Why I refused to show my ID at my Mecklenburg polling place | Opinion

Voter ID

I voted by provisional ballot on Nov. 7 because I refused to show my ID. Here’s why:

I’ve voted in every election since 1972 in multiple states and have never been asked to show an ID. In all that time, I remember no evidence of substantial voter fraud — even in the last several election cycles. Despite that, a fringe minority in this country use this false narrative to pass legislation to require IDs, as well as other unnecessary requirements to restrict voter access.

What’s next? A poll tax? Land ownership? European descent? Moderate thinking people of all parties should say no to the radical right attempting to hijack our elections.

Jack Trlica, Charlotte

Congested roads

I’m baffled by our government’s willingness to spend millions on things that are plainly ineffective. North Carolina approving $45 million to add lanes to an I-85 interchange in Mecklenburg is a perfect example.

Adding lanes is only ever a short-term Band-Aid. Known as the Fundamental Law of Road Congestion, it’s a well-established fact that widening highways only encourages more people to drive on those roads, leading to the same levels of congestion just a few years after construction.

Time and time again, lawmakers rush to waste money on temporary fixes without actually understanding the problem. Long-term solutions that have proven to be beneficial, like comprehensive public transportation, continue to be scoffed at for their cost.

I personally would rather not live in a world where the highways just keep getting wider and wider until the money or the space runs out.

Paige Milligan, Waxhaw

Davidson College

Regarding “Davidson to keep name of slave owner on campus building,” (Nov. 8):

Like many private and public institutions across the South, Davidson College must come to terms with the ugly stain of slavery that hangs over Southern history like the stench of spoiled milk. At least the college is creating a sculpture honoring the enslaved people who helped build the college and has created a committee on racial reconciliation. It is trying to face its past and work for a better future.

Augie Beasley, Charlotte

Berger’s statement

I read N.C. Senate leader Phil Berger’s remarks accusing Durham’s police chief of “coddling” protesters who blocked the Durham Freeway. It made me think immediately of then-President Donald Trump sitting passively for hours in the dining room off the Oval Office on Jan. 6, 2021 watching on TV as hordes of his supporters stormed the Capitol, yelling “hang Mike Pence,” and attacked police.

Then, I wondered, how can a leading voice of the Republican Party in North Carolina be so quick to criticize professional police officers exercising what appeared to me to be patience and good judgment to achieve a peaceful resolution of a nonviolent, but potentially volatile protest — all while continuing to be silent about Trump’s failure to take action to stop the Jan. 6 violence.

Dumont Clarke, Charlotte

Atrium’s actions

Regarding “Our study revealed a troubling underside to some NC hospitals,” (Nov. 9 Opinion):

Those high-flying execs at Atrium Health better thank their lucky stars that the people of Mecklenburg County are so darn generous. It’s not every “nonprofit” that can grab $23 million in property tax breaks each year in exchange for “charity” care, and simultaneously shake down sick folk who get behind on medical bills by slapping liens on their homes. Nice work if you can get it.

Terry Taylor-Allen, Charlotte

Human decency?

I had to laugh at the Nov. 5 Forum writer’s position that Donald Trump has a high regard for human decency. This is the same man who has made fun of disabled people, Gold Star families, people with weight issues, and used contemptible words to describe women. If this is Republicans’ gold standard for human decency, it explains a lot. A decent human being would reject these behaviors no matter if you have a D or an R by your name. No wonder folks like Mitt Romney or Liz Cheney are getting out. While I may not agree with them on policy, I at least respect their integrity.

Charles Fortanbary, Charlotte