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On sex assaults, CMS should leave investigations to the pros

CMS assaults

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Superintendent Earnest Winston said Nov. 19, “Our goal, my goal is to take the responsibility of investigations of sexual misconduct allegations out of the hands of our school-level staff, and put that with our additional staff that we will hire.” This is a clear case of letting the fox guard the hen house. The best course of action would be for CMS to let impartial and much better qualified CMPD personnel handle every sexual related allegation.

Ed Carlson, Charlotte

Federal spending

Regarding “We have an historic opportunity to transform child care,” (Nov. 22 Opinion):

The need for child care is acute. However, the federal government cannot be the answer to every problem. Why? Look at the fiscal picture.

The national debt is $28 trillion and growing. Medicare and Social Security increase the debt every year. The bill moving through Congress is only a promise to borrow more money in the future to pay for these programs. Most states must balance the budget every year. States cannot print money. They spend within their budgets. National child care would be borrowed money.

Francis Dostie, Matthews

NC teachers

As a son of a Cabarrus County teacher, I’ve seen firsthand how the pandemic caused a massive gap in learning. Virtual learning didn’t work; it only exposed problems that plague an outdated educational system.

The pandemic opened the eyes of parents and society to how bad the system is and how it’s failing students. Students are falling behind, teachers are leaving, and state government seems to be oblivious to it all.

What is the answer? Retired teachers.

Allow retired teachers back into the classroom or on state or local school boards to help make decisions that would benefit teachers now. Giving teachers a voice in policy decisions will allow students to catch up and learn, which could start to turn around this failed company called U.S. education.

Daniel McCraw, Concord

Lessons learned

Reared in a Southern state, I wish my world history book had not included the Genesis account of creation or the attractive, soft depiction of the Civil War.

When I was growing up no people of color were allowed in public pools or bathrooms, no restaurant service or motels were available. Much of my life has been devoted to rejecting, unlearning and adjusting to how to be an appropriate citizen of the United States.

Long ago, I learned that you cannot live with a lie, but you can face facts and even truth and deal with what you learn in a constructive way. School curriculum must be clear and honest so our children will grow to be strong Americans, notwithstanding some of our sordid history.

Sam Roberson, Fort Mill

Sam Roberson
Sam Roberson

Truth about history

Regarding “I want US history to make my kids uncomfortable,” (Nov. 17 Opinion):

I thank op-ed writer Kate Murphy for her illuminating commentary on what she wants her children to know about American history. You have expressed my sentiments precisely. I am so concerned for this country if we allow the suppression of truth about our history by the insidious ignorance and ethnocentrism of some who are offended by honesty.

Connie Bray, Hickory

Socialism?

There has always been pushback from wealthy and entrenched interests when any progressive policy has been proposed in the United States. It happened after the introduction of Social Security, Medicare and the Affordable Care Act. Republicans are screaming socialism about Build Back Better today just as they did against other progressive policies. These other policies all became extremely popular with the American people after their passage, and Build Back Better will follow that same pattern.

Donna Hatfield, Cornelius

Violent protests

Laws exist that address destruction of property. Disagreement and freedom of speech are and should be protected. I just believe it’s time to put in writing that riots, burning, looting and plundering of public property are not protected. Each city should choose a location and post rules for protests. A park could be chosen and named Free Speech Park, with a podium and benches. We should not have daily life and business disrupted by protests.

Pat Sherrill, Cherryville

Speeding cars

Regarding “NC fatal wrecks likely to reach highest level in 20 years, despite more speeding tickets,” (Nov. 14):

Speeding in Charlotte is especially dangerous in residential areas. I have a bird’s-eye view of Park Road where it intersects with Marsh Road in south Charlotte. I often sit on a church bench gazing at the many vehicles flying by on Park Road.

Of much concern is the city bus stop, which is especially dangerous because it’s a yard or two from the Park Road curb where numerous vehicles are flying by and riders wait to board the bus. It’s “an accident waiting to happen,” especially when vehicles are flying both directions on Park Road.

Richard Lindsey, Charlotte