Cooper must reopen NC gyms. Owners are hurting and data supports opening them safely.

Cooper must open NC gyms now

The writer owns F45 Training in Plaza Midwood.

Next week, North Carolina will be one of two or three states with all gyms still closed.

Gov. Roy Cooper has failed to justify mandating that these small businesses stay closed for six months, except to say our COVID-19 decisions are “guided by data and science.” Current data, including studies from Norway and Australia, does not support treating gyms as public health menaces.

North Carolina has ignored the public health benefits of gyms, where people combat COVID risk factors such as diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure. Exercise is scientifically proven to improve mental health.

North Carolina must clear a high bar to rob a business of revenue for six months. It has not done so with gyms, which are safely open around the world. The data is clear; open our gyms immediately.

Jon Sayer, Charlotte

Not surprised by Sen. Tillis’ actions

Regarding “Tillis apologizes for failing to keep mask on at White House, (Aug. 28)

Why is anyone surprised that Sen. Thom Tillis did not wear a mask on the White House lawn? He would rather expose himself and others to spreading coronavirus than endure the scorn of anti-mask Trump supporters and from Trump himself.

Tillis has never taken legislative action to oppose the multitude of abuses of power, unlawful exercise of executive power, or reckless appointment of incompetents. The very presence of Tillis at a blatant violation of the Hatch Act is proof of his disregard for maintaining the checks and balances and sharing of power envisioned by our Constitution.

Gary Rhodes, Salisbury

Biden tax plan will crush growth

A line continuing to be pushed by Joe Biden and the left is the “rich don’t pay their fair share.” What is this “fair share” that Democrats keep promoting? The bottom 50% only pay 3% of total income taxes, while the top 20% pay 87%.

Biden pushing for higher taxes in the middle of a recession will crush growth.

Gabriel Russ, Lincolnton

Force Trump to release his taxes

Joe Biden should not debate Donald Trump until Trump discloses his personal, company and foundation financial records.

Now that son Eric has asserted his Fifth Amendment rights in connection with an investigation into Trump family financials by the district attorney for the Southern District of New York; a Senate committee has issued a 1,000-page exposé of the links between Trump’s campaign and Russian operatives; and the full Mueller report has yet to be released, it is essential that all voters know the full extent of the Trump family financial ties to Russian elites and other financial interests.

Biden has publicly released his financials. Trump should be required to do likewise.

Only then will the debates be played on a level field.

Will Graves, Charlotte

I’m a suburbanite and I’m not afraid

Donald Trump’s campaign directed at suburban “housewives” prompted me to write.

I am 82-year-old white woman and I have lived in my neighborhood for 20 years. It is middle class and integrated. We are comprised of whites, Blacks, Latinos, Eastern Europeans, Arabs and gays. We have a Habitat for Humanity development nearby. I am definitely not afraid and feel privileged to live here.

I worked for the World Bank for 20 years with people from every country in the world and learned to appreciate that while there are differences in cultures, there are very few differences in our hearts and aspirations.

Jean Cerick, Cornelius

Where’s that Trump healthcare plan?

Add another broken promise to President Trump’s to-do list. Just a few weeks ago he promised all American citizens the “best healthcare plan ever conceived” by the end of August. And here we are at the end of August with millions of Americans twisting in the wind. Trump’s ineptness is absolutely mind-boggling. This Independent voter has had enough.

Herb Stark, Mooresville

Those devices are an education lifeline

Regarding “Virtual learning magnifies digital divide in urban neighborhoods,” (Aug. 30):

While this piece shines light on the pandemic-caused chaos, it displays something else as well. While most readers will recognize the stress of the mothers and students, the lack of appreciation for valuable computers and hotspots isn’t excusable.

Yolanda Ames, Ty’reese Johnson, and Takeshia Reed-Davis, this equipment is the lifeline to education, which is America’s path to a better-prepared citizenry. For the many millions of us who fight for you and against efforts to destroy public education, please take responsibility for yourself and families.

Education is crucial to our country’s future. You need to be engaged!

Harry Taylor, Charlotte

This story was originally published August 31, 2020 at 3:35 PM.