Friday, August 30, 2013
Can-do drive: Reader's idea is perfect plan for Sunday services
Sometimes the best ideas come from people who are just sitting around thinking. And that is exactly what happened when Theresa English sat down to think about the need for food at the Salvation Army food pantry. She came...Published: Aug 30, 2013 11:10 AM Full Editorial
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Miley shock: An awful lot of people are talking about ex-Disney star's bizarre act
If you didn't see it, you did not miss much. Just think back to the attention-getting garbage that Britney Spears tried more than a few years ago -- and add a few teddy bears. It even looked like a...Published: Aug 29, 2013 10:49 AM Full Editorial
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
More dreams: Historic memory should spark modern re-examination
It is not possible to listen to Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech without getting a knot in your throat. It was a courageous call for all Americans -- black and white -- to be better...Published: Aug 28, 2013 10:54 AM Full Editorial
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Syria scare: The delicate balance is reason to tread carefully here.
Instability. It is the most critical word when it comes to relations in the Middle East in general and the United States' concerns and interest in the region in particular. That's why so many people are so worried about what...Published: Aug 27, 2013 10:41 AM Full Editorial
Monday, August 26, 2013
Back to work: Schools need community to make education work
It would be great if there were some magic class that teachers could take that would make them absolutely certain that every child they come across would learn, grow and succeed. But there isn't. Some public officials like to point...Published: Aug 26, 2013 10:50 AM Full Editorial
Saturday, August 24, 2013
This one's for the kids ... A few thoughts about going back to school ... and the future
Back to school. It can be lots of fun, but a little scary, too. We have been there, too. (Eons ago when dinosaurs walked the Earth.) But there are some truths you should know as you head back to...Published: Aug 24, 2013 10:37 PM Full Editorial
Friday, August 23, 2013
Politics? Yes. Voting rights battle interesting because of hypocrisy
It is still hard to believe that there is still a hoopla over asking people to show identification -- you can't even buy cold medicine these days without it -- to vote. Or that the thought that a college student...Published: Aug 23, 2013 11:00 AM Full Editorial
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Teachers: There are many of them in county making a difference every day.
Teachers take a lot of potshots -- especially from politicians who have never been in a classroom and from those looking for a scapegoat when state scores dip. But the truth is there are many who make a difference...Published: Aug 21, 2013 11:33 AM Full Editorial
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Egypt watch: Trouble in Middle East is never good for U.S. interests
Why in the world should you care about the fighting, the bloodshed and the unrest that has become a regular story out of Egypt during the past few weeks? Sure, you can feel for the people and wonder about the...Published: Aug 20, 2013 10:51 AM Full Editorial
Monday, August 19, 2013
Time to care: United Way's effort begins this week
It doesn't have to be a big production. Offer a helping hand to a neighbor, pick up trash at the local park, donate some food to a food pantry or simply join in on one of the many service...Published: Aug 19, 2013 10:39 AM Full Editorial
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Obamacare: There are some givens that should go along with new law
Perhaps you have heard the chorus of complaints from around government -- and around union halls -- about the impending introduction of the new Affordable Care Act. It seems there are a bunch of federal workers who do not...Published: Aug 17, 2013 11:53 PM Full Editorial
Friday, August 16, 2013
Earnings watch: Forget the rosy economic talk
If we had a dollar for every government mouthpiece who proclaims that the economy is better and Americans are more confident, it would be and they would be. But the truth is that this week's revised outlooks and less-than-solid profits...Published: Aug 16, 2013 10:22 AM Full Editorial
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Goose, gander: Parties' arguments seem to always miss the point
One of the more interesting aspects of working with political parties is watching how easily they point fingers, but how slow they are to look in the mirror. Such is the case with the arguments over voting rights in North...Published: Aug 15, 2013 10:32 AM Full Editorial
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
A thought ... Ever wonder why there are no documented cases of voter fraud?
It doesn't require much space to talk about, but you won't hear much discussion about the validity of one of the key complaints of those who are up in arms about North Carolina's new voter identification law. What you...Published: Aug 13, 2013 12:01 PM Full Editorial
Monday, August 12, 2013
Enough humility: World has become keenly aware of our government's lack of resolve
There is a fundamental truth behind any negotiation. If the person with whom you are negotiating does not respect you, or does not think you have any power to wield, they are likely to not be very receptive to...Published: Aug 12, 2013 11:03 AM Full Editorial
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Be heard: At every level of government, your opinion matters
We never believe that our voice makes a difference. How often do you hear someone say -- "It doesn't matter what we say. They are going to do what they want to do." Or, this oldie but goodie: "Why...Published: Aug 10, 2013 11:27 PM Full Editorial
Friday, August 9, 2013
A lesson plan: It's time to confront reality of what holds students back
Education. It is what everyone is talking about these days. Everyone has a theory. Everyone has a comment. Few people have real solutions. The new attack plan includes pronouncements. "Every third-grader will know how to read before he or...Published: Aug 9, 2013 10:25 AM Full Editorial
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Smart money: Spend where it lifts N.C. quality of life, cut where it doesn't
There is a reason that the term "bureaucracy" has such a negative connotation. It is what happens when organizations that began with a real purpose and mission become mazes of inefficiency for the public they were meant to serve...Published: Aug 8, 2013 10:38 AM Full Editorial
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
A new start: County commission turns over new leaf
It is never easy to admit that you were wrong privately, let alone to stand up before a group of people and say it. So there is reason today to acknowledge a commissioner who did just that -- and...Published: Aug 7, 2013 1:11 PM Full Editorial
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Sad day: The proper action was to protect the game's integrity
There will be some who will whisk away the story about the 13 Major League Baseball players who will face suspensions because of their alleged use of performance enhancing drugs. They will pull a Lance Armstrong and say that...Published: Aug 6, 2013 11:09 AM Full Editorial
Monday, August 5, 2013
Days of Caring: Register now to be part of communitywide effort
In this busy world, we don't always take the time to seek out ways to be part of the community, to help others in need. And in so doing, we miss the chance to gain something that we all...Published: Aug 5, 2013 10:44 AM Full Editorial
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Starting over: The rules show what you say comes back to bite you
There are rules that go along with human interaction. Observe them and there is potential for cooperation that can lead to bigger and better things. Break them and the road is rocky and full of pitfalls and distrust. And that...Published: Aug 3, 2013 10:56 PM Full Editorial
Friday, August 2, 2013
There's still time: Couldn't join us today? You can still help a child.
It is something most of us don't think about. After all, we might assume, doesn't every child have what he or she needs to start school right? But the truth is that getting school clothes and supplies is an expense...Published: Aug 2, 2013 10:56 AM Full Editorial