Americans would watch televised budget talks Re: “Put budget negotiations on C-SPAN and let the sun shine in,” editorial, July 6
This editorial about putting the budget negotiations on C-SPAN is spot-on because the politicians aren’t the only ones missing the point. The American people have stood by far too long waiting for an inept, immobile government to bail them out of the current situation.
I understand why people thought our current White House resident was the Second Coming since we were so badly beaten after eight years, but we only dug ourselves in deeper.
Since Americans like sensationalism, they would watch C-SPAN or any other network that’s bold enough to televise what they are getting from the people we voted to represent us.
Wilbert Patterson
Silver Spring
Black community must solve violence problem
Re: “Murder of Vietnam vet ignored by media,” Letters, July 5
I
must take issue with Pam Hairston, although I am in total agreement with her regarding the lack of media coverage of the murder of Solomon Reese, or for that matter any veteran who has already sacrificed so much for their country.
But to criticize President Obama because “as a black man” he should do more about black-on-black crime is exactly at the root of the problem. Why would the black community look to the government to solve this problem? When does the black community say enough is enough and take action?
It seems to me there are plenty of leaders in the black community peeking through the blinds you mention, instead of protesting within their own communities. This is one thing the government can’t fix!
Terrance Smith
Washington
Katrina to blame for New Orleans’ devastation
Re: “Debate in New Orleans focuses on school governance,” July 4
This article is an excellent summary of the issues involved in New Orleans schools’ governance. I agree that the issues have relevance for many school districts in the United States as the number of charter schools increases.
However, I disagree with Kevin McGill’s statement that Hurricane Katrina “devastated” New Orleans. New Orleans was devastated by failed federal levies that flooded 80 percent of the city. New Orleans and many of its schools suffered as these floodwaters remained for six weeks or more. Chaotic recovery attempts floundered miserably in protecting and restoring public school buildings.
As we approach the sixth anniversary of the Katrina disaster, it is important that journalists accurately report the situation and not resort to shorthand. Many Examiner readers do not know the full situation behind this disaster
Ann Sayas
New Orleans
