Wake library system played into the hands of those who promote LGBTQ+ hate

Wake libraries

Regarding “Wake County Public Libraries removes LGBTQ book from shelves,” (Dec. 16):

Wake County Public Libraries has fallen prey to the homophobia and transphobia sweeping the nation..

As a huge supporter of public libraries and an active library patron, I am dismayed and disappointed that Wake librarians would give in to hatred, homophobia and transphobia and participate in censorship of books.

If WCPL’s mission is “to instill the love of reading and to foster the pursuit of knowledge for the residents of Wake County,” then censoring is in direct violation of that.

WCPL played into the hands of people who want to promote hatred of LGBTQ+ members of our community, and even if unintended, WCPL is contributing to an environment that discriminates against LGBTQ+ residents.

This is shameful, embarrassing on the part of Wake County, and insulting. This error must be rectified immediately.

Lynne Walter, Raleigh

Curious minds

I always defied my parents or teachers when they asked me not to read certain books such as novels that included love and sex. We did not have any sex education nor co-boy/girl co-education. Our curiosity grew stronger as parents and teachers ganged up on us so we did not have any opportunity to find those materials. But it did not work. We found them all and read them all.

Banning books is not the solution. Educating children about the contents of those books as a common-sense approach is important.

Amalendu Chatterjee, Durham

2 states, 2 ‘worsts’

I read the N&O’s Dec. 15 editorial blasting the North Carolina GOP for not censuring Mark Meadows for his actions as Trump’s chief of staff, especially in regards to the Jan. 6 insurrection at the our nation’s Capitol. Again, Ohio and North Carolina have a contest — just like which state was “First in Flight,” we now have the contest concerning who has the worst congressman. I’ll see your Mark Meadows and raise it with Ohio’s Jim Jordan. They are both a pox on our houses.

Jack Rowlands, Englewood, OH

Republican Party

As the anniversary of Jan. 6 approaches, I reflect on the Pearl Harbor attack and 9/11, which forever changed us yet brought us together. Jan. 6 was Americans attacking America.

There are accusations that ex-President Trump and allies may have abetted the mob, including at a Willard Hotel planning session.

Capitol police, our cherished historic Capitol, and good American people were forever harmed.

Yet, many defend this infamous day. What’s happened to the Republican Party of my parents, grandparents and Lincoln?

Unless there’s a monumental change, I will support the party of Infrastructure, rather than the party of insurrection.

Linda Sutton, Durham

Truth from Tillis

I find bizarre the tendency of some Republican members of Congress to threaten, castigate and punish with expulsion members of their own party simply because they had the audacity to contradict those who pretend to believe the 2020 election was “stolen” from Trump.

Such accusations go far beyond the natural competitiveness between the two political parties. They reflect a party that has lost both its way, as well the respect of most Americans.

If Sen. Thom Tillis has the courage to do so, he could speak “truth to power” and encourage others in the party to keep our country looking more like the nation our forefathers strove to create and protect.

Craig M. Miller, Leland

Plea to NC senators

I’m incredibly thankful that the U.S. House passed the Build Back Better Act last month. This bill will be instrumental for families in our state, especially those who are struggling the most. Paid family leave, universal Pre-K, child tax credits, and other aspects of the bill are so vital to the future of our communities and our country. I call on our two senators to, at long last, seek to serve the 98%, not just the 2%. Pass Build Back Better and begin to rebuild democracy.

Donell Kerns, Chapel Hill

NC LEAF

Law school loans often reach six figures. With modest starting salaries, new public service attorneys — district attorneys, public defenders, legal aid attorneys (and clerks of court) — struggle to make ends meet.

In the past, the North Carolina Legal Assistance Fund has helped new attorneys meet their loan obligations. Unfortunately, over the past decade, funding essentially disappeared. But the new N.C. budget has given this fund renewed life.

Specifically, Esther Hall and Claire Mills kept NCLEAF alive with the help of the NC State Bar and NC Equal Access to Justice Commission. Under Chief Justice Newby’s leadership and with support from the Administrative Office of the Courts, NCLEAF will be state funded for the first time in many years.

This important benefit is necessary to attract and retain quality lawyers to provide justice and legal services to all N.C. citizens. I am forever grateful to the governor, chief justice and General Assembly, including Speaker Tim Moore, Sen. Phil Berger, and their respective appropriations chairs.

Robert C. Kemp III

Chair, NCLEAF board and Chief Public Defender, Pitt County

This story was originally published December 19, 2021 at 4:30 AM with the headline "Wake library system played into the hands of those who promote LGBTQ+ hate."