May 2014 archives

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Saturday, May 31, 2014

Interesting idea: One result of the Senate's plan for teachers might be good for 'gander'

Don't worry (or do). There is going to be a lot more discussion about teacher tenure, pay raises and the future of education in North Carolina. And just in case you might suspect it but are not sure, the citizenry...

Friday, May 30, 2014

Confidence? Is VA chief Eric Shinseki the problem? In a word, 'yes.'

Right now, it is not really about who should or should not have known about the problems at the VA medical centers -- at least when it comes to the question of whether or not Secretary Eric Shinseki should...

Thursday, May 29, 2014

A poet's story: There are many reasons to admire life Maya Angelou led

Most people know Maya Angelou for her poetry and her wisdom -- and that is enough of a legacy for anyone to leave behind. But what many people do not know -- or might have forgotten -- is that...

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

The discussion: Santa Barbara college murders a reason to review all factors

It's hard to imagine anything more horrible than hearing your child's life ended at the hands of a lunatic. And no matter what you think about gun control, firearms permits or violence on television and on video games, the...

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Education: Veterans are right. Children need to hear the stories.

The veterans who spoke at the county's annual Memorial Day service have a point. There are not enough young people who understand -- really comprehend -- the sacrifices that have been made by generations of soldiers, sailors, airmen and...

Sunday, May 25, 2014

Information gap: The new technology, voter apathy reason for real, profound concern

There is a dangerous trend taking hold across the country -- and it might even be happening in your own back yard. Forget the yick yack about asking for identification to keep those who shouldn't be voting from casting...

Friday, May 23, 2014

Behind that cap: Parents deserve some credit for their children's success

We spend so much time as a society complaining about the bad jobs some parents are doing with the responsibility of raising a child. Today is a day for a "shout-out" to those who do just the opposite. Behind every...

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Believable? Let's get the truth first.

President Barack Obama has finally said something about the incredibly disturbing information that has been released about care for veterans at VA Medical Centers across the country. And he has promised to get to the bottom of the scandals. Perhaps...

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Target: Crime -- City's GPAC effort an interesting view on stopping criminals

Is it working? We don't know yet. But even if it turns even one offender or gets one person to think before escalating to a more serious offense,the Goldsboro Partners Against Crime effort is worth the time it takes...

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Deplorable: Stories coming out of VA hospitals should be top priority

It is almost too shocking to believe. With every passing day, there are more and more stories about veterans waiting years for communication from the VA hospitals around the country, let alone answers to their questions about receiving care. And...

Monday, May 19, 2014

Speak up: Legislators are back in Raleigh. Tell them what you think.

There are reasons to question the agenda of some of the Moral Mondays marchers, but one thing is for certain: These people aren't shy about telling their legislators what they think. So now that the legislature has opened its...

Friday, May 16, 2014

Courage times 2: Relay for Life co-chairs are role models on how to live your life

There will be hundreds of volunteers scurrying around the Relay for Life event tonight. And what has been a year of work and dedication will take flight, in part, because of the team of chairmen who have been planning...

Thursday, May 15, 2014

A new chance: Just think -- this year's Relay could be the one to remember ... because of you

They take to the track for different reasons -- the thousands who turn out each year for an event that, in many ways, helps to define the very spirit of Wayne County. And as another Relay for Life unfolds...

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Back in Raleigh: Legislature is about to tackle a very light, but important, agenda

Nothing makes a taxpayer more nervous than the news that the state legislature is back in town. Well, other than the news that Congress is back in Washington, that is. But we digress. It is well-known that the arrival...

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Another shot? Election error might be blessing in disguise

Sometimes things happen for a reason. And that could be why there was an error in the ballot language on the city's Parks and Recreation levy. Maybe the mistake is a sign that perhaps there should be a do-over....

Monday, May 12, 2014

Warning signs: Disturbances in Ukraine are reason for world to take notice

With so much going on in this country, it seems like there simply isn't time to worry about anything else happening across the globe. But there is and we should -- before it is too late. Few people are...

Saturday, May 10, 2014

Proud: Wayne Community College grads' stories examples of determination

It is hard enough juggling a college class schedule. Imagine doing it with a family to care for and a job to hold down. It takes more than determination and commitment. It takes courage. Those are the stories of many...

Friday, May 9, 2014

Eating better: Children's health issues should be taken seriously

There is too much interference from government in the day-to-day conduct of people's lives. But there is a problem that should be addressed and soon -- the right way. School lunches should be healthier. Children should be encouraged to...

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Athlete to admire: Kevin Durant's acceptance speech something kids should be hearing

There isn't a lot of good news out of the world of sports these days. In fact, sometimes it seems like professional sports is the last place in the world parents should look for role models for their children....

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

A new start: New members, compromise steps forward for boards

It seems like a turning point, this news about the Wayne County Board of Education and the Wayne County Board of Commissioners. Two new faces. A compromise on a much-needed school building plan. Sounds like there is hope on...

Monday, May 5, 2014

Still time: No matter if you are pro or con, you should have your say

Tomorrow is the last day to tell your community how you feel about the city's parks and recreation levy -- or to choose a couple candidates for the upcoming election. Don't stay home. Voting is a right and a...

Saturday, May 3, 2014

Sunset clause: Bond levy has value. What we don't want is tax without end.

We don't like taxes. We will start by saying that up front. And we especially don't like open-ended "we aren't going to exactly tell you when we are going to stop collecting the money -- just trust us" bond levies....

Thursday, May 1, 2014

College costs: Wayne Community College addresses issue many face

It might seem like a tough decision -- and one that is antithetical to the purpose of a college. After all, the last thing the Wayne Community College board of trustees wants to do is to put up barriers...