‘Notorius RBG’ was forceful, laser-focused and fought for the rights of all Americans

RBG: forceful and laser-focused

On Rosh Hashana eve we lost a giant. Ruth Bader Ginsburg. All women and girls are indebted to her whether they know it or not. In the 1960s she won several cases before the Supreme Court for equal rights for women. This was unheard of at that time.

As a Supreme Court justice she fought for the rights of all Americans. Her name is synonymous with “the rule of law.” Her written and oral style was forceful, laser-focused, and brilliant. Her passion in the pursuit of social justice won her the appellation of “The Notorious RBG.”

She will be remembered as one of the most distinguished Supreme Court justices in American history. Her unusual assessment of President Trump before the 2016 election has proven to be accurate.

David Nachamie, Lincolnton

Time for Graham to step up for SC

Sen. Lindsay Graham has been vocal about supporting the president’s move to fill Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s seat when he opposed such action in 2016. It amazes me that he is swift for action on this, but has been largely silent on relief for the families in South Carolina.

The Senate, including Graham, has sat on the sidelines pointing fingers at others for not agreeing to give big business more money. We need a package that provides rent relief, more money for front-line workers, small businesses and PPE.

Graham’s priorities are askew and South Carolina needs its senator to step up to the plate and handle the mess that has been created on his watch.

Yolanda Gordon, Tega Cay

I implore Tillis to do the right thing

Once again, Sen. Thom Tillis has a chance to show us what he’s made of.

Will he stick to the principles he espoused in blocking Barack Obama’s nominee — nine months out from the election — and refuse to consider Trump’s nominee, less than two months out? Or, will he cave to the demands of an impeached president and the immoral Mitch McConnell and give the Supreme Court the vote it needs to gut Roe v. Wade?

The people, and history, will be watching Tillis. I hope he finds the courage to do the right thing and let the next president make this choice, after “we the people” have spoken.

Chris Porier, Charlotte

Add more Supreme Court justices

After decades of “scorched earth” political maneuvering to subvert a fair and productive majority government in America, it is time to stop the decline of our society:

1.) Abolish the Electoral College.

2.) End the filibuster.

3.) Increase number of justices on the U.S. Supreme Court to 15.

Steve Adams, Cornelius

AG Barr needs a refresher on history

As a history teacher I am shocked by Attorney General William Barr’s remark that calls for nationwide coronavirus lockdowns were “the greatest intrusion on civil liberties in American history” since slavery.

A quick civil liberties course: Native American lands taken and denied citizenship until 1920s; more than a 100 treaties broken with First Nation by U.S. government; Chinese Exclusion Act denied citizenship to these residents for many years. And what about the forced imprisonment of 90,000 Japanese Americans U.S. citizens in WWII in war camps for three years?

Barr fails my class or needs a refresher course.

Michael Cox, Charlotte

Quarantine hotel: an imperfect safe haven

Regarding “Inside quarantine hotel: Black mold, armed guards, TV dinners,” (Sept. 20):

COVID-19 disproportionately affects African-Americans, Hispanics and disadvantaged populations. This hotel, created in response to the novel coronavirus, offers a safe quarantine option.

Several Charlotte organizations together provided a free quarantine option to our most vulnerable citizens. This hotel is not the Ritz, but is a safe environment in which occupants are provided with security and daily meals.

Guests, delivery services and movement outside the hotel grounds are restricted. These actions, designed to limit further spread of the coronavirus, keep the greater community safe.

The hotel provides safety and care for our most vulnerable citizens, an imperfect safe haven

Dr. Margaret Lewis, Charlotte

Restore voting rights after fines paid

In regards to “Let NC felons who have served their time cast a vote,” (Sept. 20 Opinion):

Society is not that benevolent to those who cross the Rubicon and commit felonies. With all due respect to writer Minh-Thu Pham, maybe she needs to review exactly what a felony is in North Carolina. I assure you none of this is in the Boy Scout Handbook.

While I agree that second chances are paramount, I have no problem delaying voting rights, until the fines are paid. The fine is part of reconciliation, and the debt to society. Welcome to North Carolina.

Randall Lemly, Charlotte