Opinion (208)
COLUMN: To a nation of snowflakes, Christmas has become yet another trigger word
Written by John W. Whitehead
To a nation of snowflakes, Christmas has become yet another trigger word.
COLUMN: GOP's new definition of election projection
Written by Thomas Mills
Watching Republicans yell “But the Democrats!” on Twitter in response to the election fraud in the 9th Congressional District race has been very entertaining. It’s also given new meaning to the term "election projection." The twitter warrior who goes by the handle Sister Toldjah has been “documenting” the history of election misconduct in Bladen County, always pointing to Democrats’ culpability in the process. Raleigh Attorney Brent Woodcox who serves as special counsel to the Republicans in the General Assembly has been desperately trying to point fingers at Roy Cooper’s 2016 campaign.
In response to the toppling in August of the Confederate Monument at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chancellor Carol Folt and other UNC leaders have proposed a controversial solution: a new $5.3 million building on campus that will cost $800,000 a year to operate.
Some are outraged that Silent Sam will be returning to UNC at all, as one of the exhibits in the new University History and Education Center. Others, inclined to defend the state’s Civil War heritage, dislike the idea of relocating the monument to a less-traveled corner of the campus. And taxpayers across the political spectrum are aghast at the multi-million-dollar cost.
COLUMN: Why I am grateful to George Herbert Walker Bush
Written by Thomas L. Knapp
Unless you live under a rock (and probably even if you do), you've noticed the death of George Herbert Walker Bush, 41st President of the United States, on Nov. 30, at age 94.
You've probably also suffered through multiple personal remembrances of the man and his presidency — some positive, some negative, some mixed. Mine, which you may read below if you're not already worn out on the topic, is of the latter variety.
COLUMN: The ACLU is quietly abandoning civil liberties
Written by Brittany Hunter
Since 1920, the American Civil Liberties Union has generally upheld its mission to “defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to every person in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States."
Of all the protections guaranteed in the Constitution, the right to due process is among the most sacred. It is this right that protects each of us from being held legally accountable should we be arbitrarily accused of a crime.
I know this is probably going to result in a “well, duh!” moment from a lot of you. I guess it's time for me to finally accept my title of Master Of The Obvious, and I will gladly do so. I'm okay with that, so I figured I would cut off the inevitable comments at the proverbial pass. What, you ask, may I be thinking that is so obvious? Well, I have drawn out the suspense as long as I could, and as long as I could get away with padding the first paragraph of this column with nonsense without you noticing. I am convinced that fast-food giants are trying to kill us. See? I told you it would be obvious.
GUEST EDITORIAL: Free speech suit could discourage unlawful arrests
Written by Wilson Times
By making it easier to sue for retaliatory arrests, Supreme Court justices could pump the brakes on “contempt of cop” cases where citizens’ cross words and surly attitudes lead to low-level criminal charges.
COLUMN: Redistributing income isn't investment
Written by John Hood
Whether your frame of reference is a country, a government, a business, or your own household, being better off in the long run requires patience and discipline in the short run. To have more income tomorrow, you must deny some immediate gratification today. You must save and invest.
Letter to the Editor: Bryan Till asks for community support ahead of Richmond's third-round playoff game
Written by Bryan Till
Richmond County citizens,
It has been a pleasure the be the head coach for the Richmond Raiders football team for the last two seasons. Our young men have worked extremely hard for the better part of 11 months (since February) to prepare for this time of year.
More...
COLUMN: Doing justice to Trump's 'invasion' claim
Written by Thomas L. Knapp
On Oct. 29, U.S. President Donald Trump took to Twitter, warning that a migrant "caravan" approaching the US-Mexico border was "an invasion of our Country and our Military is waiting for you!" On Nov. 18, as the caravan reached Tijuana — and the border — he reiterated the "invasion" claim: "[T]he U.S. is ill-prepared for this invasion, and will not stand for it."
As a popular conservative radio host frequently reminds us, "words mean things."
With the Mississippi runoff for U.S. Senate taking place tomorrow, the South and its racial history played prominently in the news this week. A New York Times article this weekend said that Democrats speaking frankly about race risk alienating rural white voters who are already moving toward Republicans. Other articles highlighted Mississippi Republican Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith sending her daughter to a segregationist academy like the one she attended as a girl. Clearly, we haven’t reached the post-racial America envisioned by conservatives like Chief Justice John Roberts.
A stranger appeared just as we were sitting down for Thanksgiving dinner. And he sat in the chair that we always leave empty to symbolize those, who due to death or distance, could not be with us this year. The stranger then began to talk — and even sometimes sing.
COLUMN: Let's keep the conversations going
Written by William R. Toler
I have been overwhelmed by the support I’ve received from the community in recent months.
It really makes a guy feel good to know that he’s appreciated — especially in a time of declining respect for journalists.
Subscribe Now Premium Observer