Decades of gerrymandered election maps are taking a toll in NC

Election delay

Regarding “NC gerrymandering lawsuits delay 2022 election primary,” (Dec. 9):

The writer is an advocate for redistricting reform who started the Flush Gerrymandering initiative in 2003..

So “we the people” now embark upon our fifth decade — yea, number five — of rigged election district maps, lawsuits, partisan governance, embittered citizens — all to shut down the voices of those who might have a different vision.

Why do we keep letting political parties cheat us? In truth, 99% of humanity hopes for enough to eat, a sound education, a job that pays enough to live on, medical care when needed, and a safe place to sleep at night. Alas, political parties don’t share that vision. Instead, they cherish power at all costs, the devil with the people! Why do we keep letting them cheat us?

Harry Taylor, Charlotte

Roe v. Wade

The U.S. Supreme Court recently heard arguments about overturning Roe v. Wade and it’s time, in an era of growing medical technology, that we adjust abortion laws in the United States. Modern medical miracles are continuously lowering the age of viability. Advanced imaging unquestionably demonstrates what some consider “potential life” or “a clump of cells” is a human being deserving of the right to life. As a humanist, I’m often floored at secularists who will chuckle at fundamentalist religion while blindly following abortion precedent from 1973, before the availability of even magnetic resonance imaging.

Gabriel Russ, Lincolnton

Public servants?

Two members of Congress have posted Christmas cards featuring their families holding guns. One was U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado. Thinking about her Christmas card and her fictional accounts of riding in an elevator with Rep. Ilhan Omar made me wonder how Boebert and her admiring supporters would react had Omar featured herself and her family on a holiday card each holding similar weaponry.

Doesn’t our country deserve better representation than this? I am embarrassed for the citizens of Colorado whom she purports to represent. More than that, I grieve for our country at the lack of statesmanship, decorum and goodwill that used to flourish among the ranks of Boebert’s Republican Party — a party once represented by authentic public servants such as the late Bob Dole, whose passing we mourn this day and whose memory we cherish regardless of our own party preferences.

Geoffrey A. Planer, Gastonia

Wearing masks

All the people who think wearing a mask is just too great a hardship should read the article about what Sen. Robert Dole went through. That is hardship.

Terry Keith, Charlotte

Elections

Mail-in ballots are available for at least two months or more prior to each election. They can easily — and should be — postmarked at least a week before Election Day so they are received by Election Day, can be verified and counted that day, not five or 10 days later. Some form of photo Identification should have to be made available to poll officials on Election Day.

Sheila Evans, Charlotte

Playing checkers

The current negotiations with Iran to somehow delay their development of an nuclear weapon has deteriorated to the point where military force may be brought to bear. Just a few months ago, we enjoyed a strategic position on the border of Iran in Afghanistan. That position could have been used either as a deterrent to war or a strategic position from which to launch a war. Looks like we are playing checkers instead of chess where position is everything.

Alex McKay, Charlotte

Inflation, climate

Christmas tree inflation! Dang! But that’s the law of supply and demand: The less there is of something, the more you pay.

Extreme weather has caused shortages of Christmas trees. Climate stability is important for virtually everything we grow. Beer alert: Drought has sent the price of barley and beer higher, too.

Many factors lead to inflation, but climate disruption is a huge one. An unstable climate means fewer goods at higher costs.

Fight inflation by fighting climate change with carbon pricing, carbon capture and accelerated innovation. If you don’t want to improve the climate to make the world more livable, do it for your pocketbook.

Mark C. Taylor, Charlotte

Thanks from ACC

The writer is the ACC Commissioner.

The ACC is incredibly appreciative to the Charlotte community following this year’s Subway ACC Football Championship Game weekend. Our teams, coaches and fans enjoyed an outstanding experience and exceptional hospitality throughout the Queen City.

This event would not be possible without the remarkable support and commitment of many, including the Charlotte Sports Foundation, Carolina Panthers and Bank of America Stadium, and the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority. These organizations, along with the entire Charlotte community, were integral to our success, and we appreciate each and every one for the support.

We hope everyone enjoyed the Dec. 4 game, and on behalf of the ACC family, my genuine and heartfelt thanks.

Jim Phillips, Greensboro