Voters rejected ‘wokeism,’ and the Democrats never saw it coming | Opinion

Donald Trump won the 2024 election with his positions on the economy, border security and crime. Folks were fed up with gas prices, people flooding across our southern border and crime in our small towns and big cities. Many young people can’t afford to buy a home or maybe even start a family and are really frustrated about not being able to live the American Dream.

The government and Democrats kept telling us that the economy was fine and the border was secure, but my eyes told me that people were crossing the border every single day for years. Kamala Harris never seemed to connect or understand that most of us didn’t like the Democrats’ policies of “wokeism” or the progressive movement, and her happy talk just didn’t resonate with many of us. Donald Trump’s promise to make America great again is why so many of us voted for him in the 2024 presidential election.

Jim Cherry, Charlotte

Disappointed

I am disappointed for our democracy along with almost half of the people in this country.

I am disappointed for the people of the U.S. who have bought into the president-elect’s rhetoric during his campaign. I am disappointed for church-going folks who believe in Jesus and his command to love one another, while opposing those who are different in either race, religion, ethnic background, gender status or immigration status.

I am disappointed for women, girls, our daughters and granddaughters, whose healthcare and reproductive rights are endangered. I am disappointed for the LGBT+ community whose ability to love whomever they choose may be in jeopardy. I am disappointed for the people of Ukraine, whom I fear will be sold out by the president-elect to a power-hungry Russian dictator.

Susan Harris, Lincolnton

Bike lanes

I’d like to bring attention to the bike lanes in South Charlotte. While it’s great that some bike lanes have been added, I’ve noticed that many of them just cut off suddenly. This makes it inefficient and inconvenient for cyclists who want to ride safely. It can be frustrating to start riding in a dedicated lane only to have it disappear without warning.

To truly support biking in our area, we need continuous bike lanes that connect smoothly throughout South Charlotte. This would encourage more people to bike and make it safer and easier for everyone.

William Crowley, Charlotte

Shelter pets

In response to the Nov. 11 article “Kittens left at NC shelter with heart-wrenching note,” I’m really glad that you pointed out the difficulties of caring for pets after their caretakers are unable to provide for them.

I volunteer for an adoption center at a retail pet store, and I enjoy helping with the rescue efforts by cleaning their pens and giving them food and water. It isn’t a surprise that so many animals were affected by Helene, but I am thankful for your efforts to bring awareness to the needs of pets and shelters in those areas.

Kasey King, Concord

Social Security

Republicans have taken over our government at every level and are finally poised to do what they’ve wanted since F.D.R. created Social Security, which helped lifted our nation out of the Great Depression, and L.B.J. made Medicaid and Medicare — get rid of them

They don’t have to pass any legislation to do that. All they need to do is make sure they bankrupt them, a brilliant move; no finger can be pointed at them. They just say the programs are unsustainable and convince Americans of that. With the moves they have planned, the latest projection is they can have Social Security bankrupt in six years. Just watch.

Geneva Bosak, Cornelius

Gerrymandering

Rep. Richard Hudson was thrilled with the election outcome, and gave credit to NC for helping to maintain the Republican majority in Congress. Indeed they did, but not on Nov. 5, instead in April 2023 when the state Supreme Court ruled that partisan gerrymandered districts are constitutional. How’s that for sleight-of-hand! Elect new judges, retry a settled case, draw new maps that rig the next elections. The pickups didn’t come in polling places, but in a courtroom under spurious legal theory.

Harry Taylor, Charlotte