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LuEllen  Huntley's avatar

A fact that stands out: when Republicans “suddenly” see fraud: when our nation elects Barack Obama as our 44th President. Many could not get over it. And just never did. Now many of those same pissed off racists in elected offices have turned their versions of cheating at the polls into an art form of deception after votes are counted if they so choose. Hence, disgusting blatant grubbiness in NC corridors of power.

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Mark Rodin's avatar

Yes, it IS easier to disenfranchise democracy if voters don't trust the system. I think the voters in North Carolina should be very angry with this power play

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Michael Voiland's avatar

You labeled Berger as a Dem senator in today's column. I'm sure it's just a typo or mental hiccup. You know he's a Republican.

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Thomas Mills's avatar

I fixed it on the site but unfortunately can't change emails.

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KL Pierce's avatar

Since when is a Phil Berger a Democrat?! Please correct that error in your column otherwise it makes no sense.

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Bill Nasso's avatar

Time to shift from fretting over the problem to instigating a counteroffensive.

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Laura Reich's avatar

This is so incredibly infuriating! It just goes from bad to worse. One thing I noticed in your Substack is you said Berger is a democrat. He is a republican.

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Eric Smith's avatar

I attempted to be in the gallery for the Senate vote on SB 382 on Monday, but due to a miscommunication from Common Cause, I was late. I think we should be in the gallery for the House vote but our presence should be muted so as to allow the Republican members from mountain counties to vote their conscience without seeming to bow to our demands.

I think the argument that the General Assembly cannot alter the powers of the members of the Council of State that were in effect at the time that the people elected them might hold sway even with the Republicans on the North Carolina Supreme Court. If indeed the General Assembly has the power to radically reduce the executive powers of the members of the Council of State despite checks-and-balances considerations, such legislation should only apply to those offices following the subsequent statewide election. The people should have a clear understanding of the powers of the offices when they vote because that understanding could well affect their preferences.

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Elizabeth Blackmore's avatar

I can't even with this state any more. Our votes don't seem to matter any more. There doesn't seem to be a recourse for us. I read about this exact issue in lots of publications. How the hell do we fight this?!

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Bill O’Luanaigh's avatar

They're showing their true authoritarian colors aren't they? They know that they can't compete in their beloved "marketplace of ideas" so they'll f***ing rob the people of their vote/voice. Students of history know how this ends.

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Stuff my Sister Said's avatar

Well said. More attention needs to be given to this attempted steal of supreme court seat. What's the 21st century version of torches and pitchforks?

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Ilene Freedman's avatar

I have been posting about these issues for the past few weeks. We’ve been calling and emailing and it all seems for nought. There appears to be no recourse to the situation although protests are planned for this coming week. While I know opposition to what is being done is strong, so many are feeling that efforts will have no positive result they won’t show up. Our state is a microcosm of our country. The Republican Party members should hang their heads in shame for what they are doing to this potentially wonderful state.

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