Sterilizing immigrants? This isn’t who we are. Stop mistreating asylum seekers.

ICE detainees

I have read the reports about women being sterilized at the Irwin County Detention Center in Georgia. It has also been reported that there have been 5,772 . COVID-19 cases in ICE detention centers.

We all saw the photographs of children detained in cages at ICE facilities. How can anyone who has ever loved a child stomach that?

Who are these people being treated so cruelly? The vast majority are asylum seekers awaiting a judicial hearing. They have not been accused of any crime — seeking asylum is perfectly legal. And, most of them have designated people to sponsor them upon release.

The tragic mistreatment of immigrants is not who we are as Americans. But if we do nothing about it, it will become who we are — to our everlasting shame.

Ruth Grant, Chapel Hill

Dan Forest

I have to take exception with Dan Forest’s assertion that “all science is based on skepticism.” Science is based on careful research, data, facts and the laws of nature.

Why should we take his advice over that of medical professionals who specialize in infectious disease when it comes to wearing masks?

Forest thinks parents should be able to decide whether their kids need to wear masks to school or not. However, just as the school system requires that students be vaccinated to protect other student, they should require that all students wear masks for the sake of public health.

MaryJane Selgrade, Raleigh

Vaccines

I completely understand Cal Cunningham’s reluctance to commit to taking a coronavirus vaccine approved by President Trump’s FDA. The president has made false or misleading claims to the American people more than 20,000 times in his 3.5 years in office. Why would anyone believe a word he says?

What Cunningham should have said was this: “if Trump says the vaccine doesn’t work, then I’ll take it.” The odds would be ever in his favor.

Ron Sutherland, Durham

Senate debate

In the first debate Sen. Thom Tillis opened by characterizing his challenger, Cal Cunningham, as so desperate to win that he would say anything to get elected.

This is an old trick of demagogues, meant to frame the opposing candidate as a liar before he even opens his mouth. Once the frame is in place in the minds of voters, the demagogue hopes listeners will regard anything his opponent says as a lie.

Cunningham refused to take bait and delivered his prepared opening statement. But I hope at some point he will point out that blanket accusations of lying undermine the principle of mutual respect that is the foundation for democratic debate.

More important, such characterizations undermine democracy itself by delegitimizing political opponents. Democracies die when a political party denounces its rival as illegitimate liars.

Joe Klaits, Durham

CDC politicized

Regarding “Who had the better night in NC’s first U.S. Senate debate?” (Sept. 15 Opinion)

I strongly disagree with the Editorial Page Editor Peter St. Onge’s column questioning Cal Cunningham’s reluctance to take a vaccine before the election. I would not either. President Trump has politicized the CDC.

Bob Hunt, Clayton

Politics and sports

With all that has happened in recent months, it’s great that we are finally getting live sports back in our lives. But wouldn’t it be really great if we could enjoy those sports without the political commentary that now seems to have become a integral part of them?

Sports is something that should unite us but now is seems like they simply provide another avenue to divide us. Regardless of your political affiliations or preferences, wouldn’t it be nice to watch a ballgame and not hear about anything but the game. Root for your team or root against the other team but please, leave the political agenda out of the equation.

Fritz Hine, Durham

Trump rallies

Just once I’d like to see the governor and lawmakers of a state where a Trump rally that violates the crowd restrictions we all must adhere to shut down the rally. Activate the National Guard and post them at the rally site. Have them allow the maximum number of properly masked people to enter the venue and deny anyone over that limit entry.

This would be a simple precaution to help stem the spread of this virus that all of us are forced to deal with.

The president, no matter who that might be, is not above the law.

When will someone in authority grow the courage and morality to stand up to this lawless and self-centered man? Before it’s too late, I hope.

Bryan Boucher, Clayton

Vote by mail

Vote by mail! It’s amazingly easy. Efficient. COVID-safe. And there is a simple way to track your ballot at NCSBE.gov. In the chaos of the times, this is an absolute treasure. Kudos to those who maintain this delightful possibility. I highly recommended it for all.

Jinny Baeckler, Hillsborough