… Moving ‘Fame’ could satisfy both sides

This whole thing of statues being removed is so ridiculous and childish.

— Carol and Chuck Rabon

Moving the monument goes against the best practices in historic preservation. Furthermore, while the author feels it will help heal, the current trend of monument removals is creating a great divide in the nation.

— Ernest Everett Blevins

Salisbury is a beautiful city, and it’s the city of my ancestors.

I’m just confused as to why the mayor is wasting her energy on tearing down the city’s history. Why doesn’t she focus on the high crime rate, the gangs and building up the infrastructure of the city?

Why doesn’t she work to bring more jobs to the community instead of fixating on a beautiful piece of granite that’s been sitting in the same spot for 114 years?

— Caron Myers

To move the statue is a ridiculous. Leave it where it is. It honors the Confederate soldiers who were protecting their state from the tyrant government of the North.

— J.C. Arey

Perhaps if everyone stopped spewing the politics of division with a false narrative, no one would be offended.

Is it possible that there are individuals unaware of the brutality and outrages imposed on southern civilians, both black and white, by the invading Union forces? The memorial is simply to honor the men and women who defended their homeland.

— Terry Klima

Relocation is different than removal.

No one has called for the destruction of the statue.

— Emily Margaret Ford

Salisbury mayor invites Confederate groups, NAACP …

Contrary to what many of my associates believe, the statue should remain in its current location as a reminder of how poor southern white people were exploited by the rich slave owners.

— Reginald Brown

A whole lot of people around here like to deny the actually motivations for the war and why the statues were built in the first place.

Move it to a museum or somewhere that truly is private property.

We don’t need to have a symbol that celebrates traitors who took up arms against the United States in order to preserve slavery in the middle of town.

— Jacob Parks

Pizza delivery man robbed by 3 in Salisbury

This is why no one wants to live within the Salisbury city limits anymore.

There are too many thugs running around stealing and robbing. Even living in the county isn’t safe anymore. These young punks won’t work an honest job and pay their way.

— James Lambert

Caldwell to take job with Novant foundation …

It has been extremely difficult to keep up with the very aggressive and positive progress and expansions that have occurred not only for the hospital but for our community and beyond. Glad she’s staying here in Rowan county and wish her the best.

— Ray Pardowski

Jermail Blake sentenced to 5 to 8 years …

I worked in the Rowan County Detention Center for nine years and Blake was a constant inmate. Shields was in and out of there on a regular basis too, but he didn’t deserve to die like this. I feel the sentence should have been harder.

— Toni Megliorino

… Marine and a Salisbury girl found soulmates …

I pray Kathleen finds peace and comfort from her wonderful memories of a most sincere and loving man.

— Becky Fortson Wood

Kathleen, you found once-in-a-lifetime kind of love, a beautiful love. Your heart knew it from the beginning.

I pray that the same God will give you comfort and peace in the days to come.

May your memories bring you joy and help you not to dwell on the loss.

— Melissa Carter

Ask Us: What is going into the former Ryan’s restaurant?

We need some decent restaurants. I was hoping we would get a good steakhouse or a Golden Corral.

— Lisa Cain

I’ve eaten at Culver’s many times in Wisconsin, and their burgers are great; to me, it compares to a Steak and Shake regular burger. The custard is awesome also.

— Sher Lefler

My Turn, Beverly McCraw: Former Spencer manager …

I find it astounding that with such certainy anyone can claim to “know” what was said between Chillcott and Arrington prior to that taped piece of audio.

— Laura Rodd

City Council to have special meeting about ‘Fame’

“Fame” is a tasteful, beautiful work of art — the complete opposite in both look and sentiment of some statues in other towns, which seem to resemble the old “Hell no, I ain’t forgettin’” license plate. The soldier is dead, not facing north and does not have his rifle at the ready and cocked.

— Jay Mack Williams

The mayor is in a hurry to get several little blocks on her list checked off before she’s voted out of office.

— Vera Cope

The article says the meeting was “closed to the public.” Then, the mayor says its the “people’s house, period”. Which one is it?

— Cathy Cowan Basinger

Thank you, Mayor Al Heggins for hosting this important gathering to discuss “Fame.” Dialogue and facts are essential for this issue. I personally support relocating, not destruction.

— Renee Wimbush

… Museum renovations, Empire Hotel funding …

It’s unfortunate our mayor is more concerned about a statue that has never caused any violence than the $1 million for the Empire Hotel.

—Dennis Lunsford