Ketanji Jackson and Sandra Day O’Connor - what a difference 40 years has made

Ketanji Jackson

Regarding “Jackson confirmed to be 1st Black woman on Supreme Court,” (April 8):

Ketanji Brown Jackson has become the first African American woman named to be a U.S. Supreme Court justice — and rightly so.

But her nomination was marred by specious arguments by Republican lawmakers trying to justify not voting for her.

What a difference 40 years makes. Nominated by President Reagan, Justice Sandra Day O’Connor was approved by a 99-0 vote in 1981. The reason it wasn’t 100 was because then-Sen. Max Baucus, a Democratic from Montana, was absent that day. He sent O’Connor a copy of “A River Runs Through It” as an apology.

Just imagine such a thing happening in today’s divisive politics. O’Connor’s confirmation was true bipartisan politics. No, this was not the golden age of politics where politicians sat around and sang Kumbaya, but even with their differences they could work together.

Will we ever see such an era in politics again?

Augie Beasley, Charlotte

Breaking ranks

I derived much pleasure from Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s display of competence and grace during her confirmation hearing. It was important that the American public be aware of the ignorant, hateful, egregious behavior on the part of some Republican senators. One would think they were prosecutors trying a suspect in court, or perhaps they were merely preparing for the next election.

Thanks to Sen. Susan Collins for being the first of three to break rank with her party and announce her intention to vote to confirm Brown. I also thank President Biden for nominating this woman with a superb legal mind who is extremely well qualified to be seated on the Supreme Court.

Louise Goodnight, Charlotte

Tillis on Cawthorn

Regarding “Republicans turn on Cawthorn; NC officials back rival,” (April 2):

It is good to see Republican U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis speak out against the recurring untruthful and inciteful rhetoric of Republican Congressman Madison Cawthorn. The latest banter from Cawthorn has gotten him trouble with GOP leadership but is not inconsistent with his earlier inflammatory remarks. We need our elected officials to be among our better angels, not our worse demons. If they cannot routinely tell the truth, they must step aside. I am not a huge fan of Tillis, but in this case he is dead-on accurate.

Keith Wilson, Charlotte

Nursing homes

Regarding the “Left Alone” nursing home series (March 27-29):

I’m not sure everyone realizes that certified nursing assistants must take classes to qualify for their jobs — and still make $13 an hour! No wonder so many leave to go to Amazon and other jobs. Many of them truly care for their patients or they wouldn’t have gone into nursing in the first place.

Erwin M. Hinson, Charlotte

Advice for Biden

President Joe Biden could score big points as he looks for ways to help struggling senior citizens, and Americans in general. First, he could rescind the outrageous tax on Social Security income. Then, he could push Congress to pass the bill that puts a $35 cap on insulin, the life-saving drug for those (including me) who are afflicted with diabetes.

Herb Stark, Mooreville

Clear backpacks

I don’t know if the CMS clear backpacks are really needed or not, but it is silly to be so concerned about stickers that are placed on the bags to satisfy a ridiculous California law that considers pretty much anything plastic to be cancer causing. Much of what we eat or drink comes in plastic packaging that may pose more of a risk than a clear backpack.

Jim Harris, Davidson

A gas saver

With fuel prices at extreme levels you’d think the state of North Carolina would take an aggressive approach to traffic and intersection control. Time to use the digital tools available to make intersections more fuel efficient and safer. Compared to other states, North Carolina has a ways to go.

Jeff Smith, Hickory

My inflation plan

Here’s my plan for how to slow inflation: Buy nothing but the essentials for the next three to four months. If your electronic devices are working don’t replace them yet. Keep that old car for a few more months. Do you really need those new clothes?

Under capitalism, prices are set by what the market (consumers) will allow. When we stop buying, prices will drop.

Don’t fall for ads telling you that you must have the new, improved whatever. Resist the con. Turn Target, Walmart, and others into ghost towns for a few months and they’ll get the message. Customers have all the power. Don’t let a politician tell you different.

Rick Wingate, Mooresville

Vaccine access

My husband and I just received our second booster shot at Walgreens. We received one previous shot at StarMed, one at CVS, and one at Publix. How fortunate we are to have a community that has wrapped its arms around the shots. I hope all stay well. It’s wonderful to have happy feelings against all the anger and disappointment in the news these days.

Penny Caruana, Huntersville