Changing birthright citizenship is a political grab

I remember as a child being told I wasn’t an American because I was born in Europe, even though both my parents are American citizens. Conversely, to Europeans I’m an American because I was raised in America and both my parents are American. Quite the conundrum if you ask me. Based on my personal experience, it is evident that a person’s identity is attached to the place of their birth, at least in part (of course, this is up to the individual to reconcile as it relates to their own identity).

Legal definitions aside, I believe the terms of one’s birth plays heavily on their identity. To suggest that a caveat to birthright citizenship be considered, which is clearly part of a political agenda, is reprehensible. Knowing that our identity is tied to the place of our birth to some degree, the government has no right to sever this inherent relationship. Republicans all too often forgets the party’s origin as a defender of equal citizenship for all Americans.

Joshua Peters

Cary

Voting accessibility

Thanks to the Raleigh City Council for making free bus service available on election day. This is a commendable way to help people get to the polls and vote.

Mary Best

Raleigh

UNC diversity

In recent conversations, the UNC Board of Governors has continued to discuss the issue of “diversity.” Some have criticized campus diversity offices, asking what it is they really do and proposing potential downsizes. Others have even gone so far as to advocate for affirmative action-type programs, under the guise of “Western Civilization,” to recruit more conservative faculty to counter what they call a “lack of diversity in viewpoint.”

But the board need only look at its own composition to see a real lack of diversity. Forget race, gender, and partisanship — the board completely lacks socioeconomic diversity. Why is it that almost only wealthy people and former politicians and lobbyists serve on the board? Isn’t that itself a lack of diversity in viewpoint?

The composition of the board most certainly does not reflect that of everyday North Carolina residents. This is not to say that there is currently no diversity on the board, but it would be incredibly refreshing to see more everyday, common-sense folks have an opportunity to offer some fresh perspectives.

William Sturkey, assistant professor of history

Chapel Hill

Vote Republican

When Barrack Obama was a law professor, he taught a course on Saul Alinsky tactics, as outlined in Alinsky’s book “Rules for Radicals.” One tactic in particular resonates with the Democrats currently: “Accuse your opponents of the things you are actually doing.”

Democrats slam Trump’s rhetoric, but they are the ones spreading hate and dissension. Republicans are not out there like Maxine Waters telling people to get up in the face of Trump cabinet members.

Trump has had two years of non-stop opposition from Democrats and the main stream media (which are one and the same thing) making all kinds of unfounded accusations. Obama by contrast had a love fest .

Democrats accuse Trump of lying, but it was Obama who said you can keep your doctor and your hospital and that your health insurance would cost $2,500 less.

Send a message to the Democrats that character assassination as they tried against Judge Kavanaugh is unacceptable and that we do not want open borders, socialism and socialized medicine and higher taxes. Vote Republican.

Vincent M.DiSandro Sr.

Hillsborough

Words have power

Why does the media nowadays use “shooter,” instead of killer or murderer? Certainly killer or murderer conveys who they are and what they’ve done more accurately and powerfully than the broad and benign word “shooter.” Words have impact.

Diane Latorre

Raleigh

Parks bond

Our parks, greenways, recreation centers and open spaces provide all of us great ways to get to know our neighbors and get physically active. Our entire community wins when we live in a healthy environment. You have a chance to enhance our city even more by voting yes for the “Parks, Greenways, Recreation, and Open Space Bond.” As more and more people discover Raleigh and the surrounding cities, we will need to add to our existing network of open space, greenway corridors and trails. This bond helps achieve that goal. Vote yes and lets all get out and enjoy our great city.

Jim Morris, AHA Board Member

Raleigh

This story was originally published November 1, 2018 at 5:29 PM.