NBA is Dying
Even though the effort may be futile, I’m glad someone is attempting to do something to thwart this ridiculous and business ignorant move (“Arena Opponents Never Say Die,” January 8). First and foremost, the NBA itself is a dying business. Revenues have been dropping for years in all areas and if Mayor McCrory or Bob Johnson thinks that we (people who are lawyers, doctors [like myself], business owners, wealthy, etc., with the disposable income) are going to patronize this facility, or are going to use the NBA team for family entertainment, they must be crazy. This deal was done in the back room and everyone, especially our mayor, should feel ashamed because of it. We have already voted and the answer was no. And in the infamous words of Charles Barkley, “The people with the wherewithal (disposable income/money) are not going to take their children to watch tattooed hoodlums running up and down the court.” The days of Magic and Bird are over. We are left with the likes of Allen Iverson, Latrell Sprewell and Derrick Coleman. Can’t wait to see if the Mayor and City Council members are in line when the Season tix go on sale. Do you really think they will take their children to see these guys?? Furthermore, an NBA team cannot complete locally with Duke, UNC, NCSU, Wake, and even UNCC basketball. The type of entertainment the NBA brings is neither clean nor fun and is not the type of entertainment that will work in Charlotte or the South for that matter. And to think, I used to go the outdated Coliseum for games before the game became what it is today.
Thank you — I feel better already. This has really been a thorn in my side.
–Matt Curtis, Charlotte
Dja vu — AgainI lived in Charlotte for a number of years (now in Sapphire, NC) and was always dumbfounded at how the city fathers and downtown — oops! excuse me, Uptown — business interests seemingly railroaded anything they wanted for the downtown area. I recall the Coliseum was finally built on Tyvola Road, but only after voters were practically in open revolt! Now, it looks like deja vu all over again! Damn the voters, the city fathers and downtown — oops! excuse me, Uptown — business interests have or are about to have their way again!
Creative Loafing performs a great service and is an asset to the voters in Charlotte. While I am now only a distant (but interested and amused) observer, I personally commend you for a job “Well Done.” Keep it up!
–Bruce Hardy, Sapphire
Death Penalty DebateWhile no one would disagree that Blacks commit a disproportionate percentage of homicides the fact that this numerology goes on with death penalty statistics should surprise no one (“Twist And Shout,” Citizen Servatius, January 8). It is a hotly debated political issue on both sides. I am Black and I am not in favor of the death penalty but not because I am Black. No true Christian should be because it violates the Ten Commandments. Any segment of the population that is oppressed and disadvantaged commits a higher percentage of all types of crime. The reasons are obvious: a greater sense of powerlessness, hopelessness, desperation and frustration. I do not aim to justify killing, but there have been times in this country when killing has been justified.
How about the CIA’s targeting of the Black Panthers during the 70s? None of those CIA agents were ever charged for their crimes since the Black Panthers presented a “clear and present danger” for attempting to build the black community through self-empowerment. My main complaint with the death penalty is that it is applied unfairly based on the perpetrator and the victim. Blacks are twice as likely to be executed for killing whites. This is obvious racism and it needs to stop — now!!! It amazes me how easily the so-called Christian conservatives will put away their Bibles when it comes to dealing with Black people. It must be nice to just go through the Bible and choose what you want to obey and what you don’t. White people are already a minority worldwide and in California, Hawaii and Washington, DC. By 2050, the Census Bureau predicts that statistic will apply to the entire nation. Whites better hope when there is a power switch that people of other colors, including Blacks, are more understanding than they were but I have a memory like an elephant.
–George W Thompson, Jr., Charlotte
Ma PerkinsWhen Lucy Perkins, whom I always enjoyed as one of your observational columnists, decides to write about something besides herself and her new baby, she may again be worth reading (“Unresolved Resolutions,” January 8). Until then, dump her stuff. I can hear this same drivel from a number of new mothers, all of whom spout the same “I didn’t know life could be like this” mush. Golly Gosh, ain’t life grand!! God, I have such a different perspective on life!!
–Richard Munger, Charlotte
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This article appears in Jan 15-21, 2003.
