Mailbag: Intense letters on rich people, biking and the nondiscrimination ordinance

General

“Just wanted to send a note of appreciation for the Agenda stories on education, economic opportunity, and the Legislature’s overturn of the non-discrimination bill.” – M

“I just moved to Charlotte with my dog Duke and have been surprised at what a dog friendly city it is. I was joking with some coworkers how I’ve seen an increasing number of off-leash puppies with younger guys while walking around the past couple weeks as it’s the perfect way to meet girls. Unfortunately I was walking Duke this morning and the most adorable puppy came up to play, however this situation wasn’t an ice breaker for the guy as I then witnessed something terrible that I cannot seem to get out of my head. The owner who was a good looking guy probably in his mid-20’s said nothing to me but just picked the puppy up by his neck causing it to start screaming and yelping. I then watched as he carried it across the street and slammed it on its side. I stood frozen in complete disbelief and not sure whether I had a right to intervene. I watched him walk into the apartment complex that he lives in and I’ve reported the incident with animal control but I guess I just feel terrible for not knowing what to do in the moment. I would love to know if Charlotte has a place to report such incidences or a way to communicate what people see so they cannot get away with abusing animals. Puppies are adorable and fun but they also require a lot of work and I don’t think that’s fully thought through and quite honestly if I’m allowed to get one jab in at the end, would hate to seem some complete douche who has no sense of compassion get away with treating an animal like that. It was a puppy who wanted to play and it was so awful to see what happened as a result, it’s just not okay.” – A

“I am a long time reader but I have to say, I am a bit perturbed by something I read. In today’s (3/17) newsletter, as well as other days mentioning St. Patrick’s Day events, a drink called an “Irish Car Bomb” is mentioned. Considering how the tone of this site has changed greatly to move away from just cool things to do and places to go in Charlotte, to taking on larger social issues with a liberal/progressive bent, how can you justify use of this term? Since I’ve been reading your site, you all have posted articles advocating for social justice in the form of removal of offensive Mexican statutes from a Mexican restaurant, attending the CIAA tournament and for white people to stop making backhanded jokes about avoiding uptown during it and numerous articles in support of LGBT rights, especially the recent ordinance passed by the city council, just to name a few. The larger point seems to be advocating action from your readers, which by and large is great to see. But if the theme of all of this writing is that we as a city need to be inclusive and open to all people and all lifestyles, whether that be race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, etc., then why is it okay to include slurs about the Irish? Most everyone only knows an Irish car bomb is a shot usually taken by dropping a shot of Irish whisky into a pint glass of stout beer and chugging the whole thing. Maybe what you don’t realize though is that the name of this drink refers to the Troubles, the 30 year period from 1968 to 1998 in Ireland of political, ethnic, and sectarian violence where paramilitaries on each side used tactics today we would refer to as terrorism to kill over 3,500 people. A common tactic employed was car bombing. We typically do not celebrate terrorism or make light of its victims. Consider this hypothetical, if you all were to share that there was a Middle Eastern restaurant/bar that had a drink special on a speciality drink that played upon negative stereotypes of Middle Eastern or Muslim people, wouldn’t you all be incensed at this rather than promoting to your readers to buy this drink? Would there not be an outcry from readers and article(s) posted about how insensitive and offensive this is to anyone of Middle Eastern or Muslim background? So why then is it okay to so nonchalanlty take this tact regarding the Irish? I’m all for inclusivity, diversity, and treating everyone equally with respect, but why is it okay to mock this one culture?” – A

“Your site, and most of the articles within it, are stirring up life all over town. People are talking to each other again, debating the ins and outs of every article you post. You’re inspiring people to look past the blank stare of nothingness, to go out and do something, or to just flat out get angry about absolutely nothing. Please keep doing what you do. People will never stop and think about what they’re actually doing with their own lives unless folks like you are always there to show them how much more everyone else is doing around them.” – D

In response to: EXPLAINER: What happened in Raleigh with Charlotte’s LGBT nondiscrimination ordinance

“Protest? Sounds like political convenience. I’m disgusted by the Democratic Senators not voting against this to go on record and make a stand.” – P

“I am much more ‘offended’, ‘threatened’ and ‘violated’ by Charlotte’s/Meck’s/N.C.’s allowance of Pub Crawls than I am of a transgender person using my bathroom! Charlotte people, politicians, policy continues to crawl backwards!” – K

