Loftis and Moore: Solid proof the NC GOP has sold its soul

NC GOP

The swearing-in of Donnie Loftis to the N.C. House and the hiring of communications director Jeff Moore should be a clear signal to everyone that the N.C. Republican Party has no sense of decency left and has completely sold its soul to Trumpism and The Big Lie.

Jeff Hall, Indian Land

University City

Regarding “University City leaders spell out plans to guide development,” (Nov. 2):

I’ve lived in the heart of the University City area for 23 years. I’m thrilled that our stretch of the greenway is finally open, and with the proximity of the light rail.

I’m hoping that with the area’s rapid growth come common-sense zoning decisions that allow for a grocery store or two and a pharmacy (within walking distance of densely populated area), as well as an extension of the CATS route so that a bus stop will be within a convenient distance for all residents.

If we are going to urbanize University City, let’s make it a place where people of all demographics and ages can actually afford to live and thrive.

Amy Keith, Charlotte

I-77 tolls

For those of us who have to manage I-77 North, we all recognize the disaster it has become. With LA-type traffic in the general public lanes and few cars in the toll lanes, it is telling us that the tolls are simply not working. They’re much too expensive so the public votes every day by not using the toll lanes. Now that the Spanish builder is in bankruptcy, it’s time to seize control and substantially reduce the tolls to ease the traffic burden.

Humpy Wheeler, Charlotte

Medicaid in NC

Recent Observer op-eds on Medicaid expansion have offered glimmers of hope. An Oct. 28 piece by Kody Kinsley and Carrie Brown showed how it would close the gap in mental health. Sara Pequeño’s Nov. 2 piece identified Republican leadership in red N.C. counties who see advantages for constituents to receive Medicaid benefits.

But let’s cut to the chase. There seems to be one main reason why Medicaid expansion is unlikely in this state. It would primarily benefit the poor, and many of the poor are people of color. It is no mystery that most states without Medicaid expansion are in the South. Are our moral and religious values not stronger than that?

Zach Thomas, Charlotte

The main library

It’s a real credit to the community that Charlotte’s main library will be coming back better than ever in a few years. But was it really necessary to close it down?

How great it would have been if the library had purchased property a few miles north on Tryon Street and built there, in an area that needs rejuvenation. A beautiful new library would’ve been a major shot in the arm and generated new construction. The library could have remained open with little disruption. There wouldn’t be a need to store anything and branch libraries wouldn’t have to pick up any slack. The library property, in a prime location, could have been sold at a premium.

Instead, we will all be asked to wait patiently for a few years to see the return of our main library.

Richard Klein, Matthews

Trump’s economy

A regular TV commercial for Congressman Ted Budd touts Donald Trump’s economy as the strongest in history.

GDP is the best measure of economic growth and under Trump GDP reached 3.25% only once during the 16 quarters of his presidency. In contrast, there were 17 straight quarters under presidents Clinton and Bush where GDP ranged from 4% to 5.24%.

In fact, Trump ended up with the lowest GDP of any president since Herbert Hoover. The national debt ballooned by $7 trillion under Trump and our trade deficit soared due in large part to his use of tariffs.

The strongest economy in history? Not even close.

Arnie Grieves, Charlotte

A special photo

Seeing the Nov. 2 front-page photo of Mayor Vi Lyles and Hugh McColl brought tears to my eyes. I was moved by unexpected joy. It was a wonderful way to begin a day when we as a people, city, country and a world are so in need of it.

Let us all embrace the budding joy in Charlotte and treat each other with care.

Sherry Williams, Charlotte