All this for a tiny fraction of the people

Does the majority rule, or not? Our state is now involved in a lawsuit with the federal government about our “Bathroom Bill” (also known by other names that are nothing more than senseless blather). Apparently a portion of the population (estimates range from less than 1 percent to claims as high as 10 percent) that is significantly less than the majority seeks to impose their “protection” upon the rest.

Now, I’m familiar with the statement that democracy breaks down when two wolves and a sheep confer on what should be for dinner. That is simply insane and should never be considered as a valid debate point. Our U.S. Constitution has numerous references regarding the number of votes necessary for passage of a bill and for impeachment of officers; and our U.S. Supreme Court hands down decisions that are based on the number of votes by the justices. We are conditioned at the earliest grade in school by such questions as, “By a show of hands, should we go to the gym or to the playground?”

If we continue down this path we could arrive at a point that election law will have to change to declare the candidate receiving the fewest votes to be declared the winner, since the majority can no longer impose its will on the minority. Yes, this is extreme, yet a test of the extremes is an accepted test of valid possibilities.

Consider NASCAR tracks, college and professional sports venues: should they be required to post signs outside rest rooms to caution “Traditional Privacy Cannot be Guaranteed”.

All this for a tiny fraction of the population.

— M.H. Clements

Cleveland

Corrupting the nation

The House Bill 2 controversy has gotten out of control. I truly wish that President Obama would be more interested in stopping abortions instead of trying to enforce House Bill 2. I want to share a message that was in my church bulletin. The subject: A Call for Decency

“House Bill 2 and the controversy surrounding it is merely a symptom of a much greater problem in American society — the loss of a sense if decency. Language has become coarse and vulgar; violence now fills our music and cinema; sexual immorality is rampant; perversions are the new normal. A small but vocal minority seem bent on corrupting the nation while the rest of us sit idly by lacking the moral fiber to take a resolute stand. Too many of us when challenged, instead of moving forward for moral decency, begin back pedaling.

“We who stand on the higher ground should never flinch. America would do well to heed the warning of the Proverb: “Righteousness exalts a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34)

— Glenda Barber

Salisbury

Thank you, deputies

The writer is referring to a column of hers that appeared in the May 4 paper, “Competitors, volunteers, sponsors made triathlon success.”

It came to my attention that I completely forgot nine Rowan County sherriff’s deputies who volunteered their time at our Seventh annual Buck Hurley Triathlon.

It was absolutely not my intention to forget their amazing service in torrential downpours and thunder and lightning with the other volunteers, and I sincerely apologize for this oversight.

I know this is two stories too late but I believe better late than never. To the nine Rowan County deputies, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your selfless service and donating your valuable time to help us at our Buck Hurley Triathlon. I hope you can forgive my oversight of not mentioning you in the past two articles.

— Ester H. Marsh

Salisbury