Opinion articles provide independent perspectives on key community issues, separate from our newsroom reporting.

Letters to the Editor

NC Republicans’ hypocrisy on gun laws was just made obvious | Opinion 

The North Carolina Legislative Building in downtown Raleigh, where the General Assembly convenes, photographed on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, with a General Assembly Police Department vehicle is parked out front on Jones Street.
The North Carolina Legislative Building in downtown Raleigh, where the General Assembly convenes, photographed on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, with a General Assembly Police Department vehicle is parked out front on Jones Street. dvaughan@newsobserver.com

The June 16 article “Don’t bring a gun to the NC legislature. Here’s what happens when someone does” says everything about the hypocrisy of today’s Republican Party. On one hand, Republicans support the freedom to carry a gun for nearly every adult citizen without a permit. On the other, when their own safety is in jeopardy, they sing a different tune. If only they were as concerned about voters as themselves.

Cindy Jackson, Youngsville

No Kings

Voices were loud and clear during the No Kings rallies throughout North Carolina and the nation. Our citizens clearly communicated to government officials: We the People want democracy. We the People want human rights. We the People want to maintain solid relationships with our traditional allies.

What is happening to our nation is an abomination. It is an insult to our Founding Fathers and to the principles upon which the U.S. was founded. Residents of NC’s 100 counties are watching the state legislature and Congress members. We demand that they start acting on behalf of democracy and stop kissing the ring of autocracy.

With all due respect to our elected leaders, each of you works for North Carolina’s citizens. We ask that you listen to us and respect this country’s 250-year history.

Kathy Repass, Cary

Veterans

I served for more than a decade in the Air Force and flew over 150 combat sorties in Iraq and Afghanistan. President Donald Trump tells us that he is an ally to veterans, that he is fighting for our well-being. His former chief of staff, retired Marine General and gold star father John Kelly, has made it clear how Trump feels about those who sacrifice for the country.

The President is seeking to cut billions of dollars from veteran service programs. He supported DOGE’s mass firing of hardworking veterans from their government jobs. He said nothing when DOGE fired veteran crisis hotline staff, which works to stop veteran suicide.

The Trump administration continues to neglect veterans’ interests. It’s working to pass a budget that would reduce Medicaid spending by at least $600 billion. That would rip health care from veterans as well as children, seniors and the disabled. To honor service members, Congress must vote no on this dangerous budget.

Alex Rich, Durham

SNAP

SNAP allows millions of NC children, families, people with disabilities, veterans and seniors to better afford groceries, while boosting our economy. This is important because the cost of groceries is increasing while families’ wages are flat, if not decreasing.

But SNAP is at risk of up to $300 billion in cuts due to the Republicans’ “Big Beautiful Bill.” This is more like a Big Awful Betrayal for families and for our economy if passed. Our Senate leaders must do something to protect the poor and working class in NC.

These cuts will hurt those that need help most and make people’s lives more difficult, especially parents. Our families need solutions to rising costs, healthcare and child care. Our Senators must reject the House budget and protect our families, NC businesses and economy by strengthening SNAP.

Nichole Baldridge, Apex

Wake schools

After graduating my youngest child from high school, I had a moment to reflect on 17 years in Wake County Public Schools. I am filled with immense gratitude for all the people in our school system who have invested in my children. In a time when public education is under attack, I wanted to recognize these individuals for their contributions.

Although there were times I didn’t agree with approach or style, I always knew they had my kids’ best interest at heart. My children were safe, well-fed, cared for and educated. From the teachers who work many long days, to the bus drivers, administrators, cafeteria and other support staff — I see and appreciate you!

Both of my kids are continuing their education at public universities. The system isn’t perfect, but it works. Public school employees who have devoted their expertise certainly do not do it for the pay but instead for their passion for teaching the next generation. Thank you, Wake County Public School employees, for all you do. I will be forever grateful.

Erin Rankin, Apex

This story was originally published June 22, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "NC Republicans’ hypocrisy on gun laws was just made obvious | Opinion ."

Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER