Once again, Tough Talkin’ Thom Tillis loses his edge | Opinion

Once again, Tough Talkin’ Thom Tillis caves when it comes to another Trump nominee. His vote to confirm Todd Blanche is almost certain after he failed to ask Blanche anything harder than whether he likes StayPuff marshmallows.

Terry Keith, Charlotte

I-77 needs fixing

I feel for the people who would be harmed by the I-77 toll lane project. A few people shouldn’t be allowed to affect the many who sit in continuous congestion without an option for relief. Figure out a way to make this project a reality, even if it means from John Belk Freeway to the South Carolina line.

Jim Shuback, Charlotte

Platner column omission

In response to “Platner drops out, doesn’t admit wrongdoing. Just like Democrats” (July 12 op-ed):

How incredulous that Nicole Russell, a self-described “conservative woman,” attacks Democrats for “champion[ing] women’s voices” but waiting too long to eject Democratic candidates accused of demonstrating “behavior anathema to women’s basic rights,” and yet nowhere in her biased rant mentions the anti-woman agenda of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (also accused of sexual assault) who has made no secret of his beliefs that women do not belong in combat and has fired numerous senior women in the military, or the multi-million dollar jury verdict against President Trump for sexual abuse and defamation of writer E. Jean Carroll, or Trump referring to the Epstein Files as “a big hoax.”

Perhaps these facts regarding Republican sexual abuse exceeded Russell’s word count.

Amy Lefkof, Charlotte

Summer months break this teacher

For 31 years, I have poured my soul into America’s classrooms. As a Title I teacher, I have nurtured, guided, and developed brilliant children of every race, color, and nationality. I have watched these kids prove that our democracy’s future is bright, if only we invest in them.

Yet, as a 57-year-old single woman who has dedicated her entire adult life to this country’s children, I am completely broken.

Every summer, while the public assumes teachers are relaxing and rejuvenating their mental health, I am entering survival mode. Because teachers are only paid for 10 months of the year, my summers are a recurring nightmare. Every single year, my home faces foreclosure. My lights get cut off. My car gets repossessed. I am forced to scrape for basic survival.

We face a systemic crisis. I am mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially exhausted. I should be looking forward to my golden years, taking pride in what I have contributed to this nation. Instead, I cannot even afford to retire.

We must wake up before it is too late. Value us. Think of us. Incorporate us.

Lauren K Contaste Charlotte

Trump and Iran

It is difficult to believe that our president criticized the NATO alliance for not joining in his war against Iran. Does he not know that NATO’s purpose is to defend member countries against unwanted aggression. NATO does not start or participate in conflicts made especially by leaders who make poor decisions. Our president is not well liked by NATO members. They tolerate his behavior because of the USA’s ability to provide material and weapons, but no longer leadership.

John Hadaway, Charlotte

World Cup tough to watch

The World Cup has drawn much attention across the globe. I enjoyed watching my classmates play in college some decades ago. Today’s Futbol now looks more like Football, distracting from much of the skill involved in the game. Endless whistles, fouls, faux pain and injury all take away from the enjoyment of seeing athletes display their skills.

Kent Rhodes, Charlotte