“Thanks for posting such a clear view on the issue. As being such an emotionally charged topic, it’s been difficult to see the truth and facts in the scenario. That being said and as someone who migrated here from Chicago two years ago, it’s sad to see this state take a step back from it’s progress of moving away from the “old south” towards a leader in growth and opportunity. In the city of Chicago, you can’t go anywhere and not see into someone clearly and proudly representing the LGBT community – it’s been something I miss seeing here, even as a heterosexual male. It’s upsetting to see old ways get in the path of social progress. I would love to see a call to action for those businesses who support the progression of freedom, and build in unisex bathrooms into their establishments for all to use, damn the law! A a contractor myself, I would love to help renovate the bathroom of those who wish to stand up for their freedoms. It’s up to us as citizens to fight for our freedoms and if we are to continue attracting new residents to this state, our fight must go beyond that of peaceful legislation and take on a more construction action on am individual level.” – D

“Republican governor, republican senate, republican house – this is what happens when people are too lazy/apathetic to vote. No one should be surprised.” – A

“Other than the bakery that refused to bake a cake for a gay wedding (not sure what state that was in), are there any factual vs hypothetical examples of discrimination against the LGBT community? While I appreciate Millenials passion for equality, their sensitivities may change as they increasingly have children. If you send your 8 or 9 year old daughter into a Women’s restroom alone (if you’re a Dad), you might feel somewhat uncomfortable if a totally male person were to follow them inside. Just saying.” – J

“You missed just how broad this new legislation really is, i.e. the state education system could now lose $4 billion in federal funding, including Title IX funding (source is The News & Observer). Also, I wish you would have covered just how it was brought up and passed. The special session cost $42,000 of taxpayers’ money. The bill wasn’t made public in advance. The public only had 30 minutes to provide comments. You mentioned that the senate democrats walked out in protest, but failed to address just why they were so upset. As a taxpayer of this state, I’m ashamed and appalled over this bill. It’s the worst waste of resources I could imagine. I live close to the South Carolina state line, so when I’m ready to move into a new house, I will move out of North Carolina.” – A

“Re: McCrory & his Old Conservative White Friends’ Bill – on a selfish note, as a woman, I am so, so, so tired of old Republican men deciding they know what is best for me and everyone not like themselves (“…threatens ‘havoc on thousands of business establishments’ and violates the privacy of women and families…”). What?? If you yourself are so ignorant and close-minded to be afraid of those different than you, then don’t use public restrooms. But please don’t speak for the entire female population as if we are so weak we could not speak up if we wanted to. I think the fact is most women (at least in Charlotte vs. NC as a whole) DO NOT CARE and want people to feel accepted and normal. This is so frustrating, I cannot imagine how it must feel to members of the LBGT community. Can someone point me in the direction of a petition to sign or a protest to go to ….this feels like such an overreach of state government (especially for a party that often preaches about getting government out of peoples’ business). Today I feel ashamed/embarrassed to be a citizen of NC state.” – A

In response to: Should Charlotte bikers bike at rush hour or do you think it’s too annoying and dangerous?

“Wow I’m so sorry you got slowed down by a couple bikers. Let’s try not to get all bent out of shape about it though, they have a right to be there. Did you realize that bike commuters are actually doing the world a favor? How about instead of writing s***ty opinion pieces, you advocate for more bike lanes?” – A

“I think we should ban cars at rush hour so the bikers don’t have to deal with dangerous car drivers.” – D

“Should Charlotte bikers bike at rush hour or do you think it’s too annoying and dangerous? Not on a main thoroughfare at rush hour. It’s exercise, and your right. I get it. But two people riding on Providence Road at 5:30 is just giving everyone else the finger. Trying to prove a point? Exercising (Ha!) your rights? Doing it because it’s allowed and you can? There are plenty of side streets off of Providence where you can get your exercise. You are in fact the reason why most people hate bikers.” – C

“They wouldn’t be such an issue if they followed the rules of the road! But when I am driving and finally get ahead of/around a biker and then hit a red light, only to have them bike past every parked car to the front of the red light, I become enraged. They need to keep their spot in line just like every other person on the road.” – A

“What an uninformed and frankly snoody South Charlotte thing to suggest. You’re suggesting that people shouldn’t ride their bikes on the Booty Loop of all places? Never mind the time frame thing you’re suggesting, but you are actually proposing to re-vehicleize one of the very few places that Charlotte drivers know and expect cyclists to be at all times of the day? BOOOOOOOOO. Just BOOOOOOOOO. Cycling in Charlotte is already an insanely dangerous thing because most people-like you apparently- think that roads are only for cars. Gimme a break. Go read up on the cycling laws and you’ll quickly realize that bicycles are vehicles too, subject to the same rights and laws as motor vehicles in most instances. As a common courtesy cyclists can use the right lane (yes, the entire right lane if needed, this is actually safer for cyclists and drivers if they take up the whole lance) on a 4 way street and on 2 lane roads, move as close to the shoulder as possible to allow motor vehicles to pass safely. The point is though that cycling, even on busy roads at high traffic times, is a completely legal and positive thing and SHOULD be normalized by Millennials and other socially conscious people like us. – C

