Tipping sends message

The acronym "TIPS," as I have been told, means "to insure proper service." In this country, it has been the way waiters and waitresses earn the remainder of their wages. Some people, and some waiters and waitresses, seem to have forgotten that ("Diners want power to tip or not to tip: #tellusatoday").

As someone who eats out regularly due to travel, if I leave the typical 10% to 18% tip, then a waiter or waitress needs to improve the level of service. When I get good service, I tip in the 30% or higher level.

Only once have I ever tipped $0.01. That was more than 30 years ago. And, yes, in this case the waitress deserved the tip.

When going to a restaurant, if the waiter or waitress does the job properly, he or she should be left at least 18% or so. But if a waiter or waitress is not doing the job properly, the tip level lets them know.

Donald Laster Jr.; West Long Branch, N.J.

NFL name offensive

If it's OK to name a football team the Washington Redskins, then how about a team named the Georgia Darkies or the San Francisco Slant Eyes? I think not.

Michael Miller; Gaston, S.C.

Misplaced priorities

American Indians face far greater problems than whether the Washington Redskins NFL team should change its name, problems such as high rates of obesity and diabetes, staggering alcoholism and drug abuse, as well as crushing poverty.

A name change of a football team should barely amount to a footnote in the lives of American Indians, because changing the name of a storied franchise wouldn't make a dent in their fight for survival.

Walt Bonora; Lakewood, Colo.

Jimmy Carter mistaken

Unlike former president Jimmy Carter, I still believe upward mobility works and have seen it work in my life and the lives of my children ("Upward mobility stunted in America? Your Say").

Our society still rewards those who are willing to work hard to achieve their dreams.

Larry Leahy; Yoakum, Texas