9/8 Letters: Environmental risks of Atlantic Coast Pipeline not worth it

I am in agreement with the sentiments expressed in “NC should reject the Atlantic Coast Pipeline” (Aug. 11). I continue to wonder why North Carolina would even consider the pipeline considering the alternative sources of energy it has in such abundance. As I read the column, I thought about the ACP and wondered where there would be a break and spill? It is not a matter of if such a catastrophe will occur, it is a matter of when and where.

Why are we so determined to sully this beautiful state with the addition of this pipeline? I think of the greed behind much of this. When is enough profit enough? Why risk what North Carolina has to line the pockets of the few? North Carolinians still have to live here; don’t we all want to continue to live in one of the most beautiful states in the country? I am relieved that Gov. Roy Cooper is opposed to this mindless project, I just wish our legislators would rethink their positions and imagine the environmental consequences. Are the risks worth it?

Gerrymandering ‘rotten’

Regrading “Dissatisfied with NC GOP mapmaker’s plan, challengers draw their own” (Aug. 23): In my opinion, there is an easy, politically-unbiased way to handle redistricting. There are 100 counties in North Carolina. Use the current county boundaries as a beginning point for districts. Then, expand or shrink those district boundaries to achieve the necessary population balance; no other considerations. If a politician feels like this might adversely affect their chances for election or re-election, that’s just too bad.

Anyone who runs for office should run on the merits of their ideas, not party affiliation. If someone can persuade voters in their district to elect them, then congratulations. The gerrymandering that has occurred with both Democrats and Republicans is politics rotten to the core, and it needs to stop. There are too many politicians who’ve made it their goal in life to keep their jobs, and they have completely forgotten that their job is working for all the voters, and to move the country forward.

Redistricting challenged

What once flooded the news around North Carolina regarding voting rights has now slipped into the background. However, this issue is coming up again at the North Carolina General Assembly. The legislative and congressional districts are drawn in such an unfair and targeted way. The battle against them was won at the court level, but the public must stay informed and rallied against this terrible move to keep marginalized communities silenced.

When citizens lack the right to vote and to have their votes actually count, they lose the right to choose policies that will affect their lives. Every American owns the right to choose and plan his or her future, the right to choose elected officials. I urge readers to stay informed about the fight for voting rights in North Carolina. With so many people at risk, our state cannot afford to not speak up.

This story was originally published September 7, 2017 at 6:00 PM with the headline "9/8 Letters: Environmental risks of Atlantic Coast Pipeline not worth it."