These 12 NC writers say there’s only one way to counter ongoing attacks on democracy

Welcome to NC Voices, where leaders, readers and experts from across North Carolina can speak on issues affecting our communities. Send submissions of 350 words or fewer to opinion@newsobserver.com.

NC writers: Why your vote matters

The op-ed below was submitted by the steering committee of the NC chapter of Writers for Democratic Action.

We are writers. We value truth — both the truthfulness of facts and the truth of the human heart. This is our core truth:

As citizens of a democracy, we enjoy many precious freedoms, including the freedom to express our views without fear of censorship or reprisal. To guard this and other freedoms, we wholeheartedly accept the responsibilities and duties of citizenship to our local communities, our state, and our nation.

Our most important civic duty is to vote. Voting is a fundamental right, but it is also our prime obligation as stewards of democracy. We live in a moment when democracy is under attack— not just in foreign countries, but right here in the United States America. There are too many politicians and their supporters who would rather simply take power than win it at the ballot box by persuasion and reasoned argument. They would rather many of our citizens did not exercise the right and duty to vote.

They make it difficult for certain kinds of citizens to vote, especially the young, the poor, and those in minority communities. They contort voting districts through gerrymandering to guarantee the outcomes they desire. They even seek to manipulate the process of counting and certifying ballots.

The only sure way to counter this cynical attack on our democracy is to vote — in every election, for every office. No matter how inconvenient or frustrating the process can seem, standing in line to cast our vote is the most powerful means we have to keep our democracy alive, to guarantee that the freedoms we now enjoy remain intact and that we indeed offer liberty and justice to all.

When you cast your ballot, your vote is irrevocably recorded — “booked.” It’s a simple process but crucial to our future as free citizens. So please stand with us, do your part: Book your vote!

Philip Gerard, Jill McCorkle, Jaki Shelton Green, Joseph Bathanti, Bland Simpson, Belle Boggs, Thomas Mills, Wiley Cash, Lynn York, Alex Albright, Margaret Bauer and Gabrielle Calvocoressi

On getting priced out of homes in NC

I have lived in North Carolina 34 years. But, I came up in Milford, Conn. It was the perfect small town environment to grow up in — blue-collar folks who mostly worked in the factories that still operated then. Great values. Simple, decent people.

Over time, we experienced an influx of people from New York City. They sought lower costs and a better life. As they moved into my town, home prices increased dramatically. To add insult to injury, the newcomers were happy to tell us all the ways we should change and how we ought to live our lives. Today, most of the hometown people have been priced out of the area and have left.

Sound familiar? Housing prices are soaring in North Carolina. Houses sell in a matter of hours, at prices much higher than list price. We are blessed to live in an area of growth and opportunity, but many local people who may not have the requisite background to work at an Apple or Red Hat, are being priced out of the area that is home.

I believe this is a rare case where the public sector is the only solution. State government must act to preserve a way of life and a people. This is not just about native North Carolinians. It’s about all those who cannot afford to own a home or even rent in our state.

The state could provide low cost loans to people who cannot afford homes. The state would issue bonds which would be paid back by creditworthy residents who are first-time home buyers.

Today, North Carolina’s average borrowing rate is around 3%. Loans could be provided at slightly higher interest rates with lower down payment requirements, as low as 5%. Loan terms could be extended to 35 or even 40 years to bring payments down. In return, the state makes a small profit on well collateralized loans. Everyone wins.

I came to North Carolina to find a better life around people who share my values. I fear this opportunity is lost for those who’ve made our state what it is. To protect what we stand for, we must make it possible for all of us to live here comfortably.

Brian Hamilton, Apex

Founder, Brian Hamilton Foundation

This story was originally published April 20, 2022 at 4:30 AM.