Impeachment should have been a search for truth, but jury prejudice was too strong

Trials should be a search for truth

When juries are selected, the presiding judge tells them that a trial is a search for the everlasting truth. Ironically, Atticus Finch, the defense lawyer in “To Kill a Mocking Bird” is at work again in a Broadway show as the Trump impeachment trial plays out in Washington.

Despite the evidence, lawyer Finch had no chance changing the prejudiced minds of the jury. And neither did House prosecutors in the Trump impeachment proceedings. Trials ought to be a search for the truth, but sometimes jury prejudice is just too strong.

Ed Hinson, Charlotte

Burr and Tillis stood up to pressure

It’s great to see two of the finest senators in the country stand up to the liberal media pressure to yield to the purely partisan impeachment strategy of the House Democrats aimed at overturning the results of the 2016 election. Sens. Thom Tillis and Richard Burr are absolutely correct in not allowing the Democrats to drag out the process to advance their 2020 political goals.

George Schwab, Charlotte

NC’s two senators sold their souls

U.S. senators used to be mostly honorable and respected and could be entrusted to maintain the sanctity of our democracy. Sadly, that’s no longer true. Richard Burr and Thom Tillis have sold their souls to further their own greed and Trump’s agenda.

I weep for our country because of the loss of truth, honesty, integrity, dignity. Our senators’ legacy will be the continuing destruction of the Constitution and our democracy unless they set aside their loyalty to the man who wants to be king, honor their oaths, and do the right thing.

Janet Edwards, Pineville

I blame Mitch McConnell for this

The hypocrisy and partisan games that Mitch McConnell has been a part of are the reason this country is so divided.

Republicans are afraid of the Twitter feed of a man not fit for the office he holds. For months McConnell blocked a Supreme Court pick nominated by a sitting president, yet McConnell wanted a Senate impeachment trial with no new witnesses or documents.

I’m tired of one party choosing itself over the country. The days of honorable American Republicans like John McCain are gone, and if that doesn’t make you sad as an American I don’t know what will.

William Hames, Conover

Observer must help ease political divide

I attended the North Carolina Priorities presentation with three former governors discussing issues important to North Carolinians in 2020.

All the speakers agreed our nation is extremely polarized, rhetoric coming from both parties is worsening, and the media plays a part in polarizing the nation.

As a conservative voter, I was heartened that the Observer’s political reporter and managing editor seemed to hear and agree. But the next morning when I read the Observer editorial about our two Republican senators, I felt discouraged and disappointed. Observer, do your part to help us.

Cissy Carr, Charlotte

Cultural enrichment takes another blow

Regarding “Regal Ballantyne Village closing in Charlotte,” (Jan. 31):

The loss of the Ballantyne theater leaves fans of independent and foreign films with just one place to see them. And how long will the Manor theater last in a town where development seems to be optimizing anything that can be torn down and replaced with grander structures many times the size of what was there before?

The ability to see these films provides an alternative to blockbusters aimed at mass audiences and enriches the culture in our community. It’s a sad scenario when “fabulous office space” is valued over quality of life. How can anyone say that “Charlotte’s got a lot”?

Joan Rasmussen, Charlotte

A gentle reminder as fear goes viral

Fear of the coronavirus and its potential for fatal consequences has spread from China to all corners of the world, and understandably so.

It is only natural to fear an infectious disease whose potential for morbidity and mortality is not yet fully known. The death toll in China is now over 200, and cases are being identified in the U.S.

At the same time, we are experiencing our annual encounter with the influenza virus. While it kills thousands of Americans each year, many of our patients laugh off the need for the vaccine and promulgate the myth that the vaccine actually causes the flu illness. Perhaps it is human nature to fear the evil that may be lurking outside, while ignoring the monster that is living amongst us.

Dr. Tim Eichenbrenner, Charlotte