Draconian unemployment benefits program is failing hard-working NC citizens

NC unemployment

Regarding “NC needs big, fast relief package,” (March 29 Editorial):

I was stunned to read about our state’s draconian unemployment benefit program where over 90% of the state’s unemployed are ineligible and the average weekly check is $264. That’s not enough for a corporate lobbyist to buy a decent steak dinner for Phil Berger and Tim Moore.

Over 200,000 people have applied for unemployment benefits due to the coronavirus pandemic and that number is sure to grow. Further, it appears unlikely that most of the state’s hard working and newly unemployed will be eligible for the additional benefits included in the recent congressional legislation. This is the price our hard-working citizens are paying for the actions of our conservative Republican legislature over the last 10 years.

Ironically, their actions in suppressing unemployment benefits and access to health care through Medicaid is hitting hardest in areas that elected them to the legislature.

Come November, let’s not forget who failed to stand up for our hard-working citizens. Vote to send them home.

Henry Evans, Raleigh

Sen. Richard Burr

In our legal system, one is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Yet, in the court of public opinion, many are asking us to convict Sen. Richard Burr of insider trading based on allegations.

Fair-minded news consumers, left or right, would have to say that we do not know if he is guilty or innocent because we have heard only one side of the story. Many of the stories about Burr focus on his transactions and their timing. The truth that is missing from these articles is: What information was in the public domain at the time of the transactions? For example, as the coronavirus outbreak spread outside China a Jan. 31 BBC headline said “Coronavirus declared global health emergency by WHO.”

Stan Stager, Raleigh

Gun buying

I am deeply saddened at the direction some in this country are taking. We have men standing in line not to buy food, and household necessities, but to buy more guns and ammunition designed only to kill people.

Instead of buying guns, how about standing in a grocery line to buy food and supplies for those unable to leave their home for fear of being infected with the new coronavirus? Instead of running up credit card debt at the gun store, how about helping the millions of unemployed?

It’s time to remember that this country will only survive, not by shooting those we disagree with, but by extending a helping hand and supporting each other.

Barton Holtz, Pittsboro

NC teachers

Regarding “NC teachers let their students know they miss them amid COVID-19 school closures,” (March 28):

How cool is a that! A teacher parade. It’s awesome that our teachers would demonstrate their love and concern for their students at this time. Maybe, just maybe, we will one day show our appreciation to these teachers by recognizing their financial worth to all of us, particularly students.

Bob Southerland, Raleigh

President’s postcard

Saturday’s mail brought a postcard addressed to “Postal Customer.”

On its front in bold letters: “President Trump’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America.”

No, Mr. Trump, the guidelines are not yours. Scientists and physicians stated these facts long before you paid any attention to them.

Politicians have no place in telling Americans what we need to know in life-and-death health matters like this.

The president should step aside and let the professionals do their jobs.

Jane McPherson, Chapel Hill

Presidential lies

The comparison of “Presidential lies” in the March 29 Forum brought a smile. Whenever President Trump’s lies are brought up, you can always count on certain people to bring up President Obama’s “lie” stating that “If you like your doctor, you’ll be able to keep your doctor.” For a fair comparison, you’d have to come up with at least 10 deliberate lies every day from Obama. Good luck.

Richard B. Chartrand, Chapel Hill

MaryAnn Black

Regarding “State lawmaker MaryAnn Black remembered as advocate for health, Durham issues” (March 27):

Rep. MaryAnn Black was much more than a stellar Durham County commissioner and state lawmaker. She was a compassionate, calm and wise leader.

As her colleague in the legislature, she gently reined me in when I wanted to speak out with anger and frustration about injustice.

Durham was fortunate to have her decades of leadership. Always polite, yet firm and determined, she was a role model on how to comport and comfort. She was not only a true representative of Durham, she represented the best of humanity.

Marcia Morey, Durham

N.C. House District 30 representative

This story was originally published March 30, 2020 at 1:29 PM.