Don’t skip the cringey parts of US history. Make it a mandatory class in high school | Opinion

America’s past

MAGA efforts to whitewash American history so white children won’t feel bad are completely wrong. There should be a mandatory course for all high school students on American atrocities covering slavery/Jim Crow and our treatment of the Indigenous , Chinese, Japanese and other immigrant peoples. These parts of our history should make us all feel guilt and sadness. If it doesn’t, what does that say about us as people? If we are ignorant of history we are doomed to repeat it.

Willard Osburn, Cornelius

My GOP dilemma

Regarding “A conservative blog revealed Mark Robinson’s troubles,” (Aug. 1 Opinion):

When he ran for lieutenant governor, I made a small contribution to Mark Robinson’s campaign. The more he talked, however, the more I worried about him, so I ended up “not putting my mouth — my vote — where my money was.” That was a first.

Having learned more about Robinson since then, the more I’m likely to vote for “the other guy” this time around too, even though I object to his political thinking. It’s distasteful, at best, but I don’t want Democrats to be able to point to a “Gov. Robinson” as a typical Republican standard-bearer. I’m tempted to apply the same reasoning to Donald Trump (though I haven’t sent him a penny), but it would take too great a toll on my system.

Phil Clutts, Harrisburg

Kudos to Cooper

Regarding “NC Gov. Roy Cooper takes himself out of the running for Harris VP, NYT reports,” (July 29) and related articles:

A million thanks to Gov. Roy Cooper for withdrawing his name as a possible vice presidential candidate and not leaving us in Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s hands. Oh, how excited Robinson would have been to play governor while Cooper was away campaigning.

With the way Robinson has lived his personal life, I can only imagine what he could do to North Carolina in a short time. Kudos to Cooper for sparing the great State of North Carolina.

Elizabeth Schwirck, Matthews

Hiring police

Regarding “Sonya Massey Shooting Update: Autopsy Confirms Cause of Death,” (July 26) and related articles:

The murder of Sonya Massey shines a bright light on a major law enforcement problem.

The real question that should be asked though is how in God’s name did Sean Grayson have a badge?

I realize our country has a major shortage of law enforcement officers and I know that calls to outright defund the police do not help this predicament. But there must be common sense laws that would make certain applicants unqualified for a position as a police officer or sheriff’s deputy.

I’ve been a teacher in this state for 27 years and I can assure you that if I had been discharged from the military for misconduct and had two convictions for Driving Under the Influence, I would never have been hired.

Benjamin J. Harris, Charlotte

A livable world

One candidate for president has the overwhelming support of virtually every environmental group for her climate positions.

Another presidential candidate called climate change a “Chinese hoax” and rolled back more than 100 climate regulations.

My neighbor favors the Chinese hoax point of view. I’m voting for food and a more livable world. You?

Greg Twait, Charlotte

JD Vance, women

Donald Trump’s vice presidential running mate is toxic to women and our democracy.

JD Vance believes women who are not mothers are somehow less than women who are mothers. He even had the audacity to say it publicly.

Essentially, Vance is saying that if you’re a woman who doesn’t have children your voice in the democratic process counts for less.

Now we know who Vance is. Men and women, let your voices be heard enthusiastically at the polls. Vehemently decline Vance’s bid to be vice president. He’s woefully unqualified to be second-in-command of our great nation.

Women deserve better. America deserves better.

Sham Ostapko, Huntersville

DEI

Diversity, equity and inclusion are not bad words. They are American words, American ideals.

Cheryl Milam, Concord