Congressman Dan Bishop did the right thing. Why no praise? | Opinion

Dan Bishop

The writer is a former state senator.

Regarding “Dan Bishop backs down from threat to oust speaker,” (Oct. 5 Editorial):

Because Congressman Dan Bishop surprised fellow members by voting not to end Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s tenure, I naively expected the N&O Editorial Board to praise him for doing the right thing. I was disappointed when the board instead condemned him for his opposition to the majority of Republicans on past issues while not praising him for having the courage to change his mind.

Deciding that party unity, traditions of the Congress, and the GOP’s ability to govern were more important than his previous opposition to McCarthy, Bishop joined other Republican members from North Carolina in voting unanimously to retain McCarthy. He should be commended, not criticized, for his vote.

Phil Kirk, Raleigh

Speaker battle

We are being led down the primrose path by the Republican Party. Instead of helping the people succeed, they are arguing about who should be speaker of the House. What a waste of our time and money!

Rich McCreery, Cary

NC redistricting

We do not need new redistricting maps! The only reason this is being done is due to changes in the makeup of the North Carolina Supreme Court. The new majority of Republicans is making changes that are unnecessary and grossly distorting. Our democracy cannot be held hostage to such basely partisan changes. We must preserve the rule of law and stand up and not give in to these shameless shenanigans.

Bonnie McCarthy, Chapel Hill

Teacher pay

It’s true that small pay raises in the state budget are a “slap in the face” to veteran school teachers (Oct. 2). It’s also a slap in the faces to N.C. children who deserve to be taught by good teachers paid a fair wage for the difficult, essential work they do.

This is more evidence that the Republican state legislature has very little interest in providing a quality education for the children of our state. Their poor funding of public education and egregious use of taxpayer funds to support private schools are obvious indicators. Their efforts helped create a serious teacher shortage in our state.

Joe Burton, Raleigh

Cover of darkness

Republicans in the N.C. General Assembly approved a provision in the budget that will give state legislators the authority to decide that their records are not public.

If the legislator unilaterally decides that a record is not public, they can destroy, sell or dispose of the record with no legal penalties.

It has been said that democracy dies in darkness. This legislation appears tailor-made to achieve that goal, to kill democracy under cover of darkness. And maybe make some money in the process.

Lynn Andrews, Durham

A civics test

Regarding “Teaching civics to students can also help educate their parents,” (Oct. 2 Opinion):

Reading about the lack of civics knowledge in America, I returned to an old thought of mine: All those running for public office should be required to pass the naturalization test to demonstrate a knowledge of civics and U.S. history.

It stands to reason if immigrants must pass such a test, then those wishing to govern must do the same. I have long professed that our twice-impeached past president would not have passed such a test. And come to think of it, maybe we should return to the old literacy test requirement for voters — only use the naturalization test for all voters.

Jim Nolan, Morehead City

Voting matters

People are already talking about the 2024 election, with some saying they won’t vote mostly because they don’t like the choices in the presidential race. But there is always more on the ballot. In Raleigh, the mayoral and city council races have been moved to presidential election years, joining many state, local and judicial races.

We can leave blank spaces on our ballots, if desired, but complete the ballot to choose other representatives and bonds. It’s not a standardized test. Voting matters.

Rane Winslow, Raleigh