1/24 Letters: I’m with you, NC teachers. I’ll may even join you on the picket line.

NC teacher strike

As a former teacher in one of the lowest paid districts in California, I am 100 percent in solidarity with N.C. teachers as they seek fair compensation. I’ll keep my child out of school for as long as it takes for you to settle a contract and may even join you on the picket line.

Teachers know what adequate compensation is for their considerable task. If the legislature does not take their voices seriously a strike is certainly in order. Education of our young people is daunting work and the most important work in our society. Those on the front lines must be given the respect of a powerful voice, and if that means striking to elevate that voice, so be it.

Matt Faris, Raleigh

Durham’s mayor

I have been appalled by what’s going on at Durham Housing Authority properties. Shame on every elected official going back decades for keeping silent on the lack of maintenance.

I was doubly shocked by the lack of compassion Mayor Steve Schewel Tuesday night at the City Council meeting. Representatives of those in genuine crisis were put off in the most condescending manner. The mayor said the meeting agenda did not include them and said he would speak to them after the meeting.

They were understandably upset; this is a crisis! The mayor may have “moved on” from the crisis phase, but these families have not. They are living in hotels with children week-after-week with poor options for nutrition, no place for the children to play, and no idea when it will end.

They need answers to their questions — real answers, or at least better explanation for why it is taking so long.

Mimi Kessler, Durham

Allow witnesses

Regrettably, the Senate impeachment trial is a sham. If President Trump is innocent why is he withholding key witnesses and correspondence. You would think that Trump, the ultimate showman, would bask in having witnesses testify in his defense and confirm the “perfect call.”

A trial without witnesses and copies of memos and all communication is a not a trial, but a cover-up.

Stephen Berg, Chapel Hill

Trump did his job

All Americans should hope it is proven that President Trump did indeed seek a favor from the president of Ukraine. That would mean he is doing his job, protecting American interests and trying to assure that aid to Ukraine is being used properly.

Trump heard rumors, gathered the facts, connected the dots, and decided it didn’t pass the sniff test. So he asked the Ukraine president to help us investigate the situation further. He did not threaten to withhold aid, nor promise anything. He did not use the knowledge he gained for private or political purposes.

He deserves a medal — and another term in office.

Fred Atkins, Durham

Examine the facts

Regardless of the endlessly arguable “high crimes and misdemeanors” standard, the legal definition of bribery is “the offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting of any item of value to influence the actions of an official, or other person, in charge of a legal duty.”

Whether authorized by Congress or not, the alleged offer to release funds to the Ukraine president in exchange for him investigating a political rival is bribery, plain and simple.. Examining the facts before voting is our senators’ constitutional duty. I have little hope they will.

Bob Winton, Durham

Library fines

Regarding “The trouble with stopping library fines,” (Jan. 21 Opinion)

Highly improbable events still can be expected to happen, but rarely. As an example, I found myself actually agreeing with most of what J. Peder Zane had to say in his op-ed about library fines.

While we should be doing all we can to encourage folks to use the library, we should still encourage people to think about others who also use the library and not keep a book out long past the due date. Fines may be the most reliable way to foster this cooperative behavior.

Larry Wolf, Garner

Zane’s view

J. Peder Zane makes his case for a degrading society due to governmental bodies reducing and eliminating fines for minor crimes that unfairly target the homeless, poor, and minorities. One example he cites is San Francisco and New York decriminalizing public urination.

Very different from Zane, I think the problem is homelessness. Does he expect them to hold it?

David Stinson, Hillsborough

Christmas trees

The City of Durham apparently wants to stifle N.C. Christmas tree sales. Starting next year, Durham will not pick up live Christmas trees for residents who do not purchase yard waste services from the city. They will have to transport their tree to one of several collection locations.

Maybe we’ll just get an artificial tree instead and not go to all this bother. Thanks, Durham.

Susan Ficks, Durham