Drag shows? Come on. I want more from my lawmakers | Opinion
NC legislature
I find it incredibly frustrating that our legislature focuses effort on things like writing a bill to prohibit drag shows while continuing to ignore the real quality of life issues everyday citizens face.
It currently takes over 90 days to get an appointment for a drivers license and 60 to 90 days to schedule a permit test — where you sit at a terminal and answer questions. And what about traffic from all the new development without roads to support the growth?
Come on N.C. lawmakers, — do stuff for those of us who live here, work here, and have to use the “systems” everyday. Drag may make headlines, but it is irrelevant to daily life.
Dan Kraus, Huntersville
NC Democrats
I’d like to hear an answer from the N.C. Democrats in regard to party switches. Would they “demand” a Republican resign if they switched to the Democratic Party? I would like to hear the leaderships’ answer. If they don’t have the guts to answer, then the whining needs to stop!
Daniel Cecconi, Charlotte
Fox News
In a statement regrading its $787.5 million settlement with Dominion Voting Systems, Fox News stated: “This settlement reflects FOX’s continued commitment to the highest journalistic standards.” Yet on Tucker Carlson’s top-rated evening show that night there was zero mention of the historic settlement. Zip, nada, nothing. This omission is further proof that Fox News is really not news, but is biased and divisive opinions reported in a slanted and hateful manner. How is it so many Americans continue to buy into into this swill night after night?
Bill Anderson, Charlotte
Childcare
Rather than having all of us — i.e., the government — subsidize anyone’s childcare, maybe parents, preferably two per family, should not have children if they cannot afford to take care of them. I stayed at home and lost a lot of income to take care of our two children until they were full-time in school. Then, I worked part-time until they were old enough to stay home alone for a few hours. My husband worked long hours to support us. What a novel idea. It does not take a village to raise a child; it takes a family.
Rita Rasmussen, Denver, N.C.
Health insurers
Gov. Roy Cooper recently signed the Medicaid expansion bill, which he says will “save lives” by extending coverage eligibility and providing finances to rural hospitals. While Medicaid expansion will be significant in addressing health insurance challenges, problems persist in the private health insurance market.
Lawmakers must examine the increase in health insurance premiums, which have risen above the rate of inflation. They should investigate the rising rate of claim denials and examine why profitable insurers are reducing reimbursements to hospitals dealing with negative operating incomes. These actions negatively impact our healthcare system and families struggling to make ends meet.
Instead of blaming hospitals, insurers could reduce premium costs and limit patients’ out-of-pocket expenses, keeping more dollars flowing into local economies. But without new parameters, these changes are unlikely to happen.
Suzie Ford, Charlotte
NC building codes
We’ve learned we cannot fully predict the effects of climate change. But here are a couple of possibilities to mull over: What if rising temperatures fostered a fungus that killed oak, maple, poplar and ash trees, leaving only crepe myrtles and Bradford pears? What if rising sea levels forced people to move inland from coastal cities, such as Tokyo and Miami?
Well, here’s something happening right now: The N.C. Home Builders Association adamantly opposes new residential codes that could make buildings more energy-efficient. It’s time to save our environment from threats like this, so imaginary problems don’t someday become unwanted realities.
Richard Greene, Charlotte
So many guns
On a recent gusty day, a supermarket banner clapped loudly against the building. In the parking lot people scrambled for cover, then looked up with expressions of relief. So many guns, so little safety or sanity.
Alan Hamer, Charlotte
Get back to leading
Leading government is difficult at the best of times. Climate-related weather, supporting allies at war, and rising violence in the U.S. are serious issues needing full attention. Instead, Congress wastes its time trying to prove outlandish conspiracy theories and focusing on media attention and reelection.
It’s no better in North Carolina where the political will of the supermajority is being used to restrict the liberty of citizens. Lord Acton famously stated that “power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Without a diverse voice and vote, our government will continue down the path to our mutual destruction. If now is not the time for our state and national leaders to reflect and refocus, then when? It is time to get back to leading.
John Robinson, Hertford