“I’ve been complaining about this for years. If bikers want to bike on the weekends or the middle of the day, be my guest. Kudos if you are on a road that has a bike lane (Colony Road). I get extremely aggravated when bikers decide they want to bike between 4-6 pm during the week. Sorry bikers, but did you really think this through? This is when the majority of the population is driving home. We are all in a rush to get to our house, throw on those sweat pants and veg out. I’m not sure if bikers realize how much they actually clog traffic. The absolute worst is when there is a cluster of them, and instead of going single file, they ride 3 deep. You better believe I have been that butthole who has honked at them. And let’s not forget how unsafe this is. I’m actually surprised more bikers haven’t been hit and/or killed. Charlotte isn’t the most bike friendly city. Do us all a favor and stay off the roads after work.” – K

“Since my bike is my only form of transportation, I will continue to bike on streets to get to and from work in much the same way you use your car. When I can take the greenway (i.e. it isn’t flooded) I do, but when it is flooded, I ride my bike in the right lane from Freedom Park on Queens Road West. I follow the laws and use lights. I don’t understand the reason for your hostility over my getting to work daily on my bicycle, since I don’t own a car.” – B

“I’m proud of Charlotte for voting in favor of the cyclists at the conclusion of this article. While I DO understand Ted’s frustration in this case (see below), this vote is indicative to me of the fact that a large majority of the city has more patience and vision for the city’s future & potential than that. Although I cannot speak to the variety of riders Ted experienced in this case, most cyclists on the road at rush hours are using their bikes for transportation. And as Jordan Moore eloquently laid out, bike commuting and less motorists on the road are two of the things that can propel a good city to greatness. The evidence is boundless, and I applaud Agenda for following up yesterday’s piece with Jordan’s informed & enlightening article – it’s my hope that readers pay attention. **To Ted’s point, there are some roads that recreational AND commuter cyclists would do well to avoid. Providence Road at 5:30pm almost certainly falls into that category. As a weekend cyclist and fair-weather bike commuter myself, I do see riders sometimes breaking the rules of the road, being reckless, selfish, and generally ignoring the “Share” part of “Share the Road” It drives me nuts because we’re not all like that. However, Charlotte’s car-centric planning and development – typical of so many American cities – has made it difficult for cyclists to completely avoid certain stretches of heavily-trafficked main thoroughfares (where sidewalks are dodgy at best). For me, it’s the stretch of Central Avenue between the McDonalds and the split at Louise Ave. In this stretch, while hugging the curb and following all the rules, I have been honked at directly underneath a “Share the Road” sign. Charlotte needs more than “Share the Road” signs if it aims to establish itself as a thriving, progressive city. Bike lanes & FINALLY linking disconnected stretches of greenway are a great start to making Charlotte a more bike-friendly, eco-conscious, and globally-relevant city, but the real change needs to happen in the minds of its collective populace.” – D

“As Charlotte’s Bike Realtor, I spent a great amount of time on my bike traveling all over Charlotte for both transportation and recreation. As a bike advocate – I stress safety, knowledge, education, communication, and respect between cyclists and drivers. I also drive a car, and by “drive” I mean sit in traffic, ensnared by tremendous car volume, construction that’s allowed to block portions of streets, too short (and too few) left turn green lights, and texters holding up the cars behind them (but making sure THEY make the light)… just to name a few frustrations.” – S

“I read your recent bicycle article and 100% disagree. I am a educator at three universities and bicycle between all three across the city throughout the entire year. One of your points that stood out to me seems quite arrogant and ridiculous: ‘biking adds several minutes to the commute of hundreds of Charlotteans that are driving home to see their families?’ Several minutes? Is this not just a little petty to argue that a bicyclist will make you arrive to your destination four to five minutes past your intended arrival. And really, will it even do that?” – M

“My family and I don’t own a car, and I want to see Charlotte become far safer for people who choose to ride bikes and walk. One of the best things the city can do to increase bike safety is to grow its biking mode share. I bike commute to uptown daily – I’m assuming you work in the area as well – and I’d be happy to ride with you if you’re ever interested in trying it.” – P

