Schools need to provide an in-person learning option for disadvantaged children

Schools must provide in-person option

While I support schools going forward with remote learning during the pandemic, the reality remains that many children need an in-person option.

Grocery stores, churches, gyms, restaurants, and even bars have come up with work-arounds to provide in-person services. Why can’t schools?

A large population of students have parents who work multiple jobs. Some parents are illiterate, or may be neglectful, disabled, don’t speak English, or are experiencing any number of conditions that prohibit them from being able to support their children’s learning.

Some high school students live in homeless shelters and have nowhere to go during the day.

Providing an in-person option for disadvantaged students is the school’s responsibility.

Cathy DeCostanza, Matthews

Impact fees cost buyers, renters more

Regarding “My developer friends won’t like it, but it’s time to institute impact fees in Charlotte,” (July 31 Forum):

The way I see it, developers do not pay impact fees. The people who buy or rent the homes that they build will pay the fees in the increased price.

Robert Cuminale, Charlotte

Follow Lewis’ lead. Protest peacefully.

Watching Congressman John Lewis’ memorial service I noticed the words kind, caring and courageous were used often. A staff member noted he was a great boss with several employees working with him for over 10 years.

Lewis embodied the words spoken about him. Civil and nonviolent protest will be his lasting legacy. His example is followed by a significant majority who participate in the multiracial Black Lives Matter protests.

Those few who choose violence may make the news, but they dilute the message. Steadfast resolve is a much greater weapon. It galvanizes people.

Let’s honor Lewis for the person he was and how he conducted himself. Black lives do matter.

Keith Wilson, Charlotte

Trump should be backing Dr. Fauci

President Trump continues to blame Dr. Anthony Fauci for his own failure to address the pandemic. He prefers the advice of Dr. Stella Immanuel.

Dr. Fauci is revered in the scientific community worldwide. He has been director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases since 1984. He’s one of the godfathers of HIV/AIDS research. His professional and personal reputations have never been questioned.

Dr. Immanuel is backed by a right-wing group called Tea Party Patriots Action. She continues to spread false information about hydroxychloroquine being the cure for COVID-19. Her beliefs include that DNA from aliens is used in medical treatments.

I do not believe that a mentally healthy person would agree with the president’s choice.

Dr. David Nachamie, Lincolnton

No cohesive national plan from Trump

We have lies, misinformation and “alternate news” disguised as leadership from President Trump’s administration. The president should be uniting us and leading us through the COVID-19 pandemic.

His callous indifference amounts to being AWOL and dereliction of duty, which has cost many lives. Bravery is not his forte. Cowardice is. Election Day can’t come soon enough.

Herb Stark, Mooresville

Improved Medicare would help many

Regarding “Amid pandemic, NC women need better healthcare access,” (July 30 Opinion):

Doctors Nicole McKinney and Ophelia Garmon-Brown brilliantly describe many of the flaws in our healthcare system, particularly those affecting reproductive healthcare. They correctly state that revitalizing our healthcare system has never been more important.

I fully agree that a major revision is the only way to break down systemic barriers and provide world-class care to all Americans. They didn’t mention the best proposal to accomplish that, the only one that can also reduce overall cost: Improved Medicare for All.

Medicare just celebrated its 55th birthday. It’s time to give everyone a slice of the cake. The cost savings is the sweet icing on top.

Dr. Denise Finck-Rothman, Charlotte

Doing this would help the postal service

President Trump contends the United States Postal Service is a joke, and loses a lot of money.

Per James O’Rourke, a management professor at Notre Dame, the USPS loses money due to the requirement to fund its pension plan 75 years in advance.

No U.S. corporation does this. If they did, they’d show huge losses.

Congress should eliminate the 75-year pension funding requirement.

Edmund Bujalski, Waxhaw