Court decision concerning Justice Berger recusal doesn’t pass the smell test | Opinion

Berger decision

Regarding ”NC Justice won’t be recused from cases involving his father,” (Aug. 25):

The first and perhaps paramount ethical rule I learned in law school was that we were to avoid even the appearance of impropriety.

I was never informed that this rule did not apply to U.S. Supreme Court justices, and based on the N.C. Supreme Court’s ruling on Gov. Cooper’s motion for the recusal of Justice Phil Berger Jr. it does not apply to state Supreme Court justices.

Do they genuinely believe that a justice can distinguish between personal and professional conduct when the conduct is that of the justice’s father? The blatant failure to pass the smell test would be comical if it wasn’t so shameful.

Both the U.S. and the N.C. Supreme Courts are an embarrassment to the legal profession — and to the rest of us.

Charles Putterman, Raleigh

Being moderate

Former Gov. Jim Martin’s Aug. 27 Opinion column really resonated with me. Saying “I’m not exactly moderate, but I’m getting there fast without having to change my views” is precisely what happened to me and the Democratic Party. I was a registered Democrat but some years back I changed to unaffiliated. I, too, am unhappy with both parties and wish there was an alternative.

It was good to hear the Democratic Party rediscovered faith, family, freedom and the flag during their convention, but I doubt it will last. President Biden’s promise to bring our country together didn’t last.

I also worry about a $35 trillion national debt, and neither party seems to care. So, sign me up for a third party.

J.B. Coltrain, Jamesville

Beth Wood

Regarding “Beth Wood says new NC auditor is ‘not qualified.’ Here’s how Jessica Holmes responds.” (Aug. 27):

According to the N&O, Beth Wood was indicted for misusing state property for her own personal use. Wood allegedly drove after drinking and then crashed into another car. Photos from the crash showed her vehicle on top of the hood of the other vehicle, although she claimed she was not impaired while driving.

There are a lot of reasons not to trust Beth Wood, so her endorsement of another candidate is reason enough to vote for Jessica Holmes.

Christine Kushner, Raleigh

Trump at Arlington

Regarding “Trump videos from Arlington cemetery stir more fallout,” (Aug. 30) and related articles.

Donald Trump descended to an all time low at Arlington National Cemetery last week. This “man” used soldiers’ deaths to try and advance his agenda and political career. Vile does not begin to describe his behavior. It’s hard to understand how any citizen can still support him.

Will Republicans ever see him for what he really is? I am flabbergasted daily at the depths of depravity the Republican Party has sunk to.

Brandie Davis, Smithfield

Harris perks

I’m a little confused by Vice President Kamala Harris’ plan to help young adults buy houses. I don’t know if she wants me to pay off their college loans first or to give them $25,000 for a down payment and then pay off their loans.

She sure is being generous with my tax dollars! Heck, my wife and I paid off my college loans and bought a house all by ourselves.

Bill Mannheim, Cary

Head injuries

Regarding “Following NFL, high school football is looking for ways to keep kid’s heads safe,” (Aug. 26):

Proper equipment, Guardian caps, less contact practice sessions, good coaching and strict adherence to the rules all help lower the chance of head injury. Avoiding high velocity contact with the head eclipses them all.

The catastrophic rise in head injuries began when coaches in the 1950s started teaching the use of the head/helmet as a weapon. It has decreased with the avoidance of the head (as much as possible). It has also slowed the proliferation of America’s newest sport — the lawsuit.

Returning to the “old days” of tackling with shoulder has been advocated for many years by the sport medicine community.

Keep the head out of football.

Richard Borkowski, Cary

This story was originally published September 1, 2024 at 5:30 AM with the headline "Court decision concerning Justice Berger recusal doesn’t pass the smell test | Opinion."