NC scientist: Keep Mark Robinson as far away from education decisions as possible

Mark Robinson

Regarding “Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson: the course we should set for education in North Carolina,” (Sept. 13):

Since Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s position apparently is to not teach our young children about science, I would recommend that he stays as far away as possible from the education of children.

As a medical scientist and grandfather of seven children under age 8, I believe not introducing and teaching children even younger than the first grade about science would be a tragedy. We would knowingly hamstring their lives in an increasingly science-driven world.

In my mind, the content of Robinson’s excerpt is absurd. I can assure you I won’t be purchasing his book. I would, however, be happy to educate him about science and the scientific method, since he has shown a basic lack of understanding of how important science education is to all children.

Dr. John Sorge, Raleigh

Citizen input

The writer is chair of the Midtown Citizens Advisory Council.

Regarding “Is citizen input creating barriers to new housing in Raleigh? The city must decide.” (Sept. 13 Opinion):

In his op-ed, Mack Paul suggests that only city officials and developers can guide a city for a better tomorrow. There is a name for this type of government and it is not democracy. The problem we have is not providing enough homes for all income levels. It is about providing homes that are consistent with the neighborhoods and providing residents the opportunity to review how it impacts their immediate vicinity.

When adding development by entitlement without resident input, we’ve lost not only the American dream but the American way of life and the freedoms that go with it. I thought city leaders were elected to represent the residents of Raleigh. How can a city council plan and develop the future of a major city without engaging with the residents that elected them?

Larry Helfant, Raleigh

Input on housing

Our country is nearly 15 years out from the collapse of the housing market in the 2008 recession. Development nearly ground to a halt and many construction companies and skilled laborers dropped out of the market. We’re feeling the effects of that today. Our country is also dealing with inflation, rising interest rates, and supply-chain failures. Yet, there is little talk about the effect these issues are having on the housing crisis.

If we don’t have open conversations, we are never going to solve the problem. Let’s stop resenting people for expressing their opinion and participating in what should be a democracy. Let’s start holding our leaders accountable for finding multiple solutions to this complex problem.

Chantelle Miles, Raleigh

Wendell suicide

My heart aches for the mother who lost her 13-year-old son to suicide Sept 6 at Wendell Middle School in Raleigh. My 13-year-old son struggled with suicidal ideations. I, too, struggled with where to turn for help.

It breaks my heart that that this mother felt she had nowhere to turn and that we have not built a functioning system in our communities to help families get appropriate mental health care for their children.

Navigating mental health resources is a major undertaking, one that takes an unnecessary emotional and financial toll. It took me almost a year to get the appropriate help for my son. I want this mom to know she is not alone.

Jaime Mousty, Raleigh

Ted Budd

“Budd may be exactly where he wants to be in US Senate race” (Sept. 12) posed the question “Where’s Ted Budd?” A better question would be “Where’s Ted Budd’s firearm?” In his political advertising during the GOP primary, Budd proudly displayed a gun. Now that he must appeal to a broader electorate, it’s gone. But he still owns his gun business.

Here’s our chance to offer more than “thoughts and prayers” to stop gun violence. Get to the polls this fall. We must not let a gun store owner into the Senate.

Hugh Mensch, Southern Pines

NC speeding

The Sept. 11 op-ed on speeding deaths reminded me that school buses have governors, which limit their speed. Does anyone have a need to drive 100 mph? Why not have a governor on every car so they never reach more than 80 mph? Police vehicles can be excluded. Such devices would save lives. Some folks will argue against it, but when seat belt laws were implemented there also was serious backlash. Would anyone argue now that seat belts aren’t needed?

Daryl Bowman, Raleigh

Chimney swifts

Regarding “Triangle birdwatchers take to the roof as the ‘swift-nado’ descends on local chimneys,” (Sept. 14):

As a child I would ride my bicycle to Daniels School to watch in amazement thousands of chimney swifts swirl into the chimney. Like most of these traditional fall roosts, that chimney has been sealed.

This article piqued my long-time desire to have the unused chimney at the N.C. Museum of Art repurposed for this. I’ve written the museum and received tepid response. This would be a win/win for birds and the museum as people gather in the twilight on blankets in the sprawling fields on fall evenings to watch the spectacle.

Vernon Hunter, Raleigh