Rep. David Lewis and Robin Hayes shouldn’t get what amounts to slaps on the wrist

Lewis and Hayes

Regarding “Powerful NC lawmaker took donors’ money for his own use, prosecutors say,” (Aug. 20):

It is disgusting that men like Rep. David Lewis and N.C. GOP Executive Director Robin Hayes who are guilty of serious crimes make plea deals that seem more like slaps on the wrist. People guilty of far less are serving longer sentences. And yes, they are disproportionately people of color.

Lewis and Hayes should both be held far more accountable, even with plea deals. Come on federal prosecutors, men of stature committing political-related crimes deserve real sentences, sentences that put them in prison for the serious crimes they’ve committed. Our political and judicial systems are failing us in these cases.

Janet Powell, Cary

Lewis’ ‘mistakes’

Rep. David Lewis pleaded guilty to federal criminal charges of income tax fraud and filing false financial statements. In his statement, he repeatedly refers to “mistakes” he made and that being a poor farmer led to these “mistakes.” He was a powerful lawmaker who abused his office, betrayed the public trust and committed crimes for financial gain. These are not mistakes.

David A. Michaels, Raleigh

NCSU parties

Chancellor Randy Woodson at N.C. State said it was “disappointing” that in-person classes didn’t work because off-campus parties the first week of school. Where, pray tell, has the NCSU administration been?

Every August those of us who live in University Park, north of campus, and Cameron Park, east of campus, have girded for the onslaught of late night, loud, mostly drunken parties that pop up in the neighborhoods — hundreds of kids “breaking loose” to celebrate.

How about NCSU taking some responsibility. Folks in the neighborhoods could have told them what was coming. With the August history of off-campus parties the university should never have opened.

William Gray, Raleigh

Suspend students

My granddaughter just moved into the dorms at N.C. State. Now, because of students who live off campus and the Greek houses failing to follow coronavirus guidelines, she will go to school online.

I was disappointed in the chancellor’s letter. While acknowledging that the school must turn to online classes because of the selfishness of a few, there are no consequences for those who partied.

A primary objective of college is to teach that there are consequences to acting inappropriately. The Greek houses that held parties should be closed and the students suspended for a year. Those who partied in other off-campus housing should be suspended as well.

Maybe after a year these people will gain the maturity needed to go to college.

Leon Kellner, Coral Gables, Fla.

UNC failed

It is unconscionable that the entire UNC System governing body did not require all students to quarantine and take a COVID-19 test prior to a student’s arrival.

Since shifting to 100 percent remote and instituting the “de-densification” of campus, families had to either bring their child home or scramble to make alternate housing arrangements.

The university should have aided families in securing temporary housing. The haphazard de-populating of residence halls should have included time for students to quarantine. Now, it’s only a matter of time before we see an increase in cases.

Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz, the Board of Governors, and all who advised them had a unique opportunity to showcase the essence of Carolina. Instead, they failed the entire Carolina community.

Lauren Postyn, Raleigh

Junk mail

The recent Forum letter suggesting a ban on unsolicited mail is the perfect solution. A 60-day ban would solve the election problem. My carrier would only need to stop at my box about half the days. That’s probably typical for most mailing addresses. What a huge time and money savings when spread across the entire system. Every phase of U.S. Postal Service would benefit.

Let’s take it further. When the ban is lifted, the rates for unsolicited mail should go up. Maybe triple? Let the income from the junk mail cover any financial problems the USPS has. That’s a two-part plan everyone should get behind.

Mike McClain, Wake Forest

Voting in-person

Why is it that people will stand in line at the grocery store, pharmacy, Walmart, Target, etc., but are concerned about standing in line to vote? Most of us, including me, are wearing masks to shop and eat out safely. Why would we not do the same to vote?

I am concerned about the accuracy and timeliness of the vote-by-mail procedure, in what will be a challenging election. So, I plan to vote at my precinct and also volunteer as a poll worker — but safely.

Sheila Ogle, Cary