7/26 Letters: ‘only divine intervention’ will save Trump administration

Regarding “NAACP’s Rev. Barber says praying for Trump ‘borders on heresy’ ” (July 18): I admire and appreciate the advocacy activities of Rev. Barber on behalf of justice, equality and caring for the needy in communities. I have participated three times in his protests.

However, on praying for the president, I must disagree. Ever since Trump was elected I have prayed for divine intervention in the workings of this administration. The one thing I felt was objectionable about the joint prayer being made for Mr. Trump was the fact that it was done so publicly. I feel people must pray for the Trump administration because it appears only divine intervention is going to return sanity to America.

Police transparency needed

Regarding “Adding body cameras for Raleigh police will improve policing” (July 19): As a Raleigh resident, I am hopeful that body cameras will help increase the transparency of the Raleigh Police Department, but that can only happen if the policies guiding their use are strong. Chief Deck-Brown must fully answer community members’ questions about the rules governing their use. She should proactively provide specific details on how officers will be disciplined if they abuse the cameras or the policy.

It should also be made clear whether people recorded by these cameras will be able to view the footage, especially in light of a damaging law now on the books in North Carolina that restricts the public’s access to police body and dash camera footage. Yes, these community meetings are important, and the “extra mile” is appreciated. But it is just the first step. There is still a long way to go to complete transparency and accountability between officers and the people they have sworn to protect and serve.

Keep bike trails

RDU Airport should accept the $6.46 million offer made by The Conservation Fund to purchase the 105.46-acre “Odd Fellows” tract to add to William B. Umstead State Park.

This land lies between Odd Reedy Creek Road and Crabtree Creek/Umstead State Park. The Umstead Coalition, Triangle Off-Road Cyclists, Oaks & Spokes, Eastcoast Greenway, Sierra Club, Triangle Greenways Council and BikeWalk NC have partnered together in support of this sale and enhancement of the trail system connecting Wake County’s Crabtree Park with William B. Umstead State Park. The offer is “Fair Market Value” and at a great profit over the $2,000 per acre that the airport paid when it bought this tract in 1976. It is not needed for aviation use.

The alternative use being considered by the airport is to construct a new quarry, which would destroy the land and trails forever, while providing RDU only a modest short-term profit. The true vision provides RDU with revenue and land preservation for generations to come.

This story was originally published July 25, 2017 at 6:00 PM with the headline "7/26 Letters: ‘only divine intervention’ will save Trump administration."