The Silent Sam settlements is what happens when boards lack diversity

If UNC deal stands, my money goes

I was the first African-American from Charlotte to graduate from UNC Chapel Hill (1962-65) when the university did not want us there. We had professors tell us we should transfer to what’s now NCCU, that we didn’t belong, and that the best grade we would get would be a “D.”

It may have been reasonable in 1913 to erect the Silent Sam statue, when the only African-Americans there were cooks and cleaners, but it should have been removed when the school was fully integrated.

This decision by the UNC Board of Governors is what happens when decisions are made by all “too white” boards.

My will includes money for a possible scholarship at UNC. I contribute annually to the endowment campaign and another scholarship fund. If this settlement stands, I’ll transfer my donations to Duke Med and NCCU and discontinue my UNC support.

Dr. Eddie L. Hoover, Charlotte

Dems tarnished impeachment

Regarding “Impeachment is serious and it does matter,” (Dec. 18 Editorial):

I agree that impeachment is a serious matter, ranking with the declaration of war as Congress’s most important duties. The reason that the American people aren’t taking this as seriously as the Editorial Board would like is that the Democrats tarnished the process before it started by repeatedly calling for President Trump’s impeachment as soon as he was sworn in.

Tim Eichenbrenner, Charlotte

If Trump is innocent, why hold back?

All I’ve heard from Mitch McConnell and others is that the impeachment process is unfair to the president. Yet, President Trump has refused to provide witnesses or documents that he claims would exonerate him. What accused person holds back evidence that proves his innocence?

Some say we should let the 2020 election decide. How can we count on the election being fair when the whole reason for the impeachment is that the president sought interference in that same election?

Dianne Mason, Matthews

Bus/bike-only lanes be damned

Regarding “Bus/bike-only lane debuts on East 4th St. in uptown Charlotte,” (Dec. 16):

A dedicated bus/bike-only lane on Fourth Street be damned. Street planners have sold out in-town street lanes to the Kimpton hotel, Romare Bearden Park walkways, construction projects, football stadium crossing islands, and now bus/bike lanes.

I, for one, will drive proudly on those lanes that we in-town drivers have paved and purchased with our taxes and patience while street planners continue to make major mistakes with our previous vehicle lanes.

Robert Lilien, Charlotte

Wildlife management needed in Meck

Regarding “A way to help drivers and wildlife,” (Dec. 18 Forum):

I don’t see an easy solution to this issue without some sort of wildlife management program. Living in Mecklenburg County we are overrun with deer. Their only predator is Chevrolet. I’ve asked the Wildlife commission about a possible herd thinning program, but there’s not much support.

Out of control growth puts more pressure on wildlife. Good luck on training the bears to look out for trucks.

Butch Fisher, Charlotte

MLS is proof this city has lost its way

As a native Charlottean, I’ve never been more disappointed in my hometown. At a time when we don’t have enough shelter beds for the homeless and affordable housing for families, it’s nice to know we can find $110 million to give to a billionaire to fund leisure activities for the wealthy, such as a new pro team and entertainment district.

There will be the usual excuses — “the money can only be spent on...” and “it’s a community investment...” — but it’s clear the city has lost its way and its soul. At least we’ll have a pro-business narrative to sell when the RNC comes to town, right, Mayor Lyles?

Michael Tye, Charlotte

My MLS pick: The Queen City Woos

In naming the new MLS team please consider a few possibilities that honor a sports legend who truly put Charlotte on the map: Ric Flair.

He’s a legend and already ingrained into our sports. If you’ve been to any Panthers or Hurricanes games, you’ll hear the “Wooo!” The team colors could be based on Flair’s robes, and since a long scarf is a thing in MLS ours should be a feather boa.

Name possibilities: Charlotte Horsemen, Flair City FC, and my favorites — the Charlotte or Queen City Woos.

Brent Caulder, Charlotte