“Many people bike because it is their preferred and sometimes only mode of transportation. This isn’t about being “annoying”, it is about getting to and from work. I know many people who bike at night, in the rain, and even snow. My boss isn’t going to accept that I’m late to work for any reason. Biking is also cheaper and in many cases faster. We can’t keep cramming more cars into cities, there’s no more space left. We have to move towards smaller vehicles. Yes, transitioning to safer bike spaces is very hard, but it’s not impossible. It’s all about difficult tradeoffs and decisions. City planning is not easy.” – K

“The article never mentions that many bicycles at rush hour and throughout the day are trying to get somewhere, just like the car drivers are. And they’re doing it without tearing up the roads and spewing gas fumes into the air. More importantly, your article reflects a cultural mindset that cars are right and everyone else is wrong. Even your “good” self speaks from this perspective. This is a culture we have to change to make our city more livable, enjoyable and safe for everyone. I commute by bike almost every day and because of where I live and work, it’s mostly through neighborhood streets where I am often able to maneuver more quickly than the cars around me. Amazingly, they still have this urgency to get around me. It’s because of the mindset that even well-meaning people like yourself, endorse. As you can see by the link below, I represent people who are hit by cars on their bicycles. A friend and colleague was hit on February 20 in Angier on an open road by a woman who just didn’t bother to drive around him and his fellow bicyclists, who were also injured. Two of them are still hospitalized a month later, their lives forever changed. Another friend was hit a few weeks ago by a drunk driver traveling at least 60 mph at 3:30 in the afternoon. The driver just knocked him out of the way and kept driving; he never even slowed down. By some miracle, he wasn’t killed. So who should be asking about, the person on the bicycle who delays a car for a couple of minutes or the car driver who pollutes the environment by driving a way too large vehicle solo out to the suburbs, or drives while talking on the phone, putting everyone’s lives, including other car drivers, at risk? Or simply subscribes to the notion that we all have to get everywhere by ourselves and in a hurry? That’s not how it work in most places in the world. Let’s focus on the real problem here. I close with this nice little graphic that demonstrates the real commuting problem we have.” – A

In response to: The City of Charlotte should test a car-ban by making 1 of these 7 streets car-free

“Great call. Many cities in the US and Europe also do street closures for one or two days at a time on a weekly basis – like closing Elizabeth every Saturday for instance. Props to you if you can get that one passed.” – A

“Shutting down a street for a week is not a valid sample. People may enjoy the novelty of it that one week but hate it long term. Where would a family with small kids park to eat on Montford or East Blvd. I’m not going to walk 10 minutes to eat at Jersey Mikes. It’ll kill businesses like that. These type ideas have be planned prior to businesses being established. Elizabeth would be the only logical street if you could access the parking via alternative streets.” – R

“I wanted to make you aware of this project in case you didn’t already know: Open Streets 704. It’s not a week long test, but a day-long. It should be interesting none the less. I did want to put my two cents in and let you know that banning cars from streets can be a very risky move that often is very detrimental to local businesses and increases crime rates. They only work in the most populated and walkable places: ie: NY, London, etc. Essentially places where people can live without a car, all the time. Charlotte isn’t there…yet. What we really need to do is pick out a few streets (I love your suggestions), and redesign them to make them completely oriented towards people and pedestrian traffic – but – still allow cars. For example, if Central were narrowed to two lanes of traffic and the additional right-of-way was dedicated to outdoor restaurant seating, park space, or bicycle facilities, cars would be less likely to choose it as a route at 10pm on a Saturday night. It would clearly be a people space. Have you heard of Jane Jacobs, I’m sure you probably have. She is one of America’s first and most famous urban designers. She is most well known for the phrase, “keeping our eyes on the street.” This makes public space safe – and active. In many cases, especially when people traffic has calmed down, drivers are often those eyes on the street. The point being – the most activity we can get on a street the better – the safer and more vibrant it will be. That means allowing, but not prioritizing, the car. We also still live in a very car-oriented city, and many businesses depend on that drive by traffic to survive. I would be shocked if a business could survive anywhere in Charlotte without nearby parking or the ability for customers to see the establishment as they drive by. Sad, but I think true. Anyway, just my two cents. Let’s make our streets about designing for people, not banning cars.” – E

“Even better than closing the street to traffic would be a project like the 16th Street mall in Denver (or maybe Boulder), CO. Close Tryon St to north/south traffic from the green all the way to 10th St; widen the sidewalks, add a center island and leave one lane on each side for the street trolley bus (I think it is called the gold rush) to go back and forth, allow east/west traffic to cross Tryon, and allow vendors to construct booths and picnic tables on the island (think old photo booths style buildings with coffee, short order food, an information booth). You would have a natural loop around Tryon with traffic heading S on Church and N on College.” – J

