Thursday, July 31, 2008
Anyone there? Perhaps the problem is, there are too many politicians
After a bit of a flurry at the end, the North Carolina General Assembly's latest gathering ended with a thud -- and once again local lawmakers are back at home, with another session under their belts. Yes, there is a...Published: Jul 31, 2008 11:23 AM Full Editorial
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Recession-proof? Whatever happened to the good old lottery bailout?
There has been some publicity, but not much, over the money that has been raised by the North Carolina Lottery to help fund the state's schools. A more accurate description is that the much-touted lottery is a flash that has...Published: Jul 30, 2008 11:41 AM Full Editorial
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Mean to be green: Conservation starts at home
There is a lot of talk these days about conserving energy, gas and preserving the future health of the planet. But in most cases, those who talk about being green are not exactly chomping at the bit to be green....Published: Jul 29, 2008 11:16 AM Full Editorial
Monday, July 28, 2008
Iran's show: Leader's comments do not reflect change in behaviors
There is tendency for most people to want to believe that somehow, some way, all the United States has to do to fix the problems in the Middle East is to talk nicely. So, when the call came out for...Published: Jul 28, 2008 10:58 AM Full Editorial
Sunday, July 27, 2008
The task ahead - Valid assessment can't ignore schools that lag
It is not hard to understand why the Wayne County Board of Education and school officials would be excited to learn that the district's 56 percent Adequate Yearly Progress mark was No. 2 in the region and that so many...Published: Jul 27, 2008 11:16 AM Full Editorial
Friday, July 25, 2008
By example: There are lessons to be learned from Duplin mediation
Wondering why so much is being written about the battle in Duplin County between the county commissioners and the school board? There are many reasons to keep an eye on this disagreement and where it has ended up -- and...Published: Jul 25, 2008 11:02 AM Full Editorial
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Get on the wagon: See United Way video before making your decision
It is that time of year again when the first, early steps are beginning for the 2008-09 United Way fundraising campaign. Although work has been going on for months, the community portion of the campaign is about to start up...Published: Jul 24, 2008 11:45 AM Full Editorial
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Who should lead? The important question is: Whom do you trust?
There is a lot of talk this election about who would make the best commander in chief -- a critical part of the next president of the United States' new job. And in keeping with the need to convince the...Published: Jul 22, 2008 11:41 AM Full Editorial
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Round 'em up - Forget political correctness, let's capture criminals
It's not that uncommon a scene these days.A potential victim of a crime decides enough is enough and lets the potential offender have it -- usually with a fist or some other means of defense.And it is not just adult...Published: Jul 16, 2008 3:22 PM Full Editorial
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Walking not enough: Stopping drugs and crime requires real action
This past weekend, a couple hundred people gathered in the Fairview housing area to take a stand against violence in their communities -- violence that is stealing the young lives of their children and making their neighborhoods unsafe. They...Published: Jul 15, 2008 2:03 PM Full Editorial
Monday, July 14, 2008
Tears in U.S. beer: Anheuser-Busch takeover brings back nostalgia
No one really should be crying for the stockholders of American beer giant Anheuser-Busch. The proposed takeover by the European brewer InBev isn’t going to leave them with empty pockets. But the sale is a loss of sorts for Americans...Published: Jul 14, 2008 11:27 AM Full Editorial
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Serious talk: Schools need your candor — and unwavering resolve
Wayne County Board of Education member John Grantham wanted to make sure no one was offended the other day when he suggested that although the idea of including community members in discussions about the schools’ future was a good idea,...Published: Jul 12, 2008 11:45 PM Full Editorial
Friday, July 11, 2008
No boat rocking: Debates are too watered down from candidates, advisers
It is going to be a long season of ping pong if every time an expert identified as a presidential adviser is bounced off the campaign for saying what he or she really thinks. And although some of what Sen....Published: Jul 11, 2008 10:40 AM Full Editorial
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Sneak attack: Duplin board should have let public hear closing argument
Be very, very quiet. That’s how you manage to sneak a controversial decision through your board of education without having to deal with those pesky parents and voters. And sneak is exactly what the Duplin Board of Education did when...Published: Jul 10, 2008 10:59 AM Full Editorial
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
A teen's tragedy: Losing Derrick Barden should make us all pause
Derrick Barden, 18, of Warsaw did not come from one of the ritziest areas of his community. He lived in an apartment complex with a family who struggled — just like so many do. The difference between him and some...Published: Jul 9, 2008 11:12 AM Full Editorial
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Park the park: Officials seem to get taxes don't grow on trees
Don't look now, but it seems that someone on the Goldsboro City Council is finally getting that there is not an unlimited supply of money available from city taxpayers this year. And, joy of joys, there seem to be more...Published: Jul 8, 2008 1:27 PM Full Editorial
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Let talks begin: County commission and school board plan meeting
After months of talking and negotiating, the Wayne County Board of Commissioners and the Wayne County Board of Education are getting back together again to talk about facilities, improving education — and money. Hopefully, this will become the first step...Published: Jul 5, 2008 11:00 PM Full Editorial
Thursday, July 3, 2008
America’s flag: It should mean more than it does to many Americans
Hundreds of years ago, a little band of patriots decided that freedom was worth fighting for. They sealed the deal with a star-spangled banner — a symbol of the fledgling country they had created. And tomorrow, as we mark the...Published: Jul 3, 2008 11:21 AM Full Editorial
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Lawsuit happy: Like many issues, sue-happy culture is out of control
The trial lawyer block has long been a not-so-secret influence on the decisions made in the political arena. A powerful lobby, its members often support the Democratic cause and couch their positions in the name of fighting for the little...Published: Jul 2, 2008 10:47 AM Full Editorial
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
First gas ... Forget the price at the pumps. How about that milk?
Now, this is serious. Dealing with skyrocketing gas prices has not been easy, especially for middle income families who have to worry about a few extra dollars sending their budgets spiraling out of control. But although many people have noticed...Published: Jul 1, 2008 10:46 AM Full Editorial