Letter writer: HB2 — flashback to the Reagan administration?

Graphic by Lori Deaton

There is no telling what will be the cost to society from HB2. Some members of the N.C. [General] Assembly believe that the state is being negatively affected.

Flashback to the 1960s and 1970s, when civil rights legislation was debated nationally. After enactment, a countermovement in the 1970s and 1980s culminated in the election of Ronald Reagan. He campaigned against civil rights and made William Rehnquist chief justice of the Supreme Court.

The administration’s negative impact included anti-women’s rights, closure of government agencies (Office of Domestic Violence), putting polluters in charge of environmental programs and appointing James Watt as secretary of the interior. There were massive cuts to federal housing. President Reagan cut taxes to rich Americans.

Much like then, the poor are becoming poorer, and the rich getting richer. One current presidential candidate exploits demagoguery and his prior celebrity status. He never served in elected office, voted on a piece of legislation or made our country more secure.

— M. Heller
Asheville

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

About Letters
We want to hear from you! Send your letters and commentary to letters@mountainx.com

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

3 thoughts on “Letter writer: HB2 — flashback to the Reagan administration?

  1. Giordano Bruno

    Liberalism is a suicidal mental disorder, the core aim of which is to promote and “normalize” selfish and self-destructive anti-social behavior choices…Nothing more, nothing less…

    • boatrocker

      One knows when one is an impotent poster when others do not even bother to refute one’s insanity.

      I can recommend some nice local hiking trails if you ever care to visit WNC.

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.