It’s time the US paid food service workers a decent wage like other countries do

Pay these workers a decent salary

Regarding “Jobless benefits eating into staffing of local restaurants,” (May 4):

That food service workers can make more on unemployment than by working on salary and tips, should come as no surprise. It’s time for the United States to adopt other countries‘ decent salary/no tipping policy for food service workers. Many people are unaware that some food service positions don’t even have to be paid minimum wage, instead relying mostly on tips.

Dave Smith, Fort Mill

More to it than just jobless pay

Many of these employees who “don’t want to work” may have health conditions, or children and/or elderly parents in their care. Or, maybe the wages restaurants want to pay them no longer compensate for the risk now involved for the job. The job they are currently offering is different from what it was in February. There is more to this story than just the employees don’t want to work.

Stephen Valder, Charlotte

We’ve become a nanny state nation

Over the last 50-plus years more Americans have bought into the idea that government has to solve all of our problems. This is a virus that’s spreading faster than COVID-19. We’ve become a nanny state nation, relinquishing our individual rights and responsibility to those who have convinced us that we’re not capable on our own. Now people are starting to resist excessive government control in our lives with protests around the country. We may be in for another revolution to gain freedom from tyrannical rule. I hope it’s at the ballot box.

Rodger Parker, Huntersville

No reason for guns at NC rallies

Regarding “Armed group marches in downtown Raleigh to protest coronavirus stay-at-home order,” (May 1):

I am a proud 1966 graduate of Kent Sate University. Fifty years ago on a sunny morning in May protesting students faced National Guard soldiers wearing gas masks. By day’s end four students lay dead and nine wounded. Anytime I see civil protests of any type, I always fear that some people feel a show of arms will enhance their position. Trying to scare people will only lead to a possible incident that we’ll regret for another 50 years.

Please protester, there is no reason for guns at these rallies. With your signs, voices and large numbers you can still present your position.

Walt Boris, Pineville

I give the president 5 stars so far

I never thought I would say this, but I give President Trump five stars on his handling of the coronavirus outbreak in our nation. He is keeping the nation up to date and listening (mostly) to his advisers. If President Obama was doing the things Trump is doing, I would definitely give him five stars as well. The only thing I hope is that people will listen and not try and go back to “living freely” unless they can live up to the three phases suggested by the president and his advisers. This virus is still hanging around. Please, stay safe and stay well.

C.H. Hendricks, Charlotte

Putting health care workers in jeopardy

I vehemently disagree with “Let race fans take the risk” (April 30 Forum). People being allowed to congregate doesn’t only affect those directly involved, it impacts their families and everyone they come in contact with. It particularly riles me to think people would deliberately put health care workers in jeopardy by congregating and taking the chance of getting sick before the virus is under control. Health care workers on the front line are already exhausted and do not need to have more sick people unnecessarily showing up for treatment. Stop and think: What is the moral action to take? What if you were one of those working the long shifts with inadequate PPE and being exposed every shift to a deadly virus?

Kathryn Hodges, Hickory

Sprayberry tackles the hard questions

Regarding “Meet Mike Sprayberry, steady leader in the eye of NC storms,” (May 4):

As a former state Division of Emergency Management team member, I clearly remember what it’s like to wake up each morning and think, “What’s the worst thing that I might have to deal with today?” That is a difficult question that Director of Emergency Management Mike Sprayberry has to answer every hour of every day. North Carolinians owe him an enormous debt of gratitude.

Martha Glass, Cary

This story was originally published May 4, 2020 at 4:09 PM.