I disagree with Judge Manning. NC legislature must pay teachers more, expand Medicaid

By Staff

Updated October 1, 2020 4:17 PM

In an op-ed this week, former Superior Court Judge Howard Manning Jr. wrote that the primary cause of the failure to achieve grade-level performance in North Carolina is “not money, but a failure of classroom instruction and the leadership in a school.” Manning went on to say “If the school can’t teach a child to read in four years, that’s an abject failure.” Observer file photo

Pay teachers more, expand Medicaid

Regarding “Leandro judge says poor reading instruction, not money, is holding back many NC students,” (Oct. 1 Opinion):

Former Superior Court Judge Howard E. Manning Jr. suggests teaching, not money, is the key to reading. Where does he expect quality leadership and effective teachers to come from when N.C. teachers make about 30% less than other college graduates?

Manning also says North Carolina’s failures are particularly clear with our economically disadvantaged students. But isn’t that partly a failure of our society to make sure that all families have economic security?

It seems the N.C. General Assembly has work to do in closing the teacher pay gap, expanding Medicaid, and supporting other programs that give our most vulnerable families a chance to improve their economic situations.

Kristina Thoennes, Mooresville

What would Jesus say of Sam Bethea?

Regarding “‘The Jesus Saves Guy’ reveals why he yelled at Sen. Schumer,” (Sept. 27):

It’s hard to take Sam Bethea seriously because of his selective use of preaching the gospel against those who are pro-choice, in non-traditional marriages, and protesters.

While he and conservatives enable a selfish leader who lacks compassion for the poor, shows no empathy for those sick and dying, denies health care to some, and seeks vengeance on his enemies.

What would Jesus say of this behavior? You cannot oppose abortion, while supporting a leader whose conduct does not align with Christians teaching. And if you oppose abortions, support life once it’s here.

We need to stop choosing presidents for personal gratification and start electing someone who will represent all Americans regardless of religion, race, creed or color.

Megan Wilson, Charlotte

Time for the US to move forward

I’m surprised to hear people say that Joe Biden had nothing to say that would cause them to vote for him. Biden clearly has some good ideas about how to move into the future, but his voice was frequently overwhelmed by the childish bully we now call our president.

It would reflect very badly on North Carolina if it votes to throw our electoral influence to extend the reign of the reactionary ruler who is now in charge. It’s past time for this country to move forward again, instead of moving back in time as we have been with President Trump and Mitch McConnell.

Bob Kirby, Charlotte

For me, Biden was a disappointment

In the presidential debate, I was depending on Joe Biden to show America that he had the intelligence and strength to lead our great country to higher heights. I was sad to see that he could give no facts about what he’d do if elected, without hyperbole. Tuesday’s debate was like two roosters squabbling over a hen house. Neither side won that one. Maybe the next two debates will be better if we can do away with name-calling.

C.H. Hendricks, Charlotte

No wonder so many leave Trump’s sphere

After watching the presidential debate it became clear why so many professionals in Washington, D.C. have left the service of the executive branch. If President Trump behaves like that in front of the TV cameras, with millions watching, how does he behave in the Oval Office where he is literally everybody’s boss?

Does anybody still believe there is any room for debate, on any issue, with this person, especially one that might be damaging to him politically? We need a president who offers more than invective and insult while doing their job.

Peter Snyder, Charlotte

My rules for a sensible ‘debate’

I do not believe any more debates should happen. They’lll be the same. I’d rather see questions be addressed individually in a 20-minute “interview.” It would be followed by the same interview with the other candidate.

These interviews should be prerecorded on the same day and introduced live by each candidate. There should be a 20- or 30-minute fact-check immediately after.

I want to hear what each is going to try and do. I have no desire to see a ridiculous, chaotic, senseless “debate” because nothing is accomplished. The rules were completely thrown to the wind.

Lynn Sass, Charlotte

Climate change and those giant SUVs

Watching the fleet of SUVs/Gucci cowboy pick-ups jostling for primo parking slots at the local coffee emporium, you wonder how any such driver can ever again use the words “climate change.” Ever. Much greater self-awareness is needed. These 5,000-pound vehicles are as anachronistic as a team of yoked oxen. Spare us the self-serving justifications.

Steve Craig, Charlotte

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This story was originally published October 1, 2020 at 4:12 PM.