Our struggling public schools and the dismal voting records of Carl Ford and Harry Warren

Rowan County’s state legislative delegation has consistently voted for measures that deny the majority of North Carolina’s children the Constitutional promise of a free and fair public education.

As our local and rural schools are now approaching triage mode on many fronts, N.C. Senator Carl Ford and Rep. Harry Warren continue to join their GOP peers in a 14-year assault on public education.

Most notable of late, Ford and Warren were among the legislators who expanded the “Opportunity Scholarship” voucher program to provide millions and millions of our tax dollars to cover private school tuition for some K-12 students, even students from wealthy families. Students in private schools do not take the same End of Grade tests nor receive the same scrutiny regarding best educational practices as public schools.

As a result of their actions, our public schools face a steep funding cut at a time of critical teacher and staff shortages, catapulting North Carolina to 49th in the nation in the amount of funding that goes toward public K-12 schools as a percentage of the state’s GDP.

Rowan County citizens deserve an explanation from Sen. Ford and Rep. Warren. Both legislators need to explain their motives in redistributing taxpayer funds away from our public school students.

— Karen Puckett,
Salisbury

Do justice

In the Oct. 6, 2024, My Turn article titled “Separation of church and state doesn’t mean Christians need to stay out of politics,” the author writes, “In line with the Bible’s teachings on justice, mercy and love for one’s neighbor (Micah 6:8, Matthew 22:37-40), biblical citizenship promotes caring for marginalized groups, fighting against injustice, and standing up for those who cannot defend themselves.” I resonate with these sentiments. However, a critical discussion on the degree to which these actions should be pursued was not included. To what extent should one care for marginalized groups, combat injustice and stand up for the defenseless?

Micah 6:8 teaches that the Lord requires us to “do justice,” suggesting a proactive commitment to justice in all its forms. Is it enough to simply care for marginalized groups? Should we not strive to ensure that no group is treated unequally? This commitment to “do justice” calls for action, urging individuals to advocate for local, state, and federal governments to address systemic injustices that create marginalized communities and leave many defenseless. Issues like poverty, homelessness, lack of healthcare coverage and low wages are just some examples of these pressing injustices. Working toward justice involves challenging “unjust laws” and advocating for their repeal.

If the writer’s intention is to encourage active political engagement to promote justice, then I fully support it. Exercising one’s political voice and voting for public servants committed to creating a just, more equitable society is a powerful pursuit.

— Regina Dancy,
Woodleaf