March 29, 2024

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Replace Jerry Richardson statue with one of the black man lynched on that site in 1913

Replace Richardson statue with this one

Instead of just removing the statue of Jerry Richardson from the stadium, what if we replaced it? As we grapple with the impact of racism in all aspects of our society, we cannot just “cancel” those whose prejudices have been exposed and believe it will solve our systemic problems. We must face our collective culpability in inheriting history and institutions that have built the artifice of white supremacy. A way we could truly face our past is to build a memorial to Joe McNeely who was lynched in 1913 on the site where the Panthers stadium was built. That would take real courage.

Stephen Hairgrove, Charlotte

Stephen Hairgrove
Stephen Hairgrove

Statue shouldn’t have been removed

I think it is a real shame that a statue of a man like Jerry Richardson would be unceremoniously removed because protesters might try to create havoc and risk public safety. Richardson was the man who brought NFL football to Charlotte in 1993, brought millions of dollars to our uptown economy, led the team for 25 years (including to the Super Bowl), and led the charge to make Charlotte a recognized, world-class city. What has this city and country come to?

Arthur Selby, Mint Hill

Putney’s decision is problematic

Regarding “CMPD unveils duty to intervene policy following protests,” (June 6):

CMPD Chief Kerr Putney’s decision to adopt a “duty to intervene” policy is problematic. Not because it isn’t warranted, but because federal courts have recognized for years that the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution requires officers to intervene to prevent another officer’s use of excessive force when they have a reasonable opportunity to do so.

Is the chief’s decision to only now adopt such a policy an admission that CMPD has failed to follow clearly established law? I hope not, but it is a question worth asking.

Jason Huber, Charlotte

There’s good reason to rename Fort Bragg

In a series of tweets June 10 the president firmly rejected the renaming of Fort Bragg and other Southern military bases, suggesting they represent “Winning, Victory, and Freedom.”

Fort Bragg’s namesake, Braxton Bragg, is an embarrassment in the history of North Carolina, and not just for his ownership of 105 enslaved peoples. Frequently cited by historians as one of the most incompetent generals of the Civil War, Bragg lost all but one major battle he fought in. He was short-tempered and quick to blame others for his own failures. His own subordinates repeatedly called for his removal.

The Braxton Bragg name is quite possibly the antonym of “winning,” but he does seem to bear a stark resemblance to Donald Trump in character.

Jonathan Hill, Charlotte

Open NC schools as fully as possible

Regarding “NC schools release reopening plan options,” (June 11):

As a parent of school-age children, I want to express my concern for their emotional well-being during these times of isolation and implore Gov. Cooper to open schools as fully as possible in August. Understanding the need to protect the vulnerable in our community from COVID-19, we must not fail to consider the negative emotional and mental impact the prolonged isolation has and will continue to have on our children. I ask that Cooper please consider all the needs of all of our state’s population when making his decision regarding opening of schools in August.

Andrea McGlinn, Mooresville

Cooper did the right thing on RNC 2020

I understand that the Republican National Convention is a financial loss to Charlotte, but I congratulate Gov. Roy Cooper for having the courage to care about human life over profit. It takes real courage to stand up for the citizens of our state. COVID-19 is a killer and our case rates and hospitalizations are going up. Social distancing, masks and hand washing are our only defense. We can host other events once we have a vaccine for COVID-19, but we cannot replace a human life.

Lorraine Skotnicki, Mooresville

Mixed-income housing can help

In a time when a virus has become a partisan issue and there is deep unrest nationwide, ask yourself: Why are we so divided? Yet looking at the social demography of most cities, are we surprised? Races and economic classes live largely separate, and with social media as our fact source, we live in our own bubble. If we can’t see it for ourselves, we don’t believe it. This is why intentional land planning and mixed-income housing are critical; as well as public forums, like the Tuesday Morning Breakfast Forum, where people can learn from others, be challenged. Perhaps most important is our individual outreach to others to learn from them.

Aaron Kohrs, Hickory

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