Let us grieve for the fallen and work to understand each other

Let’s accepts truths about each other

I understand the bunker mentality and insular “us against them” nature of police work. I also try to understand the emotional reactions of African-Americans to a series of police shootings of black men. Unfortunately, too many people are forming opinions based on political and media hype without knowing the facts.

Let us try and believe that justice will be done and work to bridge the racial divide. Let us accept the fact that not all police officers are racists and not all African-Americans are criminals. Let us grieve for the fallen and work for mutual respect and the rule of law.

Little has changed with police, blacks

I’m thrilled that Bernard McGraw had a pleasant experience when stopped by the police. No one is suggesting all police officers are disrespectful or licensed executioners of black men. My concern is with those who are the latter. Officers doing their job without regard to race and/or ethnicity don’t effectively balance those out that have no business enforcing or upholding the law!

There has always been a problem with cops and the black community (much of it justified). I’m saddened and angered that I even have to explain to my 16-year-old, black son that his mere existence as a young black man threatens some white officers/people. My dad and his brothers had the same conversation with their parents in the 1950s and 1960s.

Christian principles can still guide us

Over the last 40 years I have noticed something wonderful about Charlotte. During racial turmoil, various races have demonstrated more carefulness, more respect and kindness toward each other. I believe it is because of the Christian principles being taught in our churches. Love for our neighbors, respect for all people and concern for everyone’s well being. No, we are not perfect but we’re working on it.

After pastoring a very racially diverse congregation, First Church Charlotte, for 33 years, and teaching against prejudice all of those years, I have no question that love can truly be known and experienced among all races within our community. Through repentance we can begin the journey that will help us to truly love everybody!

Berger shows why HB2 does little

Senator Phil Berger cites a complaint from an unnamed woman who saw a man in a women’s restroom as an example of why he supports HB2. If this man is a transgender male, he is forced by N.C. law to use the women’s restroom. If he is a male trying to spy on women, HB2 will do nothing to further nor to prevent his actions.

This incident is an example of why HB2 accomplishes nothing and has the potential for creating a situation with which no one would be comfortable.

Abortion is my business, too

Linda Brooks is apparently viewing the abortion issue through a pin hole. Frankly, it is my business, and indeed all of society’s business, if your “family planning” method involves the murder of a human child.

Frankly, she should be heartened that I’m concerned. All should be concerned – and outraged – at the wholesale slaughter of innocents that is modern-day abortion.

Some questions for pro-life advocates

If pro-life really means no exceptions, it must also mean being opposed to capital punishment and serving in combat. It must also mean expanding services to care for unplanned children. Otherwise, it is merely anti-abortion, not pro-life.

A double-standard on big salaries?

Nic Batum five years, $120 million. Cam Newton five years, $104 million. And you are outraged at CEO salaries? These men and women manage billions of revenue and spending, tens of thousands of employees, over careers spanning decades to get to the top. How about a comparison of the average NFL/NBA salary to the earnings of the average fan?

This story was originally published July 11, 2016 at 5:31 PM with the headline "Let us grieve for the fallen and work to understand each other."