Republicans are waging a war on democracy and fairness. Their NC move proves it | Opinion
The N.C. legislature stripping traditional powers from incoming Gov. Josh Stein and Attorney General Jeff Jackson showcases the war on democracy and fairness being waged by Republicans at the state, local and national level.
From Jefferson Griffin demanding that 60,000 votes (Democratic and Republican) for state Supreme Court Justice be challenged for no good reason, to Donald Trump blithely stating that he’ll ignore the Constitution’s guarantee of birthright citizenship, the Republican Party has proven itself dedicated to violating the rights, privileges and dignity of American citizens.
Is this what we the people voted for?
Michael Clark, Charlotte
Thanks IRA
Finally, some good news. Next year my drug costs will be capped at $2,000 per year because of the Inflation Reduction Act.
I live with a rare blood cancer as well as type 2 diabetes. The essential medicines that I need to live carry an outrageous price. For years, my out-of-pocket costs have soared to more than $18,000 per month, forcing me to delay my well-earned retirement. As a result of high drug prices, I’ve been forced to ration my medications at times. At 72, I have to work multiple jobs to afford them.
The $2,000 out-of-pocket cap may allow me to retire or at least only work part time. It will allow me to spend more time with my family, and it will give me back some of my independence. It’s life-changing.
Steven Hadfield, Matthews
Shameful GOP
Shamefully the Republican lead NC General Assembly shifted the powers and responsibilities of the newly elected Democrats to the offices they were able to hold. Thus the Republicans disrespected voters and essentially thrust the voters’ choices into the toilet bowl. This action violates all the values and morals which we learned from our parents and public schools. Did your parents not teach you to play fair and respect others?
Ed Terrell, Charlotte
No Biden fan
I commend you for your excellent editorial “Joe Biden’s pardon of his son betrays those who stand for the rule of law.” Beginning with his administration’s inept withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 and ending with his cynical, unprincipled pardon of his son Hunter — after repeatedly assuring our country that he would never do so — President Biden has now solidified his position alongside Andrew Johnson as one of our nation’s least admired presidents. He is, to paraphrase Hillary Clinton, “simply deplorable.”
Richard Vinroot, Charlotte
Democracy dies
“Disaster Relief” SB 382 will be disastrous to WNC and the end of democracy in N.C.
Delaying relief, this sham bill, created by a few sore-loser, extremists in secret, rushed through without process, is an anti-democratic coup attempt! Most of the bill aims to force massive changes to the ballot counting timeline, State Board of Elections structure and other sweeping changes to the executive and judicial branches.
As a nonpartisan local activist, I am stunned that one party completely ignored the democratic process to get unearned power against the will of our voters. Democracy dies in silence.
Samantha Turner of NC Poor People’s Campaign, Charlotte
No New Nukes
The Japanese nuclear abolitionists’ group, Nihon Hidankyo, which made up of survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, received the Nobel Peace Prize. Having been a candidate for many years one can ask why now?
Perhaps the reason, considering the present state of our world, is reflected in the words of Jorgen Frydnes, the chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee. “Nuclear weapons and humanity cannot coexist.”
We should also recognize the wisdom of the Nuclear Weapons and Arms Control Working Group in the U.S. Congress, who have submitted a resolution to reconsider deploying the latest intercontinental ballistic missile system, the Sentinel. This system is already way over budget and considered by scores of retired high ranking military officers to be only increasing the danger.
Bert Crain, Hickory