A conservative says Dems were slow to condemn Platner? Please. | Opinion

Nicole Russell’s opinion column accuses Democrats of being slow to condemn Graham Platner for abusing women and alleged rape. She goes on to say that because the Democratic Party claims to stand for women’s rights, its inaction makes it hypocritical.

She does not address why Republicans, by her implication, do not advocate for women’s rights and are willing to vote for President a man accused by over 20 women of sexual misconduct. He owes one of these women $5 million after being found guilty in court. His relationship with Jeffrey Epstein is also being forgiven by his “unhypocritical” base.

Vincent Keipper, Concord

Mecklenburg emissions testing

The NC General Assembly now seeks to remove Mecklenburg County from the state’s required annual vehicle emissions testing to save drivers $30. The proposal says such testing should only be performed if NC has areas of poor air quality issues. If it does? This week alone, the National Weather Service’ hazard alerts revealed that we’re experiencing severe weather, dangerous high heat, and poor air quality.

And not in the least, the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles’ listings for Mecklenburg County identifies over 30 verified emissions and smog test stations in Charlotte and surrounding areas that include independently owned emission testing small businesses. They would be impacted!

Christy Kluesner, Charlotte

Environmental education

Rather than reducing state spending by addressing fiscal inefficiencies, our legislators chose an easy and misguided option by dismantling the North Carolina Office of Environmental Education. For over 50 years, this nationally recognized office has supported teachers, park rangers, museum educators, and nonprofit volunteers through its nationally recognized Environmental Education Certification Program. Managed by just two staff, it provided statewide training and curriculum on natural resources and complex issues such as climate change, water quality, wildlife conservation, and land use.

Environmental education strengthens critical thinking, prepares people for careers in our growing outdoor recreation economy, and connects people with nature. I urge lawmakers to reverse this decision and reopen this highly effective office to ensure North Carolina’s long-standing leadership in environmental education is maintained for future generations.

Sandra O’Neill, Cornelius

Trump brothers’ luck

Donald Trump, Jr, and his brother Eric are really on a roll. It seems that every company they invest in or become associated with, no matter how small or obscure it is, suddenly receives a large federal government contract resulting in immediate growth and profit expansion. It’s been an astonishing run of extremely good luck.

Arnie Grieves, Huntersville

Emblems of belief

When I visit Arlington National Cemetery, I always notice the “emblems of belief” that are included on the headstones. There are 98 categories to choose from, including a variety of Christian ones; Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim ones; Stars of David and a Messianic menorah for Jewish believers; and even an atom, representing atheists. We are a country of diversity united by the concept that all people are created equal and this is reflected in the way Arlington honors the beliefs of its heroes and heroines.

I realize Christian nationalists inside and outside the Trump administration have profound struggles reconciling their cruel policies with the teachings of Christ, but they should get over their narrow identity politics and reflect on the way service members are respected on truly sacred ground.

Scott Shuford, Hillsborough

C’mon, Harris Teeter and Food Lion

It’s summer, the planet is burning, and petrochemicals help to stoke the blaze. They also form the plastics which litter, pollute, and damage our world and our bodies.

Why do North Carolina Harris Teeter and Food Lion grocery stores continue to distribute free single-use plastic bags at their check-out counters? By now, these companies have probably heard of the risks incurred. At the very least, Harris Teeter and Food Lion could charge a small fee for each plastic bag, to encourage customers to bring their own bags.

Even crunchy Whole Foods continues to plasticize its fruit and vegetables wastefully and pointlessly.

Please, supermarket CEOs: it’s time to stop!

Rosemary, Haskell, Chapel Hill

A restaurant I miss

In response to “The Mad Greek wins CharlotteFive Best Greek Food” (June 26)”:

The best place for authentic Greek food was Greek Isles on Bland Street. It had the best menu, food, atmosphere, etc. It closed a few years ago and the sports bar next door expanded. (We certainly need more and bigger sports bars. Not.) No other restaurant compares to Greek Isles. I have been looking - in vain - since then.

Susan Fox, Charlotte