Monday, December 31, 2007
First resolution: A jumpstart for state legislators
Consider it the first official resolution of 2008 — just like the first official gift of Christmas in the popular children’s book “The Polar Express.” It’s a bit of advice of sorts for the men and women who will take...Published: Dec 31, 2007 10:43 AM Full Editorial
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Cliffhangers: Intrigue on campaign trail satisfies thirst for drama
Writers’ strike got you down? Not sure you can make it another week without a fresh dose of “Grey’s Anatomy” or “Desperate Housewives”? Well, take heart. Just when you thought there was nothing new in the comedy and drama department,...Published: Dec 30, 2007 12:02 AM Full Editorial
Friday, December 28, 2007
Next chapter: Patrons want library system ready for the future
Wayne County has spoken. Residents want a main library and branches with more programs and materials and more room. They want to be able to use the Internet and to enjoy a good book all in the same building with...Published: Dec 28, 2007 11:30 AM Full Editorial
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Taken for granted: Conserve water now, or it might not be there later
It is hard to notice any difference in the way Wayne County uses water — even though the statistics point to less water consumption. The car washes are still busy — and until recently — sprinklers did not seem to...Published: Dec 27, 2007 10:50 AM Full Editorial
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Our airmen: We could teach nation so much about local heroes
Ever wonder why so many people seem so unsure of or are unaware of the good news that comes out of Iraq? Ever wonder how anyone could disparage the troops — especially this time of year when so many are...Published: Dec 26, 2007 8:43 AM Full Editorial
Monday, December 24, 2007
The real meaning - Slow down today. There’s more to tomorrow than gifts.
“Away in a manger, no crib for a bed.” ... Most of us remember the classic carol that tells a portion of the Christmas story — the humble birth of Jesus on that clear, cold night so long ago....Published: Dec 24, 2007 11:15 AM Full Editorial
Saturday, December 22, 2007
No better gift: The joy comes from realizing Christmas is about sharing
Christmas is so close that it almost seems too late to do anything for families in need in Wayne County. After all, most of the efforts to provide toys and clothing for children and food for families in need have...Published: Dec 22, 2007 8:19 PM Full Editorial
Friday, December 21, 2007
Heroes lost: Steroids scandals have tarnished athletes’ honor
This hasn’t been a good year for heroes. With every announcement of every tarnished name — from an Olympic runner to baseball’s stars and legends — the light that has surrounded so many athletes has begun to dim. The reason...Published: Dec 21, 2007 10:13 AM Full Editorial
Thursday, December 20, 2007
An example set: Health Department board puts students’ futures first
It wasn’t a big deal to the members of the Wayne County Health Department’s board. After all, the stipend they make for their service each month is not really all that much to worry about — $15. But that doesn’t...Published: Dec 20, 2007 11:21 AM Full Editorial
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
All in the family: Here’s the evidence that it takes class — and a parent
At long last, the answer has crystallized as the latest installment of the Spears family saga unfolds. Now that 16-year-old Jamie Lynn Spears has announced she is pregnant by her longtime boyfriend and is keeping the baby, there is enough...Published: Dec 19, 2007 10:58 AM Full Editorial
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Water worries: Figures are in and drought concern is still real
Concerns about the availability of water seem to dissipate almost as soon as the summer months are over. People just don’t think about parched land during the fall and winter months. It is not hot and the sun is not...Published: Dec 18, 2007 11:03 AM Full Editorial
Monday, December 17, 2007
Their smiles: Your generosity made dreams come true
If you had been there Saturday, you would understand just how much your donations meant to the more than 600 children who showed up for this year’s Empty Stocking Fund party. They all waited patiently for their chance to see...Published: Dec 17, 2007 11:09 AM Full Editorial
Sunday, December 16, 2007
A first step: School system, county get down to business, at last
At long last, the Wayne County commissioners and board of education seem to be on the right path — and truly on the hunt for a solution to the continuing question of what to do about school facilities. After a...Published: Dec 16, 2007 12:00 AM Full Editorial
