June 2011 archives

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Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Ego and delusion: Maybe it's time to declare an end to the era of career legislators

It is time to talk about term limits again. In the olden days, those who spoke against limiting the number of terms someone could serve said it was a handicap for an area not to have a well-connected, seasoned...

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Shift to specifics: A leader will need concrete ideas to emerge from crowded GOP field

The Republicans are coming. That seemed to be the call recently when the party's stable of 2012 hopefuls gathered for the first of what will likely be many debates. There were contrasts, of course, and differing views on what...

Monday, June 27, 2011

Sad contrast: Lives ruined early by bad choices attest to a cycle that has to stop

It was a stark contrast to see the announcement of a school graduation right next to a story about a young man in the prime of his life facing criminal charges in connection with a shooting.The story itself is sad...

Sunday, June 26, 2011

The greater good: Schoolchildren deserve a united front -- dedicated to purpose, without bickering

It is funny how history repeats itself.Just a few years ago, we were criticizing the county and the school board for not getting along.We chided both groups and advised them to put aside their differences and their mistrust and to...

Friday, June 24, 2011

Goal achieved: Community proved again that it has its priorities straight

It has not been the kind of year for a success story. So, when the committee charged with planning this year's Relay for Life set its goal, it was with fingers crossed that residents would respond. After all, budgets...

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Praise earned: President Obama was right about one thing -- troops deserve credit

In his speech announcing his plans for a drawdown of troops in Afghanistan, President Barack Obama pointed out a fact that many people forget to remember when they are talking about the success of the operations in the Middle...

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Missing facts: Pledge faux pas a curious example, perhaps, of a lack of perspective

It caused a bit of a stir, NBC Sports' decision to cut out a line of The Pledge of Allegiance during the U.S. Open. Those who spoke about the omission of the words, "under God," said the piece was...

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

More time: It's not much, but city -- and residents -- have time to plead their case

The city of Goldsboro obviously has a money concern. Otherwise, the new tax rate would be revenue neutral. So, the fact that the City Council is taking a couple extra weeks to look at a potential purchase of a...

Monday, June 20, 2011

It's about time: Ambassador said what Americans are thinking

Wow, who would have thunk it? There is absolutely someone in Washington who knows when it is time to call a spade a spade. U.S. Ambassador Karl Eikenberry said to Afghan President Hamid Karzai what so many people in...

Friday, June 17, 2011

Fairness: Racial Justice Act is a surface solution that ignores real concern

It is still possible, but 50/50, that the repeal of the Racial Justice Act will prevail in this session of the General Assembly. The idea behind the measure is simple. The assumption is that there are people right now...

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Heroes in waiting: Sometimes we forget -- rescue workers face danger too

Wednesday's exercise at Lane Tree Golf Club is a reminder of a couple of facts. First, Wayne County is lucky to have so many people -- professional and volunteer -- who are ready and waiting to help in case...

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Lots at stake: Officials are right -- teen pregnancy is a strain on youths and community

It is a consequence that most of us know exists, but few of us probably realize just how significant it is -- teen pregnancy. And it is not a problem that is unique to Wayne County, either. Just watch...

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Casting call: Not a bad showing for what some have called lukewarm candidate pool

Of course those who would rather not see Republicans as the party in the White House in 2012 don't think much of those who have already announced their intention -- or even hinted at an intention -- of running...

Monday, June 13, 2011

Budget battle: Governor's veto means here we go again

It won't be as bad this time. Thank goodness. The fact that Gov. Bev Perdue is in such a state of despair over the provisions of the Republican-proposed and passed 2011-12 budget is sad, but inconsequential in the long...

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Congratulations: OK, Class of 2011. You have your diplomas. Now, find your futures.

This message is for the newly minted graduates of the Class of 2011. First off, congratulations. The piece of paper you now hold in your hand --well, will hold in your hand soon -- puts you into an elite group...

Friday, June 10, 2011

Emails? Hmmm. Fight for access, good. But now, apply it fairly.

If you are for openness and honesty in government -- and you want to know, really, what your public officials are spending your money on -- you should applaud the release of 24,000 emails from former Alaska Gov. Sarah...

Thursday, June 9, 2011

What's the fuss? Voter identification bill should really be a no-brainer

We have said it before, and we will say it again: There is absolutely nothing wrong with requiring photo identification from a potential voter or with reducing the hours they can pre-vote. Anyone who pretends that there is no...

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Young heroes: Wayne County teens saved lives

Everybody always talks about the bad ones -- the youths who are in trouble or not making good grades. So, when the news about the good ones comes along, sometimes it is overshadowed. Today, Wayne County has multiple reasons...

Monday, June 6, 2011

Good advice -- Wayne County teens: You won't think it will happen to you, but it could

This message is for any Wayne County teen who gets behind the wheel of a car. You have heard the tragic stories of how a young person has lost his or her life or taken someone else's just because...

Friday, June 3, 2011

Well-deserved: 4th Fighter Wing's award sign of real achievement

Receiving an honor for the work you are doing right now is great, but to be named for the work you and generations of airmen have done before you is a legacy. The 4th Fighter Wing received the James...

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Project plans: Graduation projects should have depth, demonstrate skill

Goldsboro High School students, the community members and school district staff who have rallied to help them, should be proud. They beat the deadline to get their graduation projects done and to allow them to get their diplomas during...