Monday, June 30, 2008
Teacher budget: Governor is right to push for more funds for state educators
Gov. Mike Easley thinks lawmakers just might be getting it wrong when it comes to priorities in the state’s 2008-09 budget. He says legislators are skimping on an area that they should be spending more money on — if they...Saturday, June 28, 2008
Seize the dream: Making it in America starts with a will to succeed
Lots of people talk about the American Dream as if it is somehow an outdated notion that has long since been replaced by opportunity that is only available to a select few. They bemoan the outside forces that they say...Friday, June 27, 2008
Budget woes: Even state is going to feel economic pinch
With state tax revenues down $70 million, North Carolina families might not be the only ones who are wondering just how they are going to make their budgets come out even this year. The current economic situation — combined with...Thursday, June 26, 2008
Don’t miss it: Forget sex education — loan teens a baby of their own
It has debuted — finally. “The Baby Borrowers” is a new series that pairs teen couples with a baby for three days. The idea is to show them what life is like with a child. And surprise of surprises —...Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Asking for votes: OK, now there’s a race. Wayne County wants answers.
After weeks of waiting and months of campaigning before that, Wayne County’s District 5 State Senate race finally has two defined contenders. ... And all the hype and double-talking that goes along with such a contest. So, while congratulations are...Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Not water-logged: Governor is right about one thing: Drought is a worry
When the rains came, we rejoiced and heaved a sigh of relief — the long-awaited end of the drought was finally here. So, out came the hoses and swimming pools, and once-wilting plants were now back to their green lushness....Saturday, June 21, 2008
Money for nothing: Without accountability, cycle of handouts never ends
Remember when you were a child and you had your first encounter with an allowance? Up until that point, you depended on your mom and dad for your needs — and had to deal with their decision if they decided...Friday, June 20, 2008
Squeaky wheel: Wayne voters need to let candidates know we have high expectations
A little over a month ago, two Democratic candidates for the 5th District seat in the state Senate were forced into a runoff that will be held Tuesday. Neither Don Davis nor Kathy Taft earned enough votes to win the...Thursday, June 19, 2008
The summer gap: Benefits of year-round school make it worth considering
There has been lots of talk about how to improve test scores, how to stabilize student performance and how to keep children in school. And there are a number of solutions. But there is one option that many people might...Wednesday, June 18, 2008
No offense: Pledge of Allegiance infringes on no one’s rights
Is anyone else sick of listening to people come up with reasons not to recite the Pledge of Allegiance — and to honor every religion other than the one professed by a majority of this nation’s population? Another school announced...Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Beyond 911: Costs warrant overview of community safety needs
A reverse 911 system seems like a good idea. How could anyone be against a communication device that allows law enforcement and other officials the chance to get emergency messages to people faster? Well, all that is wonderful — except...Monday, June 16, 2008
An exemplary life: Tim Russert taught us by what he did and who he was
Tim Russert’s untimely death took up a lot of space in the news this weekend. And it was sad — a man who so loved his family and put so much value on his responsibilities as a son and as...Saturday, June 14, 2008
Starting now: We all have opportunities to influence youth, community
It might seem like everyone has forgotten Mayor Al King’s statements a few weeks ago about what it will take to get some of the county’s teenagers back on track. But rest assured, there are still a lot of people...Friday, June 13, 2008
One little match: Open burning rules were made to prevent tragedies
State officials know a lightning strike is what started the blaze that is currently swallowing up a portion of a North Carolina preserve. But that is not always the story when it comes to fires of this magnitude. Sometimes the...Thursday, June 12, 2008
Being prepared: Scouts training helped save lives during tornado
There are lots of reasons to enroll your child in Boy Scouts — or Girl Scouts for that matter. They learn responsibility, self-confidence and how to camp. But this week, a group of Iowa Scouts used their training for something...Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Who will pay? Bad parenting costs so much for rest of community
There is a consequence to sending children back to struggling, previously proven unfit parents — or relying on adults who are less than stellar to be foster parents in an already overburdened system. In fact, North Carolina is watching one...Tuesday, June 10, 2008
No photo ops: Gas price crunch is hurting families, so real answers now
Governments are famous for sweeping gestures that are meant more to shut up voters and to distract them than to actually solve any problem. So, it is not too surprising that there is a new round of pronouncements from Congress...Saturday, June 7, 2008
Note to grads: Savor your accomplishments, be grateful, keep dreaming
There’s a sense of accomplishment in turning a tassel. The action — and the receipt of a diploma in your cap and gown — signify the next stage of your life, the passage from child to adult. So as you...Friday, June 6, 2008
Athletic heroes: Special Olympians could use a hand from community
There are some star athletes who are hitting the road this weekend to compete in the state Special Olympics events in Raleigh. And there is no question that they will do their community proud. The members of the Wayne County...Thursday, June 5, 2008
Stricter rules: It’s time to get tough about condemned properties
No more fooling around. In about two months, the damaged Days Inn will have been standing in disarray for nearly a year. And while there might be some reason to excuse the delay, there is no more time left —...Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Hope or history? Barack Obama is one step closer to the White House
Hillary Clinton might not know it yet, but there is a Democratic nominee for president of the United States. And while the drama in the Clinton camp is expected to continue for at least a couple of days, that should...Tuesday, June 3, 2008
The big reveal: Survey has information that could help save teens, families
OK, admit it — if you have a child anywhere near high school age, reading the results of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey made you cringe, just a little. The survey, which was a product of a partnership between the...Monday, June 2, 2008
