On race, let’s learn from history and enact policies that move democracy forward

Move the country forward on race

We can learn from history, or we can repeat it. In 1968 H. R. Haldeman, Nixon’s chief strategist developed Nixon’s “Southern strategy,” using coded language to increase political support among white voters in the South by appealing to racism against Blacks.

The strategy emphasized white supremacy and “law and order.” Does this sound familiar?

We can ignore these dog whistles and embrace systemic racism. Or we can learn from history and listen to the sincere grievances voiced in the protests and work to elect presidents, senators, and representative who will enact policies to move our democracy forward.

Deb Park, Charlotte

Learn from another Republican president

In 1902 a strike in the coal fields of Pennsylvania led to closing of schools in Boston, mobs seized railroad cars with coal, and families were unable to heat homes.

President Theodore Roosevelt summoned operators of the coal fields and leaders of the United Mine Workers. Operators refused to deal with “socialist” unions. In a nutshell, Roosevelt told the coal mine owners they had to listen to union leaders. And the operators and the union leaders had to accept a presidential arbitration commission.

As a practical matter, Roosevelt brought folks together who did not want to talk to one another. And told them to reach a solution.

That’s how one Republican president dealt with an economic crisis. He did not blame others but took the lead.

Timothy D. Mead, Charlotte

Increase in gun sales isn’t about Trump

Regarding “Donald Trump’s fake fear is having a real effect on NC gun sales,” (Sept. 3 Editorial):

The opening of this Observer editorial says, “Firearms sales surged when the pandemic forced a shutdown in March. Now sales are rising again as President Trump warns of U.S. cities being overrun...”

Sales surged during the Obama administration when they started talking about gun control and confiscation. Sales surged earlier this year during the debates when candidates began again talking about gun confiscation.

Sales are going up since Biden is leading the polls.

This is not about Trump.

Barb Scott, Mooresville

Vote twice? Just another Trump stunt

Vote twice Donald Trump says! He has encouraged gun-toting militias to confront peaceful protesters. He defended a 17-year-old toting an assault rifle, excusing his two homicides.

Meanwhile, the coronavirus rages. He ignores 189,000 deaths and pressures the CDC and FDA to bypass rigor.

There is no serious discussion of policy, healing or respect coming from Trump. He’s just playing a game of red-meat outrage for his base and sticking it to the progressives with one stunt/provocation after another. Our nation will not recover from another four years of whatever this is.

If America is this naive, we’ll get what we deserve.

Chip Potts, Mooresville

In these images, I see shocking contrast

Help me understand the logic behind the shooting of an African-American male (Jacob Blake) seven times in the back while he’s going to a vehicle, while on the same streets a young white kid (Kyle Rittenhouse) carrying an assault rifle at a protest can walk right by police department vehicles as if he was invisible.

Nothing says more then these two stark images about where we are as a “civilized” society.

Shocking!

Len Kornberg, Charlotte

Actions of some in GOP worry me

I grow concerned with the health of our democracy in response to President Trump’s authoritarian tendencies and actions.

The anxiety grows when administration heads and officials serving in roles previously thought to be nonpartisan, such as the Attorney General and DHS Director, support and enable the actions.

My concern would be less if supporters of Trump and elected members of the GOP would at least voice disapproval of such actions instead of condoning them with silence.

Our democracy is still a fragile experiment which exists only because the participants follow an agreed set of norms. I fear it may not survive Trump and a party which would sacrifice the system in exchange for the continued exercise of power.

Kenneth Raynor, Charlotte

Remembering a true American hero

Regarding “Legendary Mets pitcher Tom Seaver dies at 75,” (Sept. 3):

The passing of Tom Seaver reminds us what a true American hero he was. He possessed many of the attributes we all admire- optimism, grace under fire, dedication to excellence, morality.

He seemed to remain eternally young as we all grew older.

Recalling his wonderful life brings us backs to beautiful times of our own lives, forever there but at the same time unreachable.

Jeffrey Pearlroth, Charlotte