12/8 Letters: Lessons learned on consent ‘still meaningful’

Regarding “NC Democrats join calls for Franken resignation” (Nov. 7): At the age of 13, I was enrolled in a dancing class along with my sister. Not only did we learn to dance, social amenities came along with the program. Here are some of them:

1. You never stepped on your dance partner’s toes. 2. After the dance was over, you escorted her back to her seat. 3. You never shook a girl’s hand unless she extended her hand to you first. 4. Always treat her with respect, to include never engaging in physical contact without her consent.

These rules were unconditional. There were no exceptions. Follow the rules, boys, and you should be just fine with the girls.

Seems to me these lessons would be appropriate in today’s social atmosphere. I was taught these lessons 70 years ago and they’re still meaningful.

‘Party of Lincoln’?

Regarding “After last-minute deals, Senate narrowly passes GOP tax plan” (Dec. 2): Abraham Lincoln once said “Labor is prior to, and independent of, capital. Capital is only the fruit of labor, and could never have existed if labor had not first existed. Labor is the superior of capital, and deserves much the higher consideration.”

I should think that the “Party of Lincoln” would show more respect and consideration of labor nowadays, yet the 2017 tax-reform bill is more about rewarding capital, passive investment, etc., than it is about helping people who have to labor for a living. The GOP can not faithfully claim to be the Party of Lincoln any more as its modus operandi does not align with Lincoln’s acts and beliefs at all. Current direction and priorities are totally foreign to what Lincoln stood for.

Further, the GOP should no longer be referred to as the “Grand Old Party.” Instead, if they want to keep the GOP label, the meaning should be changed to the “Glom Onto Plutocrats” party.

Internet ‘right’

Regarding “Senators urge FCC to delay net neutrality vote” (Dec. 4): The FCC will vote Dec. 14 on a plan to end net neutrality. I do not want ISPs to have the power to discriminate what websites they allow their customers to visit via blocking or throttling and then requiring customers to pay for “fast lanes.” Net neutrality is very important to keep these corporations that already maintain a monopoly from exploiting their position further.

Dissolving net neutrality would be anti-American, anti-consumer and a huge step backward for technology and freedom of expression. Do not allow the FCC to destroy the freedom of the internet. I implore everyone to contact their representatives and Senators Tillis and Burr. Ask them to stop Chairman Pai from making a mistake that will have dire consequences for small businesses and consumers across the nation. We all have a right to use the internet with our government to protect those rights.

This story was originally published December 7, 2017 at 10:37 AM with the headline "12/8 Letters: Lessons learned on consent ‘still meaningful’."