh was a unrepentant “birther”who refused to acknowledge that President Obama was born in the United States and called him “uppity.” He has called George Steinbrenner a “cracker” who “made African-Americans millionaires,” and said Obama and Oprah are only successful because they’re black. Limbaugh’s racist quotes are endless. And this is the shining example of the best of America that deserved to be awarded the Medal of Freedom? I think not.

Jennifer Tlusty, Raleigh

Voting by mail

As North Carolina officials continue to grapple for a fair voter ID law, I hope they’ll consider instituting a vote by mail law using the successful Oregon VBM law as a template.

With VBM you can research the issues and candidates in your home. You avoid long lines on Election Day or the need to remember where and when you can vote early. There is a paper trail.

When I moved to North Carolina in 2019, I intended to vote by mail. But the N.C. absentee voting requirements are onerous. You have to request a ballot for each election and have two witnesses present unless one is a notary.

Voting is a sacred right and an obligation in a democracy. Nothing should be done to thwart voting; everything should be done to encourage it.

Sara Slate, Cary

US election process

Fixing America’s election process should include abolishing the Electoral College. True equality means each vote counts equally.

Nancy K. Jones, Raleigh

Flood maps

Regarding “Bracing for future storms, NC is working around FEMA maps,” (Feb. 18):

This article quoted knowledgeable state officials saying that it takes five to 10 years to redraw floodplain maps. Consequently, more recent flooding experiences and high water marks are now used in making decisions on the allocation of rebuilding funds and flood insurance requirements.

It would seem the requirements for redrawing 100- and 500-year floodplain maps are at best antiquated, obsolete and overly bureaucratic.

With drone-mounted cameras and satellites there has to be a better and less expensive way to document our ever expanding floodplains.

Mike Pedneau, Raleigh

Airline seats

Regarding “Reclining in airplane seats? Debate is raging online,” (Feb. 16):

Congratulations to the passenger who made it uncomfortable for the person in front of him who invaded his space by reclining her seat. When I purchase a ticket for a flight, I am not purchasing a seat but a space. My space goes from the floor to the overhead bin vertically between the back of the seat in front to the back of my seat. The width of my space is armrest to armrest. That is my space and I paid for it.

Airlines should restrict the amount of angle a seat can recline, I suggest two degrees. Be a good passenger and respect the space of other paying customers.

David Pesapane, Durham