“Let me first say that I’m a big proponent of your idea; I’d love to see more car-free areas of Charlotte. We just need to make sure they’re the right areas. As a resident of NoDa (Yadkin Ave at 34th), I’d like to voice my opinion against closing the stretch of North Davidson that runs from the YMCA down to 36th St, and here’s why. My boyfriend and I live one block off of North Davidson, and traffic on our street is already really bad. People fly through there, oblivious to pets, children, families in the streets walking, people gardening in their yards, etc. We have a cat and a dog, both of whom have had very close calls with speeding cars on our street. If that stretch of North Davidson is closed to traffic, even more cars will start to use Yadkin Ave, putting the residents and pets of our awesome ‘hood at an even higher risk of being involved in an accident or mishap of some kind, and further clogging the already-sometimes-one-way-because-of-cars-parked-all-along-the-streets street. My proposal would be to close down N Tryon in Uptown, mainly because traffic that would have to be re-routed off N Tryon wouldn’t have to go through a highly residential area in order to continue on their route, lessening the risk of accidents between cars and humans/pets. There are also one way streets running along either side of N Tryon, making the detour around the closed street much easier to navigate. The easiest and most likely way folks will circumvent North Davidson would be to go down Yadkin Ave, which like I said, is highly residential and already a bit of a mess.” – C

“While the Agenda focuses exclusively on the bars, right in the middle of Montford is a dog daycare called the Barker Lounge. Closing Montford to cars would kill that business, because busy people on their way to and from work will go elsewhere. No one has time to park a mile away and drag a pup back and forth on the busy streets by Montford. Perhaps more appropriately street parking should be banned completely, and the street closed to cars between 8pm to 4am to target only the bar crowd.” – A

In response to: Best segments on Charlotte morning radio shows, ranked

“Seriously … Bob and Sheri should be at the top. They are funny, intelligent, quick, and well spoken. The perfect show for an adult audience, so …. Maybe that’s why they rate so low on your list?? Were you looking for more low-hanging fruit laughs?” – A

“THANK YOU for recognizing Bob & Sheri in your radio article this morning. After working with them locally and through syndication for years, I can personally tell you they are not only the best in Charlotte but one of the best programs in our industry. There is NOTHING else like them in our industry and we are extremely lucky to have them in our market. By the way, we are proud to share with you that Sheri Lynch was just honored with her 5th Gracie Award yesterday!” – J

“I know it’s an older demographic than your readers, but in all fairness to representing a more complete story, what about the redneck humor of the “John Boy and Billy Big Show”? Nationally syndicated 56 stations + or – , and celebrating 30 years on air this year! I know its not everyone’s cup of tea… but you missed it big time when you left them off your list.” – A

“Best segments in Charlotte morning radio without a nod to the John Boy and Billy Big Show? Did you really just totally dismiss home-grown talent? Since 1986, consistently funny and, thanks to Robert D. Raiford, incredibly insightful (as long as you are willing to stand up straight without thin skin leaning too far left).” – C

In response to: 7 ideas for fixing SouthPark

“I would like to add a #8 to your SouthPark list. Fix the center of SouthPark… Right now there are 2 gas stations, a Burger King/parking lot, and a VZW store/parking lot on the prime corner of Fairview and Sharon at the center of SouthPark. Not only that but a huge steel electrical tower in the BK parking lot dominates at the intersection. This corner definitely needs to be rethought and reconstructed as it is currently a real eyesore for one of the most prominent crossroads in the city (you could argue second only to Trade and Tryon in importance).” – B

In response to: Stuff Charlotte rich people love

“Your list made me chuckle. I am a professional nanny and have witnessed many of these things on your list with each of my employers. I would add to the list, spa days and lunch for their children’s American Girl Doll’s. Because dolls need to take care of their skin too. Be a member of Christ Church Episcopal in Myers Park. Where all the women are of child baring age, beautiful, and impeccably dressed. Buy new dresses on the cheap at H&M because they are perfect to wear only once before throwing them away.” – C

“I peed myself after reading about “stuff rich charlotte people do”. I expect you to stop by Walmart and rent a carpet machine. Its stinks around here—had asparagus last night.” – B

“While I believe the article was intended to be satirical, I think the mark was missed. Instead of highlighting the class division in Charlotte, why not highlight the good things people are doing in our lovely city? Without the volunteer work and fundraising efforts of the so-called “rich,” Charlotte would be a much different city (and likely for the worse). This community support is invaluable, and it is far more newsworthy than one person’s interpretation of another’s lifestyle.” – A

“You have one glaring omission: Charlotte Athletic Club. Come for the still-warm-from-the-dryer towel service and fruit infused water, stay for the cleaning lady in the locker room calling you ‘Mami’.” – A