Monday, September 30, 2013
Rethink remedy: Our health care system has problems. Obamacare clearly isn't the solution.
Health care. We know we need it. We know there are cracks in the system that need to be fixed to make the quality we are used to sustainable. We know there are people who have trouble affording insurance, and...Published: Sep 30, 2013 10:57 AM Full Editorial
Friday, September 27, 2013
Cost and effect: The laws of budgeting apply to all -- even government
There are just certain laws that cannot be avoided -- and American families deal with them every day. A budget is a budget, and no manner of wishing will create money that does not exist. Therefore, since you have a...Published: Sep 27, 2013 10:41 AM Full Editorial
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Farm watch: Fair's debut brings up fact -- agriculture is important here
The Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair is full of fun, from livestock shows and daring acts of skill to the feast of food waiting for eager eaters. But there is a serious side, too, and today's debut of this year's event...Published: Sep 26, 2013 10:35 AM Full Editorial
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Here we go ... More than a few weeks of battle coming in Washington
It is understandable that most Americans are tired of listening to the consternation and arguing coming out of Washington these days. After all, it seems like all we do is endure the finger-pointing and partisan ramblings while nothing ever really...Published: Sep 24, 2013 11:04 AM Full Editorial
Monday, September 23, 2013
It's fair time: Wayne County's big event is well worth the time
If you have never been to the Wayne Regional Agricultural Fair, you are in for a treat. Not only is all the good stuff there -- the rides, the food and the cows, pigs and chickens -- there are...Published: Sep 23, 2013 11:37 AM Full Editorial
Sunday, September 22, 2013
School needs: Want good schools to attract investment? Make it a priority.
No one wants to pay more taxes -- especially if they think that the money is blowing out a window at an untimely pace. But there is a fine line between sound fiscal policy and slash and burn --...Published: Sep 22, 2013 12:05 AM Full Editorial
Friday, September 20, 2013
The show: Listen to the pitch, then ask yourself if you are better off.
President Barack Obama is about to start another magical mystery tour. This time he is going to tell Americans how much better off they are today and how the economy is holding its own. Well, he might be able...Published: Sep 20, 2013 11:12 AM Full Editorial
Thursday, September 19, 2013
An option? Republicans' alternative a start, but no answer yet in sight
A group of Republican legislators is taking a stab at coming up with an alternative to the Affordable Care Act -- also known as Obamacare. It is an interesting plan, but all those involved are quick to admit that...Published: Sep 19, 2013 11:48 AM Full Editorial
Monday, September 16, 2013
Exemptions: The rest of America should have right to sidestep Obamacare
There will soon need to be a new department in the federal government. Perhaps the IRS could run it in its spare time. We would need to call it the Exemptions Department. Having one central place to go should make...Published: Sep 16, 2013 10:45 AM Full Editorial
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Good busy: There is plenty to complain about, but here's some good news
Over the past few weeks, we have written about misguided commissioners with attitude problems, "who's on first?" foreign policy in Washington and some issues dealing with health care, education and state policies that make us wonder what is going...Published: Sep 14, 2013 11:47 PM Full Editorial
Friday, September 13, 2013
Ripe for fraud: Massive bureaucracies rife with those who can break rules
Crooks are crooks -- that is the bottom line. There is no inherent set of conditions that makes someone decide that they are going to steal, cheat or otherwise do something less than honorable. At least that is how it...Published: Sep 13, 2013 11:07 AM Full Editorial
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Putin's punch: Russian president's letter a clue -- run from deal.
It is not American arrogance that makes the letter that appeared in The New York Times this week from Russian President Vladimir Putin so worth a sharp look. And it is a warning for any American who thinks that...Published: Sep 12, 2013 11:32 AM Full Editorial
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Still strong: Sept. 11 memories should stay in our minds today
It was 12 years ago: Should we still take the time every year to remember? The sirens, the disaster, the death, the victims, the horror and the disbelief that any human being could do something like that to another...Published: Sep 11, 2013 11:03 AM Full Editorial
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
The hero? Russian President Vladimir Putin rides in to 'save the day'? Hmmm.
Don't look now, but there is a new candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize in town -- and his latest trick is making America's president look a whole lot less like the leader of the free world. Russian President...Published: Sep 10, 2013 11:40 AM Full Editorial
Monday, September 9, 2013
Line up here: Obamacare explainers are going to be very, very busy
The word is out and the recruiting has begun: The federal government is going to need a whole bunch of people to go out and explain Obamacare to the public in advance of its Oct. 1 implementation date. Now,...Published: Sep 9, 2013 10:43 AM Full Editorial
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Simply, respect: County commissioner's bite is not appropriate
There is an understanding when a community elects a representative to a board. He is expected to make decisions -- sometimes tough ones. And it is a given that he will never make all of the people happy all of...Published: Sep 7, 2013 11:18 PM Full Editorial
Friday, September 6, 2013
One for all: Eastern North Carolina voting bloc not such a bad idea
There is strength in numbers -- and when you have numbers, you get attention. And for years, more than anything else, that is what eastern North Carolina lacked -- attention. Lawmakers in Raleigh worried about Charlotte, Raleigh and other...Published: Sep 6, 2013 11:28 AM Full Editorial
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Lives in spiral: For families' sake, drug abusers need an incentive to get help
There are probably more than a few reasons why Gov. Pat McCrory decided to veto new rules that would require drug testing for those receiving welfare payments or other government assistance. And some of them likely involve politics and...Published: Sep 5, 2013 11:28 AM Full Editorial
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Voices heard: Have a comment on Syria? Now is your chance.
There are more than a few people giving their opinions in the continuing discussion about what to do in Syria. Some want to see limited military action. Some want to see a campaign with an objective and defined limits...Published: Sep 4, 2013 11:46 AM Full Editorial
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
One for all: Little Washington's story reveals some truths
What's wrong with the world today? Everybody has a theory. But it is not often that you see the perfect contrast between what happened in the good, old days and how society functions today. Cue the Little Washington reunion....Published: Sep 3, 2013 10:40 AM Full Editorial
Monday, September 2, 2013
Investment: Literacy Connections helps more than just clients; it helps the county
The Wayne County Board of Commissioners is about to hear a presentation about why it would be worth re-instating the funding to Literacy Connections -- a community organization that helps teach reading to those who can't. The cut was originally...Published: Sep 2, 2013 11:26 AM Full Editorial