The western part of this state has endured a devastating weather event that has affected every segment of people’s lives. There has been an outpouring of support from public and governmental sources and it will take months if not years to fully recover.
Almost as devastating is the mass amount of misinformation and disinformation that these folks have been bombarded with, especially from Donald Trump and his minions, for their own political purposes. As in the lies that were told about Springfield, Ohio (think cats and dogs), they seem to have no shame or compassion.
Republican governors and other local officials have disputed these outright lies. The folks who are hurt the most are the ones who need help the most. As usual with Trump, it is all about him and not the affected citizens.
Danny Squires, Raleigh
Robinson choice
I agree wholeheartedly with the take of the Sept. 29 letter that said Mark Robinson should stay in the race. It’s not ideal to have someone in a position of power who could do damage, but it can teach a lesson to those who put them in that level of power. The tension parties have and the arrogance to stick by their parties’ side, despite the moral compass of the person running, is going to catch up to them. Bad choices unfortunately have bad outcomes.
Alana Vance, Clayton
It’s personal
Hurricane Helene’s devastation hit close to home for me. As a kid, I spent summers vacationing in the Carolinas, especially in Chimney Rock, a beautiful village in Rutherford County. I still have family in that region, and it’s heartbreaking to see their community shattered by the storm.
Recovery will be long and difficult. While FEMA’s response has been quick, the scope of destruction demands greater attention.
Helene is a reminder that we need stronger infrastructure and better preparedness for future storms. Strengthening infrastructure, creating emergency plans and staying informed are critical steps that could save lives. Climate change is progressing, and so are the frequency and intensity of these disasters. We can’t afford to wait to act until the next catastrophe hits vulnerable communities.
For me, this is personal. The places and people I love are suffering. We must take extra precautions and prepare these communities for the inevitable effects of climate change before it’s too late.
Fallon Lawson, Old Town, Maine
Vote against amendment
The ballot in North Carolina will contain a proposed amendment to the state constitution. It reads “Constitutional amendment to provide that only a citizen of the United States who is 18 years of age and otherwise possessing the qualifications for voting shall be entitled to vote at any election in this state.” The existing wording from the constitution is not on the ballot for comparison.
If passed, the clear phrasing in the current constitution “every person born in the United States and every person who has been naturalized” would be replaced by the unclear phrase “citizen of the United States.” Preserve our constitutional rights. Vote against the constitutional amendment referendum.
Marvin Fineman, Wilmington
Voucher moms
These right-wing Moms for Liberty harassing a teacher over a costume? I can’t believe this is part of our daily news conversation. These are exactly the moms who need to put their kids in voucher schools and leave the rest of us alone.
Ellen Canavan, Cary
Education threats
The group Moms for Liberty is going after a male Wake County teacher for wearing a skirt during spirit week, yet is silent about reports of candidate for Governor Mark Robinson calling himself a “Black NAZI” and “perv.” Robinson continues to sit on the NC Board of Education and make decisions that affect our schools. Perhaps Moms for Liberty and others should get serious about the real threats to education.
Mark Slattery, Raleigh
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