Opinion
No. 153: No Excuses: Insightful But Short of the Mark
No Excuses offers a thoughtful debate on the failure of public schools, but stops short of providing any remedies.
Opinion
Can we afford more public debt?
RALEIGH — The hundreds of millions of dollars of new public debt, perhaps billions, that would be added to the burden of future generation of North Carolinians if Constitutional Amendment #1 passes Nov 2 does not fit into the definition good public debt. It would be a good thing, however, for a few property owners, real estate agents, developers, bankers, a few politicians and other deal makers who benefit at the public expense.
Opinion
Back to School on Charters, Again
The issues of charter schools and parental choice in education promise to stay at the forefront of political debate this year. Here are some more reading assignments.
Opinion
Non-Conjunction Junction, What’s Its Function?
The latest revelation about independent expenditures in the Bowles-Burr race show the absurdity of a campaign-finance system in which no one is supposed to know anything.
Opinion
Where Do Public School Teachers Send Their Kids to School?
Does it matter where public-school teachers send their own children to school? If so, how and why? What can we learn from them? What we are grappling with here is the question of connoisseurship. Stock analysts, for example, watch carefully when corporate directors buy or sell the stock of companies on whose boards they serve.
Opinion
Faith-Based Aid, the Right Way
There are risks associated with "faith-based initiatives" that route government dollars directly to religious providers, but alternative approaches offer real promise.
Opinion
Our Changing Political Math
Reacting to trends of partisanship, readership, and viewership, Democrats and Republicans are changing the way they wage political campaigns in the 21st century.
Opinion
John Swifty
.. "I served this country as a young man, and now I want to serve this country as Commander-in-Chief," Kerry said dolefully. Kerry said the idea that the Swift Boat Vets had taken the wind out of his sails was "disgusting."
Opinion
A Ballance of Power Is No More
Former Congressman Frank Ballance and his son were indicted Thursday on charges related to the state-funded Hyman Foundation. The damage extends beyond the fate of two men.
Opinion
Out of 170, Watch 14 Closely
Looking at the most competitive legislative races in 2004, it could be said that control of the most powerful political institution in North Carolina depends on the outcome of just 14 key contests.
Opinion
Amendment One
Amendment One, otherwise known as Tax Increment Financing (TIFs), will be on the ballot this Fall for the voters of NC. There is a massive publicity campaign underway to ensure passage of this bad idea. It was failed by NC voters in 1982 and 1993. Unfortunately, elected boards, EDCs, Chamber of Commerce's and others are being asked to pass resolutions selling this concept without a full understanding of what they're voting on. This page is dedicated to shedding light on what TIFs may actuatlly mean for NC.
Opinion
Dreadfully Poor Data on Poverty
There is no contradiction between these two statements: a new poverty report underlines North Carolina’s lagging economic performance, and the new report exaggerates American poverty.
