Tuesday, December 31, 2013
A resolution: Make a promise now to keep more of your money
Let's make a pact now -- before the ball, the acorn or the pickle drop and before the politicians have a chance to come up with some other way to waste tax dollars. Let's vow to make keeping more...Published: Dec 31, 2013 10:59 AM Full Editorial
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Resolutions: Local leaders have chance to turn over a new 'openness' leaf
There is some confusion among many local officials about what "open government" really means. During their campaigns, they all promised to speak frankly and honestly with the people and to open up their processes and their discussions. And you...Published: Dec 28, 2013 11:36 PM Full Editorial
Friday, December 27, 2013
A fresh start: Coming new year is chance to make changes
2013 has been a frustrating year. People from all sides of the political aisle have argued over everything from taxes and entitlement programs to basic tenets of American life -- the definition of marriage and the rights of the...Published: Dec 27, 2013 10:34 AM Full Editorial
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Another delay: Obamacare mishmash suggests more trouble on the way
The idea is good: Make sure every American has access to affordable health care. But the problem with the Obamacare plan -- and its subsequent execution -- is that the devil will remain in the details. And that is why...Published: Dec 26, 2013 11:26 AM Full Editorial
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Holiday spirit: Nothing makes Christmas brighter than sharing with others
There is something about Christmas. Even as we scurry about trying to get this done and that wrapped, there is a spirit of giving that still manages to overcome the commercial pitches that seem to begin earlier and earlier...Published: Dec 24, 2013 10:16 AM Full Editorial
Monday, December 23, 2013
Those serving: There are many families that won't be complete this holiday
It was heartwarming to see and to read about Antoinette Gibson's Goldsboro homecoming. It had to touch every mother's heart to see not only a mom reunited with her twin daughters, but to see that mother's mother so happy...Published: Dec 23, 2013 10:43 AM Full Editorial
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Service first: Volunteer fire departments put their county ahead of turf
It should be no surprise really that the county's brigade of volunteer fire departments decided to stand behind the plan to merge some departments and to consolidate services. There wasn't a bunch of bickering and turf-grabbing. There might have...Published: Dec 21, 2013 10:50 PM Full Editorial
Friday, December 20, 2013
The help matters: Lame duck presidents leave their mark on the country's future
It is just something to watch as the country gets ready for the final years of the Obama administration. There will be lots of appointments and hirings over the next few months. The purpose? To populate the government with career...Published: Dec 20, 2013 10:34 AM Full Editorial
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Holiday bustle: As countdown approaches, caution is a must
The days before a major holiday -- especially Christmas -- are when the thieves come out. And because most of us are so busy getting ready for the big day at our own homes, and because this season fills...Published: Dec 19, 2013 11:23 AM Full Editorial
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Yes, Virginia ... To those who do not believe: Yes, there are good people out there
There is a tendency to believe today that everyone is out for himself, that there just isn't anyone who cares about those who are struggling or who suffer a loss. Obviously, those people do not live in Wayne County....Published: Dec 18, 2013 10:29 AM Full Editorial
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
A hand up: Government programs should help those who help themselves
With all the stories of graft and greed in the world today, sometimes it is important to point out the people who are doing what's right. For every person sitting at home drawing a welfare check and teaching his...Published: Dec 17, 2013 11:19 AM Full Editorial
Monday, December 16, 2013
Fill the kettles: There is still time to help Wayne County's needy families
Their plight is not always in front of you. The families in Wayne County who are struggling to feed their children, to keep a roof over their heads or who are worried about utility bills do not carry signs...Published: Dec 16, 2013 10:56 AM Full Editorial
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Thank you: Your caring made Christmas dreams come true
It is hard to describe exactly what it is like to be a volunteer at the Empty Stocking Fund Party. There are stories that break your heart and children who remind you just why you spend hours on your...Published: Dec 14, 2013 10:02 PM Full Editorial
Friday, December 13, 2013
Civil, not battle: The debate needs to take a different tone
It has been talked about for years -- the caustic, aggressive and insulting tone political rhetoric has taken these days. Those who serve in many branches of government -- and their allies in the political action committees -- spend...Published: Dec 13, 2013 10:53 AM Full Editorial
Thursday, December 12, 2013
We need you: In two days, the newspaper will play Santa Claus -- want to help?
We try to teach our children that Christmas is about giving -- that it's not about how many gifts they find tucked under the tree. But as we pass on that simple tradition, we do so with the knowledge...Published: Dec 12, 2013 10:31 AM Full Editorial
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Get it right: Expand Medicaid? OK. How about fixing it first.
Nobody wants a family to go without health care. There should be an option for people who have pre-existing conditions or those who are facing catastrophic illnesses. And it also goes without saying that if someone does not have...Published: Dec 11, 2013 10:37 AM Full Editorial
Saturday, December 7, 2013
'Who' matters: Courage to speak; dedication to the truth
There is new leadership in the county commission chambers -- a new chairman, and for the first time in a long time, a vice chairman of the opposite party. And both men deserve the chance to show us that...Published: Dec 7, 2013 11:15 PM Full Editorial
Friday, December 6, 2013
A true giant: Nelson Mandela showed the world the path to peace
There will be many who will have their say today about the impact that Nelson Mandela left on the world. They will have titles after their name or fame as their calling card. And some of their comments will...Published: Dec 6, 2013 10:46 AM Full Editorial
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Health care: Keep close eye on Obamacare; and watch out for the spin
They said they made the deadline and that the site is now ready to sign up hundreds of thousands of eager insurance buyers. And it might be -- although tech experts who have looked at it are not quite sure....Published: Dec 5, 2013 10:51 AM Full Editorial
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Worth it? There should be a caveat with every new program: Does it work?
There is a certain amount of comfort that goes along with new measuring sticks in schools -- especially those that give the illusion that they prove student competency and that they force teacher accountability. So that's why you see...Published: Dec 4, 2013 12:00 PM Full Editorial
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Holiday help: Annual party brings Christmas cheer to needy children
More than 600 children -- and that is just the part we are taking on this holiday season. 600 children without a gift under the tree. 600 children who will wonder on Christmas Day why Santa decided to pass...Published: Dec 3, 2013 10:34 AM Full Editorial
Monday, December 2, 2013
Shopping is on: Shoppers crowd the stores this weekend, but still cautious
It wasn't a done deal that this Black Friday weekend would be better than any of the others. After all, the economy has been struggling for a while, and shoppers are more than a little nervous about what might...Published: Dec 2, 2013 11:23 AM Full Editorial