Former NC senator: Kudos to the Supreme Court for eliminating affirmative action | Opinion

Affirmative action

The writer is a former N.C. GOP senator.

A recent N&O headline read “UNC admissions ruling: The Supreme Court at its worst.” (July 5 Opinion)

I, and I suspect many other North Carolinians, would change “worst” to “best.” Elections have consequences, especially when it comes to the Supreme Court at the national and state level.

Kudos to the U.S. Supreme Court for eliminating affirmative action in admissions to colleges and universities. I do believe affirmative action was probably necessary when it was adopted 50 or so years ago, however, it is no longer necessary. It is actually discrimination in reverse. No one should be admitted or not admitted based on the color of their skin in today’s world.

Phil Kirk, Raleigh

Trust science

It is not surprising that Republican lawmakers in the N.C. General Assembly overrode Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto of a farm bill that would expose half the state’s wetlands to increased pollution and flooding. They do not understand or trust science on so many issues affecting our health and safety. Some Republicans continue to deny the great danger of global warming and climate change. Republicans demonstrated a woeful response when Covid and its variants threatened the lives of so many of our citizens. Responsible and effective lawmakers need to pay more attention to the wisdom of science.

Thomas K. Spence Jr., Sanford

NC building codes

The writer has advocated against House Bill 488.

Regarding “Former FEMA director: Cooper must veto building code bill,” (July 6):

If the N.C. legislature overrides Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto on House Bill 488, everyone who buys one of the homes built under this bill will pay more in utility bills than they should.

With temperatures rising year after year, and electricity rates also rising, better insulation will help keep monthly utility bills affordable. We need up-to-date building codes and insulation standards.

This is a bipartisan issue. The legislature should listen to former FEMA director Craig Fugate and to Republican Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey, who has also voiced concern about delaying building code updates. If Cooper vetoes this bill, N.C. legislators should vote against an override.

David C. Sokal, Durham

Supreme Court

More than 200 years ago, our Founding Fathers declared, “All men are created equal.” Since then, our three branches of government have expanded that phrase to include African Americans, women and the LGBTQ community. Through sound social policy the branches have taken steps to correct past discrimination and stop future discrimination.

Within two days, out-of-touch members of the U.S. Supreme Court reversed historic policies to take us backwards — all in the face of polls that indicate a majority of Americans support equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community and a majority believe systemic racism exists.

Judicial reforms like mandatory retirement are needed now.

James Saranteas, Raleigh

Church and state

The Supreme Court seems intent on making the term “settled law” an oxymoron. Recent decisions raise the question as to whether a first-class country can tolerate, much less create, second-class citizens. Will citizens be denied their constitutional rights on the basis of the religious beliefs of others? More importantly, who decides which religion’s beliefs to honor? The Founders’ decision to separate church and state seems to be as wise and necessary today as it was at our founding.

Margaret Magnani, Cary

Nonbelievers

Regarding “Americans’ dismissal of religion doesn’t bode well for the republic,” (July 2 Opinion):

It is an utter waste of time and energy for believers and nonbelievers to hold each other in contempt when there is so much to be done in this world together.

It is a mistake to claim that virtue and morality are the sole province of religion. Other secularists like me feed the poor, shelter the homeless, visit the prisoner and work for peace, just as believers do. Wise people from the faith and secularist communities nurture humility and commitment to peaceful community as bulwarks against the arrogance and self-righteousness that divide us unnecessarily.

Margaret Toman, Garner

Voting matters

Many issues have arisen during this legislative session — public education, gun control, voting rights, abortion, LGTBQ rights. On each of these, polls have shown that the majority of people support them. Yet, the Republican supermajority in our legislature has supported legislation in opposition to these issues.

They removed the ability of N.C. sheriffs to control gun/carry permits and did nothing to limit access to assault weapons. They’re trying to put new restrictions on who can vote and when. They’ve strengthened restrictions on abortion and are targeting the LGTBQ community.

My question is: Who do they represent?

Looking at voter turnout in North Carolina, it seems obvious that many who respond to these polls aren’t interested enough in these issues to vote. So, ask yourself: Are you a person who just answers polls or are you a voter?

Linda Hardy, Rocky Mount

This story was originally published July 9, 2023 at 5:30 AM with the headline "Former NC senator: Kudos to the Supreme Court for eliminating affirmative action | Opinion."