Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Debate: Conversations end in vitriol in this new world
What happened to the days when civilized discussion accompanied disagreements between people? When was the exact date that polarizing, vitriolic arguments took the place of rational exchanges of differing viewpoints? No one knows when, but they are sure aware...Published: Apr 30, 2013 12:29 PM Full Editorial
Monday, April 29, 2013
Pickled green: Festival organizers deserve credit for well-run show
It is not easy being in charge of a community festival. From the logistics of getting it organized in the first place to making sure things run smoothly the day of, lots of hours went into making the N.C....Published: Apr 29, 2013 10:49 AM Full Editorial
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Keep out: Change in leadership in schools not invitation for commission
You can almost see it if you squint hard enough: A few county commissioners sitting around talking -- just enough to get around the open meetings rule, and without the benefit of anyone there to hear them or to offer...Published: Apr 27, 2013 11:43 PM Full Editorial
Friday, April 26, 2013
Almost 'Ready': Survivors' stories put event's mission in clear perspective
Their stories make you think -- the men, women and children who are guests each year at the Relay for Life Survivors' Banquet. They talk of struggles and victories. They talk of hopelessness and fear that is often supplanted...Published: Apr 26, 2013 10:59 AM Full Editorial
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Budget savvy: Facilities planning needs to have a defined goal
There are two certainties in politics. The first, politicians like to tell taxpayers they are spending hawks zealously guarding their tax dollars from free-spending bureaucrats. (Well, at least some politicians like to say that.) The second is that politicians are...Published: Apr 25, 2013 10:52 AM Full Editorial
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
War on poor? Testing for drug use allows for chance to change lives
It is not really all that surprising that NAACP president the Rev. William Barber is running around the state presenting the position that certain pieces of legislation before the General Assembly have "declared war on the poor." It is...Published: Apr 24, 2013 10:53 AM Full Editorial
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Fond farewell: The Wall That Heals' visit a proud moment for county
It is not really possible to thank everyone who helped make The Wall That Heals' visit to Goldsboro possible -- and such a success. The members of the Veterans and Patriots Coalition, along with the many other volunteers and...Published: Apr 23, 2013 11:04 AM Full Editorial
Monday, April 22, 2013
Manning up: Goldsboro Fire Explorers are role models for how to choose a path
It is not easy being one of the good guys. It takes courage. It takes commitment, and it requires a belief that it is OK to expect more for yourself and for your future. The members of the Goldsboro...Published: Apr 22, 2013 10:52 AM Full Editorial
Fox-like hens: It's been proven over and over. Government cannot police itself.
You kind of always wonder if they really think it as you watch those you elected to office ignore the instructions you sent along with them to the statehouse, county commission office, the governor's mansion or the halls of Congress....Published: Apr 22, 2013 8:28 AM Full Editorial
Friday, April 19, 2013
Don't miss roll: Today or tomorrow, this is the moment when we remember
Rain could cause a delay, but either this evening or Saturday, the roll of the names of men from this area who lost their lives in Vietnam will be read. It will be touching. It will be hard to...Published: Apr 19, 2013 11:07 AM Full Editorial
Thursday, April 18, 2013
What kind of 'no': Gun control rejection was about lack of trust in government
Wednesday's vote against gun control was not about people wanting willy nilly, unregulated gun buying or for irresponsible owners to have free access to guns. It also was not a "no" to taking measures to decrease violence in this...Published: Apr 18, 2013 11:12 AM Full Editorial
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Welcome home: Wall's arrival a chance to give veterans tribute they missed
Nearly 40 years ago, there were no cheering, flag-waving crowds lining the streets when those who served in Vietnam came home for the last time. No tributes to their heroism -- or public memorials to the comrades they lost. Tears...Published: Apr 17, 2013 10:57 AM Full Editorial
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Still strong: Our enemies (foreign and domestic) keep forgetting our resolve.
