If we want NC to be a great place to live, we all have to pay for it with taxes | Opinion

Richard Bostic’s May 29 editorial hit the nail on the head. The truth is you get what you pay for.

If North Carolina Republicans, Independents and Democrats want good schools, highways and government services that benefit individuals and society (including housing assistance, environmental protection and disaster preparedness) and make our state a great place to live, we all have to pay for it.

If we don’t, we will reap what we sow. I am glad to pay my fair share in income taxes not just to get what I pay for but to benefit fellow citizens and build a future we can be proud of.

John Saxon, Hillsborough

EV tariffs

The 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles and any additional tariffs Donald Trump may impose are hurting Americans and U.S. climate goals. We must eliminate these tariffs as soon as possible. Chinese EVs cost much less than American ones because of government subsidies and cheaper production.

These tariffs force us to pay inflated prices for domestic EVs or stick with gas cars. How are Americans supposed to contribute to the fight against climate change when they can’t afford low-emission vehicles? Chinese companies like BYD offer longer battery life, faster charging and hybrid systems that outlast most American models.

Protectionist policy proponents fear that without these tariffs, American workers and automakers will be harmed. A solution would be to require Chinese automakers to establish plants in the United States. Workers will have even more job opportunities in a future-proof car market.

Congress must end these tariffs. Americans deserve access to innovative, affordable electric vehicles while we fight climate change and strengthen our economy.

Holton Mody, Chapel Hill

WFU speech

Thank you for the May 29 edition’s article on Scott Pelley’s (CBS 60 Minutes) commencement address at Wake Forest University. I was inspired to stream it on C-Span and found it eloquent, inspirational, dynamic and reassuring. He wasn’t afraid to voice the truth of what is happening today, unlike many who have compromised their integrity in fear. He supported his statements with facts, not in support of any political party, but for democracy.

Wanda Easley, Cary

Cancer funding

We are deeply concerned about the proposed $2.7 billion cut — nearly 40% — to the National Cancer Institute’s budget. As representatives of the American Cancer Society in Central and Eastern North Carolina, we know firsthand this funding saves lives.

Federal investment in cancer research has led to every major treatment breakthrough over the last 50 years. Because of this support, more than 18 million cancer survivors are alive today in the U.S. Slashing funding would delay progress, limit innovation and hurt patients and families.

Cancer doesn’t discriminate. Cutting lifesaving research is a step backward we cannot afford. We urge people to contact their lawmakers. Protect cancer research.

Richard Averitte, executive director American Cancer Society – Central & Eastern North Carolina, Raleigh

Intersex

Studies approximate that 18 per 100,000 people people are intersex, meaning they have male and female sex characteristics, and about 1.7% of people are born with some intersex traits, which can put them in a gray area of sexual identification and gender conformity.

As newborns, many are, intentionally or unintentionally, falsely classified as male or female (some are correctly listed as intersex). Intersex has been documented throughout history. How does this fit in with many Christian institutions stating that there are only two sexes, and supporting policies that recognize only two sexes? T

This is important to not only for LGBTQ+ communities, athletic and marriage issues but to all of us who care about discrimination.

Marnie Cooper Priest, Raleigh

China winning

Our don’t confuse me with the facts president has done it again; chickening out on tariffs as markets deliver their verdict and chickening out with Putin every time. Trump is unable to stand his ground, let alone lead. All talk and no action, withering in every interaction with Putin.

Instead of leading, Trump enables China to win the innovation race. By attacking our own academic institutions, drivers of innovation gave us the edge, Trump is following Sen. Joseph R. McCarthy’s model to bully those in the U.S. It’s no longer a place for the best and brightest. China seems to be benefiting from Trump’s policies.

Jacqueline Allen, Carrboro

This story was originally published June 8, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "If we want NC to be a great place to live, we all have to pay for it with taxes | Opinion."