In September, Jane Porter wrote about the Wake Forest mayor’s decision to introduce, then walk back, a Pride Month proclamation. Recently, Jane reported (online and on page 14 of this edition) on public records that showed the mayor changed course after Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary leadership urged her to do so. Readers shared their reactions.
From reader Jennifer Hinton by email:
Just read your piece about the Wake Forest Seminary president convincing Wake Forest Mayor Vivian Jones not to make a town proclamation re: Pride Week.
Like all citizens, religious leaders have the right to speak up and make requests of our government. But it’s clear that [seminary president Daniel] Akin is not concerned about the greater good. He’s speaking for his demographic.
The mayor’s quick capitulation feels like a further erosion of our country’s foundational separation of church and state.
I’m pretty sure that Akin is A-OK with the government sponsored “celebration” of sexual identity that rolled back Roe v Wade.
I’d like my town to be a haven from the right wing enforced anti DEI, kidnappings, abandonment of financial support for our most vulnerable.
Does the seminary president support the worth and dignity of the people who are being brutalized, dragged from their homes, the families being torn apart? How about the worth and dignity of those who are denied Medicare and SNAP?
If he does, how about he takes on these life and death situations.
From my corner of the world it looks like the Christian right is just fine with the government sponsored celebration of sexual identity, as long as it’s white men.
Last month, Chloe Courtney Bohl reported that GoRaleigh bus drivers were again raising concerns about their safety and working conditions. Readers shared their own concerns, and ideas.
From reader Lori Morris by email:
This is shameful that we are allowing this crime in our state capital. What is happening to the people who are threatening, spitting etc on the drivers? Are they being arrested? Sent for mental treatment? Banned from taking the bus?? More follow-up and pressure is needed. How do we ever expect to get rapid transit when our buses are unsafe? What is the ACORNS [Addressing Crises through Outreach, Referrals, Networking, and Service program] you mentioned doing in the city as a whole? I never hear about them. How much is that costing taxpayers? Why is it that when I go to certain areas like around New Bern Ave and Trawick area, I can notice the crime going on and nothing is done about it? Please keep investigating! Thank you!
From reader Anne Avera:
I rode the public bus system in Brighton, England, every day for two weeks back in 2022. The drivers sit in a metal and plexiglass “booth” where they drive. They use a key from the outside to get in, and also when they change driver shifts.
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