I’m OK with Cooper’s plan for reopening schools. Better to err on the side of caution.

Cooper’s school plan is a wise move

It’s unfortunate that Gov. Roy Cooper, who has consistently put North Carolinians safety above all else, gets blamed for the status of our schools reopening.

Cooper allowed for two options, with each district deciding which one would work best.

With Mecklenburg County currently being classified as a hot spot for coronavirus, was there realistically any other option? The surge of cases has created a very real health risk for our children, teachers and staff.

I’m sure we can all agree that physically being able to return to school would be the ideal situation for our kids. But our world has changed. Let us err on the side of caution, for now at least. Our children’s lives, and those of teachers and staff depend on it.

Denise McDonnell, Mooresville

Catawba casino should raise alarms

It appears that the U.S. judicial system has over-simplified the argument for the Catawba casino in Cleveland County. It believes since the Cherokees have casinos, then the Catawbas should too.

Law-abiding citizens ought to be alarmed at the strange coincidence of $500,000 in political support for elected officials in D.C. and an executive branch agency that broke its own rules to accommodate the Catawba Indians desire to build a casino off reservation.

When coupled with a developer named Wallace Cheves, it spells a disaster for Cleveland County.

Alton Beal, Lattimore

Police ride-alongs could reveal gaps

Regarding “Those who criticize police should do this,” (July 19 Forum):

The citizen ride-alongs with police, that this Forum writer suggested, are a very good idea, especially when the shock value of many of the calls is balanced with the reality of how inadequate traditional police procedures and resources are when dealing with many of the problems in cities and towns. Maybe then people will understand that more is required to guarantee public safety than what has always been done in the past and insist on finding ways to make emergency services more effective and humane.

Duane Centola, Huntersville

Tillis’ mask comment was unacceptable

Regarding “Tillis says Hispanics adhere less to masks, social distancing,” (July 18):

I have been a lifelong Republican, still proud of my twin votes for Ronald Reagan. Sen. Thom Tillis’ vote to acquit President Trump and his subsequent silence regarding Trump’s questionable actions since is unworthy of a member of Reagan’s party.

For me, today’s GOP is morally bankrupt. Tillis’ comments about Hispanics and masks are unacceptable. Both my father and I are veterans. He was a Vietnam vet, awarded the Bronze Star. I am a retired U.S. Naval Reserve Commander.

I believe dissent is the highest form of patriotism. I see protesters as seeking a return to civic values of decency, compassion and an ability to compromise or disagree honorably.

For Tillis, it is time to go.

Pedro Alvarez, Denver, N.C.

What’s the big deal about masks?

We pulled together to pass seatbelt laws and no smoking in restaurants, so what is the big deal with face coverings? Seems to me to be a lot easier. I ran across the following quote last week: “Click it or ticket, mask it or casket.”

Gail Grim, Charlotte

Us vs. them mentality is destroying us

I’m tired of the chaos. It seems that everyone in our country now sees themselves as a victim in some way. Take wearing masks for example. The whole uproar about it is ridiculous when we can look around the world and see that doing so reduces the spread of the coronavirus.

I want to be able to hug my grandchildren and go to Texas to meet my new grandson. I want children to be able to safely go back to school.

I want hospitals not to be overwhelmed and health care workers not worked to the point of exhaustion.

The “us vs. them” mentality is destroying us. It’s time we grew up and started acting like responsible, thoughtful adults. Just wear the darn mask.

Diane Mason, Matthews

Stop renaming teams, streets, buildings

I don’t understand why we are giving into the demands of some people to rename buildings, streets, and now sports teams at the cost of millions when our economy is in such dire straits.

There has been no thought about the cost of all this. History can’t be erased, but we can learn from it and move on and do better.

Let’s work together and come to some sort of agreement that works for everyone. Stop going willy-nilly trying to garner votes. Do what is right for our country, not for your pockets.

Anne Lynch, Lancaster, S.C.