There’s a ‘rushin’ influence’ at work in the NC legislature

Regarding “NC GOP votes to change way ballot amendments are titled” (July 25): In view of the stealth and speed with which the General Assembly launches countermeasures in the interests of defeating representative democracy, it’s clear there’s a rushin’ influence at work, right here in the Tar Heel State, doing its darnedest to install Soviet-style rule.

Engage citizens

Regarding “Little hope for solution: Tensions rise as partisan divide deepens across NC” (July 30): I believe the prime factor driving partisan polarization among the populace is captured best by Hugh McColl who said simply “massive ignorance.”

What would happen if we had “a medium through which the citizens of North Carolina can be unselfishly banded together for the purpose of promoting the general welfare of the entire citizenship?” Such a medium was created in 1942 as the North Carolina Citizens Association.

With initial dues of $1, including a magazine subscription, the Citizens’ founders clearly aimed to provide engagement opportunities for everyone. In early 1943, the organization started publishing a monthly magazine “We the People of North Carolina.” The group’s charter called for it “to study in a fair, impartial and non-partisan manner” matters that would “strengthen and support the institution of democratic government.”

I know of no organization of substantial influence today with the above attributes. All healthy democracies require an informed citizenship. Servant leaders know that and I salute Hugh McColl for his wisdom. Now we need such wisdom to translate into action.

Show questions

In “Teachers, state officials question math test validity” (Aug. 2) the N&O reported that many teachers are failing the math licensing exam. It would be a service to the public for the N&O to present representative questions from the exam. How else can we evaluate whether the flunking teachers of the exam is at fault?

We shouldn’t have to rely on the education bureaucracy to decide the question.

‘Non-issue?’

Regarding “UNC's chairman: Hands tied on Silent Sam issue” (July 31): I have advice for students at UNC for dealing with Silent Sam. Sam is a statue. An inanimate object. He can’t move, speak, breathe or anything else. He can’t get off his pedestal and abduct you or force you into servitude.

Like thousands of students before them, they should just ignore it and go about their day. The only reason anyone is protesting a mass of bronze is for the notoriety. If not for the constant fawning news coverage and YouTube hits, Silent Sam would be a non-issue.

Hospice care

Regarding “Missed visits, uncontrolled pain and fraud: Report says hospice lacks oversight” (Aug. 1): Like anyone else who read the OIG’s recently released “Vulnerabilities in the Medicare Hospice Program Affect Quality Care and Program Integrity: An OIG Portfolio” and NPR’s follow-up article “HHS Inspector General’s Report Finds Flaws And Fraud In U.S. Hospice Care,” I was appalled at the findings of what amounts to a very small population of hospices in the United States.

While poor or inadequate care, fraud and abuse are inexcusable, the report overall fails to include statistics on how many appropriate, compassionate and ethical end-of-life experiences are had each and every day.

Those of us who work in a hospice setting take very seriously the findings but encourage readers to understand that these findings represent a small sample of fraudulent providers. I would hate for the actions of a few to prevent people in need from accessing quality hospice care.

We know the privilege and responsibility of caring for individuals and their families must be honored and respected. Everyone with a serious or terminal illness deserves a respectful and dignified death and we continue to advocate for the right care at the right time.