Editorial: Morals and fair play take a back seat to expediency in the legislature

CBC Editorial: Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023; editorial #8879

The following is the opinion of Capitol Broadcasting Company

Just because you can get away with it, doesn’t mean cheating is OK.

Just because there’s no law against it, doesn’t make it moral.

These sentiments might be the start for a cleric’s sermon.

The leaders of the North Carolina General Assembly and the nefarious laws they’ve passed in recent days provide preachers with plenty of fodder.

Just because you can pass laws to keep secret information about how legislators draw election districts doesn’t mean it is the right thing to do. It is wrong.

Just because a judge has said there’s nothing in the State Constitution that requires elections to be fair, doesn’t mean manipulating election maps to guarantee a specific outcome isn’t cheating.

Just because there is a supermajority of votes in the legislature – without any members with the backbone and integrity to uphold the spirit of our U.S. and state constitutions, fair play – doesn’t legitimize petty power plays, backroom scheming political deck-stacking.

In recent days North Carolinians have witnessed an unprecedented, all-out assault on transparency, accountability and the very foundation of government in North Carolina.

Legislators have stripped the governor of critical duties – from appointments to state boards and commissions to authority to implement environmental policies and act to protect public health and safety.

They respond dismissively to citizens’ pleas for inclusiveness.

Their untethered machinations haven’t merely been directed at the governor. They’ve altered the long-time roles of the state Insurance Commissioner and the Secretary of State – officials like the governor who come to office through statewide elections.

These actions tragically reveal the unquenchable thirst for power – through any means – of the legislative leadership.

The laws they’ve passed clearly show they have little regard for their sacred promise to “support and maintain” the federal and state constitutions to the best of their “knowledge and ability.”

Soon, the state Supreme Court will be called upon to make judgment on these acts.

It is no exaggeration to say the seven justices will determine if the General Assembly is the devil’s playground or a temple of democracy. Our legislature must do the people’s work openly, transparently and in an equitable manner. It should be what it is meant to be: A place where what is best for North Carolina -- not any special interests, ideological fad or partisan organization – is the engine that drives its work.

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