Charlotte got to see a side of its police during protest that isn’t often praised | Opinion
The June 14 No Kings March was an opportunity to observe the conduct of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Some communities elsewhere experienced disturbances with police. In Charlotte, our police were prepared, well led, firm, yet careful not to ignite misunderstanding, even when taunted by unwarranted verbal and visible abuse.
To a person, officers were calm, focused, patient and professional. At such events, police officers are not present to tangle, but instead to keep everyone safe. They deserve our thanks and respect.
Harry Taylor, Charlotte
Unacceptable
It is unacceptable that the mayor and city council are refusing to release public documents regarding Police Chief Johnny Jennings and his separation agreement “deal.” The city council and mayor are trying to confuse personal rights with the rights of Charlotte citizens.
I have a right to know how my tax dollars are spent. Mayor Lyles needs to have transparency. This will not go away and will be brought up again at election time. This is not the city of Charlotte that I love for its progressiveness. I personally will post announcements on all social media of this hiding of public information come election time.
Enough is enough. There is also a backlog of requests for information This is a very bad look for the mayor and the city council. I would be glad to volunteer and help get the public records back up to speed. I’m sure there are others that will volunteer to get all public records released, including the ones involving the “deal” with Jennings.
Willa Ann Hackney, Charlotte
Iran
As an Iranian-American who has called Charlotte home since childhood, my heart is heavy amid the unfolding conflict in the Middle East involving the United States, Israel and Iran. My parents fled Iran after the 1979 revolution. They met and married in New York, where I was born. Our family settled in Charlotte when I was young.
Though shaped by this city, my heart remains deeply connected to the people of Iran — especially now, as civilian lives hang in the balance. I was raised to see humanity as one family. The Bahá’í Faith teaches: “Let deeds, not words, be your adorning.” That means standing for justice, protecting the innocent and refusing to let fear or anger define us. In moments like this, moral clarity matters. Peace must be built — deliberately, urgently, by all of us.
Nima Nematollahi, Pineville
Clean energy
Danielle Battaglia’s June 12 article on proposed cuts to clean energy tax credits underscored what’s at stake for North Carolina. These credits drove $32 billion in investment, launched 72 clean energy projects, and created 14,000 jobs — many in rural communities. They help keep energy affordable for families and businesses.
While the House voted to eliminate these incentives, Sen. Thom Tillis is taking a more balanced, pragmatic approach. He understands this isn’t a partisan issue — it’s about protecting jobs, energy independence and smart investment in our state’s future. I thank Sen. Tillis for his leadership. He will stand firm and ensure NC continues to benefit from this commonsense strategy.
Teresa Isakson, Davidson
Unprovoked bombing
I’m dismayed that many have commended President Donald Trump’s decision to militarily attack Iran’s nuclear enrichment infrastructure. Although their possession of a nuclear bomb may be a fearful and undesirable situation, an unprovoked attack of a sovereign country is not the solution to which an ethical and law-abiding America subscribes.
Bombing Iran was an act of war comparable to the unprovoked bombing of Pearl Harbor by the Japanese. Morality in America and in the eyes of the world has suffered immensely. Why wasn’t diplomacy given more of a chance to succeed? Why did America withdraw from John Kerry’s Iran-nuclear agreement? It is so unfortunate that America may now become subjected to decidedly avoidable retaliatory Iranian attacks.
James Ragaini, Charlotte
I-85
Another death on I-85. I’ve lived in Charlotte all my life. I am shocked at how fast people drive on the interstates these days. Everyone speeds. It’s like a Grand Prix racetrack. Where is the Highway Patrol? I haven’t seen a patrol car in months.
Charles Odell, Charlotte