Suspend liquor licenses of COVID rule-breakers, rather than punish all restaurants

11 p.m. closing is hurting restaurants

Closing bars at 11 p.m. may seem to be an answer to the spread of COVID-19, but it’s penalizing the restaurant owners who do follow the rules of spacing and occupancy. They’re getting killed.

There is a solution: Enforce the rules. Suspend the liquor licenses of the rule-breakers for a period of time. Then, be slow in returning them when they reapply. This puts the penalty where it belongs.

Gretchen Allen, Charlotte

Failure on relief bill is inexcusable

In the private sector, failure to meet a deadline often results in loss of business and/or terminations. Congress has failed to meet a deadline — renewal of a new coronavirus relief package.

There is no excuse for not having this completed at least two weeks prior to the expiration of the old one. Instead, we’re given a daily diet of posturing, politics and picayune policies. Then, when some compromise is reached, the principal players pose like Cheshire cats in front of news cameras, acting like they’re really special. Give me a break!

Chuck Newton, Charlotte

On suing China, Dems rolled over

Senate Republicans on the Judiciary Committee have voted in favor of a bill that would allow American individuals, companies and states to sue China over the health and economic consequences of the coronavirus pandemic.

Senate Democrats on the committee voted against the bill demonstrating to me that they’ll roll over and let China continue to harm the economic welfare of this country.

Craig Reutlinger, Charlotte

Apathy is dangerous in a democracy. Vote.

For too long, we have suffered the outrageous fortune of racism, income inequality, unfair housing, unequal education, and now the pandemic. Many of our citizens are rising up against our “sea of troubles,” incurred by our own apathy and an inept and authoritarian president. Apathy is extremely dangerous in a democracy. Vote. Vote. Vote.

Louise Goodnight, Charlotte

How I’d handle the 2020 election

Mail every voter a ballot. Those eligible, depending on state laws, can vote absentee. All others can fill out the ballot and bring it to their polling place. Walk in, scan your ballot, and hand in the paper ballot. This should only take a minute. No crazy waits or midnight voting.

Stan Davis, Lincolnton

I don’t recognize that Donald Trump

Regarding “Counterpoint: Medical acuity – Biden vs. Trump,” (July 30):

I‘m not sure which President Trump Marie Fischer has been watching for the last four years, but it certainly is not the one the rest of the country has seen. She said he’s “clear thinking, quick, sharp” and his message is “always on point and not jumbled rambling.” Seriously?

Whatever failings Joe Biden may have as a speaker, he sounds like Shakespeare compared to Trump. And, you get the bonus of him not constantly lying to the American people and pushing outrageous conspiracy theories.

Steve Knickerbocker, Matthews

Biden VP must know executive branch

Regarding “Joe Biden nears final decision on running mate” (Aug. 1):

America needs strong experienced leadership. Joe Biden needs a vice president with a clear understanding of the executive branch, which presently has lost its luster. All of America today is looking for leadership with compassion. Biden’s choice must have all U.S. citizens’ interests in mind. We all want peace and a country that provides the present generation with a life to look forward to.

Jack Bennett, Mooresville

Graham ad led me to donate. Not to him.

Regarding “Lindsey Graham ad shows image of opponent with altered skin tone” (July 30):

Sen. Lindsey Graham’s bias does not please me. As a matter of fact, it displeases me so much that it motivates me to send an additional $1,000 to his opponent. I have sent Jaime Harrison $1,000 once before, an astonishing sum for me, as my usual political donations are up to $50 tops, usually $5, $10, or maybe $20.

Graham warned us that dreadful things were to happen if we elected Donald Trump as president? Graham was right, dreadful things are happening to us. Graham has become a terrible turncoat. and many in his party have become enablers, just like him.

Walter Renninghoff, Indian Land

What I saw in the Latos’ story

Regarding “WSOC’s Latos opens up about losing baby,” (Aug. 2):

As an old doctor, I have long said that properly practiced medicine is more of an art than science. The ultrasound and MRI tests were the science that made it possible to make the terrible diagnosis. The way that the physicians helped the family and patient through this was the art. “First of all do no harm.”

Jesse C. Craven, Charlotte