Abortion: NC legislative leaders are hell-bent on making things worse for women
Abortion pills
Regarding “GOP lawmakers allowed to join lawsuit over abortion pill laws,” (March 13):
Legislative leaders Phil Berger and Tim Moore continue to make it worse for women in North Carolina. Not only are they hell-bent on introducing greater abortion restrictions, but now they want to force women to ignore FDA guidelines on abortion pills.
They want to require women to take the first pill in-person at certified facilities and to wait 72 hours before doing so, neither of which the FDA requires. Would they require those who get a prescription for Viagra to take the pill in-person?
The FDA has spoken on what is safe. And North Carolina’s attorney general, Josh Stein, agrees.
Laura Stillman, Raleigh
Gun permits
As an avid hunter, shooter, gun owner, and conservative Republican, I think Republican lawmakers calling for North Carolina to do away with its law requiring permits to purchase handguns have lost their minds.
The state legislators pushing this insanity need to be aware of a few facts from the FBI. According to the FBI’s latest numbers, in 2019 a total of 364 homicides in the United States were committed with rifles (including the dreaded AR-15) — and 6,368 with handguns.
Handguns are the problem, more of them makes more of a problem. How is society going to benefit from this law? How will it make us safer?
What is needed are laws that do a better job of keeping handguns out of the hands of the wrong people — even if that makes it a little harder for the rest of us to buy one. Apparently, what’s also needed are Republican legislators with common sense.
Fred Atkins, Durham
Anti-CRT bill
As a 7-year-old, I watched the Howdy Doody Show. But even at that tender age I think I knew that Cowboy Bob and the gang were not real. The folks who are trying to ban Critical Race Theory from being taught in schools have a fantasy — well, really two fantasies. The first is that CRT is actually being taught in school. The second is that we can somehow get our schools and our society to return to those “Howdy Doody” years.
What I remember of those times wasn’t all that pleasant. I watched the show at a neighbor’s house since we were too poor to own a TV. I remember being snatched away from a water fountain that had a sign, “colored only.” I remember KKK marches down Main Street.
Hiding history like this is what the “ban CRT” folks seem to really want. I have a more productive idea. Let’s get legislation to ban GRT — great replacement theory. If you want to stop something really insidious, that would be it.
Bob Bridwell, Sanford
Book bans
Regarding “Books on race and sexuality are among the most targeted in NC schools, survey finds,” (March 15).
Four individuals have lodged almost 90% of school book complaints in this state. They have not all been successful, but some have.
Don’t all parents have the right to know what books others are trying to take away from their children? I advocate that every time someone wants a book reviewed, a letter should go out to parents in that school or district so they can review the book and offer their opinions regarding the request.
I want no books restricted at the library. When my child was young, I didn’t let her read the books that I felt were not appropriate for her age. That is good enough. We live in a democracy — don’t let the few take away our rights.
Susan Dietz, Durham
Building codes
Regarding “In fight against climate change, NC board seeks to change building construction code,” (March 15):
How shortsighted can builders be? Forget what this world will be like if we don’t combat climate change. Just focus on what the cost of utilities will be in the future. Setting building construction codes for an 18% increase in efficiency is setting the bar pretty low. But it is a start. To fight these changes is simply irresponsible.
Brad Bradshaw, Raleigh
Renter tax credit
I was pleased to see President Biden calling for a restoration of the enhanced Child Tax Credit in his budget proposal. We saw how monthly CTC payments in 2021 cut poverty almost by half. Enacting a Renter Tax Credit is another way to make the tax code more equitable.
Those who are paying more than 30% of their income for housing have been hit hardest by sharp increases in rent. A refundable tax credit for renters would help make rent more affordable for these households.
I urge our representatives and senators in Washington, D.C., to help reinstate the CTC and enact a Renter Tax Credit. It’s time for Congress to bring fairness to the tax code.
Patti Maxwell, Cary
Voters’ voices
Regarding “Local bill changing Wake County Commissioner elections OK’d in NC House after compromise,” (March 9):
Rep. Erin Paré is to be congratulated for pushing legislation assuring that small-town and rural Wake County voters are better represented on the Wake County Board of Commissioners. However, as a Republican, her action rings somewhat hollow because when it comes to state-level voting rights, the norm of North Carolina’s Republican-controlled legislature is to restrict rights, thus muting the voice of many voters.
Thomas McKee, Cary
