Opinion (322)
GUEST EDITORIAL: When investigation itself is punishment for free expression
Written by Wilson Times
When no crime’s been committed, there’s nothing to probe and no one to punish. So why are two North Carolina colleges wasting their time investigating protected speech?
COLUMN: Facebook isn't a monopoly, let's not make it one
Written by Thomas L. KnappFacebook co-founder Chris Hughes, adding his voice to calls to "break up" the social media giant, calls it a "powerful monopoly, eclipsing all of its rivals and erasing competition." In recent years, we've seen similar claims, and heard demands for similar remedies, aimed at Google, Amazon, and other large companies.
North Carolina appropriates less taxpayer money to state colleges and universities in real terms than it did before the onset of the Great Recession. Tuition has risen markedly and now accounts for a larger share of total revenue. But our state remains one of the most generous in the country when it comes to funding higher education.
GUEST EDITORIAL: Uncle Sam should butt out on raising smoking age to 21
Written by Wilson Times
Spurred by a public health scare, Congress is considering a big-government power grab to save young adults from themselves.
COLUMN: Americans need to stop silencing each other
Written by Joe Weaver
Most of the time, this column is pretty lighthearted and fun. Rarely do I take a step toward hard journalism or topics of controversy. That's not to say there aren't topics that catch my interest and stir within me a desire to write about them.
LETTER: 'If you can't follow the rules, you should never walk into the woods'
Written by Letter to the Editor Contributor
To the editor:
This is in response to Mr. Maples' defense and interpretation of the recent hunters being charged with various and numerous charges.
LETTER: Hunters facing charges need our support
Written by Letter to the Editor Contributor
To the editor:
I would first like to say I have the greatest respect for members of law enforcement and the military. I pray every day for their safety and success. I understand our system of government in the U.S. and N.C. and appreciate everyone involved. From the law makers to the individuals who devote their lives to enforcing those laws. Like many of you, there may be a few laws I disagree with, but like all of you, I am honor bound to follow them.
LETTER: The NC teachers march and rally is over — now what?
Written by Letter to the Editor Contributor
To the editor:
May 1 is gone, but certainly not forgotten. Now is the time for reaction, reflection, and even criticism — by all interested parties.
Although the North Carolina House has approved its version of a biennial budget, there’s a lot that North Carolinians can’t yet know about how much will be spent, and on what, over the next two years. But here’s something we can assume with near-certainty: Gov. Roy Cooper will veto it.
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COLUMN: Sounds and smells trigger summertime memories
Written by Joe Weaver
If you have been outside lately, it should come as no surprise that we are on the cusp of summer.
COLUMN: Capital punishment isn't unconstitutional; we should end it anyway
Written by Thomas L. Knapp
On April 1, The Supreme Court of the United States ruled against death-row inmate Russell Bucklew's appeal of his execution method. Nixing his claim that a rare medical condition would make the execution unconstitutionally "cruel and unusual" by virtue of being excruciatingly painful, the Court (in an opinion written by Associate Justice Neil Gorsuch) held that the Eighth Amendment "does not guarantee a prisoner a painless death."
COLUMN: Those younger voters could change elections
Written by Thomas Mills
Last weekend, Dr. Michael Bitzer wrote about the changing demographics in our campaigns and how they might affect the future of elections in North Carolina. Specifically, younger voters are showing up at much higher rates than they have in the past.
If you are convicted of a crime, the government can punish you. If you are arrested but never convicted, the government can’t punish you.
