I’m a Black woman, too, but I won’t vote for Republicans. Here’s why.

I’m a Black woman too. Here’s my view.

Regarding Sonja Nichols piece about being a black Republican. (Aug. 10 Opinion)... I believe African Americans are a conservative people for the most part. However, I cannot fathom why I, as an African American female, would ever vote for a Republican.

We as a community cannot voice our concern over social justice without sparking horrific consequences. We cannot take a knee in protest for injustices without people conflating the meaning as a rebuff of the military or saying the protesters are not appreciative of being an American. Apparently, the right to peaceful protest cannot be utilized by black and brown Americans.

Those who have black or brown skin are not being treated with any form of respect from either party, though I give credit to the GOP for being honest about their view of our participation. But I’d rather vote Democratic.

I’ll end with the words of James Cleveland: “I don’t feel no ways tired, I’ve come too far from where I started from. Nobody told me that the road would be easy, I don’t believe He brought me this far to leave me.”

Camilla Polk, Charlotte

Congress left millions of us in jeopardy

Regarding “Last-ditch virus aid talks collapse; no help for jobless now,” (Aug. 7) and related articles:

How dare Congress leave millions of us in huge financial jeopardy, faced with rents, utilities, food needs, and with some facing expiration of bank forgiveness or even possible eviction.

As a local restaurant owner, I am proud and blessed to have employees who are giving up more unemployment insurance than they would make to come back to work. How long can I keep their jobs open with 50% seating capacity and 6-foot spacing for another five weeks and Paycheck Protection Program money running out?

Do these D.C. congressmen and women even know what we are battling? They seem to be unaffected and care more about re-election than their constituents’ dire needs.

Woody Fox, Charlotte

I support Panthers’ voting initiative

Regarding ”Panthers’ voting initiative irks me,” (Aug. 9 Forum):

Unless he is opposed to the democratic process, I fail to see why this letter writer would object to any initiative which encourages citizens to vote. The right to vote is something for which our Founding Fathers fought a revolutionary war. Voting is an “involvement in politics” which should be encouraged; to do otherwise is un-American.

As far as kneeling during the anthem, I do not see that as disrespectful. Kneeling is an act of veneration in a number of religious denominations and in former times was performed as an expression of loyalty to, and respect for, kings and princes.

Michael Bell, Charlotte

It’s about freedom of expression

Regarding “Take politics out of sporting events,” (Aug. 9 Forum):

This Forum writer said: “Many folks all over America have had family members die in battle defending our country and flag.” Wasn’t this one of the very reasons service members sacrificed their lives — for the ability for our citizens to freely express speech without the threat of government censorship?

I, for one, am eternally grateful to our men and women in uniform who sacrificed themselves and those who continue to make sacrifices so that I can write this letter without fear of government reprisal. I’m also grateful that team members can take a knee to draw attention to a very real problem in the United States.

Charlie Fortanbary, Charlotte

I’d like to hear from the mayor on virus

Where is our mayor? Where are the words of compassion, of concern, of encouragement that the citizens of Charlotte would like to hear during this difficult time?

Granted, she is not a medical expert, but neither are the mayors of NY, Los Angeles, Houston or Atlanta. I think their citizens are grateful for their public appearances urging them to be safe and letting them know that they are aware of the hardships and sacrifices being made.

It is natural for Mayor Vi Lyles to take a well-publicized victory lap when we got an MLS team in Charlotte, but as an ordinary citizen of “her” city, I would like to hear from her when things are not as rosy.

Paula Hagen, Charlotte

You’d think I’d be delighted by Trump

I am a middle-class, Christian small business owner and a life-long registered Republican. One would think I’d be delighted by President Trump’s leadership. Instead, I am appalled.

Instead of turning to empathy, the president demeans thoughtful Americans who disagree with him. Recipients of his vitriol include those who have served with distinction in the armed forces and a respected Christian publication that deigned to criticize his personal morals and ethics.

I have truly prayed that President Trump would embrace America’s full greatness, not just the parts he likes. Clearly, the Lord has been busy elsewhere.

Mark Viehweg, Charlotte

This story was originally published August 10, 2020 at 3:20 PM.