It’s not misinformation or disinformation. Call it what it is.

Candidate lies

I try to vote for the person who presents the most logical (in my opinion) and fact-based position on issues at hand. I really don’t care about party. I research on many platforms. I try to get it right. That said, when will all in the media call “disinformation/misinformation” what it is — lying? Perhaps when y’all call it what it really is, the average person/voter, including me, will see this behavior as just plain wrong. Use the proper term. Stop referring to it as if it’s normal. It isn’t. It’s unacceptable. Call it out.

Hank Trojan, Huntersville

Election deniers

It is my optimistic hope that election deniers now elected to run elections in their state will look to people of integrity like Brad Raffensperger as role models. Raffensperger, a Georgia Republican, who has been resoundingly re-elected, set the bar for courage, character and integrity in standing tall against an onslaught of pressure to allow manipulation of fair election results for political gain.

Once these newly elected officers see the process for themselves and better understand it, my hope is they will ultimately find the courage, as Raffensperger did, to execute the duties of their offices in all good faith.

Geoffrey A. Planer, Gastonia

Fair free speech

Regarding “On the ballot: democracy and America’s future,” (Nov. 6 Opinion):

Despite Leonard Pitts’ thought-provoking analogy about using termites or wrecking balls to destroy homes, Republican and Democrat extremists alike have demonstrated their capacities for choosing inappropriate methods to undermine democracy. Fairness and freedom to speak (the essence of democracy) require that someone trying to influence public opinion should not spread misinformation, but also should acknowledge at least the most obvious of credible facts on the other side. It makes the writer more plausible and the open-minded reader more inclined to believe him or her.

Phil Clutts, Harrisburg

Supreme Court

I take serious exception to the assumption expressed in “A Stark Disparity’ (Nov. 5 eEdition). “The Supreme Court looks more like America than it ever has” cannot be further from the actual truth if you look at the religious makeup of its justices. All nine justices express a devotion to some religion. However, almost 30% of the American populace identifies themselves as atheist, agnostic or “nothing in particular.” With about one-third of all Americans being non-believers or indifferent to any religion, are their voices being represented in the Supreme Court? Well, they aren’t. And that is a stark disparity in modern America.

Reed Shaddock, Charlotte

Mortgage rates

In 1983 I naively bought, renovated, and opened The Morehead Inn with an 18% mortgage rate at the time. The rate didn’t faze me, as I was determined to make the inn happen. And it did. So to the woe-is-me folks who complain of the high interest rates for mortgages today, I say, stop the moaning and be glad it isn’t 18%!

Nancy C. Bryant, Norwood

Social Security

Social Security payouts are linked to the cost of living. The income cap for Social Security taxes should also increase in the same way, rather than be a fixed amount that requires a politically unpopular vote to meet ongoing needs.

Michael Vernon, Mountain Home

A new bus hub?

The closing of Regal’s Arboretum theater could provide land for CATS to build a substantial bus service hub in south Charlotte. The only thing lacking in Charlotte’s effort to reorganize the city into complete neighborhoods is a reliable connecting bus system. That can only happen when potential riders have something more visible than bus stop poles. The property presents a once in a generation opportunity to modernize one of the busiest intersections in Charlotte’s road network and grow ridership.

Bolyn McClung, Pineville

Misogyny

I want to thank Observer Opinion writer Paige Masten, a thousand times over, for her Nov. 7 column regarding misogyny and sexism. It pervades not only politics but every aspect of our culture. I encounter it often in my HOA, from clergy, relatives, strangers and, ironically, even from other women. Gaslighting is especially pernicious. One phrase that I’ve encountered frequently, and I suspect many other women have as well: “Are you sure you’re not exaggerating?” No, I’m not exaggerating, and yes I’m sure.

Amy Keith, Charlotte

Panthers need me

With the Panthers trailing 35-0 at halftime last Sunday, I decided it would be more enjoyable to rake the yard than watch the second half. Then, buried in wet maple leaves, it hit me: As a relatively young retiree, I have time to help. My major joints have been replaced so I’m durable. I have better hands than Tommy Tremble, am taller than Baker Mayfield, faster than most of my neighbors, can probably kick a 32-yard field goal (keeping my helmet on to celebrate), and am willing to accept the NFL rookie minimum salary.

Mr. Tepper, give me a call and let’s turn this thing around!

Brian Buckley, Cornelius

This story was originally published November 13, 2022 at 5:30 AM.