Equity? That’s not what I see in Sheriff McFadden’s new traffic stop plan.

Traffic stops

Regarding “Mecklenburg sheriff changes rules for traffic stops by deputies,” (Oct. 6):

I have some important but difficult questions about Mecklenburg Sheriff Garry McFadden’s new traffic stop policy.

Is it fair to all the drivers - including Black drivers - who pay their taxes, register, inspect and insure their vehicles to ignore those who don’t? Considering that traffic stops can lead to arrests for more serious underlying offenses like unlawful possession of a firearm, is eliminating “regulatory stops” for non-moving violations endangering public safety? And, are all disparities in vehicular stops law enforcement’s fault, or are there other factors to consider?

Yes, equity is important, but so too is equal enforcement of the law.

Jason Huber, Charlotte

Pedestrians beware

I nominate Charlotte for least walkable city in the nation. Every day I risk my life walking through our urban neighborhoods. Sidewalks disappear without notice and pedestrians are forced to walk in the middle of the street, dodging drivers who speed through neighborhoods to avoid thoroughfares slowed by construction.

It seems the city issues permits to those who tear down bungalows in favor of McMansions without requiring pedestrian infrastructure. The priority seems to be ensuring that traffic flows freely at the expense of pedestrians. Contractors regularly block pedestrian access to avoid obstructing any part of a roadway. And Charlotte drivers are oblivious to pedestrian safety in crosswalks.

Wake up Charlotte!

Susan Riggs, Charlotte

Chronic absences

Reply to “CMS identifies culprit behind low student math test scores,” (Oc.t 3):

Using punitive measures to battle chronic absences (automatic failure after 10 absences), will not succeed with children who are unmotivated by grades and accustomed to peer promotion. CMS must improve relationships (peer and adult) so students feel like school is where they belong and has something to offer them. Teachers need training on how to conduct class in ways that allow students to make connections and work together. The school needs to offer all-inclusive, nonacademic electives, clubs and extracurricular activities that allow students to develop and utilize athletic, artistic and trade-related skills. Mental health professionals are necessary for those who suffer emotional or physical abuse.

Cathy DeCostanza, Matthews

GOP Super PAC ads

The Senate Leadership Fund, which is a GOP Super PAC, has peppered my mailbox and local TV with anti-Cherie Beasley ads, asserting that Beasley is responsible for inflation, the deficit, COVID relief funds, IRS audits, crime, and the red herring issue of CRT (which is NOT taught in public schools). Jeepers! And Beasley hasn’t even been elected to office yet.

What I don’t understand is why this GOP group isn’t flooding the zone with Ted Budd’s accomplishments after six years as a Washington politician. I mean, they should be listing all the good ones. There’s... Um? And don’t forget... Hmmm. It seems there is no list.

Edward Henderson, Trinity

Inflation

A growing economy always has inflation, but there are different kinds. Today’s inflation is not the quantity of money being spent for our products and services. It’s how much money is being spent by our town’s financially comfortable compared to the struggling middle class and poor.

Billionaires, millionaires and the financially comfortable middle class are getting richer and buying whatever they want, while the rising incomes of small businesses, the struggling middle class and poor aren’t enough to keep up with inflation.

President Biden’s economic plan is what’s needed: progressively raise taxes on the wealthy and corporations, and create more higher paid jobs for infrastructure and workers who will correct the supply chain problems. That’s the good kind of inflation Charlotte needs.

Charles M. Kelly, Charlotte

Political games

Can there be any justifiable reason for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ recent hijacking of Venezuelan immigrants? If he was trying to impress his white Christian base, the strategy seems to be working in terms of dollars raised on his behalf. Few, if any, theologians in his evangelical camp speak out against such political buffoonery.

I fear that immigrants are not the only ones being hijacked, but Christianity itself. Those who bend it to serve their own power agendas forget that in Judeo-Christian tradition the immigrants, homeless and hungry are to be cared for, not used for personal gain.

Cruelty against “the least of these” for personal gain says, “Good-bye Jesus. Hail Caesar.”

Zach Thomas, Charlotte

Hurricane relief

Our hearts go out to folks in Florida. Many of us have had wonderful vacations on those devastated beaches. And thank goodness for the willingness of the federal government and Biden administration to do whatever it can to help in the recovery and lay political differences aside, especially those with Gov. Ron DeSantis. In 2013, then-Congressman DeSantis voted against federal relief dollars after Hurricane Sandy. Floridians deserve our compassion and assistance, politics aside. So did New York and New Jersey. We all deserve better politics and leaders.

Pat McCoy, Charlotte