There’s logic that backs the Democrats who voted to end the shutdown | Opinion

There are logical reasons eight Democrats voted to reopen the government. For any kind of negotiation or compromise, both parties must be reasonable and rational. Newt Gingrich in the 1990s pushed his Republican party to not compromise. That has been their predominant approach to most issues since. Trump was not interested in reopening the government. He took no action to work out a deal. Speaker Mike Johnson sent the House home.

If the administration and those who control Congress were really concerned about the less fortunate, then the “One Big Beautiful Bill” would not have cut benefits to the needy. If the Republicans were really interested in caring for the less fortunate, they would have worked out a deal with Democrats before SNAP benefits expired.

Continuing the shutdown was getting nowhere. Voters must remember which party really cares for those who are not billionaires.

Dr. Daryl Bowman, Raleigh

Gov’t success story

At a time when standstills at the federal and state level are exacerbating widespread hardship for families across our country, I am grateful that our local governments – both elected officials and staff – are stepping up to support innovative programs that address real and immediate needs in our community.

The Bridge to Home initiative is one such project. Designed during the height of the COVID pandemic and continuing during the current housing crisis, this program provides flexible financial assistance that nonprofit partners can mobilize quickly to prevent evictions and rehouse unsheltered neighbors. In just a few years, this collaboration has moved more than 3,300 people into permanent housing and has further stabilized families through comprehensive, wraparound services that tackle the specific barriers that cause or continue homelessness.

Thank you to Wake County commissioners and county Housing Affordability & Community Revitalization staff and to the Raleigh City Council and city Housing & Community Development staff.

Cari Boram, Raleigh

Misplaced priorities

Why is North Carolina one of only two states that does not have a budget yet this year? Why did the General Assembly reopen only to pass a cruel crime bill and redraw even more unfair districts, rather than to help the people of North Carolina?

It is imperative that the General Assembly do its real job of helping the people of North Carolina by pausing the tax cuts that will come into effect on Jan 1. Those tax cuts enrich the richest people of all at the expense of everyone else.

I am a senior living on a fixed income, and I may need to apply for SNAP benefits or Medicaid in the future. The General Assembly, missing in action, needs to get back to work NOW.

Susan Baylies, Durham

UNC hoops memory

Your story on the historic men’s basketball rivalry between UNC and Kansas failed to mention the 1957 national championship, in which the Tar Heels defeated the Jayhawks in triple overtime to win the title. The Heels, who had defeated Michigan State in a triple overtime semifinal just 20 hours before, were 12-point underdogs to Kansas and Wilt Chamberlain.

The team’s undeniable star was Lennie Rosenbluth, who died recently. Bob Young, now of Naples, Fla., contributed a key layup in overtime to keep the Heels alive, and Joe Quigg, now of Fayetteville, sunk the two free throws that put the Heels on top for good. The story of the team’s undefeated season, and how they captured imaginations statewide, is told in a DVD by Stephanie Pace of Hickory, “McGuire’s Miracle,” named for the Heels’ legendary coach, Frank McGuire.

Laura Toler, Durham

White House ballroom

I wonder if White House reporters have been given access to early drawings of the proposed new ballroom. If so, I would appreciate a story that includes location and design of the elevated throne that will be installed. I assume it will rival that of King Charles.

Larry Wolf, Garner