Opinion
On Taxes, NC Position Worsens
The last few weeks of the 2004-05 fiscal year here in North Carolina promise to be frustrating ones for taxpayers.
Opinion
On History, Revision & Overreaction
A certain attraction in Virginia is talking about adding “street scuffles” and “an occasional all-out brawl” to its performances to revive flagging attendance. There are bigger issues at stake than box office.
Opinion
Voting Styles of the Rich & Famous
It is said that the Democrats are the party of the poor and Republicans the party of the rich. But there's a pretty big chunk of voters missing from this picture.
Opinion
A Supreme Toast
In 2003, a change in North Carolina law allowed out-of-state wine producers to ship directly to their North Carolina customers. A recent Supreme Court ruling that allows for the possibility of direct sales of wine in all 50 states, and the District of Columbia, will still affect North Carolina, however.
Opinion
Siths, Jedi & Other Martians
It’s obviously the right time for a refresher course on Tarzan, John Carter of Mars, Star Wars, and Star Trek. But don’t expect politics to stay out of the discussion for long.
Opinion
Lindalyn’s Journal
Since the General Assembly's 2005 session opened this January, lawmakers have introduced more than 2,900 bills. Some bills are straightforward and popular: S1169 honors the UNC Tar Heels for winning the 2005 NCAA men's basketball championship. Others, like S622, the state budget, are far more complicated and politicized.
Opinion
On Clogged Arteries, Find the Cause
Officials in Charlotte are struggling with a tough choice about an outerbelt. But they and their counterparts elsewhere in NC need to ponder a broader point about priorities.
Opinion
A Pungent Layer of Onion
Health care reform is a complicated issue with many layers. One well worth a closer look is the role that state taxes and regulations play in pushing premiums up.
Opinion
Learning to Love Lexus Lanes
Folks who used to attack the idea of adding toll lanes to our highways are starting to come around — particularly when they consider the effects on congestion and even transit use.
Opinion
Health Before Liberty
Should smoking be banned from all restaurants in North Carolina? That's the question that HB 76 will answer with a "Yes" if it is passed by the North Carolina Legislature. Advocates of a statewide restaurant smoking ban pose the issue as a way to improve health and control health care costs.
Opinion
No. 830: Marching Band: Out of Tune With School Budgets
Economic marginal thinking helps put marching bands in perspective: They do not rank among publicly funded basics.
Opinion
No. 829: How Much Does a State University Have to Cost?
Ranking sixth in the nation in state funding, the University of North Carolina should lessen its reliance on taxpayers.