Sure, there was fear as two bombs exploded Monday at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. And there will be plenty of tears as the nation's hearts hurt for those who lost their lives and for those whose...Published: Apr 16, 2013 11:25 AM Full Editorial
Monday, April 15, 2013
Cat concern: City Council is right to take up issue, but cause remains
The root cause of the cat overpopulation in Wayne County is ... humans. Irresponsible pet owners and those who simply have no heart are what create the feral cat colonies that roam around the city. Goldsboro City Council is right...Published: Apr 15, 2013 11:06 AM Full Editorial
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Nickel, dime: Look closely at president's budget. You know Congress won't.
Remember the debacle that surrounded President Barack Obama's health care bill? Remember the thousands of pages full of twists and turns and promises? Remember how many of those who voted for the plan said they did not even read...Published: Apr 13, 2013 10:21 PM Full Editorial
Friday, April 12, 2013
Learning place: Community libraries are vital as county moves forward
Let's be honest. There is not a government anywhere -- except, it seems, in Washington -- that is not dealing with the realities of shrinking budgets. So, it makes sense to pay attention to how much things cost. But the...Published: Apr 12, 2013 10:43 AM Full Editorial
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Park move: Really? All you have to do is tell city employees 'no'?
Set aside the arguments over where the best place is to locate a restroom in Stoney Creek Park. Acknowledge that perhaps there could be a debate about whether such a structure might not be the best addition to a residential...Published: Apr 11, 2013 10:38 AM Full Editorial
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Too close: President's Hollywood/music ties starting to smell a bit fishy
Put on your critic's hat for a minute and review the facts. Jay-Z and Beyonce are photographed on a trip to Cuba -- which is prohibited by the U.S. government because of a long-standing embargo. The pictures hit the...Published: Apr 10, 2013 10:49 AM Full Editorial
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
A real solution: Public pronouncements sound good, but do they solve problem?
Another day and another rally in Newtown, Conn., as the president continues his campaign to change gun laws. All President Barack Obama says he is asking is for the nation to make it harder for criminals to get guns...Published: Apr 9, 2013 2:57 PM Full Editorial
Saturday, April 6, 2013
In the balance: Just how far can the federal government intrude on states' rights?
More and more people are talking about states' rights. The subject comes up in all sorts of ways -- gay marriage, Obamacare, school policies, you name it and someone has thought of it. So when you hear it, understand...Published: Apr 6, 2013 11:22 PM Full Editorial
Friday, April 5, 2013
Care to vote?: Having a responsible electorate isn't too much to ask
Stop the spin. Stop the baloney. Stop the pretense. It is time that someone, somewhere calls the protests against limiting early voting and the statements that requiring identification to vote is racist what they are. Partisanship. The new rule in...Published: Apr 5, 2013 11:37 AM Full Editorial
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Basic econ: Create disincentives for business and our entire nation suffers
There is a principle of economics that not too many people understand these days. There is only a finite supply of money, and if you give it all away, there will be none left. The other truth is that if...Published: Apr 4, 2013 11:16 AM Full Editorial
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Perception: Downtown has an image problem. What can we do about it?
Crime. It is a concern. Politicians don't like to talk about it. Law enforcement often gets the blame for not stopping it. But who is responsible? And what really can be done to make sure this community is safe? As...Published: Apr 3, 2013 10:34 AM Full Editorial
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Solid structure: School brick-and-mortar authority should stay with board of education
There is always going to be a discussion about how to "fix" schools. Some of it comes from the fact that most people, no matter what their political persuasion, want what's best for their children -- and all children....Published: Apr 2, 2013 10:45 AM Full Editorial
Monday, April 1, 2013
Spender in chief: On first family's lavish lifestyle, president spares no expense
With the busy lives most families lead, a vacation is a much-anticipated relief from the stresses of daily life. It just hasn't been as easy to take one for many people in middle America these days. When you are worried...Published: Apr 1, 2013 10:34 AM Full Editorial