Sen. Burr may be innocent, but not sounding the alarm on coronavirus is unforgivable

What I can’t forgive Sen. Burr for

It is understandable that a smart investor like Sen. Richard Burr might be concerned about the COVID-19 outbreak and sell stocks as a defensive measure. If he used insider information to do so, he broke the law and should be punished. But even if he didn’t break the law, voters should not forget that he was saying in public that everything was fine when he knew it was not. Knowing what was coming and not telling his constituents is what is most unforgivable.

Vincent Keipper, Concord

I applaud Trump’s response on virus

Governors of certain states - Illinois, New York, Washington, Michigan - have botched their phased reopenings with convoluted procedures, contradictory statements, and incongruous enforcement, thereby causing more harm than good.

Meanwhile, in retrospect, our president has handled the federal response better than anyone thought. His travel restrictions from China in January were vital to saving American lives. Joe Biden and some in the media criticized Trump at the time, focusing on his “record of xenophobia.” Biden later said he agreed with the travel restrictions but didn’t think Trump acted with enough urgency. Critics initially said Trump moved too quickly; then said he moved too slow. You can’t have it both ways.

Frank J. Betts, Cornelius

On virus, I see a failure of leadership

After Trump’s election, we hoped the weight of the presidency would mature him, or that he’d appoint knowledgeable people, or at minimum that other government institutions would prevent him from dismantling our democracy. With those hopes dashed, all that remained was to hope that America could avoid a challenge that required stable, competent leadership. Enter coronavirus.

It didn’t have to be this way. Previous administrations had provided a game plan. We had valuable weeks of warning, preeminent medical, scientific, and technological expertise, deep financial resources, a well-trained military skilled in response logistics. Yet, all those advantages, we are failing catastrophically. Trump’s daily lies, excuses, and blame-shifting underscore the obvious: We have a clear and utter failure of leadership. Trump needs to resign.

James Bokeno, Charlotte

No one picked winners and losers

Regarding “I agree with Miller about low risk,” (May 15 Forum):

Yes, the rate of contracting COVID-19 is low, but that’s because social distancing and closing stores and restaurants works. Locales that have reversed course prematurely have seen spikes in new infections and more deaths. Appreciate success, stay the course.

And why are groceries, pharmacies and home improvement stores open while other retail is closed? Because we need food and drugs, and as long as construction and home repair and landscaping continue the homeowners and crews need to buy supplies. It’s not picking winner and losers, it’s determining what’s essential.

Hank Durkin, Charlotte

On masks, careful what you ask for

The idea of wearing masks where you cannot socially distance makes sense right now. Wearing them in areas where you can socially distance is more difficult to agree with. But really - until when? The virus is here, and as with all things we have to decide what’s an acceptable level of risk. Even if you get the levels in your city down to zero, what happens the next day when someone comes in from out of town? Everyone put on your masks again? Although some things make sense at the time, be careful what you ask for. Try bringing a sealed bottle of water through security.

Patrick Hughes, Charlotte

This toilet paper shortage is crazy

To heck with Phase Two. Can the governor tell us when we might expect toilet paper to be sufficiently stocked at all stores? Might we have to regulate TP purchases the way we controlled fuel sales during the gas shortage of the ‘70s? This truly is one of the most ridiculous things about this pandemic!

Sarah Cannon, Concord

Two good uses for the Eastland site

Regarding “Charlotte officials take questions on Eastland rezoning,” (May 14):

Not all children should look forward to college in their future. The Eastland Mall site would be perfect for building a campus for vocational training where high school grads can learn a functional trade. The new soccer facility could share its athletic facility with CMS. The world needs more auto mechanics, HVAC technicians, electricians, plumbers, horticulturists, cosmetologists, etc. - and fewer lawyers and politicians.

Cathy DeCostanza, Matthews