Friday, January 29, 2010
Less talk ... Old adage might be best advice for Washington to win back public favor
There could not have been too many people who were too surprised that the president's State of the Union address covered the same old promises of bipartisanship and setting aside differences to get work done to benefit the country....Published: Jan 29, 2010 11:03 AM Full Editorial
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Life well-lived: For Wes Seegars, it is about the mark you leave, not the acclaim you receive
If it had been a Russian brown bear charging at him with teeth barred, local businessman Wes Seegars would have been a little better-prepared to handle the situation. But put him in a room with pictures of his life...Published: Jan 28, 2010 11:04 AM Full Editorial
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Never forget: Community members took time to honor a hero's sacrifice
There weren't many people who lined the street to honor a young man who lost his life in defense of his country this week, but that doesn't mean that the significance of the procession was lost on this military...Published: Jan 27, 2010 10:51 AM Full Editorial
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Consequences: Money that isn't coming in won't help those in community who need it
This has not been an easy year for anyone -- least of all charities. As generous as Americans are in general and Wayne County residents are in specific, many people found themselves with less to give as the year...Published: Jan 26, 2010 11:00 AM Full Editorial
Monday, January 25, 2010
Teaching courage: More lessons should include those who made a difference
There is always great concern that we make sure America's youths understand the horrors of war -- and why it should be avoided at all costs. And in an age when violence-filled video games, movies and television have taken...Published: Jan 25, 2010 10:45 AM Full Editorial
Friday, January 22, 2010
It's scary: Waiting for the other shoe to fall in North Carolina ...
Hearing the news that a North Carolina official is facing corruption charges is becoming commonplace -- just another day in Raleigh politics. But what should scare anyone who casts a vote in this state -- and, really, anyone who...Published: Jan 22, 2010 10:56 AM Full Editorial
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Who cares: John Edwards' admission looks like nothing more than a stunt
First off, let's start out with one basic premise: None of us really care a wit about John Edwards and his sorrowful admission that he fathered a child with his mistress. True remorse and honorable acknowledgement of a child's...Published: Jan 21, 2010 10:45 AM Full Editorial
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
No bed of roses: One battle might be over, but the problems still remain
There are some who might assume that the surprising win in the Massachusetts Senate race means the Republicans can coast on in to power -- and success. Not so fast boys (and girls). There is some responsibility that comes...Published: Jan 20, 2010 11:31 AM Full Editorial
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
It's about service: MLK breakfast speaker is right -- it is about action, not just words.
There could have been no better message sent Monday to the more than 500 people who gathered for the city's annual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday. Dr. Melissa Exum from the University of North Carolina in...Published: Jan 19, 2010 10:33 AM Full Editorial
Saturday, January 16, 2010
The key vote: Why, if health care is so right, is the threat of rejection so real?
There has been more than a little concern in the Democratic camp over the last couple of weeks as the battle over the seat held by the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy heads to the polling place Tuesday. The reason...Published: Jan 16, 2010 10:39 PM Full Editorial
Friday, January 15, 2010
The bad guys: International relations must include getting rid of the dictators, thieves
It is hard to watch the coverage of the earthquake in Haiti without wondering if some of the suffering, some of the tragedy could have been prevented. The problem is, in a nation like Haiti, there is little infrastructure,...Published: Jan 15, 2010 10:54 AM Full Editorial
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Compassion: Americans don't waste time when it comes to helping others
It should not surprise anyone that Americans are already responding to the calls for help for the people of Haiti. They are not thinking about politics or keeping score. They are simply opening their hearts to offer food, donations,...Published: Jan 14, 2010 11:02 AM Full Editorial
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Not so easy: No wonder there is no line to win the chance to be president
In this year of bad news and partisan bickering, it is time for an olive branch -- a shared moment of understanding between those who think one way and those who prefer another. There is one indomitable fact that...Published: Jan 13, 2010 10:51 AM Full Editorial
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
It's the hypocrisy: Say what you will about comments, but it is, truly, the principle
Say what you will about what Nevada Sen. Harry Reid said about pre-candidate Barack Obama. Analyze what he meant and whether what he said was truly an awkwardly stated truth or simply a retread of racism. But that is...Published: Jan 12, 2010 11:27 AM Full Editorial
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Dialogue rules: The enemy of community progress is silent, backdoor politics
You might not ever agree with anything Wayne County Commission chairman Jack Best says. In fact, some of what he says might actually make you angry. But the best part about him -- and others like him -- is...Published: Jan 9, 2010 11:16 PM Full Editorial
Friday, January 8, 2010
Roller coaster: Who knows what the real story is on the economy, so let's think positive
Trying to figure out whether you should be optimistic or pessimistic about the local and national economies sure isn't easy. For every piece of good news, there is a corresponding announcement that suggests there is still work to do....Published: Jan 8, 2010 10:48 AM Full Editorial
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Endorsements lost: Hollywood types, athletes might want to rethink role model idea
Another day, another lost income for yet another celebrity. This time it is actor Charlie Sheen, who will lose his lucrative contract with Hanes as a result of his domestic violence arrest over the Christmas holidays. He, of course,...Published: Jan 7, 2010 11:03 AM Full Editorial
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
The public's eyes: Want more trust? Make sure that your dealings are in the open.
It is not fair, but the reality is, when there is corruption in one level of government -- especially widespread corruption -- it is difficult for citizens not to look with skepticism on all those who earn their living as...Published: Jan 6, 2010 10:44 AM Full Editorial
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Good attitude: Promise of a new year a good start for the next round of solving problems
Americans are, by nature, an optimistic lot, so, even though most of the nation is covered in snow and ice, and there are more and more signs that there might be more than a few challenges ahead, we are...Published: Jan 5, 2010 10:40 AM Full Editorial
Monday, January 4, 2010
Neighborhoods: Maybe Duplin parents -- and others -- have key to education success
There will be more talk later, as the debate continues over the plan to consolidate two of Duplin County's high schools rages on. But those who are fighting the effort to unite North Duplin and James Kenan high schools...Published: Jan 4, 2010 10:28 AM Full Editorial