Opinion (572)
COLUMN: Virus further exposes N.C. ABC system as existentially flawed, irreparable
Written by John Trump - Carolina Journal News Service
I’ve written volumes over the past few years about the way North Carolina controls distilled spirits.
There’s little need to recount the many problems here, other than to say the coronavirus and the ensuing consumer panic has exposed the N.C. Alcoholic Beverage Control system for what is.
It’s draconian and harsh. Arcane and unfriendly to small producers and consumers.
All of that.
I write this on March 18, now having watched a 180-degree reversal of how we think about contagious disease. Formerly, we would put sick people in quarantine and respect the right of healthy people to go about their lives. Now we are on the brink of martial law. In our zeal to fight the coronavirus, we are shutting down travel, public gatherings, restaurants, etc.
There are a lot of you out there that could use some levity. The events of the last week or so have whipped this country into a frenzy not seen in a very long time. Some folks believe it will blow over in a few weeks and others think it is the apocalypse.
COLUMN: Old hospitals can be revamped in coronavirus pandemic
Written by Wayne Goodwin
As both former N.C. Insurance Commissioner and a fellow citizen looking for solutions, here's a reasonable proposal for N.C. I've been considering for the last several weeks as we fight the coronavirus pandemic.
McInnis: Richmond Community College classes not canceled
Written by Letter to the Editor Contributor
I want to share this announcement with you about the status of Richmond Community College as we face the corona virus together. I have just updated our employees and informed them on recent developments and the next steps in our response to this virus. As the virus spreads and touches us all in new and unexpected ways, our college and each of us individually, we have to continue to adapt and be resilient.
COLUMN: Disruption, though painful, can lead to innovation
Written by Becki Gray
Most of us can’t remember a time of such widespread disruption. The spread of coronavirus has wreaked havoc on the economy, on families, on how and where we work, on how we live and communicate. Our health care system is fragile and stretched.
The COVID-19 outbreak has already taken lives, disrupted families and communities, and inflicted significant damage on our economy. Will it also inflict significant damage on the core institutions of our free society?
COLUMN: A proposal for real coronavirus 'stimulus'
Written by Thomas L. Knapp
On March 12, the New York Federal Reserve announced a $1.5 trillion injection of money into the U.S. financial system. Three days later, it cut its benchmark interest rate to zero and announced it would be buying at least $500 billion in government bonds and another $200 billion in mortgage securities.
GUEST EDITORIAL: Put transparency laws to work this Sunshine Week
Written by Wilson Times
Want to know how much your police chief and school principal are paid? How about a full rundown of your city council’s spending during that out-of-state conference? The information’s yours for the asking.
More...
If you draw your information about current events only from politicians, news outlets, and social-media influencers that share your worldview, you will be poorly informed. If you act on that information, you and others may come to regret it.
COLUMN: Happy National Tired and Grouchy Week
Written by Thomas L. Knapp
On Sunday, March 8, millions of Americans woke up an hour early, having set their clocks ahead by an hour the night before, and dug in for a week or so of bleary-eyed, irritable attempts to tweak their bodies' natural sleeping and waking rhythms. This fatuous semi-annual "spring forward, fall back" ritual, called "Daylight Saving Time," ranks high on my personal list of "dumbest ideas in the history of mankind."
COLUMN: The Coronavirus, not Bernie Sanders, will shift the country to the left
Written by Thomas Mills
Despite Joe Biden’s success on Super Tuesday and his likely nomination, the Democratic primary has exposed the leftward shift of the country. Last night on stage with Kamala Harris and Cory Booker, Biden called himself a “bridge” between this generation and the next generation of leaders. And the next generation will be far more progressive than those who have governed in the 40-year wake of the Reagan Revolution.
Lately I’ve been reflecting on North Carolina’s celebrated history as, well, the political equivalent of a cantankerous old coot.
