Will the real DEI candidate in the 2024 presidential race please stand up? | Opinion

DEI claims

Many Republicans have called Kamala Harris a “DEI candidate.” As defined on Fox & Friends, DEI stands for “Didn’t Earn It” — with the clear implication that race-based preferences are to blame.

Let’s see how that holds up: One candidate was born wealthy, went to elite private schools, used a questionable medical diagnosis to avoid the draft, and never held elected office before becoming his party’s nominee for president. The other was born middle class, went to public schools, and held elected offices as a district attorney, state attorney general, senator and vice president before becoming her party’s nominee for president.

Remind me again which one is the “Didn’t Earn It” candidate?

Jeff Braden, Raleigh

Mark Robinson

Regarding “NC GOP needs to address Robinson’s checkered record,” (July 30 Editorial)

Five calendar years of not paying income taxes, three separate declarations of bankruptcy, a long history of spouting hateful and demeaning comments about numerous people from all walks of life, and now a likely attempt to hide from a lengthy DHHS investigation of his family’s recently-defunct childcare business. Mark Robinson continues to prove over and over again that he does not possess the fiscal, social or personal responsibility required to hold any public office. Voters from all political persuasions need to unite during the coming election season to ensure that this guy finds himself off the public payroll come Dec. 31.

Jon Gibson, Raleigh

School vouchers

Regarding “NC parents ask House GOP to ‘keep your promise’ to fund private school vouchers,” (Aug. 1):

I am sick to my heart, sick to my stomach, over the acquiescence of our state legislature to the school voucher demands of those who would take public monies for private schools. In a generation, the schools of North Carolina have seen performance dwindle to a shadow of what it was when my children attended public school in Wake County.

The dollars given to the voucher program are stolen from what should be better pay for teachers, better school facilities, healthier buildings and better programs for educating teachers so that public education might return to its place as the foundation for an informed republic and a capable democracy.

Our lawmakers should reverse this trend immediately. Quit starting my day with the sad story of the mutual groveling between the rich and the elected.

Elizabeth Cordes, Oriental

Library bond

The writer is on the Wake County Library Commission Board.

This fall, Wake County voters will have the opportunity to approve the $142 million bond that will fund several new libraries and expand and improve others.

With a very low estimated tax impact (roughly $2.50 per $100,000 assessed value), county residents are unlikely to notice. What we will notice is the impact this bond has on the quality of our facilities.

Rolesville residents will be able to celebrate finally having a library. Communities like Apex and Wendell will benefit from library construction and replacement, respectively. And, at least eight other libraries are directly in line for repairs and renovations.

Wake County hasn’t had a library bond on the ballot since 2007. This small step for residents will reap enormous dividends for the county’s reputation, quality of life and ability to serve the community.

Gretchen McNeely, Apex

New logo

To those considering a new logo for the City of Raleigh, — the proposed red acorn — may I suggest they simply Google “acorn” and view other uses of an acorn as a property or activity logo. For example the national company Acorn Investments has a similar trademark, and here in Raleigh, The Acorn apartments on 422 S. Person St. has a similar acorn logo.

To a viewer, nothing in the acorn logo would guide them to think of Raleigh. To avoid confusion the logo should include the words “Raleigh, NC.” I’d also like a wreath of oak leaves which adds at least a small reference to a comfortable environment. If the logo is changed, I hope originality, relevance and relatability will be forthcoming.

Fred Allen, Raleigh