August 2014 archives

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Friday, August 29, 2014

Local matters: Keeping an eye on local candidates critical to community's future

Sometimes it seems like the only elections that matter are the national ones. So, when the talk begins about the midterm elections and the 2016 presidential race, it is easy to forget that there are local positions up for grabs...

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Officers at risk: Scrutiny of police, methods, OK, but there are other concerns, too

There is no one who wants to see a young person shot and killed. Deadly force should be a last resort, period. And asking for a review of any shooting is absolutely justified -- unless the circumstances are clear...

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Learn to fish: Salvation Army's new plan one that will help end dependency

No one wants to see a family or an individual suffer because of an emergency or an unforeseen circumstance. But there is a reality to assistance. It is finite. There is only so much to go around. When habitual users...

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

It's only fair: Elusive senator makes trip to Wayne County

This newspaper has been particularly critical about the rarely-seen-unless-there-is-an-election-afoot senator from North Carolina, Kay Hagan. So it is only fair that we tell you that Sen. Hagan stopped in Wayne County Monday. Her office called our office that morning...

Monday, August 25, 2014

Gift of learning: First day of school signals another chance to teach lesson

A new school year means another chance for a fresh start. It is one more opportunity for parents, teachers, mentors and others to share the secret that so many of us know, but some have forgotten. It is our chance...

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Answers now: President's visit to North Carolina should be watched closely

President Barack Obama is scheduled to be in North Carolina this week to speak to the 96th annual national convention of the American Legion at the Charlotte Convention Center. No details have been announced about what he will say or...

Friday, August 22, 2014

Next ... No one is really sure whose names will be on 2016 ballot

It doesn't take much to get the presidential ticket sweepstakes spinning. In fact, Paul Ryan's recent book tour has fueled speculation that former Republican nominee Mitt Romney might make another run at the brass ring. But just like every...

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Welcome back: There are plenty of heroes in school buildings

We all know that teachers change lives, but they are not the only ones who make a difference in the school days of Wayne County children. In addition to those who stand at the blackboard, or white board these...

Monday, August 18, 2014

'What if?': Ferguson violence and looting prompt local thoughts

We would like to think that it could never happen here -- the unrest, violence and looting that has taken over the streets in Ferguson, Missouri. We would like to think that there would not be a police shooting like...

Saturday, August 16, 2014

Take a break: N.C. lawmakers have done a lot to get the state back on right track

Well, it's almost over -- at least for now. After weeks of strife and arguing over details, the North Carolina General Assembly has finally gotten about as close as it is going to get to complete adjournment. They say...

Friday, August 15, 2014

A better way: Violence in Ferguson does not serve the search for answers

Someone is going to figure out exactly what happened on a city street in Ferguson, Missouri. Someone will examine both sides of the story and someone will determine whether the police officer who shot 18-year-old Michael Brown was really defending...

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Neighborly: To deter crime, we must do more to look out for one another

In case you haven't noticed, local law enforcement officers have been busy lately. Every day seems to bring another arrest, another investigation. It is a commentary on how hard those in the law enforcement community work, but it is...

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Special people: Addressing problems teachers face will go long way in fixing schools

The man behind the song of the moment, "Happy," 41-year-old Pharrell Williams, was doing an interview the other day. When asked about the success he has achieved, his response was a bit surprising. "I am have lived an average...

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Sorrow in joy: Robin Williams' passing gives insight into what's behind the laughter

There is something tragic about someone with promise who dies well before his time. But there is something especially poignant about someone whose calling it is to make other people laugh who can no longer find joy in his own...

Monday, August 11, 2014

Right choice: U.S. has moral obligation to stand up in Iraq

It is not about Christians vs. Muslims. It is not even about the continuing unrest in Iraq -- although that matters, too. The reason that there was a need to act -- and to act quickly -- to save...

Saturday, August 9, 2014

What's right: President's decision on vacation nothing short of stuning

There are times when commentary doesn't have anything to do with policy or Republicans and Democrats. There are times when a decision so stuns that it cannot pass without comment, and wonder. So it is with President Barack Obama's decision...

Friday, August 8, 2014

Heroes honored: Purple Heart recipients carried courage into battle

We will never understand what they went through or what they live with today. But the county's Purple Heart recipients can teach us a couple of lessons -- especially as we look at continuing strife and challenges overseas. They...

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Care required: Another potential hot spot gets visit from secretary of state

Secretary of State John Kerry does not have a good record when it comes to the execution of foreign policy. So far, he has failed dismally in his efforts in the Middle East and, most recently, in specific, in his...

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Cautious: There is every indication that Ebola no concern here, but care is needed

Health officials say that the potential danger of an American outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus is unlikely. Precautions have been taken and the facility at which the U.S. missionaries are being treated is top-notch, they say. And they...

Monday, August 4, 2014

Still time to help: Rain might have caused some trouble, but effort still going strong

The weather wasn't exactly ideal for the annual News-Argus Stuff the Bus campaign to benefit the Communities in Schools program. But even with the rain coming down, Wayne County residents responded, braving the elements to bring in their donations...

Saturday, August 2, 2014

One nation: Can't we find and appreciate the things that make us indivisible?

United we stand. Divided we fall. It was the motto of a revolution and has been modified and utilized a million times in a million ways since. It is an ancient call to arms, its origin dating back to...