Cancel RNC and DNC. If sports without fans is OK, so are conventions without people

Cancel both political conventions

Regarding Our View “The governor is giving NC its COVID-19 freedom. What will that look like?” (May 21 Editorial)

If Gov. Roy Cooper has shifted the responsibility of COVID-19 “from the government to the people it serves,” my question is: Should Charlotte hold the Republican National Convention? Shouldn’t Charlotte and surrounding communities get to decide whether — or not — to welcome 50,000 people from 50 states, all with varying infection rates as the CDC predicts a second wave of virus?

I vote in favor of canceling both political conventions. Let both parties donate $30 million each to the businesses and employees impacted in the cities involved, rather than gambling on our current and future health. If we can have sports without fans this summer, we certainly can survive a convention without people.

Daryl Solomonson, Troutman

Detainees created situation they’re in

Regarding “Detained NC immigrants in detention center face virus outbreak,” (May 18):

Actions have consequences. When these individuals decided to illegally come to the U.S. they understood there would be consequences if they were caught. They choose of their own free will to break our laws. Now unfortunately their children are suffering because of their illegal actions. I feel badly for Mauricio Flores’ children and the children of others caught in this situation. But, let’s remember this is a bad situation that they decided to make on their own.

Rick Toot, Matthews

World-class? Not so much any more

Regarding “Charlotte loses ‘artistic bedrock’ as its oldest movie theater and last art house closes,” (May 21)

With the closing of the Manor Theater, Charlotte can in absolutely no way even think about claiming to be a world-class city. Waiting for other Regal theaters to show art and independent movies is waiting to watch pigs fly.

Jay and Mary Brosnan, Mint Hill

Be glad you have good public servants

In response to “Mecklenburg officials questioned over coronavirus spending” (May 18):

Our county manager and health director should be praised for the tremendous time and heartfelt effort they’ve given to protect our community during these difficult times. They are making educated and informed decisions.

Mecklenburg County commissioners appointed them to those positions and choose good people. Now they have shined beyond expectations and it is not the time to publicly complain about decisions they make on how to spend money. Be glad you have good public servants. If it was left to the board, politicians who don’t have the expertise of their employees, we would be in a much worse situation.

Fred Longietti, Charlotte

Glad for Cooper’s cautious approach

Back in April, former Charlotte City Council member Kenny Smith wrote: “Recent projections (of COVID-19 deaths) have dropped to 60,000. Even that new, lower, estimate is suspect. In each case, the models have been off by many factors.”

As of May 20, the actual number of deaths in our country exceeded 93,000. And according to modeling released Wednesday, COVID deaths are projected to exceed 113,000 by mid-June.

I, for one, am very glad we have a governor in Roy Cooper who is taking a cautious data-driven, tiered approach to lifting restrictions. I look forward to Smith offering us his perspective again soon.

Dumont Clarke, Charlotte

Socialism is alive and well in farm bailouts

Previously, U.S. farmers received $28 billion in two bailouts due to the trade war policy of the current occupant of the White House. Now, the White House is establishing another $19 billion in relief for farmers due to the poor handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

Farmers can receive up to $250,000 per person. This socialism that many conservatives worry about is alive and well and is being driven by the White House to please certain voting and campaign financing constituencies.

Patrick Miller, Fleetwood

No toilet paper? Now I see why.

I finally found toilet paper after three months! The paper product shelves at Food Lion, Family Dollar and Walmart were empty for months, but when I went to the Food Lion last Sunday I noticed a customer with two six-roll packs of Charmin in her arms. When I got to the paper section there were two packs left. I had to step up on the shelves to get the one I needed. I left the last one for another customer. Now I know what happened to the toilet paper, paper towels, and cleaning products that once stood on those bare shelves. Customers were taking more than they needed.

John Barrera, Concord