The Assault on Democracy in North Carolina

Since 2013, North Carolina has stayed in national headlines because of the political antics of the Republican legislature. The tactics they’ve used are far more disturbing than their policies. They’ve brazenly undermined democracy and systematically removed checks and balances from the government. What’s more disturbing is the silence from people who should know better.

As soon as Roy Cooper beat Pat McCrory in the race for governor, the legislature began transferring power reserved for the governor to the legislature. They’ve been so successful that, when asked by a reporter if the proposed constitutional amendments were designed to strip power from Cooper, Berger laughed and asked, “Does he still have any?” Moore chimed in, adding, “If you have any suggestions, let us know.”

The two legislative leaders thought they were being funny, but it was only funny because it was so true. They’ve got veto proof majorities in both houses of the legislature despite only accumulating slightly more than a majority of the legislative votes. Now, they’re going trying to accumulate more power by stripping the governor of his appointment powers in proposed constitutional amendments.

They’ve protected their majorities with the most egregious gerrymanders in the nation. Instead of denying trying to disenfranchise Democrats through rigged districts, they’re proud of it. When asked why he drew Congressional Districts that gave Republicans a 10-3 advantage, Rep. David Lewis replied that he didn’t believe it was possible to draw an 11-2 map. Those aren’t the words of somebody concerned about free and fair elections.

Read more: https://www.politicsnc.com/the-assault-on-democracy-in-north-carolina/