Opinion articles provide independent perspectives on key community issues, separate from our newsroom reporting.

Letters to the Editor

GOP’s march to hard right ended split tickets for me

I used to split my vote. No more.

In response to “Is GOP being shut out by how districts in Charlotte drawn?” (Nov. 20):

David Mills
David Mills

I am a Democrat and used to split my ticket, especially locally. Now I vote straight Democrat. With the national and state Republicans’ march to the hard right – we all saw the mutation of Gov. Pat McCrory – I have a new motto: “Not one freaking Republican, not one.”

David J. Mills, Charlotte

There is no need for Franken to resign

In response to Our View “Democrats face a test on troubling behavior” (Nov. 19 Editorial):

You are wrong to call for the resignation of Sen. Al Franken. By today’s standards his behavior in 2006 was objectionable but it does not rise to the level of an offense that would require his resignation.

Remember, Franken made his living as a comedian before becoming a U.S. senator. By all accounts from people who know and work with him he is a staunch supporter and advocate for women.

He did not rape anyone or pursue an underage girl. If no one who has ever in his life done anything inappropriate, no matter how trivial, should serve, who will be left to offer their talents in public service?

Stephen Holcomb, Charlotte

Roy Moore is better choice in Alabama

An Alabama minister recently told me that the Democratic U.S. Senate candidate in Alabama favors abortion. So should a murderer be favored over a man who made bad choices in his past?

Judy Richardson, Indian Trail

Follow in Kaycee’s CMS footsteps

In response to “How I pursue change at my segregated CMS school” (Nov. 20 Opinion):

Hats off to Kaycee Hailey for calling the CMS system what it is, “segregated.”

She forcefully speaks to a situation which the CMS leadership fails to address and blames everyone but themselves for the failures in so many CMS schools.

Ms. Hailey tackles her education situation head-on and clearly gives her peers a direction to follow. She exhibits a personal enthusiasm to not let her situation be the reason she is not successful.

Her attitude is contagious and is worth catching. She is asking her peers and her CMS leadership if the same is true for them. She is a person worth watching. I wish her continued success.

Richard J. Beck, Mooresville

Kaepernick is no citizen of the year

In response to “Colin Kaepernick named GQ magazine’s citizen of the year” (Nov. 13):

Colin Kaepernick wears socks depicting cops as pigs and a tee shirt sporting Fidel Castro, and then claims no disrespect for law enforcement, the military and the flag. You’re kidding, right?

The NFL shows no backbone and becomes a purveyor of “social justice,” rather than a football league designed to entertain. Then it wonders why it’s in trouble.

Colin, take a hike.

Mac McCall, Taylorsville

Kneeing for anthem isn’t disrespectful

As a Navy veteran I’d like to say that kneeling during the national anthem is not disrespectful to our flag or military.

Andrew Boris
Andrew Boris

Our flag is a symbol carried around the world representing our country, our laws, and Constitution. That is why military personnel swear an Oath to “support and defend the Constitution,” not the flag.

The outrage is a red herring by certain groups to take attention away from the real reason for these protests. Unfortunately, it has received support from individuals who are supposed to support the rights of all Americans.

Supporting people who are exercising their Constitutional rights, whether you agree with them or not, my fellow Americans, is the definition of true patriotism!

Andrew Boris, Pineville

Can’t help but admire Chancellor, Saundra

In response to “Time has flown by” (Nov. 19):

I applaud Scott Fowler and the Observer for the uplifting article on Chancellor Lee and Saundra Adams.

Tim Eichenbrenner
Tim Eichenbrenner

Against all odds and despite physical and mental limitations, Chancellor has not just survived but thrived, in large part due to his grandmother’s care for him.

Her attitude of forgiveness for her daughter’s murderers and her loving care for Chancellor are exemplary. Their journey is a silver lining to an otherwise very dark cloud in Charlotte’s history.

Tim Eichenbrenner, Charlotte

This story was originally published November 20, 2017 at 3:19 PM with the headline "GOP’s march to hard right ended split tickets for me."

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