I’m standing up for Mark Meadows. Here’s why.

Mark Meadows

Regarding “Mark Meadows is an embarrassment to NC,” (Dec. 14 Editorial):

I totally disagree with the Editorial Board regarding its opinion about Mark Meadows. What goes on between a president and his chief of staff should be privileged.

Many of us who voted for Donald Trump think Mark Meadows, Jim Jordan and the Freedom Caucus have been great for America. Many true conservatives are simply tired of the Liz Cheney’s and Mitt Romney’s and love strong Republicans who are a little chippy.

Jim Cherry, Charlotte

Meadows vote

As an independent and former Republican voter, it is disappointing that only two Republican U.S. House members voted to hold former chief of staff Mark Meadows in contempt for defying a subpoena concerning the Jan. 6 insurrection.

It matters not which tribe people represent, we Americans must get to the bottom of what happened on that horrible day in our history when members of Congress from both parties were in danger and other people died in the protest.

Those who are blocking the House select committee’s efforts are trying to mask what happened. Regardless of culpability, we cannot have people blowing off subpoenas made by Congress. It sets a horrible precedent for governance.

Keith Wilson, Charlotte

Absurd to compare

Regarding “Politics needs workhorses, not more showhorses,” (Dec. 13 Opinion):

Although I agree with Matthew Ridenhour’s assertion that we need “workhorses” as opposed to “showhorses” in state and federal legislatures, it is ridiculous to compare the likes of U.S. Reps. Madison Cawthorn and Marjorie Taylor Greene with state Sen. Jeff Jackson.

The two Republicans are guilty of numerous absurd statements and actions, many of which threaten democracy.

Jackson’s failure to support a medical marijuana bill in the North Carolina legislature isn’t even in the same ballpark as the big lies of Greene and Cawthorn.

Larry Bosc, Charlotte

Inflation

The bad news on inflation (6.8% annual rate) should not come as a surprise. It is the inevitable result of years of fiscal irresponsibility — the federal government spending far more than it takes in — and low interest rates.

President Biden and the Democrats deserve some blame for their badly timed and structured “stimulus” bill, as well as their discouragement of U.S. oil and gas production. However, President Trump and the Republicans contributed as well, with their tax cuts and support for Federal Reserve actions to expand the money supply and keep interest rates low.

Yes, we have met the enemy, and he is us.

Steven P. Nesbit, Charlotte

City Council vote

As someone who has volunteered with several animal welfare and conservancy organizations over many years in Charlotte, I was encouraged to see a majority of our elected City Council members representing not only the voices of their human constituents on Monday, but also those who have no voice.

The usage of whips and bullhooks by animal circuses is a cruel and outdated punishment of living beings. Animal abuse is not “entertainment.”

I thank the Charlotte City Council for its compassion and action during Monday’s vote to ban exotic animals in circuses. Charlotte, and the moral compass of our society, are better because of this.

Teddi Daniels, Belmont

Tornadoes, climate

We lack the imagination to foresee all that climate change will do.

Now, we know that tornadoes can come in clusters for 250 miles. Maybe next we’ll find that a climate-driven fungus wipes out countless hardwood trees.

We do know that the punches will gradually get worse, and repair bills will get bigger.

Emission reduction goals have been set, but that’s not a winning program. Instead, let’s consider a carbon fee and dividend plan: A rising carbon fee would be paid by fossil fuel producers, and money raised would go as a monthly dividend to all households.

This program could help solve global warming and affect the entire energy economy.

Richard Greene, Charlotte