Saturday, March 31, 2012
Speak freely: Commissioners' meetings debate a bit of a tempest in a teapot
The discussion concerning night meetings and the Wayne County commissioners is curious. We say that, in part because, on the surface, it sounds like a good idea -- remove the barriers between public servants and the people they serve....Published: Mar 31, 2012 11:41 PM Full Editorial
Friday, March 30, 2012
A little dream ... Lottery megajackpot prompts chance to ponder 'what if'
There are lots of reasons to advise people not to succumb to the Mega Millions jackpot fever. And there is still plenty to debate about lotteries in general. But today, just for one day, these are millions of Americans...Published: Mar 30, 2012 10:40 AM Full Editorial
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Belated honor: This weekend's gathering in Charlotte chance to say thank you
There will be an estimated 61,000 Vietnam veterans in Charlotte this weekend. They will be there for fellowship and a good time -- but they will also receive something that is long overdue: a large-scale hero's welcome and thank...Published: Mar 29, 2012 10:55 AM Full Editorial
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Other options: College/high school programs offer chances for success
There are some people who think the only way to succeed is to get a college degree. Others think an academic focus is the only way to turn high school into the possibility of a future. Not so. Programs...Published: Mar 28, 2012 10:53 AM Full Editorial
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
A warning: Cheney heart transplant furor sign of trouble to come
Call it a warning. Call it a sign. Call it whatever you want, but if you are wondering why you should pay attention to the debate over the Obama health care law, and its potential implications for your life,...Published: Mar 27, 2012 10:58 AM Full Editorial
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Civility lost? Here's the bottom line: When you wallow in the dirt, no one wins.
There are plenty of opportunities to use the word "stupid" on both sides of the political aisle. In fact, that's why candidates have to hire advisers, handlers and "spinners." Otherwise, there would be a whole lot more Etch-A-Sketch moments....Published: Mar 24, 2012 11:51 PM Full Editorial
Friday, March 23, 2012
A 'don't miss': Dance for Christ has a message, but it is also a fine production
Those who plan the Dance for Christ event say it is a chance for Christians to renew the fire of their faith -- and for those who might not have found a church yet to look for one. And...Published: Mar 23, 2012 10:53 AM Full Editorial
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Listening: Leaders have sharply tuned ears at election time
There is still time to make a difference in the priorities of your state and community -- and maybe even in Washington. Many of us think that what we say does not matter, that officials will do what they...Published: Mar 22, 2012 10:56 AM Full Editorial
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
It's the economy: It's not just about jobs now. It is about what happens next.
If you paid attention to everything every candidate said on the campaign trail this go-around, you would need a scorecard to keep track of the backtracking, redos and mistakes. So, the first time you listen to any speech, you...Published: Mar 21, 2012 10:51 AM Full Editorial
Monday, March 19, 2012
Another round: Try to stay focused. We know it is hard.
Just in case you might have forgotten, there is another primary tomorrow. This one is in Illinois. And it has been dubbed the latest make it or break it contest for the Republican front-runner Mitt Romney. We know that...Published: Mar 19, 2012 10:40 AM Full Editorial
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Close watch: Look, we mean it. One project at a time.
There is nothing wrong with exploring possibilities -- as long as those possibilities have a realistic chance of becoming reality. If you move forward on a project that the community has no use for or one that citizens think...Published: Mar 17, 2012 10:32 PM Full Editorial
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Vetting the gov: Challengers could have impact on the gubernatorial front-runner
It would almost seem inevitable that unless a large meteor hurtles from the sky and squashes Republican Pat McCrory, he will be the next governor of the state of North Carolina. No offense to all the partisans from the...Published: Mar 15, 2012 10:56 AM Full Editorial
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Scout solution: Maybe there is a way to get country on the right track
You have heard the stories -- men and women who are successful, productive members of society who credit their success now to principles they learned while they were Scouts. You have read the good news about the good works...Published: Mar 14, 2012 10:52 AM Full Editorial
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Fight for 'open': Secrecy and private meetings are the first dangerous steps
Government secrecy is a stealth maneuver. You almost never see it coming -- or feel its consequences -- until it is too late. That's why so many people who work with public officials are so concerned about keeping records open,...Published: Mar 13, 2012 10:53 AM Full Editorial
Monday, March 12, 2012
Sad end: It is time for hope and care as Afghanistan ends
We are seeing a glimpse of the future in Afghanistan. The recent unrest, which is really no different from the previous unrest, suggests that perhaps it might be time for a different strategy in that nation. But we should...Published: Mar 12, 2012 10:46 AM Full Editorial
Sunday, March 11, 2012
No war: It's not about birth control. It is about the right questions.
There is a new game going on in the race for the presidency -- and American women are the intended target. But it is not a war against women. That is a distraction used to keep the discussion from heading...Published: Mar 11, 2012 12:29 AM Full Editorial
Friday, March 9, 2012
A step forward: Streetscape project will be shot in arm downtown needs
Like it or not, Goldsboro cannot afford to have its downtown turn into a ghost town. Sorry to put it so bluntly, but that is the reality if Goldsboro officials and its citizenry turn their backs on the city's...Published: Mar 9, 2012 11:02 AM Full Editorial
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Entitled: Lottery winner's declaration shows attitude toward entitlements
Just when you thought it was safe to believe the rhetoric that there are thousands of good-hearted souls out there who are being victimized by the system, along comes someone like Michigan lottery winner Amanda Clayton. Even though she...Published: Mar 8, 2012 10:32 AM Full Editorial
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Primary watch: There is still a long way to go before Republican field is set
If you thought the Republican primary was going to be over before North Carolina even gets its chance to vote, don't despair. As they say in the opera, it is not over until the fat lady sings -- and...Published: Mar 7, 2012 11:08 AM Full Editorial
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Service first: Middle school students have right view on caring for others
Crystal Wooten, Tela Bivins, Katie Leahy, Reyann Legarreta, Tamia Troublefield and Davia Webb didn't form their club for the glory. In fact, they really do not want attention for their projects. For them, it is all about the people...Published: Mar 6, 2012 10:48 AM Full Editorial
Monday, March 5, 2012
Good sign? More people declaring candidacies an indicator of unrest
The news in any other year that there are more people signed up to run for office in the state of North Carolina would be interesting, but not anything to write headlines about. And the fact that there is...Published: Mar 5, 2012 12:14 PM Full Editorial
Sunday, March 4, 2012
What matters: Don't be dissuaded from the real issue -- who we are as a nation
This next election is about something that goes a little bit deeper than who makes the best speeches and who will make the fewest gaffs before Election Day. And hard as it might seem to believe, it seems many Americans...Published: Mar 4, 2012 12:18 AM Full Editorial
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Names are in: Candidates have filed -- and now it is time to start vetting
The die has been cast for the 2012 May primary -- and there are more than a few names on the local and state ballots. And those who stepped up and said they would run should be commended. It...Published: Mar 1, 2012 11:40 AM Full Editorial