Berger hasn’t provided the resources kids, teachers, parents need to return to class

What will Berger do to help schools?

Regarding Sen. Phil Berger “In-person instruction is critical for the success of NC students,” (July 26 Opinion):

NC Senate leader Phil Berger really, really wants you to send your kid to school, consequences be damned. I couldn’t help but notice however, that he doesn’t seem to point to anything he could do to help the situation.

Apparently he has no power to write legislation that will provide appropriate resources for the kids, their teachers, or any other essential worker, to actually keep them safe.

It would also be helpful for him to stop blocking Medicaid expansion in North Carolina so these workers and their families have better access to health care. But Berger is more the “bluster and block” politician who only seems to know and care about what’s good for him.

Chris Porier, Charlotte

I want more than Tillis, Cunningham

Regarding “Tillis, Cunningham agree to dates for debates in September,” (July 24):

While I am happy to see Sen. Thom Tillis and challenger Cal Cunningham proceeding with debates leading up to the coming election, it is unfair to hear the candidates promote events that let the voters hear their stance on the issues while barring us from hearing the opinions of all the candidates on the ballot for this race.

I believe voters would be able to make the best, most informed decision by hearing from not only Tillis and Cunningham, but also Libertarian candidate Shannon Bray and Constitution Party candidate Kevin Hayes.

Elizabeth Nervegna, Midland

Tillis must vote ‘no’ on Tata appointment

To add to the number of dangerous appointments of the Trump administration, we now have Anthony Tata coming before the Armed Services Committee seeking approval for the position of undersecretary of defense for policy.

As Wake County schools superintendent, Tata developed a school assignment plan that would have led to resegregation of Wake schools by race.

As a patriotic Christian, I find it very disappointing that we are allowing people like Tata into positions of influence. He is the latest of a long line of poor choices in the era of Trump.

Sen. Thom Tillis is on this committee and should vote against this appointment.

David Galusha, Waxhaw

The hypocrisy of Trump’s drug policy

While my fellow Republicans shout about socialized medicine, they decide to ignore the dangers of President Trump’s new executive orders regarding price controls on drugs.

Trump’s price controls will reduce the number of new drugs being brought to the market. It’s economics 101.

Gabriel Russ, Lincolnton

Medicare for All amid a pandemic

Regarding “Experts: NC must make wise choices so cases don’t spike,” (July 25):

This article quotes a S.C. professor saying “rationing care has already become a reality in some hospitals.“

Until now, rationing has only been a scare tactic in criticisms of Medicare for All. Our free-market, capitalistic, for-profit health care system promised to spare us from socialist disasters like rationing. It appears that a pandemic has brought it to its knees.

Medicare for All cannot prevent pandemics. However, universal coverage and coordinated health planning, with early testing and treatment not rationed by ability to pay, would go a long way to limit hospitalizations and deaths in future pandemics.

The present system is clearly failing. It’s time to demand Medicare For All.

George Bohmfalk, Charlotte

City must act on renewable energy

The November election will be a big one for more than a few reasons, one of which is the unfortunate reality that the clock is still ticking on climate change.

Climate scientists are nearly unanimous in their assessment that the most catastrophic impacts of climate change can only be avoided by transforming our energy system to 100% renewables by 2050.

Cities across the U.S. are already making commitments to renewable energy. Charlotte is supposed to be a city of distinction and a progressive example for the rest of the state, yet we still haven’t made a serious commitment to 100% renewable energy. 2020 can change that if Charlotteans commit to electing leaders who are serious about a sustainable future.

Devin Mullins, Charlotte

My solution for that coin shortage

With all the talk about a coin shortage, it would seem banks would be willing to take coins and roll them for you at no charge. In fact, a Wisconsin bank not only rolled them, but paid $105 for each $100!

Elizabeth Schwirck, Matthews