Charlotte pastor: Medicaid cuts go against everything we stand for as people of faith | Opinion
As a local pastor, I am concerned about cuts to Medicaid proposed in Congress. These cuts would constitute the largest in history, and would decimate our community’s access to affordable health care. These proposed cuts will terminate health care for millions of seniors in nursing homes, cancer patients, veterans and people with disabilities.
This goes against everything we stand for as people of faith. I believe that everyone deserves to have access to affordable health care. These cuts undermine this conviction. Medicaid is essential for our community. I’ve heard from neighbors that Medicaid allowed them lifesaving care.
Congress must protect Medicaid so everyone can get the health care they need. I hope our community can rally around this cause.
Rev. M. Blake Kendrick, Providence Baptist Church, Charlotte
Solitary
In NC prisons, people are locked in small cells for 22 to 24 hours with no meaningful human contact, a practice the United Nations classifies as torture if it lasts more than 15 days. I’ve lived through solitary confinement. I know what it does to the mind, body, and spirit. The silence, the sensory deprivation, the lack of sunlight — it all erodes a person’s humanity. The long-term psychological harm is devastating.
It doesn’t just affect incarcerated people. Correctional officers are also exposed to the trauma and dysfunction that solitary units breed. Other states, including Colorado and New Jersey, have drastically reduced their use of solitary confinement, and their prisons are safer because of it. North Carolina should follow suit.
The UN’s Mandela Rules provide a framework. They call for humane treatment, mental health interventions and alternatives that prioritize rehabilitation over punishment. That’s the smart path and the future of real justice. North Carolina must limit solitary confinement to no more than 15 consecutive days, develop step-down alternatives and align practices with international standards. Let’s lead with compassion, data and dignity.
Craig Waleed, Holly Springs
Wanton abuse
The Trump administration is pushing the boundaries of our democracy. From declaring war on Los Angeles over a non-existent illegal immigrant “invasion” to wasting millions of taxpayer dollars for a North Korean-style military parade. Donald Trump is trampling our constitutional rights for seemingly no reason other than he thinks he can do so.
Congress and the federal courts were created to thwart such authoritarian actions by the Founding Fathers. It is past time for Republicans in the Senate to show some courage and stop enabling this wanton abuse of power. Are Sens. Thom Tillis and Ted Budd still on the peoples’ clock?
Michael A. Clark, Charlotte
Mecklenburg Manager
Mecklenburg will never replace outgoing county manager Dena Diorio. Period. She is one of a kind in experience, dedication, foresight, and highly respected locally, nationally and by peers and subordinates. There just will never be another like her.
We all hope the new county manager will maintain an avenue of conversation with to get her input on various problems that constantly surface. Highest Regards Dena Diorio and God speed into your next Chapter. We will all miss you!
C. Ryder, Charlotte
Immigration
In response to the June 15 letter “ICE” taking issue with condemning ICE raids. I’m not sure what “’legitimate news sources’” say that illegal immigrants’ actions read like “’true crime.’” A 2024 Institute of Justice study found undocumented immigrants commit violent and drug-related crimes at less than half the rate of U.S. citizens, and a quarter the rate for property crimes. Some crimes are committed by illegal immigrants, but the vast majority are hard-working and, at least, deserve due process rights.
Jim Cunningham, Charlotte
Failures
Two events showed President Trump is a failure at international and domestic policies. Israel attacked Iran over the seemingly sincere objections of President Trump. Trump wanted to negotiate Iran out of pursuing nuclear weapons. Israel has no confidence in Trump, so they went ahead with their strike. The consequence is that Iran holds the US equally responsible and indicated they will strike the U.S. military as well as Israel in retaliation.
Domestically, a federal court found that Trump’s use of the National Guard was illegal, and he must return control back to the California governor. Trump’s folks immediately appealed. Trump will retain control, but only temporarily. Trump broke the law and hopefully will be penalized for it.
Albert Dancy, Charlotte