Trump says he’s protecting Americans from Coronavirus. His CDC cuts say otherwise.

Trump’s CDC cuts put the US at risk

President Trump claims he is taking all steps to protect American citizens from Coronavirus. His budget proposals tell a different story.

Trump proposed a 19% cut in funding for the CDC in his 2020 budget. The division controlling Coronavirus had a 17% cut. Congress restored some funding, but the CDC has had a 10% budget cut since 2016 adjusted for inflation.

These men and women courageously fly into the sites of epidemics like the Ebola outbreak to prevent the spread to America. We have a test for Coronavirus because CDC employees are willing to work with this virus in the lab. They deserve the support of the American people, including financial support.

The Trump budget cuts to the CDC are putting Americans at risk from epidemics like Coronavirus.

Dr. James Horton, Charlotte

Trump’s aspirations are on target

Regarding “Hilary Clinton was right about ‘deplorables,’“ (Feb. 9):

Leonard Pitts defends Hillary Clinton’s characterization of some Trump supporters as “deplorables” by citing a Pew survey that shows that progressives with college and post-graduate degrees greatly outnumber conservatives with such degrees.

Maybe liberals are more able to afford college, or maybe educators create more liberals, but Pitts’ and Clinton’s insensitive branding of less formally-educated conservatives reinforces the perception that liberals look down their noses at those with whom they disagree.

Character still counts, and while our president is imperfect in that regard, his aspirations for the republic are on target, and his supporters deserve more respect.

Phil Clutts, Harrisburg

Economy isn’t only gauge of success

It is becoming ever more difficult to support a government that has lost its moral values and no longer has its citizens in focus. Cases in point: Where is our affordable, good health care? Where is our climate concern? Where is our much-needed new infrastructure? Where are our values?

We as Americans cannot accept that our economy is the only laudable outcome at the cost of so many glaring failures.

Douglas B. Sherrow, Mint Hill

Sen. Tillis distorted impeachment facts

Regarding “Why I voted to acquit President Trump,” (Feb. 7 Opinion):

Sen. Thom Tillis is hoping that people who read his op-ed did not see the impeachment trial. If they did, they’d know his op-ed is full of distortions.

I watched the trial, and I say unequivocally, that House Democrats made a very compelling case in support of the Articles of Impeachment. Even some Republicans agreed that what Trump did was wrong, but in their eyes did not rise to the level of being punished.

If you value our democracy, use the next election to replace legislators lawmakers who value their jobs more than their country.

Gene Kavadlo, Charlotte

CMS blames tariffs. I see incompetence

Regarding “CMS asks Mecklenburg County for additional money to complete projects from 2017 bond,” (Feb. 10):

CMS board chair Elyse Dashew, vice chair Thelma Byers-Bailey and Superintendent Earnest Winston blame projected cost overruns on “tariffs and the trade war.” Or, how about poor planning and incompetence?

Perhaps a more accurate cause-and-effect could be enhanced with a mirror?

James B. Hall, Charlotte

Don’t expand the nature museum

An Observer report about last week’s storm damage included a photo of Sugar Creek flooding at Freedom Park just downstream from the nature museum. The photo clearly shows it would be crazy to permit the planned expansion of the museum, the rear of which also flooded. This project is not needed. Aside from the flood issue, the greenway through the woods is lovely and should not become a path along a parking lot, with many trees cut down. I don’t live nearby, but I love walking there.

Gerry Anderson, Charlotte

Remembering a Lumbee tribe icon

With the recent passing of Kannapolis resident and Robeson County native Patrick (Pat) Oxendine Clark, the Charlotte area and North Carolina lost an unwavering advocate for American Indian equality. A member of the Lumbee tribe, she was relentless in her quest to ensure that our indigenous people’s collective voice was heard and respected. She was the epitome of a servant leader.

Ray Brayboy, Myrtle Beach