I’m a retired NC history teacher and I’ve got a lesson for Donald Trump | Opinion
History for Trump
As a retired history teacher, it is hard for me to listen to Donald Trump say he has done the most for Black people since President Lincoln. Let me provide a refresher U.S. history course for him:
Students in my classes learn that President Truman desegregated the military and federal workforce.. In 1957, President Eisenhower ordered the National Guard to ensure that Black students could safely attend school in Little Rock, Ark. In 1960, he acted to allow Ruby Bridges to attend elementary school in Louisiana with federal marshals by her side. During President Johnson’s administration, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965 were passed. President Biden appointed the first Black woman to the U.S. Supreme Court and selected a Black woman to be the first female vice president.
Actions by Joe Biden demonstrated that women of color can be role models. Where are concrete examples of Trump’s actions on behalf of Black people?
Michael Cox, Charlotte
The border
I’m 72. We’ve had the same problems on the southern border my entire life. Why isn’t it fixed? Politics! Every time we get close to a fix, politics and lobbyists torpedo it to favor one special interest or another. If it were fixed politicians couldn’t use it as an issue every election. They couldn’t use it to beat each other over the head, like now. Politicians spend all their time fighting over it and little to none crafting a fix for it. Childish politics is at the root.
Rick Wingate, Mooresville
Political culture
While watching Olympic coverage and political news last week, I was struck by the difference between the behavior of our athletes and that of our nation’s GOP presidential nominee.
Simone Biles was a model of graciousness. She exuded positivity, competence and humility during interviews. The photo of her and Jordan Chiles bowing down to Brazilian competitor Rebeca Andrade will surely become iconic.
The achievements and character of our gymnasts stood in stark contrast to the rants of Donald Trump, who can’t let go of his grievances, hatefulness, racism and disrespect for women. Thanks to the Olympics, the world got to see the best of what America has to offer. What must they think when they look at our current political culture?
Raymond C. Jones, Charlotte
Fed up with polls
I have a sincere request of all in the media: Please change the focus of political coverage from who polls predict will win to far more informative coverage of party and candidate policy positions. Seems to me “we the people” will be voting for a set of policies and a particular person who will implement them. Spending valuable time covering the polls and their guesses is a big waste of time for everyone — writers and readers. Time after time those guesses have been incorrect. Stick to the policy messages.
Hank Trojan, Huntersville
Charlotte litter
Regarding “Mecklenburg roads are trashiest they’ve ever been; it’s a danger to drivers, officials say,” (Aug. 7):
Temporary construction signs and orange cones are left beside the roads and city streets long after the work is finished. Ten years after the work was done and six years after I started messaging through designated channels regarding faded “Charlottetown Avenue Detour” signs on Central Avenue, they were finally removed by CDOT (one remains on Eastway Drive).
This type of litter is confusing, hazardous and unsightly. Run-over cones break apart then flow into the storm drains and creeks. We know the source of this litter and it should be an easy fix.
Nancy Pierce, Charlotte
Our energy future
Regarding “Carbon Plan: A great start that won’t get us where we need to go,” (Aug. 5):
This opinion piece highlights the economic consequences of inaction. Delaying the shift to clean energy isn’t just an environmental threat; it’s a financial one. Sticking with fossil fuels is inflating bills and hurting families. The NC Utilities Commission needs to ensure the Carbon Plan prioritizes cost-effective clean energy solutions that will benefit North Carolinians in the long run.
Billie Anderson, Charlotte
