12/30 Letters: Girls have ‘power’ | News & Observer

While riding the Metro train on the way to the Women’s March last January, I felt power and pride when my aunt, cousins, their friends, and I came together, chanting. Soon, the whole train was yelling: “What do we want? Equality! When do we want it? Now! What do we have? Girl power!”

Our generation’s greatest threat to civil liberties is the rise of extremism and intolerance. The election of Donald J. Trump as president reflects this shift. Nov. 9, 2016 changed our history as a nation permanently. The 45th President is not a leader “for the American people.” He certainly is not for young women and girls. His election will not be our defeat; it is our rebirth.

We have much work to do in 2018 and beyond, but change is possible. If we can empower the next generation of girls to be active members of our democracy, change will occur. Young girls need to know that they are important. They have power if they are willing to use it. If the Women’s March showed us anything, it is that even in the worst times, when hope seems long gone, we have the strength to carry on when we embrace each other and work together.

Use ‘biscuit voice’

Regarding “ Bojangles’ biscuits insulted in Washington Post taste test” (Dec. 26): I was delighted to see Sen. Thom Tillis stand-up for something as important to North Carolinians as our biscuits. Thank you. I would like to also encourage the senator to display that same fervor to stand up for the democracy that has defined the United States since its conception.

Tillis must use his “biscuit voice” to ensure that the executive branch doesn’t continue creating a government where American values are replaced by a dictatorship. What has been happening in Washington is completely contrary to this nation’s core ideals. I’m counting on Tillis to right these wrongs. May God bless him, the United States and Bojangles biscuits.

Give legislature credit

Regarding “ NC economy rolling under Cooper” (Dec. 25): I don’t buy the idea that Gov. Cooper is responsible for the state’s job growth and that tax cuts are bad for the middle class. Do people really think any business moves to a state because of a governor? They move because of a business-friendly environment and right-to-work laws.

Those laws are all due to a conservative legislature and not a liberal governor who, if he and the Democrats had their way, would raise taxes to pay for social programs that are taken advantage of and roll out the carpet for unions. If the Charlotte city council hadn’t carried out its plan to get rid of a real pro-business governor we would be having even more success.