Moral claims don't persuade
In nearly three decades of writing a syndicated column on North Carolina politics and government, I’ve always received reader response. Back in the day, I’d get an occasional phone call or... Read More
NC Spin Articles
Huckabee, Clinton lead NC in Elon Poll
Name recognition goes a long way in American politics, and according to the latest surveys from the Elon University Poll, it looks to be a great time to be a Clinton or a Bush running for the White... Read More
Generational composition of NC Electorate in 2016
Yesterday’s post examined projected generational changes in North Carolina’s adult population. By 2016, North Carolina is projected to have 7.85 million adults, with the following projected... Read More
Hints of hope amongst the carnage
Average North Carolinians are pushing back against the gun fundamentalists…and winning It’s hard to feel very optimistic about much of anything in the aftermath of last week’s horrific tragedy... Read More
Reliving the past
The death of former UNC Chancellor Bill Aycock reminds us that today’s legislature isn’t the first to ram through bad laws, that today’s attacks on higher education aren’t the first and that... Read More
Dems doubling down on education
State Democrats are doubling down on education as their major issue heading into 2016. While the General Assembly has passed contentious laws relating to abortion, gay marriage, and the environment... Read More
Ten years later, GOP likes the lottery
Editorial by Rocky Mount Telegram, June 22, 2015. Ten years after waging a losing battle against passage of the N.C. Education Lottery, Republican legislators now seem all too happy to enjoy the... Read More
How to right-size a university system
Academia is notoriously resistant to major changes. Whereas private sector firms rise, fall, merge, reorganize, acquire, and cast off unprofitable divisions with amazing speed, colleges and... Read More
DMV blunders undermined Voter ID law
Blunders at the state Division of Motor Vehicles in the state Department of Transportation undermined a crucial vote reform, it was revealed Friday. State lawmakers softened a portion of North... Read More
Turning the concept of religious freedom on its head
Editorial by Asheville Citizen-Times, June 19, 2015. Senate Bill 2, which became law when the General Assembly overrode Gov. Pat McCrory’s veto, landed North Carolina back in the national spotlight... Read More
