In NC, we should expect our Lt. governor to act like an adult, not a bully

Mark Robinson

The N.C. lieutenant governor is a member of the State Board of Education, State Board of Community Colleges, and the e-Learning Commission. One would expect that a government official whose major responsibilities are in the education arena would understand the importance of doing research before proffering an opinion.

But in his zeal to score deadly political points, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson chose to dismiss the perpetrator’s confession of his attack on Paul Pelosi and intention to harm Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

As a member of the Council of State, we should expect Robinson to respond in the manner of an adult — the teacher — not as the bully who would likely be sent to detention for his vile response to a violent act perpetrated on the family of one of his classmates.

Linda Belans, Durham

Parks bond

Many people are excited about Raleigh’s proposed parks bond projects. But the timing is awful.

Many in our city are experiencing significant hardships — stagnant wages, soaring costs — and people are being pushed out of their homes by rampant development.

My opposition is about priorities and funding. Raleigh has a severe affordable housing crisis, and the recent $80 million bond for housing is barely making a dent.

There are many other funding sources the city can use for parks without raising our taxes. I urge residents to vote NO on the parks bond and urge the city to invest more in affordable housing and find other funding for parks.

Lisa Hughet, Raleigh

Pork lawsuit

Regarding “Pork industry lawsuit draws new attention to cruel conditions in North Carolina,” (Oct. 30):

The writer is CEO of the NC Pork Council

Allowing another state to mandate how we do business in North Carolina would set a dangerous precedent. That’s why the pork industry challenged a California law dictating how farmers in North Carolina and across the nation must raise their hogs. Farmers in Clinton and Kenansville shouldn’t be forced to revamp their operations based on the whim of California voters.

More importantly, the California law is a solution in search of a problem. North Carolina farmers are proud to raise pigs in a safe and responsible manner. Leading veterinary associations approve of individual stalls for pregnant sows as safe and appropriate. The science shows that sows are comfortable and thriving in their environment.

Consumers can choose for themselves what type of pork products they want to purchase. We don’t need California removing safe, affordable, and humanely raised products from the shelves.

Roy Lee Lindsey, Raleigh

NC hogs

“Pork industry lawsuit draws new attention to cruel conditions in North Carolina,” shines a much needed spotlight on the importance for N.C. lawmakers and business leaders to support legislation that could spur reforms to address brutal pig confinement practices on factory farms.

As one of the nation’s largest pork producers, North Carolina should become a leader in protecting the health and welfare of pigs. Until this time comes I ask my fellow North Carolinians to be aware of how their food is produced and choose humanely farm raised pigs — or, skip pork altogether.

Deborah Milkowski, New Bern

Guns

Rabid gun advocates need to drop their tiresome claim that “if guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns.” The N&O’s Oct. 28 report on gun thefts shows that outlaws are thriving on the increase of legal guns.

All an outlaw needs to do is prowl neighborhoods looking for unlocked vehicles. It appears inevitable that he’ll find more than one gun.

Gun advocates’ knee-jerk resistance to sensible controls — and politicians’ subservience to the gun industry — are leading us down this dark alley of careless gun ownership that ends in the shooting of children and more guns in the hands of outlaws.

So much for good guys with guns making us safer.

Don Clement, Greenville

West Raleigh

“Regarding “Could West Raleigh be next ‘it’ destination? (Oct. 30):

The lead article on West Raleigh featured so many cheerleaders it should have been in the Sports section. Virtually every voice gushed with unbridled enthusiasm for “development” of the area. Believe it or not, quite a number of us treasure Raleigh precisely because it is not Atlanta.

Forgive my nostalgia for what used to be open space, along Edwards Mill Road for example, adjoining Schenk Forest and Umstead Park. Soon, the traffic, congestion and crowds a la North Hills — excuse me, “Midtown” — will be next door. Can’t wait.

Ken Vickery, Raleigh

Go vote

Years ago, I was among the first 18-year-old granted the right to vote, and I have had the right to control my own health decisions throughout my adult life.

I cannot imagine having these fundamental rights taken away or curtailed. But this year’s election could change that.

This year’s election will not change inflation. Yes, inflation is really bad at the moment, but inflation is cyclical and not determined by voting. Our rights — our ability to choose our leaders and ability to control our bodies — are.

Please, vote to protect these rights and our democracy.

Linda Shaw, Durham

This story was originally published November 4, 2022 at 10:55 AM with the headline "In NC, we should expect our Lt. governor to act like an adult, not a bully."