Friday, December 14, 2007
Out the door: Wright embarrassment another black eye for Dems
Just when you thought the remnants of the Rep. Jim Black scandal were behind North Carolina and we could all get back to life as usual, along comes Rep. Thomas Wright. And no surprise, he is a former ally and...Published: Dec 14, 2007 11:16 AM Full Editorial
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Be an angel: We need your help to make Christmas dreams come true
Still have a few names left on your Christmas list? Not sure what to get for the mom or dad who steadfastly refuses to accept a Christmas gift? We have a solution. The Empty Stocking Fund offers you a chance...Published: Dec 13, 2007 11:04 AM Full Editorial
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
A place to go: Increasing crime suggests teen spot might help
Anyone who claims he or she knows the answer to keeping teens out of trouble should start writing his or her $150-a-copy book right now. It will be a bestseller. Pretending that creating a new community center or teen hangout...Published: Dec 12, 2007 10:54 AM Full Editorial
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Cleanup urgency: Time has come to do something with deadlines about motel
This is not just another dilapidated house — and city officials are right not to treat it like one. So it is about time that the owner of the severely damaged Days Inn get sent a message — get rid...Published: Dec 11, 2007 10:27 AM Full Editorial
Monday, December 10, 2007
Oprah-quences: How sad is it that people make decisions based on celebrity
It is not really all that surprising that thousands of people turned out for this weekend’s Oprah rally for presidential candidate Barack Obama. What would be even more interesting to know is if even a third really know what the...Published: Dec 10, 2007 11:11 AM Full Editorial
Saturday, December 8, 2007
So none is left out: Empty Stocking Fund makes sure Santa can complete his rounds
Christmas is for children. There is something about the wonder in their eyes as they listen to the stories of Santa Claus and his eight tiny reindeer that just warms the heart. And then, on Christmas morning, when they run...Published: Dec 8, 2007 11:40 PM Full Editorial
Friday, December 7, 2007
Parental shocker: Should mother face scorn for Internet scheme? You bet.
Law enforcement officials say there is little they can do about the actions of a former friend’s mother that ended in the death of Megan Meier. Lori Drew did not pull a trigger or otherwise coerce the 13-year-old to take...Published: Dec 7, 2007 11:40 AM Full Editorial
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Warning signs: Mall shooter left clues that could have saved lives
No one can really predict when another human being is going to decide to take a gun and head into a mall to shoot innocent bystanders. And even though the family with whom Robert Hawkins was living saw that he...Published: Dec 6, 2007 11:21 AM Full Editorial
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Trust vs. caution: Since when do we just say ‘OK’ with untrustworthy foes?
A new report out this week says that intelligence officials have determined that Iran no longer has an active program to develop and produce nuclear weapons. The news came as a bit of a surprise. There have been several leaders...Published: Dec 5, 2007 10:56 AM Full Editorial
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
A quiet impact: Doctor’s legacy is the thought he put into students’ futures
Dr. Ralph Bland’s family and friends say he would not have wanted anyone to make a big fuss about the gift he left Wake Forest University. It was his way, they say. He helped others without fanfare or acknowledgement —...Published: Dec 4, 2007 10:59 AM Full Editorial
Monday, December 3, 2007
Gone in seconds: High-speed chase tragedy should make us all think
It only takes a minute to destroy lives. It takes a lethal mix of a multi-year offender with more than a half-dozen DWIs and a high-speed chase to bring him to justice. And then tragedy. No one could have predicted...Published: Dec 3, 2007 10:39 AM Full Editorial
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Goal within reach: United Way isn't there yet, but it's not too late
We are down to the wire. With a little less than a week to go before the end of the 2007 United Way Campaign, there is still more than $40,000 left to raise to help local families next year. And...Published: Dec 2, 2007 12:16 AM Full Editorial