Hundreds taking a knee against racism in an upscale part of Charlotte. What a sight.

What a sight in upscale Charlotte

Something big happened Monday in small piece of America. White people and two professional athletes risked criticism, financial loss, and friendships by courageously standing together voicing anger over treatment of black and brown people across our land. Hundreds of humans of all ages and colors marched through Charlotte’s most exclusive neighborhood and stopped to “take a knee” together!

In these times of chaos, lies, racism and pandemic, people known for holding up in their cocoons declared that police brutality is wrong; that we’re better than this. And for 90 minutes they were right.

Martin Luther King once said our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. Monday, these people began to recharge their lives — with courage, compassion and brotherly vision. What a sight!

Harry Taylor, Charlotte

My son is black; I won’t stand idly by

I am a white mom of a black son. Imagine if George Floyd were your son, brother, father. Think of your son crying “I can’t breathe” and calling “Mama” while a police officer killed him, as three officers stood by.

I have ordered my shirt saying “Black Lives Matter.” I’ve said to my son all the things a black male should know in this country. I can’t and won’t stand by idly.

It’s up to police and whites to change this situation. President Trump incites hate and encourages violence. He must go! I am pleased to see police officers kneeling and whites also protesting.

Barbara Close, Fort Mill

Rioters actions hurt business owners

Justice? Are the residents and business owners whose places, lives and livelihoods have been destroyed by the riots going to get justice?

Mark Linch, Charlotte

I fault local leaders for their response

Mayor Vi Lyles and Police Chief Kerr Putney, given the abject failure of leadership by Mayor Jennifer Roberts during Charlotte’s last riots, why did you not bring in the National Guard immediately?

Insurance companies for those businesses that have been damaged should sue the city for their repairs. It is your responsibility to provide for the safety of our citizens.

James B. Hall, Charlotte

Clergy, others like me, are in solidarity

Regarding “A message to our black neighbors,” (June 2 Opinion):

Many other clergy and community leaders affirm the message to our black neighbors in Tuesday’s Observer — including me. Like me, some also know the root cause of this message: President Donald Trump and his “base of believers” in the Republican Party. It will soon be time to express our beliefs with our votes.

Rev. Richard Lindsey, Charlotte

I see a common thread in 2 incidents

Regarding “Video of Gaston County teen being beaten in class goes viral,” (June 1):

The vicious beating of Ean Hughes reflects an overreaction (misplaced anger?) that resulted in a screaming injustice, like the death of George Floyd that nearby people also failed to stop. We all need to be reminded of the importance of empathy, introspection and accountability.

Phil Clutts, Harrisburg

Say ‘no’ to a full capacity RNC

I believe Gov. Roy Cooper has handled coronavirus well and kept our state as safe as possible. That said, I encourage him to continue to make good decisions when it comes to the safety of North Carolinians. As a Charlotte resident I am very concerned about allowing the Republican National Convention to operate at full capacity.

If the governor and his advisers feel this is not healthy for our community and state, I urge him to please stay the course and do not let Washington pressure him into doing something that isn’t in our best interest.

Bonnie Nixon, Charlotte

No need for political conventions

Let’s be honest, a political convention — Democrat or Republican — is an anachronism. They are as useful as a pogo stick in quicksand. Under our political process, they serve no purpose. Aside from the usual self-serving pats on the back, and egocentric inane speeches, full of meaningless platitudes, why have any conventions?

Chuck Newton, Charlotte

Thank you, George Will. Well said.

The hinges of hell surely must be frosting up a bit. Lately I’ve agreed with every editorial written by George F. Will. His June 1 column regarding Donald Trump so eloquently states everything I’ve felt about our current president since he was a candidate for the office. From one old Democrat to a Republican fellow American, well-said Mr. Will. Thanks.

Amy Keith, Charlotte