Federal fund freeze illegal
Freezing federal funding illegally under the guidance issued by President Donald Trump administration’s Office of Management & Budget will have consequences for North Carolina.
This action threatens essential services, from the supports to the well-being of children and families to the maintenance of roads and bridges, from the rebuilding in western North Carolina to the operations of businesses and nonprofits that partner with the government to deliver community services.
While the exact impacts are uncertain, this move unnecessarily increases the risk of harm to many people and communities in North Carolina and the country.
Beyond the lack of clarity, the sweeping nature of this unlawful action is a further blow to a key principle of democracy – that our public money should reflect the priorities of the people, debated through a transparent and inclusive policy process, not dictated by the whims or will of any one person.
This federal funding freeze disregards the real priorities of North Carolinians, who want to see more affordable child care and housing in their communities and stability in their daily lives.
North Carolina policymakers must meet this moment by calling on the president and Congress to stop to this dangerous action, or our state and local governments will be left to shoulder a heavier load when they lose federal funding.
When North Carolina is unable to do make up the loss of federal funds due to state lawmakers’ ongoing prioritization of state-level tax cuts for profitable corporations and the wealthy over the well-being of the people, the harm will fall on people in North Carolina.
Alexandra Sirota, Durham
The writer is executive director of the N.C. Budget & Tax Center.
Shoeboxes for children
The overwhelming generosity of the people of Murphy helped provide joy to children in need through Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts this season.
Across the U.S., the Samaritan’s Purse project collected 10.5 million shoebox gifts in 2024. Combined with those collected from partnering countries in 2024, the ministry is now sending over 11.9 million shoebox gifts to children worldwide.
Each shoebox gift is a tangible expression of God’s love, given to children in need around the world.
Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 232 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories.
Across the region, shoebox packers often shop for deals on shoebox items throughout the year, and many serve at a deeper level by becoming a year-round volunteer. Information about ways area participants can get involved year-round can also be found at samaritanspurse.org/occ.
Although local Murphy drop‑off locations for shoebox gifts are closed until Nov. 17-24, anyone can still be a part of this life-changing project by conveniently packing a shoebox gift online in just a few simple clicks at samaritanspurse.org/buildonline.
These simple gifts, remind children they are loved and not forgotten.
GreenLee Smith, Boone
The writer is with Samaritan’s Purse, Operation Christmas Child. Call 828-588-8116, email GSmith2@samaritan.org, visit samaritanspurse.org/occ or write to Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.
Good things and concerns
Well, President Donald J. Trump has been trumped again. He played his Trump card and it won him the victory.
What he says he wants to do sounds good, and with a lot of cooperation it can happen. But two of his first-day executive orders leave me confused.
He will send all the illegal criminal immigrants back across the border, while at the same time he is pardoning the Jan. 6 criminals here. Most of the 1,500 should be pardoned, but if some are in prison then why shouldn’t they stay there and complete their sentence?
Another issue concerns free speech. Is this going to grant such groups as the porno people more openness to display their wares? Will you see adult magazines on the shelf next to Time and Newsweek and videos next to Disney? Hugh Hefner and Larry Flynt would have a field day with this.
So if the president, Congress and Supreme Court all work together, things will occur. So, Washington, let’s get ’er done! Time will tell – mainly four years from now.
Arnold Couch, Brasstown