To reform the nation’s police departments, start by passing the Justice in Policing Act

Pass the Justice in Policing Act

The Justice in Policing Act introduced by Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Black Caucus members deserves immediate action. The key elements encompass the use of force, non-knock warrants, and databases to track misconduct.

Excessive force and lying by some police departments has broken the trust between all citizens and police. Even a small amount of misconduct is unacceptable.

Dale W. Saville, Charlotte

Defunding police is a bad idea

Defund the police? The Minneapolis City Council has pledged to disband the police force and find a new model of public safety, and New York City’s mayor says he’ll cut NYPD’s funds and divert it to youth and social services.

Defunding police is a hare-brained idea. Yes, George Floyd’s death was horrific, but don’t do this. Weed out the bad officers.

Without the police our society would would spiral into chaos. The strong would prey on the weak. And who would enforce the laws? Would we all be forced to carry guns to protect ourselves? Protesters and elected officials should think twice about defunding the police.

Augie Beasley, Charlotte

Help police identify the looters

Protesters are on the streets with police and even looters. Is it asking too much for protesters to identify looters who corrupt the purpose of the protest? Looters destroy without any redeeming value and hurt the best chance of improving living conditions. Protesters would do themselves and everyone else a favor and help police get looters off the street.

Tom E. Bowers, Charlotte

A plea from a Charlotte teen

As a 15-year-old upper-middle class white girl, I am undeniably privileged. I’ve been given the opportunity to choose the side of history I wish to stand on. In the midst of this crisis, the two sides stand firm, yet logic and empathy seemed to have chosen my side for me. I cannot choose a side of ignorance, no matter how blissful. I must refuse the side that cannot understand the suffering of those unlike themselves. I will not ordain a cause that is more concerned about inanimate objects and a disrupted status quo than about unjust loss of life. I implore everyone to make the same decision. Think about what is replaceable, and what can never be returned. Choose to fight for lives.

Ginny Lash, Charlotte

Atrium shouldn’t get a federal bailout

Regarding “NC’s wealthiest hospitals get millions in COVID-19 relief,” (June 8):

Atrium has billions in reserve to cover the revenue it lost in canceled elective surgeries during the worst of the COVID pandemic. So many people and businesses are hurting badly and might not recover. This is such an undeserving bailout. Atrium should be embarrassed and give the money to local struggling businesses. Health care should not be profit-making, and to say they’re not is ludicrous.

DeWitt Crosby, Charlotte

Zane ignores our nation’s legacy

First, J. Peder Zane June 8 column contorts COVID lockdown and looting. Then, he says “America is not a viciously racist country bent on controlling and destroying black bodies.” From slavery, to post Civil War terror to drive former slaves from political power; to Jim Crow segregation, unequal education and public housing; to laws that demonize and disproportionately send black men to jail — controlling black bodies and minds is our great country’s sad and ongoing legacy.

Warren Steinmuller, Charlotte

There’s more to that ad lauding Tillis

Sunday’s Observer carried an ad from Alliance for Patient Access recognizing Sen. Thom Tillis for winning its Champion of Patient Access award. A quick Google search revealed this organization is more often found in its role opposing the reduction of drug costs. This is not surprising given that other articles say it was established to do the bidding of pharmaceutical industry.

According to a 2019 Associated Press article “The Alliance spent $13.6 million in 2015 and 2016 on awards to recognize dozens of members of Congress.” The article points that Alliance executive director Brian Kennedy also operates Woodberry Associates, a lobbying firm. Makes me wonder whose interests are being advanced by Tillis.

Cecil Clifton, Davidson

I see flawed logic on the president’s part

Several days ago, in a phone call with governors, President Trump urged them to “dominate.” Dominate who and what? Very simple, the American people, with the use of dominating government force. In other words, he urged the governors to use the abusive police actions that brought on the protests in the first place. Great logic. Fix the problem by ramping up the cause.

George Evanoff, Midland