1/28 Letters: Solar panels help in snow, too

The ‘two to four inches’ of snow predicted last week turned into more than 10 inches here in Chatham. Before the snow ended, our electricity went out and so did our electrified (wireless) phones, leaving us with cell phones, flashlights, and water we had stored.

After the snow melted from our solar panels the next day, we flipped the switch so that we could use the plug we had had installed to run one circuit of power and recharged our cell phones. When electric power was restored, we returned to the grid with our solar panels sending energy to the company for use where needed.

My husband and I placed 12 panels on our roof three years ago with the help of NC Warn’s Solarize NC program and we reap the benefits every month. More solar will bring the clean energy future we need to slow climate change and boost the economy. We recommend solar panels everywhere, and powering cars and all electric needs this way, supplemented primarily with wind, geothermal and hydroelectric power. We also recommend taking advantage of the Duke Energy offer of energy rebates, and hope they will expand that program.

Opinions on abortion

Regarding “Anti-abortion movement gains momentum in NC and nationally” (Jan. 22): 45 years after Roe v. Wade, reproductive freedom advocates have a lot of work to do to attain the world we want – a world where every person, whatever their immigration status, income, or zip code, can make their own decision about pregnancy and parenting.

According to the Pew Research Center, about seven in 10 Americans believe Roe v. Wade should be upheld. In the most recent major Supreme Court decision about abortion, Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt, the court issued a decisive ruling reaffirming that the Constitution protects a woman’s ability to get an abortion without unwarranted interference from politicians.

When special-interest groups and policymakers who want to impose their values on others restrict access to abortion, the harm falls hardest on people of color, young people and families struggling to make ends meet. In 2017, states across the country enacted 58 policies to protect and expand access to sex education and reproductive health care. That is a record number.

Anti-abortion politicians may control legislative agendas at the moment, but the tide of public opinion seems to be against them.

This story was originally published January 26, 2018 at 6:00 PM with the headline "1/28 Letters: Solar panels help in snow, too."