February 2008 archives

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Friday, February 29, 2008

Inspiration: There really are heroes all across Wayne County

Heroes are not always easy to find, especially the everyday kind. Sometimes they are on the receiving end of awards and ribbons, and sometimes they are in the background, quietly pushing others forward to take the credit. Sometimes they wear...

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Quiet eloquence: William F. Buckley Jr. gave much to political discourse

When William F. Buckley Jr.’s name is mentioned, it is always followed by a reference to his championing of the conservative ideals that led to a more widespread acceptance of that philosophy. But Buckley, who died Wednesday at his desk...

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Tragic loss: Honor those who lost their lives by remembering lesson

When you are a young person, it is hard to believe that anything bad will ever happen to you. You might see the stories on television about what happens to young people who get behind the wheel of a car...

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Placate politics: Here’s a shock — Hillary Clinton is right to challenge Obama

Those who see the upcoming presidential election as about more than simply a beauty contest ought to be ready to scream at their televisions as they watch the debutante dance that has become the Democratic race for the nomination. But...

Monday, February 25, 2008

Graceful exits: Campaign hangers-on need to know when to fold ’em

This message is for Republican challenger Mike Huckabee and newly announced nomination spoiler Ralph Nader. And it is something that someone should have taught them long ago. The lesson is simple: You have to know when it is time to...

Saturday, February 23, 2008

So much at stake: Along with enthusiasm, local candidates need ideas

There seems to be an abundance of people who want to serve Wayne County on its board of commissioners this year. The ballot is filling up so quickly that with a little less than a week to go before the...

Friday, February 22, 2008

Airpower plan: Air Force announcement demands action right now

Anyone who cares about the defense of this country and the men and women who keep us safe should be disturbed by the revelation this week that the Air Force’s fleet is getting a little ragged. Top officials told Washington...

Thursday, February 21, 2008

McCain flap: There’s more to come, but this time, it sounds fishy

The morning scramble today regarding John McCain’s reported inappropriate conduct with a lobbyist could be a glimpse at what could be a very long campaign. The New York Times reported the allegations, which it admits were based on information provided,...

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Speechmaking: Pretty words and lofty phrases do not a good president make

There are plenty of reasons to look askance at Hillary Clinton’s campaign for the Democratic nomination for president. From questionable family financial dealings to seemingly poll-adjusted opinions, this candidacy has more red flags than a parade. And then there is...

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

New direction: Joint meetings continue, but so, too, must action

Progress. It won’t be easy to define that word as the county commissioners and the school board move forward to try to find a common ground on providing facilities money and improved programs for Wayne County students. But Monday’s meeting...

Monday, February 18, 2008

Light the lights: Paramount event a glimpse of what downtown could be

It felt like Hollywood downtown Friday night. The gala that inaugurated the new Paramount Theatre in downtown Goldsboro gave those in attendance a glimpse of what having a thriving and prosperous city center might be like. Imagine not only an...

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Ensemble triumph: Theater proves what we can do by working together

The lights have been lit and the curtains are up. After more than three years of waiting — almost to the day, the Paramount Theater is once again back in business. Although many will say it, it bears repeating here...

Friday, February 15, 2008

No real answer: Another day of tragedy prompts sad reflection

There really isn’t any one answer to what to do to prevent another tragedy like the ones that claimed more than a dozen lives over the past 12 months on two college campuses. That’s because there is no real explanation...

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Right time to go: Rep. Thomas Wright has proven he doesn’t get it

There are times when you just have to cut a man loose. And in the case of Rep. Thomas Wright, it just might be that time. The beleaguered legislator’s most recent gem is that the money he appropriated from his...

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Top dog: Nation’s every-dog should prompt thoughts of others

For the first time in the more than 100-year-old show’s history, the Westminster Kennel Club crowned a champion who looked more like your neighbor’s pooch than a spiffed up show dog. Uno is still a purebred champion who got his...

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Leadership hunt: Local officials are looking to the next generation

Wayne County commissioner Atlas Price has decided he has had enough of politics for now. The longtime commissioner will give up his seat this year after nearly 30 years of serving his county in a variety of capacities. His goal...

Monday, February 11, 2008

Just promises? Do Richard Moore’s campaign claims ring possible?

Beware the Miss America pageant candidate. You know the kind. They are certain that within the span of 12 months, they can create world peace and feed every hungry child. Move those promises to the political arena and you have...

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Hope endures: Stories of survival reinforce faith in the miraculous

It is easy to forget sometimes just how many times miracles happen. And if you followed the stories coming out of the tornado-ravaged South this week, you know that there is always reason to have a little hope, even in...

Friday, February 8, 2008

Primary drama: Miss an episode in these races and you might miss the vote

Another day, another dropout. After yet another disappointing primary finish, Republican hopeful Mitt Romney has pulled out of the 2008 race for the nomination. As he left, he made a bid for 2012, though, saying he did not want his...

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Tragic youths: Planning on a showbiz career for your child? Think twice.

Maybe there are a few stories out there of child stars who ended up being healthy, happy and rich. You might even know a few people yourself who have managed to keep their children grounded — even with fame or...

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Warning sign: Take a good look at ages of drug suspects

Need more convincing that Wayne County and surrounding communities have a significant problem to deal with when it comes to drugs, young people and crime? Then read the list of suspects being sought in connection with the latest round of...

Warning sign: Take a good look at ages of drug suspects

Need more convincing that Wayne County and surrounding communities have a significant problem to deal with when it comes to drugs, young people and crime? Then read the list of suspects being sought in connection with the latest round of...

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

The rules: Pikeville officials should be open about findings

Mayor Herbert Sieger is right. There wasn’t any criminal wrongdoing discovered when the State Bureau of Investigation looked into Pikeville’s finance department — and the town clerk was not doing anything illegal with the town’s money. And that’s good —...

Saturday, February 2, 2008

Tired phrases: If you want to run for office, be willing to deal with specifics

As you probably have noticed, the dance card for the Wayne County Board of Commissioners race is filling up rapidly. In addition to the incumbents seeking re-election, there are also a couple of newcomers — well, figuratively anyway — declaring...

Friday, February 1, 2008

A challenge: Mount Olive awards showcase potential for the future

At so young an age, their accomplishments were many, the men and women honored Thursday night at the Mount Olive Chamber of Commerce and Mount Olive Jaycees annual recognition banquet. From a young farmer and a young educator, to a...