Watching the same movie ad nauseum
What we are currently witnessing in state government feels like watching the movie “Groundhog Day.” Our legislature passes a bill, the governor vetoes it, lawmakers override the veto, then the... Read More
My Spin by Tom Campbell
Why not hire a North Carolinian?
If the Board of Governors meetings were broadcast they would become the top rated reality show on TV. There’s something for everyone - humor, pathos, conflict, and, occasionally, a nugget of wisdom... Read More
Three words you seldom hear from politicians
Three words you almost never hear from politicians is “I was wrong.” I’m not one, but can admit that on the subject of Medicaid expansion I was wrong. Now our legislature should do the same... Read More
Smelly business
As a young boy I would sometimes walk out of my Greenville home and smell rotten eggs. My mother explained this smell came from the paper mill in Plymouth, some 40 air miles away. The same could be... Read More
Killing snakes
Ever since that episode in Eden’s garden, the one where humans were enticed into eating the forbidden fruit, serpents have been considered the lowest of creatures. Most loathe the slithering reptile... Read More
Restoring civic pride
Even when July 4thfalls in the middle of a week you can count on fireworks displays, flags hanging, neighbors gathering for cookouts, watermelons being sliced and just maybe you might find someone... Read More
Trade and immigration wars threaten NC farmers
Driving through North Carolina’s countryside this time of year is both good for the soul and a reminder of the importance agriculture plays in our state. The NC State College of Agriculture and Life... Read More
Getting smarter about getting older
Whoever thought I was going to live so long,” my 96 year old mother asked? She isn’t alone. 10,000 of us turn 65 every day. In 1990, North Carolina’s median age – meaning one half are younger... Read More
Return to Ellis Island
Note to readers: With all the recent activity regarding immigration we decided to repeat the column we wrote following a visit to Ellis Island, New York in 2011. It is relevant today. Standing in the... Read More
The case of the disappearing $50 million
Every Saturday night our family would gather round the black and white TV to watch the latest Perry Mason episode. Before the hour was over Raymond Burr would have solved the mystery, always titled... Read More
