Cooper opted for a politically safe decision on reopening NC schools. It’s the wrong one.

Cooper failed on reopening NC schools

Gov. Roy Cooper’s decision to partially lock-down the schools this fall may be the safest course for him politically, but it will hurt our children academically and emotionally.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recently issued a strong statement in favor of opening the schools, citing “the severe learning loss and increased isolation” for our children. It later cautioned that schools should reopen the safest way, especially where COVID rates are high.

Surely there are ways to make this work. We could, for example, let vulnerable teachers “Zoom” in to students who are physically at school. This situation called for a seasoned and thoughtful leader, and Cooper clearly failed us.

Keith Brittain, Pineville

Paying a price for Trump’s indifference

Looking at a graph that depicts coronavirus infection rates over the course of 2020 in the European Union versus the United States offers a stark view of how badly our country has dealt with this pandemic.

The difference is understandable. Europe has the advantage of real leaders and a population that took medical advice seriously. America has an anti-mask subculture and a president who routinely undercuts the guidance of his own task force and likes to tell “kung flu” jokes.

We are paying a heavy price for such indifference.

Arnie Grieves, Charlotte

Mayor Lyles missed an opportunity

When protest efforts began in Atlanta, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms stepped up and gave an impromptu and passionate speech to Atlantans telling those who would protest to go home, and that Atlanta was better than to have its citizens destroy city property and businesses. She was a worthy role model for community leadership.

In Charlotte, Mayor Vi Lyles and the City Council were missing in action after the deaths of four individuals here last weekend. Lyles should have held a press conference Monday to denounce the killings and remind Charlotteans that we, too, are better than this.

She should then have said that rather than consider efforts to defund the police, she would advocate for strengthening our force to ensure the safety of her constituents.

Tim Eichenbrenner, Charlotte

Those who criticize police should do this

Criticism of police has become an armchair sport. I would urge those who are so quick to criticize to do seven “ride alongs” with the police. This should be an absolute, non-waivable requirement for everyone in the media. I have done it and it is an eye-opener.

Bob Burroughs, Charlotte

Tillis is wrong about COVID spike

The writer is an ACLU Immigrants’ Rights Organizer

Regarding “US senator — without data — says NC Hispanics get COVID more due to not wearing masks,” (July 16):

Sen. Thom Tillis claimed North Carolina’s COVID-19 spike was the result of our “Hispanic population” not wearing masks and social distancing. The real cause of the spike is Tillis’ inaction.

Each bill Congress has moved into law has left millions of people without access to COVID-related testing and treatment. Many are essential workers, including immigrants.

Tillis and the Senate must move immediately to protect the health of the country by ensuring access to testing and treatment for everyone, regardless of immigration status. All Congress needs to do is include a line in the next relief package that ensures COVID-related services are available under emergency Medicaid, so that immigrant eligibility restrictions do not apply.

Tillis would rather point the finger at the Latinx community than take responsibility for Congress’ failure to adequately respond to the pandemic.

Stefania Arteaga, Raleigh

I want leaders who will unite us

Daily we see erosion of liberty and all people being created equal. We have a dysfunctional president and Congress. Political extremism has replaced good men and women working in the national interest.

There is no movement by leaders to bring this nation together. We have health care workers and citizens dying and our president turns away. They need to remember whom they serve. This nation is based on government of the people, by the people, for the people. We have a critical decision this fall.

Michael Clancy, Charlotte

It’s Trump vs the pandemic

News that a newly published Trump family member’s book offers a credentialed, unflattering psychological evaluation of the president reinforces conclusions many of us have already reached.

Surely, supporters of the president will argue that he has directed a uniquely thriving economy, an achievement that should overshadow any alleged character deficiencies.

But if that is to be believed, why has his leadership allowed the economy to screech to a near halt over the last few months? Obviously, though he tries, he cannot lie, bully, and litigate a pandemic into oblivion.

Jim Ragaini, Charlotte