Address inequalities that place citizens and police in danger
Become a nation that values lives equally
In response to “Protests erupt after fatal police shooting” (Sept. 21):
The writer heads Urban League of Central Carolinas.
While this may or may not turn out to be a “civil rights case” based on the facts, the reality is that a disproportionate amount of black bodies have died under questionable circumstances.
The pain is legitimate!
We must address the economic and social inequalities that place citizens and police in danger.
We have a history we must face and policies we must consider in order to create a nation that truly values lives equally.
Patrick Graham, Charlotte
Social media was used to fan the fire
Social media can certainly be blamed for fanning the fire on the shooting, but there has to be a group that wants to believe whatever it wants it to be instead of waiting for the facts.
I have no sympathy for the mob or the families when this occurs.
It is also irresponsible when a politician or activist says white people need to be more understanding.
When is a politician or activist going to say, “Just obey officers’ commands and this will not happen”?
Andrew Davis, Fletcher
McCrory turned his back on Charlotte
I find the most appalling aspect of Gov. Pat McCrory is that he turned his back on Charlotte.
As a Republican, it is a shame to watch the GOP go from the party that saved the union, freed the slaves, and championed many of the social programs we enjoy today, to trying to promote discrimination of a group of people.
One of the most important roles of government is to protect those who are most vulnerable. In this, Gov. McCrory and the N.C. General Assembly have failed.
Ron Grubbs, Charlotte
Charlotte needs a rational leader
Charlotte and North Carolina would not be embroiled in the LGBT/HB2 issue had Dan Clodfelter or Edwin Peacock been elected mayor.
Damage to the city, state and businesses have been enormously costly and unnecessarily distracting.
If a recall election mechanism existed in North Carolina law, perhaps voters would remove Mayor Jennifer Roberts and elect a rational leader to move beyond this issue and put the city back on a path of growth, expansion and national respect.
Phillip Greene, Charlotte
GOP, not Roberts, caused HB2 debacle
In response to “Roberts’ reckless hubris caused HB2” (Sept. 21 Forum):
As mayor of Charlotte Jennifer Roberts was well within her legislative rights to urge passage of an anti-discrimination law protecting LGBT rights.
It was GOP lawmakers in Raleigh who interfered and over-stepped their authority in trying to coerce and control a municipal government.
It is not Mayor Roberts who is afflicted with hubris, but the Republicans in the state capital who have finally created a national debacle they cannot weasel, whine or blame their way out of.
Larry Vogt, Mooresville
Wanted: CEOs who act with integrity
In response to “Warren to Wells CEO: ‘You should resign’ ” (Sept. 21):
The contest between senators on the Senate Banking Committee and Wells Fargo CEO is both frustrating and insulting.
Both sides of the aisle regarded the other with a lack of respect.
We need to replace most members of Congress, and we need to have CEOs with integrity who treat employees with respect.
Robert W. Shirley, Charlotte
Trump’s tough talk makes us less safe
Donald Trump’s anti-Muslim rhetoric and talk of travel bans and racial profiling suggest he is willing to dispense with the Bill of Rights in his “get tough, get smart” war on terror.
Perhaps people should reflect on whether they are willing to sacrifice constitutional protections to enable Trump’s plans.
Perhaps they should realize that his anti-terrorism policies would only serve to further marginalize people who may be susceptible to radicalization, making us even less safe.
Joseph J. Salerno, Charlotte
Clinton’s elitist mindset on display
Hillary Clinton’s “deplorables” statement reveals her elitist and superior mindset.
Hillary, FYI, we hope to elect a new president who will be for all Americans, including all “deplorables,” both Democrat and Republican.
Howard Honeycutt, Charlotte
This story was originally published September 21, 2016 at 6:01 PM with the headline "Address inequalities that place citizens and police in danger."