I served in Vietnam: It’s clear that Trump doesn’t respect the men and women who serve

Trump disrespects those who served

Regarding “Trump denies calling war dead ‘losers’; Biden on attack,’ (Sept. 5):

Like many others who served in Vietnam, I came home to a less than welcoming social and political climate as Americans took their frustrations out on the warriors.

But in the decades since then, I have watched with pride as Americans learned to separate national policy and commitment from the men and women who execute it. We learned to welcome our service members home and honor them for their service. More critically, Americans learned to respect those who choose to serve.

It seems that at least one American thinks little of our servicemen and women. Unfortunately, he is the one who has their lives in his hands. To him they are “suckers” and “losers.”

Jerry Ingalls, Huntersville

U.S. Army Special Forces, 1963-1966

This smells like a smear job to me

John Bolton (no friend of the president) and Sarah Sanders, who were with the president on the day in question, both say an allegation in The Atlantic concerning Trump’s trip to France is false.

Who are the anonymous sources who have not come forward? Why assassinate the president’s character so close to an election without proof? Smells like another smear job to me. Either provide real proof or apologize to President Trump.

Celia Powell, Charlotte

Find the will to end digital divide

Regarding “State’s poor, rural communities still lack connection to internet” (Sept. 8):

Reading about the contemporary need for internet infrastructure in rural North Carolina reminds me of the struggle many poor, rural residents faced earlier in the 20th century when many roads were unpaved and communities without electric power.

When infrastructure did improve for rural areas (roads and power), livelihood expanded and life literally became easier.

After reading Rob Christensen’s “The Paradox of Tar Heel Politics,” I understand that road and power infrastructure expansion happened when the political will was there. We need it again today for internet infrastructure.

Aaron Kohrs, Hickory

Here’s how to avoid Election Day logjam

Let’s not be confused about verification of mail-in ballots. President Trump directed people to go to polling places to “double check” mail-in ballot were tabulated.

Elections offices make clear that ballot status can be checked online. But, some people may claim not to have access to a computer and still show up at polling locations. This will create serious logjams in the voting process.

So, each polling place should have two lines — one for people there to vote, another (with one attendant) for those who want to check on mail-in ballots. After queuing for the status of their mail-in vote, if they find it was not tabulated, they can go to the end of the actual voting line to vote.

Charles Chandek, Cornelius

Some police tactics need review

Regarding police tactics... When a city official says he’s reviewed the video of police taking down a person and says they did it exactly as they were taught, but the prisoner dies from their tactics, then they were taught incorrectly.

Donald T. Meyer, Denver

Please, heed my plea about masks

I am exhausted and frustrated trying to reason with the majority of those refusing to wear masks. As we comply with experts’ advice on wearing masks, washing hands and social distance, many refuse.

This is not political; it is a national and world health crisis! With so many compromised in North Carolina, it is criminal to put people in danger.

I’m a compromised mom caring for a compromised child and only venture out for true necessities, but in fear. I also care greatly for my community and wear a mask and stay six feet away to protect others.

The South needs to show compassion. Some of our government leaders forgot how. Please try!

Denise A. Marullo, Jacksonville

Bring back fired Hornets announcer

Regarding “Fired Hornets announcer John Focke hopes you learn 2 lessons from his N-word mistake,” (Sept. 4):

I accept Scott Fowler’s telling and take on John Focke’s sad story. The Hornets should not have fired him. It is entirely believable that Focke made a typo and didn’t proofread his copy. Who among us has not pressed send only to read a ridiculous mistype?

The story hit home with me because I am a retired radio and television reporter who made a terrible slip of the tongue or three over 39 years in the business. Thanks to some courageous managers, I survived. So should Focke.

Morry Alter, Charlotte