NC Republicans are dead wrong to try to block AG Jeff Jackson from fighting Trump | Opinion

Senator Phil Berger Sr. is mistaken when he posits Democratic Attorney General Jeff Jackson should go along with every White House order because North Carolina voted for President Donald Trump. Jackson is not appointed by the state legislature.

Voters across the state elected Jackson. Trump’s 51% of the NC vote is not a landslide.

Jackson is paying attention to North Carolinians in joining lawsuits against unlawful executive orders that cut funding to UNC and Duke medical research, challenge birthright citizenship and give access to our personal data. The people of North Carolina want government checks and balance.

Shirley Walker, Durham

Greenway bikers

I am sick of bikers on Raleigh greenways not obeying the rules of the road. I’m sure many of them go over 10 miles an hour, which is an accident waiting to happen. Hardly anybody signals to pass on the left from behind. A simple gesture would be nice.

I used to bike on the greenway and alerted others regularly. It’s rude not to signal. Somebody’s going to run over a dog or a kid if they haven’t already. It is posted on the greenway to signal you’re passing. I bet one out of 20 oblige.

We have clogged up our roads with bike lanes that aren’t used, only for bikers to clog up the greenways. The attitudes you get, geez. I know I’m not going to get them off of the greenway, but a simple gesture would be a quick and easy solution. Maybe slow down when approaching in either direction!

Richard Bryant, Raleigh

Early voting at risk

North Carolina House Republicans have introduced H.B. 66. This bill will cut the early voting window from the 17 days used in 2024 to six days in 2026. They also plan to eliminate Sunday voting.

In 2024, nearly 75% of the 5.7 million NC voters cast their ballot on early voting days. If you disagree with this plan, contact your state representatives.

Carolyn Christman, Mebane

Tillis hope gone

I was hoping Sen. Thom Tillis would stand up and defend the authority of the Constitution, the powers of Congress, and the health and welfare of all Carolinians, not just the rich ones.

I’m older than Trump, and I’ve seen a lot over the years. I fear I am watching the dismantling of American democracy and a march toward dictatorship. I’ve never been so alarmed, ashamed and sad about the actions of United States.

Judith Vose Davis, Raleigh

Linda McMahon

The U.S. Senate must reject Linda McMahon as U.S. Secretary of Education. As we saw in the U.S. Senate confirmation hearing this week, McMahon lacks the qualifications, experience and judgment required to oversee our nation’s education system.

The Secretary of Education should champion public schools, protect students from discrimination and ensure equal opportunity for all students and educators. McMahon has little to no experience making decisions about K-12 education, student loans, IEPs and special education – key qualifications to running the department

Her would-be boss has called for the elimination of the entire department! We need an education secretary who we can trust to protect and uplift all students. I urge our Senators to vote no on this nomination.

Charles Keeling, Raleigh