18-05-2025
Bill allowing teachers to bring guns to schools in NC is a dangerous proposal
As a retired teacher and a great-aunt of two children in schools, I am concerned about the passing of House Bill 193. This bill allows some teachers and volunteers to carry concealed weapons in private school classrooms. Concealed weapon permit holders are only required to have 8 hours of safety training. School resource officers are required to complete more than 800 hours of basic training, plus at least 40 hours of specialized training.
In 2016, a private Christian school teacher in Pennsylvania left a loaded gun in a unisex bathroom. Four children used the restroom and saw the gun. One reported it to his parent who reported it to the school. A similar incident occurred at Faith Christian Academy in Goldsboro in 2024. Fortunately, these situations did not end in the tragedies that they could have.
Please allow teachers to do what they are trained to do — teach — and allow law enforcement to handle the rest.
Cheryl Block, Cary
As a 14-year precinct official, I am appalled at the North Carolina Republican Party and the six judges who supported Jefferson Griffin's attempts to change the outcome of his race against Allison Riggs. Appellate judges Fred Gore and John Tyson as well as State Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul Newby and associate justices Trey Allen, Tamara Barringer, and Phil Berger Jr need a constitutional law refresher class.
They've apparently forgotten the U.S. Constitutional guarantees equal protection. Federal District Judge Richard Myers II, appointed by President Donald Trump, reminded his North Carolina counterparts about it in his decision. I assure our state's Republican judges, lawmakers and election officials who believe Trump's fraud claims our state's precinct election workers are required to take thorough training and an oath to support the U.S. Constitution and the North Carolina Constitution provisions 'not inconsistent' with the federal one. As a chief precinct judge I gave that oath to my staff during four elections in 2021 and 2022.
Judge Griffin does not deserve 'the appreciation of every North Carolinian' for pointing out 'appalling mismanagement' by N.C. Board of Elections staff as the N.C. GOP claims.
Mark Rodin, Morrisville
Regarding Duke Energy's proposal to increase rates to cover construction of new power plants, I think the wrong customers are being asked to do this. The article states that the increased demand is coming from data centers, mainly to support new AI-driven capacity.
I suggest that Duke Energy add a surcharge to their corporate data center customers to cover these costs. Homeowners tend to do what they can to reduce their power consumption. We should not bear the burden of supporting corporations jumping on the latest computing fad.
John Price, Cary
Medicaid covers over 40% of births in the U.S. Medicaid covers 15 million Americans with disabilities. Medicaid helps so many school children in need of health services. Do not cut Medicaid. Invest in family health and those with disabilities for a better nation.
Deb Levin, Chapel Hill
This administration aims to eliminate fraud, abuse and waste within Medicaid. Medicaid is in need of reform. Originally intended to support the poor and those who couldn't obtain insurance, it has gradually evolved into a de facto universal healthcare program.
Back in 2000, Medicaid covered around 30 million people. Today, that number has grown to 80 million — about 25% of the U.S. population. This expansion goes far beyond Medicaid's original mission!
Mike Howard, Waxhaw
Millions of our tax dollars are being spent by the federal government to deport non-criminals to prisons outside the U.S. Their right to due process is being ignored and flagrantly abused. To base these deportations on the tattoos someone has would be laughable, but it's no joke to tear people, including U.S. citizens, away from their families and jobs. These illegal removals must be stopped.
Susannah Smith, Chapel Hill
