WS Chronicle

We need disclosure from Roy Cooper

To the Editor:

Attorney General Roy Cooper is again not fully disclosing to the North Carolina public his role in supporting and defending what many have termed as one of the most restrictive voter suppression laws in America.

On this important issue, it is extremely unfortunate that Attorney General Roy Cooper would mislead the recipients of his most recent email and video regarding his own actions as Attorney General and the voter suppression laws in North Carolina. Roy Cooper’s video criticizes the Republican governor and legislature about their recently enacted voter suppression laws, while at the same time leaving out the fact that he and his Office are defending and supporting these same voter suppression laws in court.

What is even more insulting to minorities, non-minorities, independents, unaffiliated voters, Democrats and others in this state is that Roy Cooper is seeking to raise campaign contributions from the very people who are being misled and not told the full story about his role in defending these voter suppression laws in court. This is wrong and these are the types of actions that have soured so many people against politics and politicians. In North Carolina, we can do better.

As governor, I would encourage our citizens to vote and be a constructive part of electing our public officials into office. Restricting the pool of voters for political gain would not be a part of our strong and fair North Carolina democracy. It is unfortunate that Attorney General Roy Cooper and his Office have been a part of the problem and not a part of the solution.

Ken Spaulding, Democratic candidate for governor of North Carolina

We can stop pollution by pigs with our meals

To the Editor,

North Carolina’s pork industry is facing a federal lawsuit for mucking up the state’s lakes and rivers and polluting the air. While pig farmers should be held accountable for degrading the environment, we must all share in the responsibility for cleaning up our planet. Everyone can help do this simply by eating more vegan foods.

News reports indicate that the 10 million hogs in North Carolina produce as much fecal waste in a day as 100 million humans. This manure is stored in giant lagoons as large as three football fields.

The treated waste — which contains nitrates, phosphorus, and bacteria — is then sprayed on fields, and it often seeps into waterways. The Environmental Protection Agency has said that factory farms pollute our waterways more than all other industrial sources combined.

If this wasn’t bad enough, the meat industry also contributes to climate change, deforestation, and other serious problems. If you like the taste of pork, but don’t want to contribute to environmental degradation or animal suffering, choose great-tasting vegan meats, including soy sausage and veggie bacon.

See www.PETA.org for more information and product suggestions.

Heather Moore, The PETA Foundation, Norfolk, VA

Could Winston-Salem be the next victim?

To the Editor,

The Wake County Commissioners and the Greensboro City Council are now victims of the gerrymandering genius of the Republican controlled N.C. General Assembly.  Presently, both of these local government bodies have Democrat majorities, and the Republicans cannot tolerate such an anomaly in North Carolina.

The plan is to gerrymander both Wake County and city of Greensboro so that Republicans will gain control in the next election.  While this government overreach is probably legal according to the N.C. Constitution, the hypocrisy and arrogance are astounding.

These ideologues are always shouting about “small government,” states’ rights, and more control by local government.  The redistricting did not originate with the citizens.  It was the brainchild of the Legislature and perhaps beyond.

The citizens of the respective entities elected the Wake County Commissioners and Greensboro City Council.  When the citizens urged the Legislators to leave the county and city districts as they are, their voices fell on deaf ears.

Article I, Section 2 of the N.C. Constitution reads, “All political power is vested in and derived from the people; all government of right originates from the people, is founded upon their will only, and is instituted solely for the good of the whole.”  Who are the constituents in these actions?

Could this happen to Winston-Salem?  Why not?  Are we prepared to resist a takeover of our city government?

I would hope The Chronicle would take note and join in any resistance if our city is potentially to be one of the next political casualties.  We must be vigilant!

Anne G. Wilson

Thank you for Lifetime Achievement Award

To the Editor:

I would like to thank the Chronicle for giving me one of its Lifetime Achievement Awards at its 30th Annual Community Service Awards.  I have received awards and honors from all over the United States.  This awards means more to me than any because it was given to me by my peers, colleagues, community and hometown.

Last year I received the Carl H. Russell Sr. Community Center Black History Role Model Award. Benjamin H. Piggott is the center director.

The Modicum within me causes me to be flattered to receive such an award because it is a symbol of The Chronicle’s acknowledgement of my contributions to the community.

Conversely, sometimes people are honored after they are dead.  I am glad to be honored while I am still alive.

Lenwood G. Davis, Retired WSSU professor and author