Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson shouldn’t be elected to any public office

Mark Robinson

Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s gun comments border on a level of absurdity like no other misreading of the Second Amendment. He is an elected official who should be showing support for our institution of government. His paycheck, for goodness sake, is a government one and he should be working to improve government, not tear it apart, which his words do.

And does he think his AR-15 collection is adequate to stop any rogue government? What he suggests is insurrection and he should be voted out of any elected office. He is the type of elected leader who will only lead us to discord and hate, not healing.

Roger Barbee, Mooresville

Robinson regrets

Regarding “Cawthorn and Robinson’s rhetoric takes a scarier turn,” (May 31 Editorial), I am a lifelong registered Republican who made a small donation to Mark Robinson’s campaign when he ran for Lt. Gov. He is the only person I ever gave money to that I ended up voting against. The more he spoke, the more I thought his invective might be just what a polarized nation doesn’t need. All of us Republicans are not foaming at the mouth.

Phil Clutts, Harrisburg

‘Don’t say gay’

I have watched the spate of new laws regarding sexual orientation in North Carolina, Florida and elsewhere and it occurs to me that Republican lawmakers are simply scared. The attention to detail concerning the N.C. “Don’t Say Gay” legislation is absurd. I believe Republicans are enacting legislation to prevent any discussion about non-straight lifestyles.

Who among us does not know a family with an LGBTQ family member? I know several members of the LGBTQ community, all of whom are terrific people and contribute to our society in positive ways. Lawmakers need to help create safer schools, not ones that stifle speech and weaponize sexual orientation.

Peter Snyder, Charlotte

Sterling renters

Regarding “Sterling area renters pushed out by new developer,” (May 29):

Sterling neighborhood residents, most of whom are long-term renters, are not only losing their community but now face serious monetary issues. They must come up with application fees, damage deposits, first and last month’s rent, and moving expenses. They’ve had no time to prepare for this.

Rent in the Charlotte area has increased as much as 19% in the last year. According to rent.com the average rent for a studio apartment is $1,642. Sterling residents are paying $850 to $1,200 for a two-bedroom house.

Charlotte must make progress without marginalizing its citizens. City Council needs to find a way to join with developers to jointly assist dispossessed renters to make a smooth transition to new housing. The period for vacating could be extended and practical and financial assistance could be provided.

Valerie Davis, Charlotte

Abortion

If the government wants to tell a woman that she must carry a pregnancy to full term, then the government should pay for all of her medical expenses during her pregnancy, and all expenses related to raising the child until the child is an adult.

Don Lane, Charlotte

Sex abuse scandal

Regarding the Southern Baptist Convention sexual abuse scandal:

What is particularly shocking is the extent to which SBC church leadership went in covering up and denying the existence and magnitude of these lengthy tragedies. That suggests the adages of “drunk with power” and “the flesh is weak” aren’t limited only to behaviors demonstrated within the secular world. The “church” can, and must, do much, much better than this.

Ray Brayboy, Pinehurst

Not my GOP

I have been a registered Republican for over 50 years. I am a Vietnam vet, gun owner, retired attorney, husband, father and grandfather. I consider myself a conservative, but the Republicans have lost me.

They have chosen to promote hate, fear, lies, racism, bigotry and attacks on minorities in order to stay in power. Until Republicans are confronted with the loss of power, they’ve shown they will not represent the interests of the majority of Americans.

No one should vote for any Republican until the Democrats have been able to pass national legislation to provide for: reasonable gun control, healthcare reform, women’s rights protections, immigration reform, infrastructure improvements, voting rights protections, climate/environmental protections, and election finance reform.

Andrew Taylor Jr, Charlotte

Ella Scarborough

The Observer’s wonderful June 2 front page story about my former City Council colleague, Ella Scarborough, brought back a memory: In 1987 Ella, several other city officials, and I arrived at the Boston airport and rented a car to drive to a League of Cities meeting in downtown Boston. When I – the only man in the group — offered to drive, Ella (a new City Council member) told me in no uncertain terms that would not be necessary, saying “I’ll be doing the driving.” That was Ella — and she did indeed “do the driving” most of her wonderful and significant life! I will miss her very much, as will so many citizens of our community that Ella served so well for so long. RIP, dear friend.

Richard Vinroot, Charlotte