Reopening NC comes with responsibilities for all: wearing masks and social distancing

Reopening NC comes with responsibilities

We needed to reopen our economy, but those steps required the public to responsibly wear masks and practice distancing to prevent COVID-19. Unfortunately, COVID cases and hospitalizations in the Carolinas have increased since early May.

Across the political spectrum, some Americans have a view of freedom means they can do anything without obligations to our community. The Founding Fathers had a different view; they saw freedom involving responsibility.

People can open restaurants and stores, but they have a responsibility to prevent the spread of COVID. People have a right to shop, but have a responsibility to protect others by wearing a mask. We need to restore the Founding Father’s view that freedom involves responsibility to protect the health of the community.

James Horton, Charlotte

Zane should be last to throw stones

Regarding “Why have NC Democrats waited so long to do something about racism?” (June 16 Opinion)

J. Peder Zane’s complaints about Democrats not doing enough about racism flies directly in the face of overwhelming evidence that the Republican Party has consistently obstructed, opposed, and denied countless proposals to help minorities.

Currently, Zane’s “law and order” leader in the White House is a prime example, but there are plenty of others over the last 50 years at least. A short list might include, cutting welfare benefits and food supplement programs, passing legislation to protect police from virtually all criminal and civil prosecution, opposing spending for public schools, public housing assistance and jobs programs, etc.

When one occupies the biggest, richest glass house, one shouldn’t throw stones. Instead, be a part of the solution.

Steve Knickerbocker, Matthews

Why I’ll stand for the flag, not kneel

I will not take a knee to the American flag. I don’t care what your group, any group, or cause has endured, what injustice may have come your way, what grievance you may have with anyone or any group, I will not disrespect one deserving group in the cause of another.

I will stand because of the hundreds of thousands of every race who having given their service to the protection of everyone are now with God having been laid to rest under our flag. I will stand out of respect to those of every race who can no longer stand for themselves. Kneel in the flag’s absence, but when it’s present please show me another way to support your cause.

Jim Puckett, Huntersville

Putting Trump’s ego over US health

The GOP must stand up for truth, not to boost President Trump’s ego. Vice President Mike Pence’s call to state leaders, urging them to explain away upticks in COVID-19 by saying it’s due to more testing not community spread, was deceptive bosh.

We lead the world in COVID cases and deaths. That’s because of this administration’s scattershot response of delays, denials, incompetence and spin to dodge accountability. The recent uptick in 22 states confirms this MO of promoting Trump’s show over U.S. health.

Chip Potts, Mooresville

Put convention money to good use

As we know, plans for the Republican National Convention have drastically changed. Has any thought been given to redirecting convention donations to projects in Charlotte that need support, like affordable housing, small business grants, or education programs? Wouldn’t that be a huge convention “bounce” for the Republicans in our area, as well as those hurt by the convention not happening?

Annie McCanless, Matthews

Looking for racism where there is none

Regarding “UNC athletics are built on racial inequality,” (June 15 Opinion):

There’s enough racism without looking for it where it doesn’t exist. To suggest that Black college athletes are the victims of racism because they, like white athletes, are not allowed to benefit financially from their name, image and likeness is absurd. Since when is a free college education not a tremendous earning ($100,000-plus), not to mention the lifetime earnings of a college degree. The idea that college athletes should be amateurs rather than professionals was in place long before integration, so that policy cannot be based on structural racism.

Douglas Reinhardt, Statesville

How about a new name for CMPD?

Whether a perception or a reality, the word “police” connotes confrontation, force and violence. In addition, police departments across the country have become lighting rods for those seeking to reform.

We need a department in Charlotte both in name and in action responsible for the safety of all its citizens, one that is involved in the everyday life of the community. I suggest a new name for CMPD — Charlotte Public Safety Department.

George Sawyer, Charlotte

This story was originally published June 16, 2020 at 2:55 PM.