I support Trump’s ideas, but he’s hurting himself with voters

Trump and 2024

Regarding “Mick Mulvaney: Trump may hurt the GOP in swing districts this election,” (Sept. 3):

Mick Mulvaney is on target. There is no need, or interest, in revisiting the 2020 election. I would vote for Donald Trump’s policies today, tomorrow and in 2024, but I, like most conservative and independently-minded Americans, would rather look forward.

We’d rather focus on securing our southern border and on the financial situation the current administration has put us in. I will hold former President Trump accountable if he jeopardizes what should be a slam-dunk midterm election with his rhetoric about the 2020 election.

Mike Howard, Waxhaw

Mick Mulvaney

As Mick Mulvaney decries handling of the economy by Democrats, I’d remind him of three things: George H.W. Bush handed off a recession to Bill Clinton, George W. Bush handed off The Great Recession to Barrack Obama, and Donald Trump handed off the worst economy since the Great Depression to Joe Biden. The recent past doesn’t exactly provide a ringing endorsement for Republican administrations regarding their stewardship of the economy.

Arnie Grieves, Huntersville

The IRS

Why are so many Republicans obsessed with the IRS adding thousands of new employees? Are they scared? According to a Treasury Department spokesperson, “The resources to modernize the IRS will be used to improve taxpayer services — from answering the phones to improving IT systems — and to crack down on high-income and corporate tax evaders who cost the American people hundreds of billions of dollars each year. “

Is this a bad thing?

Michael A. Shinder, Charlotte

Biden’s speech

Regarding “Biden’s speech in Philadelphia missed the mark,” (Sept. 5 Opinion):

True, one doesn’t persuade voters by scolding and demeaning, but the voters in question were lost anyway. Biden is rallying actual patriots around the Constitution. Independents are the payoff. Many may need daily reminders of how GOP “leaders” have genuflected before Trump, whose disgraceful antics were listed only in the final paragraph of this Washington Post editorial. “Conservatives of goodwill” had many chances to rein in that baleful administration. Rally on, Mr. Biden.

Steve Craig, Charlotte

Shielding Trump

Regarding “Judge grants Trump request for outside document review” (Sept. 6):

The appointed judge in Donald Trump’s case has managed to prolong the review process in hopes of diluting the effect on the midterm elections. Although Trump deserves the full protection of the law allowed to all in this nation, he is not entitled to more shielding because of his past position. There was ample opportunity for Trump to comply in this case and there is evidence of his repeated unwillingness to comply. Any other citizen would have been served with a search warrant long before he was. The judge has taken the blindfold off Lady Justice!

George Garcia, Rolesville

Same-sex marriage

In an April 11 op-ed, I wrote that it was time for Republican U.S. senators to help end LGBTQ discrimination and build welcoming communities for all North Carolinians. As a Log Cabin Republican and conservative, I encourage efforts such Sen. Thom Tillis’ support of same-sex marriage, rather than partisan fear-mongering. In tamping down partisan rhetoric, senators must focus on ensuring bipartisan collaboration. Most importantly, this civil right should not be used as a distraction from the current administration’s record, nor as a tool to sway voters.

Thankfully, Sen. Tillis supports the Respect for Marriage Act. All North Carolinians should be proud of his leadership and encourage other senators to follow suit.

Ashton Randle, Charlotte

Education in NC

Our kids are not getting a sound, basic education, which the N.C. Constitution guarantees. Since 1994 the courts have consistently found in the Leandro case that the state is failing to meet even those minimum standards. This is unacceptable.

The children are the future of our state. Yet, N.C. Senate leader Phil Berger and House Speaker Tim Moore search for new ways to get around the court’s rulings.

The state has a surplus of $6 billion. Let’s invest it in our kids.

This investment will put our children on a path to thrive. If we leave them behind, we do so at our own peril.

Eileen Hanson-Kelly, Salisbury

Presidential elections

A PEW Research poll shows that support for electing the president by popular vote is increasing among all voters: 63% support popular vote, including 42% of Republicans.

Voters believe one person, one vote is essential for democracy. A constitutional amendment is not required to elect a president by national popular vote. The National Popular Vote Interstate Compact guarantees the presidency to the winner with most popular votes in all 50 states and D.C. So far, 16 states have joined.

The compact would make the attacks on democracy via the Electoral College difficult.

Robert E. Thornton Jr., Weaverville