President Trump’s firing of inspectors general and others has spun out of control

Shredding the balance of power

America’s democracy has a foundation based on a system of checks and balances.

President Trump’s consistent and systematic dismissals, most recently Inspector General Steve Linick, of any independent government official who disagrees with him has spun out of control. This is not, and never will be, the new normal.

The constitutional balance of power no longer exists in America today. We, the People, all of us, Democrats, Republicans and Independents deserve better. November cannot get here soon enough.

Bill Anderson, Charlotte

Spending trillions with little discussion

Where are the Congressional discussions regarding how much and where the government is spending money? Negotiations are held in partisan groups with no open discussion for the public and policy analysts to comment regarding how we will pay for this expense - $1 trillion standard deficit, $2 trillion CARES Act and $3 trillion HEROES Act. The “tax the rich” refrain to pay for the Democratic platform doesn’t ring true. The money is gone.

Congress must take time and spend funds where there is the greatest need, benefit and return. They act like they got their first credit card and charge up to the credit limit.

Donald Schonder, Charlotte

My reasons for not wearing a mask

I can only speak for myself, but the reason I don’t wear a mask in public has nothing to do with being socially irresponsible or “not wanting anyone to tell me what to do.” It has to do with two very practical issues:

First, the CDC guidelines are clear, they recommend wearing a mask “in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.” When I am in public, I am very careful to keep at least 6 feet between myself and others, including walking down a different aisle if someone is already there, etc.

Second, though I am a healthy 62-year-old male, I find it difficult to breathe through the cloth mask I own. Therefore I choose to protect myself and others by doing one of the things the CDC says is most effective in stopping the spread: keeping a safe distance.

Tom Spencer, Waxhaw

Wear a mask to protect seniors

I am very tired of people acting as though our senior citizens don’t really matter because they’re old and close to dying anyway. I’ve actually heard people say that!

I think what these people miss is that if seniors catch COVID-19, it’s a truly horrible way to die - and most likely their families will not even be able to be with them. I hope those who are so cavalier with others’ health will stop and imagine their own parents or grandparents dying in such a way. It really isn’t a big deal to don a mask and social distance. Our seniors’ lives depend on it.

Jacqueline Wheeler, Linville

Turning churches into Petri dishes

Regarding “Federal judge blocks Cooper’s restrictions on religious services,” (May 17):

Gov. Roy Cooper’s restrictions on religious services were in response to the CDC guidelines and the advice of experienced public health scientists. The only effective weapons available that we have so far are social distancing, staying home, wearing masks and washing hands. These measures are working.

I wonder if the judge consulted with the appropriate scientists to evaluate the risks of his decision. I can’t think of a better way to spread a respiratory virus than a static crowd indoors. The worshipers may be inches apart for an hour or two exchanging respiratory droplets while they recite prayers or while singing. This is an excellent Petri dish.

Dr. David Nachamie, Lincolnton

But Flynn pleaded guilty. Twice.

Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn was Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency and served as National Security Advisor to the president. According to Attorney General William Barr he was browbeaten by a rogue prosecutor into twice pleading guilty in U.S. District Court to crimes he did not commit.

We will no doubt be hearing much more about that. But most disturbing is that without waterboarding or any physical torture, a distinguished military leader of the stature of Gen. Flynn could be forced two times to admit under oath to crimes he now says he did not commit. This has profound implications for our system of justice and the mental toughness of our highest military leadership.

Ed Hinson, Charlotte

This story was originally published May 19, 2020 at 3:29 PM.