Lowe’s has joined the few who stand against equality. What a shame. | Opinion

Regarding “NC LGBTQ group ‘caught off guard’ as Lowe’s ends DEI programs amid conservative backlash” (Aug 28 and other articles):

The American spirit as taught in my school in the 1950s bragged that we were a nation of immigrants that came here for a better and freer life. All men, we were told, were created equal, and the best way to deal with our multicultural population was to integrate them so they had a stake in the future of the country and a reason to make it better.

It has been disappointing to see a substantial fraction of our nation take a stand against efforts to ensure equality and include more women and minorities in our work and activities. Woke, which means awareness of this need, has become a four-letter swear word. This attitude is the opposite of the American Dream.

Now locally owned Lowes hardware has caved to this pressure. That is a shame.

Vincent Keipper, Concord

Public school danger

It is essential that North Carolinians know the dangers that public education is facing in our state. Due to low salaries, many qualified teachers are leaving the profession, causing untold vacancies in NC public schools. Vouchers for private schools are taking away students from public schools and the funding that goes with them.

Public schools are the bedrock of North Carolina’s success. They educate our future workforce, strengthen our democracy and communities, and fuel our economy.

Our state’s 1.5 million public school students need your attention. Our youth need your protection!

Linda Levy, Matthews

Old and young drivers

Regarding “Can you be too old to drive in NC? Here are state guidelines for elderly drivers.” (Aug 22):

Evan Moore paints an ominous picture of the perils of sharing the roads with older drivers, yet his own statistics suggest otherwise. For instance, if 20% of all fatal crashes involve a driver 65 or older, that means 80% involve a driver under 65.

I would suggest a follow-up article with guidelines for young drivers who are glued to their phones.

Timothy Michael, Charlotte

Kidney deaths

The author is Principal, Coalition to Modify NOTA

Last month, the U.S. House introduced bill H.R. 9275 with bipartisan support. It proposes providing a reimbursable tax credit of $50,000 ($10,000 over 5 years) to anyone that donates a kidney to a stranger.

As the bill’s name implies, the goal of this 10-year pilot program is to end the needless deaths of those with kidney failure on the kidney transplant waiting list. Over 90,000 people in the U.S. are on that list and half of them will die before receiving a life-saving kidney. No one should die while waiting for a kidney.

H.R. 9275 specifically requests to modify the National Organ Transplant Act (NOTA) of 1984. The End Kidney Deaths Act will change that and save up to 100,000 lives and $37 billion in taxes over the next decade.

Matthew Harmody, Southern Pines

Post-election violence

The background drums are rolling, and Donald Trump appears to be signaling the possibility of violence in the aftermath of a Harris victory. The Supreme Court has foolishly ruled that the President is above the law in official actions. I hope and pray Biden and his administration are taking seriously the rumblings of the far-right and have plans in place to counter any unlawful or riotous responses to a Harris win.

Sam Roberson, Fort Mill, SC

NIL in high schools

Talented high school athletes that get college scholarships and then play professionally often cannot support themselves when their playing days are over because they failed to pay attention in school and were just “passed on” so they could play sports.

Now, if Name, Image and Likeness money is allowed in high schools, these kids are going to do the same in high school with that same attitude that they are “professional material” and do not need school.

Horrible mistake.

C Ryder, Charlotte