Opinion (380)
The latest ratings of highway systems are out — and for North Carolina, the news is mixed. In general cost-effectiveness, our state’s roads and bridges rank a bit better than average. We fare well on some measures. But when it comes to the safety of rural roads, North Carolina comes in next-to-last.
OP-ED: This Labor Day, celebrate the freedom and prosperity of right to work
Written by Mark Mix
Happy Labor Day and congratulations! If you are reading this, chances are you are one of the millions of Americans living in one of 27 Right to Work states. You wouldn’t guess it from Right to Work opponents’ unsupported claims, but Right to Work laws are simple and straightforward, not to mention popular.
There was a time when I enjoyed grocery shopping. My wife and I always went together and we always had a good time. I know that sounds weird, but we did in fact have a good time at the grocery store. I mean, it wasn't like nightclub on the Vegas strip exciting, but we always managed to have a little fun.
COLUMN: Lung Disease Outbreak: First Casualties of the War on Vaping?
Written by Thomas L. Knapp
On Aug. 15, Wisconsin's Department of Health Services announced "a cluster of people with severe lung disease who all reported recent vaping or dabbing (vaping marijuana oils, extracts, or concentrates)." CNN reports more than 120 similar cases nationwide based on a survey of state health departments.
COLUMN: Today's Klan is more pathetic than threatening
Written by Thomas Mills
The Ku Klux Klan came to Hillsborough on Saturday. They were a pathetic looking crew wearing their robes and waving flags. They made a point of showing their political allegiance with a banner that prominently read, “Make America Great Again.”
Gov. Roy Cooper insists that Medicaid expansion be part of North Carolina’s budget deal for 2019-20. Republican leaders of the legislature disagree. That’s the main reason why state government has been operating at last year’s spending levels since July 1. It’s the main reason the General Assembly is still in session as we approach the month of September.
GUEST EDITORIAL: GOP, Dems both losing tug-of-war over teachers
Written by Wilson Times
When school begins on Monday, bus drivers will have their routes, students will have their class schedules and coaches will have their fall sports rosters — but teachers still won’t know how much they’ll be paid.
COLUMN: Softer language for offenders devolves into self-parody
Written by Joe Weaver
I was reading one of the big news websites this morning and came across an article about what the latest goofy thing the city of San Francisco is doing. Keep in mind, this is the city that all but gave an invitation to people to use the city sidewalks as a restroom.
A unfortunate trend has been developing in our region. For the second July in a row, Stanly County emergency rooms have seen the highest rate of opioid overdoses of all 100 North Carolina counties.
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LETTER: Reflections of final moments with Joe Robinson
Written by Letter to the Editor Contributor
To the editor:
This week, the City of Hamlet, was stricken by tragedy.
Councilman Joe Robinson passed away suddenly at his home on Monday afternoon. Mayor Bill Bayless and I were on the scene within minutes after the emergency dispatch call came through and shared in the unspeakable heartache that no family should ever have to endure.
It is impossible to process that less than a day before, he and I, his wife Terri, my wife Carrie, and three of his precious grandbabies were at the Hamlet City Lake assessing the progress there and feeding the ducks...making memories and enjoying life with each other.
I wasn’t the city manager that day and he wasn’t a city councilman; we were two recently acquainted friends who were enjoying time with those who mattered the most to each of us.
Joe looked at me and said, “Jonathan, you are doing a great job. The lake looks great and I can’t wait to see the progress continue here. Thank you for everything you have done for Hamlet.”
We smiled, laughed, and took photos together.
Joe meant so much to so many and the one word that everyone is hearing over and over in reference to Joe is, “kind.” God bless his memory, God be with his family, and God please look over all of us, one family, one community, one city, Hamlet, North Carolina.
- Jonathan Blanton, Hamlet city manager
Because Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and the Republican-led North Carolina General Assembly have remained deadlocked for weeks over passage of a new state budget, you might think nothing much of consequence is happening in Raleigh.
Just the other day, my wife and I celebrated our wedding anniversary. We didn't go out for a fancy dinner and a show. There was no dancing involved. There were no elaborate gifts or overwrought declarations of love. There were no flowers or candy.
Booze bureaucrats censor beer labels, drown free speech
Written by Wilson Times
While local liquor boards try to make the case that bureaucrats can do a better job than private businesses when it comes to managing the sale of alcoholic beverages, some small-minded censors at the North Carolina ABC Commission are spoiling for a First Amendment fight over irreverent craft beer names.
