Dan Blue to Phil Berger: We can disagree on policies, but not on the facts of Jan. 6.

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Sen. Berger, don’t ignore Jan. 6 facts

The writer is the N.C. Senate minority leader, a Democrat.

I’ve heard my share of defiance and denial over the years. As an attorney and state legislator, I’ve developed a keen ear for distinguishing between the truth and “alternative facts.”

The facts of the Jan. 6 riot — in which five people died and more than 850 were charged criminally — are hard to process. The reality of it is sobering — something we as a country need to acknowledge.

Some staunch Republicans have dismissed the Jan. 6 hearings as “fake news.” To do this is to discredit the courage of the Republican staffers and appointees whose loyalties have proven to be to their country, not to Donald Trump. These witnesses who have testified during the Jan. 6 hearings deserve credit for standing on their morals as Americans first, and Republicans second.

Throughout the hearings, we saw how close rioters came to successfully overthrowing the election. And how shockingly close they came (within 40 feet) to taking Mike Pence to the gallows erected at the Capitol.

In a July 7 WRAL interview, N.C. Senate leader Phil Berger dismissed accounts of the insurrection given at the hearings as “fictional readings” and “exaggerations” — a strong opinion considering he also said he hasn’t watched the hearings.

This indifference to a violent and unprecedented event is reckless.

We can disagree on the state’s tax structure, or whether we should be fully funding a sound basic education — that’s a matter of ideological difference. But for elected leaders to ignore facts that have a monumental impact on the health and well-being of our system of government is irresponsible and dangerous.

In recent years, many have reveled in sowing chaos and rejecting reality. Those in the Republican establishment who quietly ignore real and present dangers to our country still share the blame of the wounds inflicted on America.

People deserve assurance that elected leaders are beholden to our Constitution, ahead of political leaders or special interests. The Jan. 6 hearings have shown me that some in the Republican Party still consider themselves Americans first — and that these hearings should strike fear in the heart of every American who has paid attention.

Sen. Dan Blue, Raleigh

Heeding lessons from the pandemic

With North Carolina’s pandemic emergency order expiring Aug. 15, it’s time to reflect on what we’ve learned.

Essential workers include more than hospital and emergency workers. Those who sell and deliver groceries, take-out and packages became essential to our survival and remain so. They deserve a living wage and continued thanks.

Science changes as we learn more. When we politicize science, we become divided and polarized and there is no going back. Scientists and doctors cure the sick, not YouTubers and politicians.

Virtual learning helped us through the pandemic, but may have more cons than pros. We did our best to be good parents, teachers and workers. We now truly appreciate what teachers do and shouldn’t forget their importance, especially at budget time.

Children are resilient. “Catching up” is not as important as continuing to learn and moving forward. Let’s give teachers and students well-earned grace and support, and figure out how to make teaching cool again.

The pandemic affected our physical and mental health. The good news is that seeking mental health treatment is becoming more normalized. This must be reflected in our budgets, policies and insurance benefits.

The term “supply chain” rose in our consciousness. We’ve been plagued by shortages of PPE and TP (toilet paper). Now, along with other economic factors, we are experiencing inflation and fear of recession, even with close to full employment. The only thing we know for sure is that there will be another pandemic or public health crisis in the future. We need to better control the supply chain and that public health strategic planning doesn’t leave PPE stockpiles at risk.

We have lost 1.03 million friends and family to Covid. Their skills and contributions are severely missed. Their lives should be mourned and celebrated.

Deb Park, Charlotte