NC Republicans who voted ‘no’ on the infrastructure bill failed constituents

Representing NC

Eight U.S. House representatives from North Carolina voted against the infrastructure bill. Many represent districts in desperate need of improvements like high-speed internet, new roads, water system upgrades, bridge repairs, and the jobs these activities create.

In national polls, the majority of Americans recognize our infrastructure is failing and needs to be upgraded. Internationally, we’ve fallen behind other countries we compete with.

While vigorously supporting a tax break for America’s wealthiest but voting against the infrastructure bill these N.C. representatives sabotage the real needs of their average constituents — and our economic competitiveness. How does that “represent” the people’s will or what’s good for our country? Who will hold them accountable?

Lee Fluke, Charlotte

A boon for Meck

North Carolina and Mecklenburg County should be thrilled that Congress passed the much-needed infrastructure bill. If you have driven on I-85 lately you know it needs major improvement, as do bridges and overpasses.

This infrastructure bill will bring $9 billion to North Carolina over the next five years. This is a much needed boost to our decaying road system, as well as our economy.

Lucy Grasty, Charlotte

Meck ABC stores

Regarding “Online ordering coming to liquor stores,” (Nov. 6):

The Mecklenburg County ABC board may be high on its own supply if the board thinks that blaming alcohol production and consumption can excuse their handling of liquor distribution.

They are impeding small business sales and pushing residents to South Carolina for a bottle or two, highlighting why other states don’t leave government agencies to stock liquor shelves.

I would love to hear the explanation of why Asheville, Raleigh,and Wilmington are somehow immune from the “supply chain issues.”

Finding a decent bottle of bourbon in Charlotte is the equivalent of striking oil. Online shopping options won’t keep tax dollars in the county or solve shortage problems, but it will introduce another method for the board to disappoint residents.

Focus on stocking the shelves.

Blake Morgan, Charlotte

Requiring vaccines

President Biden is right — government workers, particularly first responders, should be required to take the COVID vaccine. But don’t take Biden’s word for it, listen to Republican icon and 30th U.S. President Calvin Coolidge. After the Boston Police Strike of 1919, Coolidge said: “There is no right to strike against the public safety by anybody, anywhere, any time.”

Unlike workers employed by private businesses, public workers and unions who refuse vaccination conspire against taxpayers and put public safety at risk by spreading COVID.

Gabriel Russ, Lincolnton

Paul Gosar

Republican U.S. House member Paul Gosar tweeted a photo-shopped video edited to look like he was killing Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Gosar’s sister, Jennifer Gosar, reacted to this horrific video by saying that her brother should be kicked out of Congress.

Violence like Gosar’s tweet, which depicted him killing AOC, is beyond politics. No one should be allowed to promote violence and get away with it. He needs to be kicked out of Congress and arrested for threatening Ocasio-Cortez.

Marley Honea, Morganton

The ‘chop’ must go

The racist “tomahawk chop” used as the official rallying cry for the Atlanta Braves is beyond antiquated. It must be put to rest immediately and permanently.

Regardless of the myopic positions of the commissioner of Major League Baseball and the Eastern Band of Cherokees, other Native Americans across the nation find the “chop” offensive and degrading.

This shameful gesture takes many of us back to a time when “savage” stereotyping of indigenous people produced widespread chilling effects among those of us who endured it. Enough is enough.

Ray Brayboy, Pinehurst