CMPD tear gas incident was an ambush. Chief’s response to it was weak, insufficient

CMPD chief must do more on ambush

The release of the videos of the June 2 protest conclusively shows that the purported “investigations” by CMPD, the SBI and City of Charlotte of the gassing of protesters on Fourth Street were scams..

The procedure could appropriately be called “protester kettling.” As surely as baleen whales surround krill, drive them into a ball, then breach that ball to feed, the police ambushed the protesters, and proceeded to gas them.

The suspension of one supervisor and his restriction from promotion for two years smacks of punishing the “usual suspects.” The police chief was the responsible official and should be the one with whom “the buck stops.”

John F. Rudisill, Charlotte

I want to hear from the mayor on this

CMPD corrals peaceful Charlotte protesters and tear gases them. What happened to the right to peaceful protest?

When the employees you hire to protect and serve all the people of Charlotte intentionally harm, cause chaos and seed anger, should we continue to employee them?

And where is Mayor Vi Lyles? The people of Charlotte need answers and the buck stops at her desk.

Sandra Holyfield, Charlotte

In Kenosha video I see police bias

I doubt if Hollywood could create a scene that better shows implicit police bias than the video of Kenosha police responding to a shooting by driving past and ignoring Kyle Rittenhouse with his hands in the air and a rifle hanging from his neck. Now, picture how the police might have reacted if the man with the rifle was black.

Jerry Simon, Charlotte

Making a mockery of their cause

Regarding what’s happening in Kenosha... Protesters who are looters or commit arson and/or murder are criminals who make a mockery of any cause they pretend to support.

Joyce McLaren, Mooresville

My message to Eiselt’s accusers

Regarding “Charlotte City Council member denies accusations she made racially offensive remarks,” (Aug. 26):

I read the article about the formal ethics complaint against Charlotte Mayor Pro Tem, Julie Eiselt. The charges, which Eiselt denies, seem to be that she talked about sharing her son’s fear of going into a predominantly black neighborhood.

Message to the accusers Cade Lee and Corine Mack: Wake up! Until black (and white) leadership across America, first, acknowledges the insane inner-city crime rates, and, second, devotes resources to making them safer, real socioeconomic and racial justice will remain the apparition that Lee and Mack are perpetuating.

Eddie Goodall, Weddington

RNC broke its promise to Charlotte

Mecklenburg health director Gibbie Harris said of the RNC: “All attendees agreed to comply with the requirements prior to attending and were well informed that these requirements would be well enforced.” (Aug. 24)

It is evident that Republicans attending the convention make their own rules. Seen smiling from ear to ear without a mask, is Ivanka Trump.

Do these people think they’re above coronavirus and will be safe? No one is safe from COVID. Hats off to Harris for letting the public know requirements were not obeyed, as promised by the RNC.

Lorraine Stark, Matthews

NC must expand Medicaid. Now.

Missouri makes the 38th state to expand Medicaid. When voters there were given a choice, 53% voted to ensure that everyone in the state would have access to quality and affordable insurance.

North Carolina remains one of 12 states that has not expanded Medicaid. It does not have the option of a ballot initiative so it is imperative that N.C. legislators are held accountable and act now.

Medicaid covers 2.2 million North Carolinians. Expansion could add 450,000 to 650,000 residents. Medicaid expansion in North Carolina is vital, especially during the current pandemic.

L’Monique King, Charlotte

I-485 speeders are right back at it

Imagine my surprise when I read that the speeding enforcement operation on I-485 was not a change in policy, just a “time certain” exercise. It lasted just three weeks! And was that ever obvious when I traveled I-485 Wednesday from Matthews to Mount Holly.

With my cruise control set to 70 mph, I was passed, repeatedly, by vehicles going at least 90 mph, if not more. Not one law enforcement vehicle was seen by me or my family. Are they waiting for another whole family to die? Was the enforcement operation basically a photo-op?

David Hyman, Charlotte